EarBuds' Favorites: The Best Equipment and Software for Podcasters
Podcasters can use all sorts of audio and tech-related goodies and gadgets to make their podcasts shine. We’ve rounded up a list of our favorite products: headphones, earbuds, mics, software, and so much more!
Hey, EarBuds! The podcast world is growing — and fast. This is not news, we know! But now that we’ve passed 1,000,000 individual podcasts, we figured it’s likely that you, yes you, may be starting that podcast you’ve always dreamed of starting. So, we’re here to guide you on your path to the best podcast possible, EarBuds! What products do you need? What can you skip? What is absolutely necessary? What looks cool but isn’t necessary even though Jim from work said that you might want it? We’ve got you covered with all of your podcast equipment needs.
The tricky thing about starting a podcast is that there are so many differing opinions out there in the podcast universe. If you follow the advice (blogs, YouTube videos) of one of your favorite podcasters, it may be totally different from that of your other favorite podcaster. And that’s because the podcast industry doesn’t really have any hard and fast rules that you must follow in order for your show to pass a test. That’s because there is no test. You can essentially do what you want.
While the rules aren’t defined, there are some principles that you should try and stick to; quality sound, consistency for your audience, and a clear message. In this blog post, we’re focusing on creating quality sound for your podcast audience.
This list is by no means exhaustive. With that in mind, please feel free to let us know what your favorite podcast products are! You can get in touch with us here.
Here are our favorite products and equipment for podcasters:
Podcast Recording and Editing Software
You’ve got that great idea for a podcast! What do you do with it? Once you’ve got your mic (we’ll get to that) and your headphones (we got you there, too), and you hit record, where does that recording go? Into your recording software. For this product, we recommend Pro Tools. It’s a highly-respected and widely popular software that is used all across the industry and beyond (radio, news, podcasts…everyone’s using it). Your purchase includes an annual upgrade and support plan, so you don’t have to worry about the version you buy becoming obsolete. Pro Tools may look tough to master at the outset, but there are tons of YouTube videos that can help you understand the basics of the software, and after a while, you can be a pro, too!
Pro Tools podcast editing software
Audacity is a free, open-sourced cross-platform audio and music recording software that absolutely will get the job done. Since it’s free, it does have some limitations. Sometimes the program crashes, so make sure you’re in the habit of saving your work often!
Audacity - podcast recording software
Podcast Microphone(s)
For the microphone section of this podcast blog, we’re offering two of our favorites (one at a lower price model than the other).
BLUE YETI (this is what we use for the EarBuds podcast)
The Blue Yeti microphone is that classic-looking podcast microphone. It comes in tons of attractive colors and has a USB plug-in, which means it connects right to your computer for easy recording. With the Blue Yeti, you can adjust and pivot the microphone in any direction that makes sense for your recording convenience. It is easy to use, but also has an advanced set of buttons, and if you want to learn how to manipulate them, it can be a rewarding recording experience. With the Blue Yeti, your best bet for smooth podcast recording is to recording in a quiet room and to get in the habit of not touching the mic as you speak.
SHURE SM7B (this microphone is what a lot of professional podcast recording studios use)
This podcast and music microphone is fancy and very warm-sounding. The SM7B is a dynamic microphone with a smooth and flat sound that is appropriate for both music and talk-recording (AKA podcasts). This microphone features strong shielding from the hum that can be created via a podcast studio environment. There is a windscreen built into the microphone, which makes it ideal for a busy recording environment. For this microphone, our advice when recording your podcast is to speak no more than 4 inches from the mic. Get up close and personal! It doesn’t bite.
Sound Proofing for Your Podcast Studio and Recording
Here are some suggestions for how to quiet your podcast recording room to achieve the best sound
Quiet! That’s the ideal atmosphere at which you should strive to record your podcast. We can’t always pay for podcast studio time in a fancy spot… so, the next best thing is to outfit our space the best way possible. Many people will head on into their closets or surround themselves with heavy blankets. These foam panels are cheap, easy, and best, they’re mobile. With these, you should be all set — no need to hide out with your garments. You can choose to hang them up via velcro or tape, or to move them around depending on your recording needs.
