The Best Equipment for Podcasting on Any Budget
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced podcaster, having the right equipment is key to producing professional-sounding audio. From budget-friendly options to high-end gear, there’s something for every podcaster in the UK. We’ve also included virtual recording options at each price point, helping you navigate remote podcasting with ease.
1. Entry-Level Podcasting Gear (Budget-Friendly)
Starting a podcast on a budget doesn’t mean you need to compromise on sound quality. Here are some affordable equipment options to get you started:
Microphone:
Audio-Technica ATR2100x: A versatile, budget-friendly microphone available from Amazon UK. It supports both USB and XLR, making it perfect for beginners.
Samson Q2U: A popular choice for new podcasters, offering USB and XLR connections, available from Gear4Music or Amazon UK.
Headphones:
Sony MDR7506: Affordable and widely available in the UK, these headphones provide good sound clarity and comfort.
AKG K240: A reliable choice for clear sound monitoring, available from UK retailers like PMT Online.
Pop Filter:
Neewer Pop Filter: Available from Amazon UK, this affordable accessory helps reduce plosive sounds for clearer audio.
Recording Software:
Audacity (Free): A fantastic free software that’s easy to use and works across multiple platforms, making it perfect for beginners.
Virtual Recording Options:
Zoom: While not a podcast-specific tool, Zoom is easy to use for virtual interviews and recording. You can improve audio quality by using a separate recording tool alongside Zoom.
Cleanfeed: Cleanfeed is a browser-based tool that allows you to record high-quality audio remotely, perfect for budget-conscious podcasters who need virtual recording capabilities.
Total Budget Estimate: £120–£200
Pro Tip: Prioritise a good microphone to ensure your sound quality is professional from the start. Virtual tools like Zoom and Cleanfeed are budget-friendly solutions for remote interviews.
2. Mid-Tier Podcasting Gear (Intermediate)
For podcasters ready to step up their game, mid-tier gear offers better sound quality and more flexibility without a significant price jump.
Microphone:
Shure MV7: A hybrid USB/XLR microphone available at UK retailers like Thomann and Gear4Music. It offers excellent sound quality for podcasters upgrading from budget gear.
Rode PodMic: This XLR microphone delivers broadcast-quality sound at a reasonable price, available from Andertons or GAK.
Headphones:
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: These highly regarded headphones are available across UK retailers and offer superior sound isolation for recording and editing.
Audio Interface:
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen): A popular audio interface, the Scarlett 2i2 provides excellent sound capture for up to two XLR microphones. Available from PMT Online and Amazon UK.
Boom Arm:
Rode PSA1 Boom Arm: Available from Gear4Music, this boom arm reduces desk noise and helps you position your microphone more effectively.
Recording Software:
Adobe Audition: A powerful, professional-grade audio editing tool available through subscription in the UK. It’s perfect for podcasters who need advanced features for mixing and mastering.
Virtual Recording Options:
Riverside.fm: This platform allows you to record studio-quality audio and video remotely, capturing each participant’s audio locally for better sound.
Zencastr: Zencastr is another great option for remote podcasting, recording separate tracks for each guest in high-quality audio, available in the UK.
Total Budget Estimate: £350–£600
Pro Tip: Upgrading to an XLR microphone and audio interface will significantly enhance your sound quality. Using tools like Riverside.fm ensures professional-grade remote recording when you have guests from afar.
3. High-End Podcasting Gear (Professional)
For podcasters with an established audience, high-end gear ensures studio-quality sound, ideal for professionals looking for the best audio experience.
Microphone:
Shure SM7B: Available from Thomann and GAK, this microphone is a favourite among professionals for its exceptional sound clarity and versatility.
Electro-Voice RE20: Another industry-standard microphone, the RE20 is known for its smooth sound and durability, available from Gear4Music and Studiospares.
Headphones:
Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO: These premium headphones, available from Amazon UK, deliver high-fidelity sound and are incredibly comfortable for long recording sessions.
Audio Interface:
Rodecaster Pro: This all-in-one podcast production studio is available at UK retailers like PMT Online. It simplifies recording with multiple XLR inputs, built-in sound effects, and customisable buttons.
Recording Software:
Logic Pro (Mac): A professional software option for Mac users, available in the UK. Logic Pro offers advanced features for audio recording, editing, and mastering.
Adobe Audition: Also available as a high-end option, this software is perfect for professional podcast production and editing.
Virtual Recording Options:
SquadCast: A premium virtual recording platform that offers high-quality audio and video for remote podcasts. It allows local audio recording for each participant, ensuring studio-quality sound even when recording remotely.
Riverside.fm: Another excellent option for professional podcasters, Riverside.fm provides both audio and video recording with locally captured audio tracks for the best sound quality.
Total Budget Estimate: £800 and up
Pro Tip: When investing in high-end gear, also focus on creating a professional recording environment. Consider acoustic treatments like foam panels or bass traps to reduce echo and ensure your audio sounds as polished as possible.
Conclusion
No matter your budget, investing in the right podcasting equipment will ensure your podcast sounds professional and keeps listeners engaged. By selecting the right tools—whether for an entry-level setup or a high-end studio—you can produce high-quality audio that resonates with your audience. Virtual recording options at every price point make it easy to include remote guests while maintaining sound quality.
At Bloody Vegans Productions, we offer a range of podcast production services to help you get the most out of your equipment and produce professional-grade podcasts. Contact us today for more information!