Starting a podcast has never been more accessible, but navigating the equipment options can feel overwhelming. Do you need a mixer? What's the difference between a $50 microphone and a $650 one? Will your listeners actually notice the quality? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to create a professional-sounding podcast, with equipment recommendations for every budget level and experience.
The Essentials: What You Actually Need
At its core, a podcast requires only four things: a microphone, a way to record, headphones for monitoring, and software for editing. Everything else—mixers, audio interfaces, fancy studios—is optional enhancement. Many successful podcasts started with nothing more than a decent USB microphone and free software.
- USB microphone (from $49)
- Headphones (from $30)
- Recording software (free options available)
- A reasonably quiet space to record
- Total minimum investment: Under $100
Microphones for Podcasting
Your microphone is the single most important equipment decision. It determines the fundamental character of your podcast's sound and affects how professional your show sounds to listeners.
Dynamic vs Condenser for Podcasting
Dynamic microphones are the traditional choice for broadcast and podcasting. They're less sensitive to room acoustics and background noise, making them forgiving in untreated home environments. Popular options include the Shure SM7B, Rode PodMic, and Electro-Voice RE20.
Condenser microphones offer more detail and a brighter, more present sound. They require quieter environments but can sound exceptionally polished in treated rooms. The Rode NT-USB+, Audio-Technica AT2020, and Rode NT1 are popular podcast choices.
Recommended Microphones by Budget
Budget ($50-150 AUD):
- Fifine K669B ($49) - Excellent for beginners, surprisingly capable
- Blue Snowball iCE ($79) - Simple, clean sound for casual podcasts
- Audio-Technica ATR2100x ($149) - USB/XLR hybrid, great value
Mid-Range ($150-300 AUD):
- Rode PodMic ($169) - Outstanding dynamic mic, XLR only
- Blue Yeti ($179) - Versatile multi-pattern USB condenser
- Rode NT-USB+ ($229) - Excellent USB condenser with DSP features
- Elgato Wave:3 ($249) - Premium USB with clipguard technology
Professional ($400+ AUD):
- Shure MV7 ($429) - Hybrid USB/XLR, excellent voice processing
- Rode NT1 5th Gen ($399) - Ultra-low noise condenser, dual connection
- Shure SM7B ($649) - Industry-standard broadcast dynamic
Rode is an Australian company based in Sydney. Their products often offer better value locally compared to imported alternatives, come with Australian warranty support, and represent excellent quality. The PodMic and NT-USB+ are particularly strong choices for Australian podcasters.
Audio Interfaces and Mixers
If you're using XLR microphones (or planning to upgrade from USB in the future), you'll need an audio interface or mixer to connect to your computer.
Audio Interfaces
Audio interfaces convert analogue microphone signals to digital audio your computer can record. They typically offer better preamps and converters than what's built into USB microphones.
Solo Podcaster Options:
- Focusrite Scarlett Solo ($159) - Reliable, excellent preamps, one mic input
- Rode AI-1 ($179) - Simple operation, designed for content creators
Multi-Person Podcast Options:
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 ($239) - Two mic inputs, expandable
- MOTU M2 ($299) - Exceptional audio quality at the price
- Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 ($359) - Four inputs, more routing flexibility
Podcast-Specific Mixers
Some devices combine audio interface functionality with podcast-specific features like sound pads, voice processing, and Bluetooth phone connections:
- Rode RodeCaster Pro II ($899) - The gold standard for podcast production
- Zoom PodTrak P4 ($399) - Portable, battery-powered, great for interviews
- Tascam Mixcast 4 ($549) - Solid feature set at a lower price
Headphones
Headphones serve two purposes in podcasting: monitoring your audio while recording and reviewing your edits during post-production. Closed-back headphones are essential to prevent sound leaking from your headphones into your microphone.
