Here are some equipment options including microphone and microphone accessories, and software to help you record your show.

Starter Package

The starter package is a bare-bones, cost-effective way to get started podcasting with a small investment.

Audio-Technica ATR2100 Microphone – The most popular starter microphone for podcasting.  It includes a USB connector to plug right into your computer.

Logitech ClearChat Comfort/USB Headset – Basic headset.

Audacity Free Audio Recording/Editing Software

All-In Package

I call this the all-in package because it’s the package for people who are 100% committed to getting into podcasting for the long haul (2+ years).

• 25% of all podcasters quit after episode 6
• 25% quit after episode 23
• 25% quit by episode 50

Do you know how you win at the podcasting game? Commit to not quitting.

When the dust settles, the people that make a career out of it or make it an important part of their business are simply the people that stuck with it and worked towards making their show successful.

If you do not commit, you will quit.

I knew I was going all-in so I bought the best equipment (without breaking the bank).  In fact in January 2016 I had one goal for the year – grow my show.  That’s how committed I was.

Here’s my setup:

Heil PR-40 Microphone – The microphone most top podcaster’s use, so I bought one too.  Get the XLR connection, not the USB.

Focusrite Saffire PRO 26 Audio Interface – An audio interface allowing me to connect up to four devices and run them into my computer. Originally I wanted to be able to record two mics, or a mic and my guitar. I bought this box because the other brand I had been using stopped working after I updated my Mac OS. This one saved the day.

Audio-Technica ATH-M30x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones – You have to wear headphones when recording to make sure your audio sounds great.

Auralex Studiofoam Wedgies – Sound dampening foam reduces the echo in your recording. If you have a room with hard surfaces (walls, tile, no carpet, brick) sound treatment can help.

You can also go cheap by getting some moving blankets.  With the blankets you can put them up, record, then take them down. I’ve done this too and it works great.

Adobe Audition – I use a lot of Adobe tools (Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Illustrator, Audition, Fireworks, InDesign) in my business and this subscription is well worth it.