This product comes in many sizes and can be cut to fit your podcast recording room’s exact dimensions. It’s heavy to ensure that sounds are absorbed. Many people will line their walls with this product. It’s up to you — it may depend on whether or not you have a room to dedicate to your podcast recording or if you’re in a multipurpose spot.
Remote Podcast Recording Software
Recording a solo podcast is one thing, and can be difficult to manage in and of itself. But when you add a podcast partner, a co-host, or interviews to the mix, you need a software solution to figure out how to record. After shopping around for a while for our own needs, we found our absolute favorite.
We’ve tried a bunch of remote podcast recording methods and Squadcast is by far our favorite one. It’s so easy to set up and use. You can choose to pay monthly or yearly and there are different storage plans that you can evaluate based on your recording needs. If you’re recording multiple interviews or co-hosted podcast episodes per month, we recommend upping your plan. If you don’t know how much you’ll be recording, we advise paying for the lowest tier and then adding on an hour at a time, as necessary, for $5/hour. In order to invite a co-host, all you have to do is send them the link to the chat room. That’s it! Squadcast takes care of the recording — separate files are recorded and then you can mix them into one if you so choose.
Squadcast remote podcast recording software
Podcast Hosting Site
Once you record your podcast with your new microphone in your newly sound proofed room, with Squadcast, where does the recording go? Well, in order for it to actually become a podcast — rather than an audio file somewhere on your computer — an RSS feed must be generated. And in order to generate the RSS feed, you need a podcast hosting site. We recommend Buzzsprout.
If you’re looking for a combination of easy-to-use, incredibly accessible and thorough analytics, and affordable, Buzzsprout is the best podcast host in the game. The user experience is simple and intuitive and they even have built in (free) features to enhance your final product like transcription services, audiograms, and even mastering of your audio. We love Buzzsprout.
Buzzsprout - podcast hosting site for EarBuds!
Podcast Recording Headphones / EarBuds
Many new podcasters make the mistake of recording without headphones or earbuds. It’s important to be able to hear how you and your co-host sound as you’re recording. That way, you don’t make the mistake of recording an entire episode to find out later that one of you was completely off-mic. Earbuds are especially important when you listen back during your podcast editing process. Here are some podcast earbuds as a variety of prices. If you’d like a more comprehensive list, head to our earbuds blog post.
OneOdio Bluetooth Over Ear Headphones
These bluetooth headphones are an inexpensive option to use for your podcast recording and editing needs. They work and pair with all sorts of devices and the sound experience is expansive. They are very sleek and professional looking.
Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones
These headphones are a little pricier but totally tricked out for your podcast recording and editing pleasure. They are Alexa-enabled and noise cancelling. They are ergonomically designed to be comfortable as they rest on your ears. They even fold up for easy travel purposes.
USB Audio Interface
An audio interface is hardware that creates a more expansive and improved audio experience between your recording and your computer. Audio interfaces can connect professional mic, instruments, and other recording devices to your computer. They are very helpful in honing your recording and improving your overall sound.
This USB audio interface is the top of the tops and is also affordable. It is ideal for both music and podcast recording. It comes with converters that enable you to record and mix at up to 24-bit/ 192kHz. It also comes with a 3-year warranty if for some reason you are not satisfied.
On-the-Go Recording Equipment
Podcasts come in all shapes and sizes. They also may be recorded in a number of ways; in studio, via Squadcast (remote recording), or on-the-go. You may be the type of podcaster who wants the flexibility of being able to get up and moving while recording. Here’s our favorite product for out-and-about podcast recording.
This is our favorite portable podcast recording and playback device. It is lightweight, attractive, sleek, and easy to use. The link above points to the latest version, but if you wanted to find a cheaper model, you could check out their older versions. The H6 is extremely convenient with a clear display screen. It is either battery powered or can be charged via a wall plug-in — up to you. It comes in a safe-keeping kit with a bunch of adds ons.
We’ll keep adding to this list as we come across products and services that we love. If you have a favorite podcast tool, please let us know! We’d love to add it to our list of best podcast gear and services!
