4 Essential Tools for
Podcasting Production in 2020
It’s estimated that 32% of Americans listen to podcasts on a monthly basis. And the podcast industry is expected to be worth around $1 billion by the end of next year. Being such a booming industry, it makes sense why so many people are thinking about starting their own podcasts.
But it takes more than just a great idea to create a winning podcast. You also need the right tools for podcasting production so that you can make sure you’re putting out a high-quality product. When you don’t have the essential tools, you risk turning away potential listeners.
Luckily, we’re here to help you. So continue reading and we’ll walk you through everything you need to know!
USB Audio Interface and Recording Bundle
Before you get anything else, you’re going to need the most basic essentials. This includes headphones, a microphone, and a USB audio mixer or interface. With these products, you usually get what you pay for.
Luckily, these products tend to come bundled together which helps bring down the price. But you can also buy them separately if you want. If you do purchase them separately, make sure that you buy a cable that’s going to connect your USB audio interface to the microphone.
If you’re still not quite sure what your podcast should be about, then make sure to check out this article for help.
Adjustable Microphone Arm Stand
After you get the headphones, mic, and audio interface, you’re going to want to think about getting a microphone arm stand. While not a total necessity, this stand is certainly going to make it easier for you to record your podcast.
Using one of these will make sure that you’re not anchored to your desk and that you don’t have to sit in an uncomfortable position.
Many microphones come with an adapter that can connect with just about any microphone arm stand. However, before you purchase a new stand, you should check that the adapter will fit.
Podcast Recording Software
Now that you’ve got your equipment setup, you’re going to need the software that will capture your beautiful audio. There are a few different programs you can use here.
Skype
Skype is a free software that allows you to record audio and video right in the program. When you’re on a Skype call, you can click a button at the bottom that says “Start Recording.” Once you do that, you’re good to go.
Skype is great because it’s easy to use and it’s free. However, it doesn’t provide the highest quality audio clarity.
Zoom
Zoom is another great option that’s also free. You can record right in the program too. There are some significant differences between Zoom and Skype, however.
Skype delivers your audio as a mono file. This means that both your audio and the your interviewee’s audio will be on a single audio track.
Zoom, on the other hand, will split both sides of the call. This is going to give you two different audio tracks. This is usually more helpful when you’re trying to edit your audio in post-production.
Ringr
Ringr is great for broadcast interview recording and long-distance podcasting. It offers you fantastic sound quality but does cost $8 per month and up. But if you want podcast really crisp interviews for your podcast, then you should definitely consider Ringr.
It should be noted that Ringr offers three different plans. With the basic plan, you’ll get unlimited storage and calls and mono audio files. If you go with the enterprise or premium plan, you’ll get dual-track audio files, better sound quality, and a conference call option.
Squadcast
Squadcast is super easy to use. After you sign up, you just have to click record and you’re good to go. Unlike other recording software plans, Squadcast allows you to by the hour instead of by the month.
This is great for people who don’t podcast enough to justify high monthly plans. Squadcast will allow you to host up to three guests and provide you with MP3 or WAV files.
They also provide plans that offer video recording and transcription. This can help you with your show notes and also allow you to post your podcast to YouTube and Instagram. You can learn more on Growthoid.com.
Podcast Editing Software
After you record your podcast, you’re not just going to upload it raw. Instead, you’re then going to have to edit it. Below, we’ve compiled some of the best audio editing software on the market.
Adobe Audition
Audition from Adobe allows you to create, mix, record, edit, and even restore audio files. You can polish the sound and even use their podcast template to create an optimal user interface.
Audacity
Audacity is a great option for editing podcasts and it’s also free. It’s easy to use and is ideal for people who don’t plan on making a lot of edits to their tracks.
This is a good pick for beginners because it involves a lot of simple cut, copy, and paste functioning.
Using the Right Podcasting Production Tools for Your Podcast
Hopefully, after reading the above, you now feel that you have a much better grasp of the essential tools for podcasting production. And remember, you can always scale your production up if you want to start with free software and affordable products to get your feet wet.
