What Podcast Equipment Has the Best ROI?

Podcast streaming is a massive industry, and it’s only getting bigger.

The attraction to podcasting lies in its value as a free (or inexpensive) marketing technique. Any business can have a podcast, and podcasting can even be its own business.

But you can’t jump into the water until you have the right tools. That means you need two things:

1. An incredible personality (which you already have in spades)
2. Podcasting equipment

While your winning charisma and charm were free, podcasting equipment is, alas, not.

As a savvy business operator, you want to get the most bang for your buck, and we’re here to help. Follow this guide for tips on how to build a high-ROI podcast setup.

But First, the Essential Equipment List

You wouldn’t go to the grocery store without a list of things to buy (even if it’s just in your mind). It would be ineffective because you’ll likely buy something you didn’t need and forget things you did.

So, we’d be remiss to send you shopping without giving you a list of necessary tools.

Here’s a list of equipment every podcaster needs:

• A high-tech computer or smartphone with a strong internet connection, Bluetooth capability, and lots of open memory
• Audio-recording device (with any necessary adapters)
• A dynamic microphone and mic stand
• Headphones
• At least one mic cable (compatible with your USB or XLR microphone)
• Audio-editing software compatible with your Mac or Windows device (Audacity, Pro Tools, etc.)
• A pop screen filter

The choice of computer equipment is up to you. The rest of the list is covered below, along with our recommendations to help you get the biggest ROI in your recording studio.

Best USB Mics for Podcasting

It’s worth investing in high-end equipment for the best audio quality. You’ll be able to cut costs in some areas, but your mic isn’t one of them.

The good news is that we have some recommendations for the best microphones that won’t break your bank.

Apogee HypeMic

PCMag’s review of the Apogee HypeMic makes it official: as Editor’s Choice, this tabletop mic is worth the $349 price tag.

It has a similar internal structure as other mics, but this one includes analog compression built into the signal. The analog compressor adjusts with a simple touch of the gain knob.

Rotate the knob to switch through the settings:

• Hype mode: The standard setting
• Shape mode: Low-compression setting for vocals and instruments
• Squeeze mode: Ideal for podcasters and interviews
• Smach mode: High-compression, broadcast-quality sound

The purple LED lights signify which setting you’re on to eliminate confusion.

Adjusting mix levels is easily managed with the Blend button on the front of the mic, and the LED lights turn red to show you when the signal is prime.

The Apogee is our pick because it’s an intuitive mic with incredible sound options.

Shure MV7

If the $349 price tag is a bit out of your reach right now, shoot for the $249 MV7 Mic instead. You’re not losing much in the way of quality.

Designed by Shure, the MV7 is modeled after the SM7B, called “the king of studio recording” by music engineers. You don’t have to pay royal prices to get similar results in a podcast microphone.

The MV7 has USB and XLR cable outputs that work with any professional interface.

If you use the USB microphone inputs, you can access automatic set-up features and the ShurePlus™ MOTIV app to control everything in one place. The XLR cable mic inputs don’t give you this extra convenience because of the type of connector involved.

Take Shure’s free Compatibility Test before buying to see if your equipment is compatible with the USB or XLR mic. A “yes” is your first sign that you should invest in one.

Pro tip: Whichever mic you choose, add an appropriate stand that lets you go hands-free for your podcast-hosting session. Consider getting a boom arm or shock mount to keep your audio safe from any bumps.

Top Headphones for Podcasting

You know you’re not an official podcaster until you put on the cool headphones, right?

But seriously, headphones are integral to the job. The typical Spotify or Apple iTunes subscriber isn’t going to see what you’re wearing, so aim for high-quality features (like the right headphone outputs) over style here.

Your headphones perform a vital — albeit annoying — role. They pipe your voice back to you in real-time, letting you hear it the way others do so you can adjust accordingly.

They also block out distracting background noises to keep you focused on the task at hand.

Our two top picks do these jobs better than others:

Beyer Dynamic

This $300 investment isn’t a fashion accessory. The Beyer Dynamic headphones are, however, comfortable enough to wear for your entire podcast.

The closed-back design gives you a circumaural, studio-quality sound that you don’t get with earbuds.

Why are these headphones worth the investment?

Functionality and results are the answer. They use STELLAR .45 technology, an innovative and unprecedented sound transducer. The magnet, voice coil, and speaker diaphragm combo result in a powerful, distortion-free driver system.

Sony MDR7506

Sony offers reliable technology, usually at an affordable price. That’s why Sony products are at the top of so many “best electronics” lists.

Are the Beyers out of your current budget?

The $96 Sony MDR7506 headphones are your next best choice.

They still have a comfortable, closed-ear design, and the nine-foot cord lets you move around while recording.

The sound quality is excellent, too. You’ll hear what you sound like, giving you the chance to adjust your tone and pitch as needed.

