From microphones to mixers to recording software, here are some basic elements to get your podcast up and running.

Whether you want to analyze the latest news of the week, delve into pending crimes, or just discuss with a few friends, podcasts are a welcome medium for everyone.

Today, the growing podcast industry is a big business, and almost every TV show, celebrity, and news organization is launching its own podcast. But you don't need the support of millions of followers or companies to get started. All you need is a theme, a format that you can stick to, and some basic items.

I have dabbled in podcasts in the past. I started the "Overwatch League" podcast last year, but for obvious mundane reasons, before it was shut down this season. However, I learned a few things in the process, such as what equipment to buy and what software to use to start a podcast.

If you purchase products through the links in this article, you may receive a portion of the sales. We only include products independently selected by the Input editing team.

For individual or remote podcasts, AT2020 is an affordable and reliable choice.

AT2020 USB is a condenser microphone with cardioid directivity, which means it is very sensitive and can only pick up the sound directly in front of it. For individual or remote podcasts, AT2020 is an affordable and reliable choice. I have owned this microphone for more than three years and use it for podcast recording, online games, video conferencing, and everything in between. Because it is a USB microphone, you don't need to spend any extra money on the audio interface. That being said, you will need to use software to apply the noise gate so that the sensitive microphone will not pick up every breath, movement, and passing car.

Yeti X has essential functions such as gain control knob and headphone output jack.

When it comes to USB microphones, Yeti's name is at the top of the list. Yeti X has essential functions such as gain control knob and headphone output jack. It also has a pickup mode button that can switch between cardioid, omnidirectional, figure-8 and stereo, allowing you to record multiple people on the same microphone. Since this is a condenser microphone, high sensitivity will be an issue, but reducing the gain will make a difference. The gain knob also has an LED indicator, which can be used as a sound level meter to help you understand the sound level intuitively. Finally, the microphone is compatible with Blue Vo!ce, allowing you to customize the sound according to your needs.

This microphone requires XLR connection. It is also expensive, but you will invest in top-level settings from the start.

There is no doubt that Shure SM7B is a professional microphone through and through. This is the microphone that professional recording artists and podcasters tend to use because of its excellent depth. Unlike the cheaper condenser microphones, which tend to pick up every tiny sound, the SM7B is a dynamic microphone designed to capture loud sounds nearby. Although due to low sensitivity, you may also need to purchase Cloudlifter Mic Activator to increase gain and make it sound better. Of course, an XLR connection means you also need an audio interface. This route is expensive, but you will invest in top-level settings from the beginning.

Elgato's Wave XLR is aimed at the streaming market.

If you want to use a USB microphone, you can skip this microphone, but if you use an XLR microphone (such as the Shure SM7B above), you need to use this microphone. Although Elgato’s Wave XLR is geared towards the streaming market (check out our best microphones and headphones for a guide to streaming media), this simple and intuitive device can provide a lot of help for single-player podcasts. On the one hand, the multifunction dial can increase the gain of the microphone (up to 75 dB), adjust the headphone volume, or adjust the balance between the microphone and the computer. Compatible Wave Link software is not required, but you need to use it to mix multiple inputs and outputs.

Since many podcasts are hosted by two people, this audio interface makes sense.

If one XLR input is not enough, you may want to consider Focusrite's third-generation Scarlett 2i2 audio interface. The device has two XLR inputs, each with an independent gain control knob, which is very suitable for dynamic microphones with lower sensitivity. There is also a headphone jack to monitor the sound. Since many podcasts are hosted by two people, this audio interface makes sense. However, there is a more powerful version with four inputs, which is more suitable for large podcasts. Except for the additional input, both are the same. As a bonus, the device is equipped with a large number of production software, including a streamlined version of the popular Ableton Live.

Wave Arm LP (low profile) is a microphone boom for those of us who have cluttered desks or limited space.

Wave Arm LP (low profile) is a microphone boom for those of us who have cluttered desks or limited space. Wave Arm LP is not a large cantilever that stands on the side of the desk, but is carefully stowed away. However, the low-profile microphone arm can be extended and rotated vertically, so you still have plenty of room for movement. A cool feature is that both arms have removable panels for cable management, making your setup look cleaner and without cables.

Although you can spend three times more on high-end filters, this popular Nady SPF-1 filter can do the job.

Pop filters are relatively inexpensive accessories that can improve your voice by preventing popping noise. Popping sounds are created by speaking certain consonants, such as the letters P or B, which emit concentrated air. This causes the audio to pop up, hence the name pop-up filter. Popular filters often vary in shape, but the most common are round filters with adjustable long necks. Although you can spend three times more on high-end filters, this popular Nady SPF-1 filter can do the job.

If you plan to record remote podcasts, Riverside FM is an application that can achieve this goal.

If you plan to record remote podcasts, Riverside FM is an application that can achieve this goal. The main function is that you can record audio and video separately-this is an important feature of audio-only podcasts. The recording is stored locally for the best quality, and then uploaded after the call is over. You can host up to eight people (including the host) to host a large podcast, and each guest’s track can be downloaded, so you can mix podcasts according to your preferences. Although there are other similar services, Riverside FM provides a direct experience for all relevant personnel. There are three monthly subscription plans, and the Pro plan allows up to 15 hours of video/audio storage per month.

The most important feature of the Pro version is multi-track recording, which enables you to edit a single track later.

I have been using Hindenburg Journalist for many years and it suits my needs very well, but the Journalist Pro version includes many podcast-friendly features. The only setback is the steep price. But in my opinion, it is better than paying for a subscription for the rest of your life. The most important feature of the Pro version is multi-track recording, which enables you to edit a single track later. In addition, the software allows you to record from other sources on a separate track, such as a Zoom call or any other content played on your computer. My favorite is the auto level and magic level functions, which can make real-time audio adjustments and make my USB microphone sound twice as expensive. If you have money, this is a first choice.

Once you learn the trick, you will find that this humble software is a bit heavyweight.

I am a big fan of Audacity for one reason: it is free. Yes, the digital audio workstation (DAW) does not cost money, and it is very powerful for editing podcasts. I have been using Audacity since I was in college, and I still use it often when dealing with audio. The user interface is definitely outdated, but it can perfect your voice like other paid DAWs. Has a large user base, and a large number of online tutorials and help. Once you learn the trick, you will find that this humble software is a bit heavyweight.