So you want to start a podcast but you don’t know what equipment you need? Great news! The options are endless and highly dependent on whether you’re aiming to record in person or virtually. Whether you have an entire studio to devote to your show or you want to launch your podcast from the comfort of your own office, here’s our guide to help outfit your show:
First things first, let’s talk about when and why you might want to record in person.
When & Why to Record In-Person
Human Connection: We won’t sugar coat it, there’s an undeniable charm to an in-person experience that’s difficult to duplicate in a virtual recording studio. You can read body language. You can high-five. You can take a break to go get a coffee. It’s a whole different vibe.
Quality Control: If you’re the kind of gearhead who loves minute adjustments, recording in person gives you more control over the audio and visual quality. You can spend hours perfecting the lighting, the soundproofing, and the overall aesthetics.
Brand Experience: For certain brands (maybe yours), being in person aligns a wee bit better with brand goals and values. If you frequently host a stable of high-profile guests, getting them gussied up for the big(ger) stage can become a unique selling point for your show.
So what about recording virtually? The glitz and glam of an in-person recording is nice, but going virtual has its distinct advantages as well.
When & Why to Record Virtually
Geographic Flexibility: There’s probably more than a slight chance that at least a few of your guests may not be within driving distance. Virtual recordings break down geographical barriers, allowing you to interview guests from anywhere in the world.
Cost and Convenience: Speaking of barriers, going virtual also breaks down the amount of time, set up, and general pomp and circumstance necessary before you hit that record button. If you have a laptop, a webcam, and a decent mic set up in your office, you’re already halfway there. Guest needs to record on a dime? You can be set up in minutes.
Technological Advances: Gone are the days of trying to pass Zoom calls off as podcast recordings. They weren’t worth watching then and they definitely aren’t now. Platforms like Riverside offer high-resolution video and clear audio that are recorded natively and uploaded as you go, making virtual an excellent choice for many podcasters.
Equipment Recommendations
Regardless of whether you’re recording in-person or virtually, high-quality audio and video equipment will let you put your best (and most professional) foot forward. Here are our recommendations to get you well-equipped.
In-Person Recording Equipment
Video: We recommend using at least a one-camera setup – but you can get those money shots (or more angles) by adding more cameras into the mix.
- One Camera Setup: A single wide-angle camera that captures both host and guest.
- Two Camera Setup: One wide-angle camera and a second camera focused on the guest. Switch between angles for dynamic editing.
- Three Camera Setup: Wide-angle for both, one camera focused on the host, and another on the guest.
- We recommend Sony cameras in the alpha series like the a6600 or for a budget-conscious alternative, the ZVE10.
Lighting: Use softbox lights to ensure even, diffused lighting. Place one light on the host and another on the guest. And don’t forget accent lights in the background to make your set more visually interesting. Here’s a light recommendation with a soft box.
Audio: Each person should have their own microphone. Options include:
- Mics connected directly to cameras—but crucially NOT built-in camera mics.
- Mics connected to an audio recorder, like the Zoom H6, which records to an SD card.
- Mics connected to a soundboard that connects via USB to a computer.
For more than four people, consider an audio recorder with six inputs, such as the Zoom H8.
One More Tip: Your camera likely has a microphone, even if it’s not the best in the world. Even if you’re recording to an audio recorder or a soundboard, make sure your camera’s onboard mic is also picking up sound. It will help to sync audio in post-production.
Virtual Recording Equipment
Platform: We recommend and love Riverside for remote recordings. It offers high-quality audio and video capture and even better, it’s easy to use.
Audio: You still need a great microphone and audio setup if you’re recording virtually.
- Prioritize audio quality. Use a room with few reflective surfaces (e.g., carpeted offices) to minimize echo.
- Recommended microphone: Shure MV7+ perhaps with a microphone stand or boom arm.
Video & Lighting: We want you to look and feel your best no matter where you’re recording. Here’s a few tips for your setup.
- Use a ring light that clamps onto your computer for direct lighting. It’s ideal for close-up setups.
- Use a camera (like recommended above) or your iPhone to record with Riverside for high-quality video.
Background: Authentic backgrounds work well as long as they are tidy. Avoid virtual or branded backgrounds. A virtual background is a great way to make your podcast look like an amateur effort. And unless you’re hosting a big event, a branded background will likely clash with the design of your show. Can you say double branding!?
One More Tip: Ensure your recording space is as free from background noise as possible. Close windows, turn off noisy electronics, shut down the air conditioner for a few minutes, and inform others to avoid interruptions.
Whether you go for the convenience of a virtual recording or the spectacle of an in-person recording, the most important thing is to get your show out there. Luckily, both options are totally viable and fairly simple to set up as long as you follow these tips and get the equipment you need to get the job done right.