Budget Options:
- Audio-Technica ATH-M20x ($79) - Excellent entry-level monitors
- Sony MDR-ZX310 ($40) - Basic but functional for monitoring
Professional Options:
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x ($229) - Industry standard, detailed sound
- Sony MDR-7506 ($149) - Broadcast favourite for decades
- Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro ($229) - Comfortable for long sessions
Microphone Accessories
Boom Arms and Stands
A proper microphone arm keeps your mic at the right position while freeing up desk space. Desktop stands work but restrict movement and transmit desk vibrations.
- Rode PSA1 ($149) - Premium arm, smooth movement, lifetime warranty
- Rode PSA1+ ($199) - Updated version with improved design
- Budget arms from Amazon/eBay ($40-80) - Work fine for lighter USB mics
Pop Filters and Windscreens
Pop filters reduce plosive sounds from "P" and "B" sounds. Many microphones include them, but external filters offer better protection:
- Metal mesh pop filters ($20-40) - Durable, easy to clean
- Nylon pop filters ($15-25) - Effective, inexpensive
- Foam windscreens ($10-20) - Provide some plosive reduction plus moisture protection
Shock Mounts
Shock mounts isolate your microphone from vibrations transmitted through the stand or arm. Most professional XLR microphones include them; USB microphones often don't. They're particularly valuable if you tend to move or type while recording.
Recording Software
Your recording software (DAW - Digital Audio Workstation) handles recording, editing, and exporting your podcast episodes.
Free Options
Audacity: The most popular free option. Handles recording and editing well with a straightforward interface. Available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Perfectly adequate for most podcasters.
GarageBand: Apple's free DAW is surprisingly capable for podcasting. Includes built-in effects, multitrack recording, and an intuitive interface. Mac only.
Spotify for Podcasters: Formerly Anchor, offers free recording, basic editing, and distribution. Good for absolute beginners, though limited for advanced editing.
Paid Options
Reaper ($60 USD): Professional-grade DAW at an incredibly low price. Steep learning curve but extremely powerful and customisable.
Adobe Audition: Part of Creative Cloud subscriptions. Excellent podcast-specific features including automatic speech alignment and AI-enhanced speech.
Logic Pro ($349 one-time): Apple's professional DAW. Overkill for podcast editing but excellent if you also produce music. Mac only.
Remote Recording Solutions
Many podcasts feature remote guests or co-hosts. Standard video calls (Zoom, Skype) compress audio significantly. Dedicated podcast recording platforms capture high-quality local audio from each participant:
- Riverside.fm: Records locally at full quality, syncs tracks automatically
- SquadCast: Similar approach, integrated with popular hosting platforms
- Zencastr: Free tier available, records separate tracks
Have each remote participant record their own audio locally using Audacity or Voice Memos. Combine the high-quality local recordings in post-production. This costs nothing and provides better quality than any live recording solution.
Complete Setup Examples
The Beginner Setup (~$300 AUD)
- Rode NT-USB Mini: $149
- Audio-Technica ATH-M20x: $79
- Pop filter: $20
- Audacity: Free
- Total: ~$250
The Serious Hobbyist (~$700 AUD)
- Rode PodMic: $169
- Focusrite Scarlett Solo: $159
- Rode PSA1: $149
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: $229
- XLR cable: $20
- Total: ~$726
The Professional Setup (~$1,500+ AUD)
- Shure SM7B: $649
- Cloudlifter CL-1 (preamp boost): $229
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2: $239
- Rode PSA1+: $199
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: $229
- XLR cable: $30
- Total: ~$1,575
What Matters Most
After helping dozens of podcasters set up their shows, I can tell you that equipment matters less than most beginners think. Your content, consistency, and audio fundamentals (quiet room, proper mic technique, good levels) matter far more than expensive gear.
Start with what you can afford, learn to use it well, and upgrade only when you've identified specific limitations holding you back. Many successful podcasters recorded their first hundred episodes on budget equipment before investing in professional gear.
Ready to choose your podcast microphone? Use our comparison tool to find the perfect option, or take our microphone quiz for personalised recommendations.