Pro tip: Make sure your chosen headset gear is compatible with your iPhone or Android, and it fits with your digital audio workstation (DAW) headphone jacks.

Must-Have Podcast-Recording Software

The more your recording software can do, the easier it will be to create and publish your podcast.

For instance, while soundproofing isn’t always possible, audio software can eliminate background noise.

Look for an audio interface designed for your particular recording environment. It should have adaptive, sound-reducing capabilities to produce a clean recording. For the best results, get software that keeps everyone’s volume at uniform levels.

There’s a wide variety of free and premium recording software. Here’s our top pick in each category.

Best Free Podcast-Recording Software: Anchor FM

Anchor gives you all the gear you need to get started as a new podcaster, all in one place. You get free and unlimited hosting where you keep the rights to everything you produce.

Here are some of Anchor’s capabilities:

• Distributes your podcast episodes to every major listening app, including YouTube
• Links with Spotify to give you analytics for each podcast
• Simplifies monetization and payment-processing through subscription services
• Allows you to email your audience directly through the app

Anchor also has simple editing features (think Garageband), so you get your episodes ready for streaming.

It’s everything you’d need as a beginner, and you can take much of it with you as your podcast grows. Plus, there’s no better ROI than you get with a “free” product.

Best Paid Podcast-Recording Software: Riverside FM

Riverside FM costs $24/month for a Pro Plan.

With it, you’ll enjoy a bunch of features:

• Up to 4K video resolution
• 48kHz WAV audio for clear sound with every guest
• Magic Editor post-production software

The tools are more advanced than a podcasting newbie would probably use. That’s why Riverside offers cheaper monthly packages for beginners who don’t need complex features. You can always upgrade later as you grow your show.

Note: Adobe Audition is a close runner-up here. You’re likely to see that on other “Best Podcast Equipment” lists, and we agree, but Riverside won our top spot this time.

Our Favorite Pop Screen Filters

Without a pop screen filtering your sound, you get all the annoying background clutter, commonly called “plosives.”

Pop screens (also known as pop filters or pop shields) minimize the air sent to the microphone’s diaphragm. Too much airflow makes those annoying and unprofessional p-p-p sound effects.

Use one of these filters to make your podcast sound professional:

Nady MPF-6

The Nady MPF-6 is only around $25, making it an easy addition to your Amazon cart. With a flexible gooseneck stabilizing arm and swivel mount, it’s ideal for any vocal microphone.

The windscreen is multi-positional for easy use. You also get the boom and microphone stand clamp, which saves you from buying one, as long as your mic is compatible with it.

On-Stage ASFSS6

Closely priced at $35, the On-Stage ASFSS6 gives you protection from the booms and plosives in an 11.5-inch flexible gooseneck shape. It attaches to any stand or boom with an easy-grip C-clamp, so there’s no need to worry about compatibility.

The pop filter is made from micro-weave nylon to softly diffuse any focal changes while protecting the natural sounds. It gives you high-quality audio on both Zoom recordings and in-person recordings.

Pro tip: Because the filter is an “accessory,” you might consider skipping it as you start your podcast. Fight this temptation and get this piece of equipment for your studio — it’s worth it.

Other Strategic Investments for Your Podcast Business

When you podcast for business, it’s no longer a hobby. It’s a money-making endeavor, and you’re a responsible entrepreneur.

In addition to buying a state-of-the-art Rode Rodecaster Pro and a pair of condenser microphones, you also have to tackle some administrative tasks.

Here are some business-related things you need to do as you set up your podcast studio:

Register Your Business With the IRS

Registering your company with the IRS means you can start collecting money for your work (and paying taxes on it).

Choosing a business structure is one step in this process.

As a sole proprietorship or a limited liability corporation, you’ll be entitled to tax deductions, small business discounts, and other benefits. It might be a hassle at first, but it’s worth the investment.

Protect Your Assets

You’ve spent a lot of time and money on your podcast. If something happened to you or the equipment, how long would it take to recover financially?

Strategic business owners always have insurance to cushion the blow to their assets. As a small business owner, you should at least have health insurance and property insurance for your equipment.

You may also want disability insurance. Although it may sound silly for a podcaster, disability coverage can be a lifesaver if an injury or illness ever prevents you from earning income.

Learn How to Write Contracts

At some point, your podcast is going to take off. You’ll have guests, be asked to co-host other podcasts, and make money.

Be careful about entering into any of these partnerships without signing a contract. Don’t wait until they offer one to you; learn how to read and set up partnership contracts.

Conclusion

Having the right equipment for your podcast is a game-changer. Your listeners will see you as an expert in your field, not an amateur podcaster just getting started.

Between the equipment on this list and your Alliance of Gig Workers membership, you have all you need to become a successful podcaster!