How to Start a Podcast on the Cheap – A Guide to Affordable Gear and Professional Sound

If you're looking to start a podcast but are concerned about the costs, you've come to the right place. This blog post is designed to guide you through starting a podcast on a budget. We'll focus on affordable gear and software, as well as tips to achieve professional sound quality.

Table of Contents

1. Gear You May Already Have to Start a Podcast

2. Affordable Microphones for Starting a Podcast

3. Free or Cheap Software to Start a Podcast

4. DIY Soundproofing for Your Podcast

5. Editing Tips for a Professional Podcast Sound

1. Gear You May Already Have to Start a Podcast

Smartphone

Start a podcast on an iPhone

If you're just starting a podcast, your smartphone can serve as a decent initial microphone. Modern smartphones have surprisingly good built-in mics. Below are some apps available for both iOS and Android to help you start a podcast:

iOS Apps

1. GarageBand: Ideal for those starting a podcast, this app allows multi-track recording and offers various editing features.

2. Voice Record Pro: Offers advanced features like audio trimming and exporting in various formats, perfect for podcast beginners.

3. Ferrite Recording Studio: Designed for those serious about starting a podcast, offering multi-track recording and a powerful editing suite.

Android Apps

1. RecForge II: A versatile audio recorder with basic editing and various export options, great for those starting a podcast.

2. Audio Evolution Mobile Studio: Offers multi-track recording and a range of editing tools, ideal for starting a podcast.

3. Lexis Audio Editor: Provides a simple interface for recording and editing, including features like noise reduction and compression.

2. Affordable Microphones for Starting a Podcast

Blue Snowball iCE

• Best for: Computer

• Approximate Price: $50

• Description: Ideal for those starting a podcast, this USB microphone offers a simple plug-and-play setup.

• Quality Note: Good sound quality for the price, but it may pick up some background noise.

Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB

Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB

• Best for: Computer

• Approximate Price: $100

• Description: A cardioid dynamic microphone that minimizes background noise, perfect for starting a podcast.

• Quality Note: Excellent sound quality and durability for a budget microphone.

Rode smartLav+

Rode smartLav+ a great option for starting a podcast on the cheap.

• Best for: Smartphone

• Approximate Price: $65

• Description: A lavalier microphone that clips onto your clothing and plugs directly into your smartphone.

• Quality Note: Provides clear, professional-level audio, great for those starting a podcast on the go.

Boya BY-M1

Boya BY-M1 n.to/3PjGFILgreat if you want to start a podcast on the cheap!

• Best for: Both Smartphone and Computer

• Approximate Price: $20

• Description: A versatile Lavalier microphone that can be used with both smartphones and computers.

• Quality Note: Good for beginners, but the sound quality is not as high as other options.

3. Free or Cheap Software to Start a Podcast

Audacity

This free, open-source software is an excellent tool for those looking to start a podcast. It's available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

GarageBand

If you're a Mac user and planning to start a podcast, GarageBand is a free software that offers a range of features for podcast recording and editing.

Spotify for Podcasters

This free platform allows you to record, edit, and distribute your podcast. It even offers monetization options, making it easier to start a podcast and earn from it.

4. DIY Soundproofing for Your Podcast

• Blankets: Hanging heavy blankets on the walls can absorb sound, helping you achieve a professional podcast sound.

• Pillows: Placing pillows around your recording space can reduce echo, another tip for those starting a podcast.

• Closet: A closet full of clothes can serve as an excellent soundproof booth for your podcast.

5. Editing Tips for a Professional Podcast Sound

Noise Reduction

• How to Do It: Use the noise reduction feature in your editing software to isolate a segment of background noise and then remove or reduce it throughout the recording.

• Why It's Important: This helps to eliminate distracting background sounds, a crucial step when you're starting a podcast.

Equalization

• How to Do It: Use the equalizer settings to adjust the bass and treble frequencies. You can often find presets like "Vocal Boost" or "Bass Cut" to quickly improve your audio.

• Why It's Important: Proper equalization makes your voice sound clearer and more natural, enhancing the listener's experience when you start a podcast.

• Read more about equalization.

Compression

• How to Do It: Apply a compressor effect to your audio track. This will even out the volume by making quiet sounds louder and loud sounds softer.

• Why It's Important: Compression ensures that your listeners won't have to constantly adjust their volume, making for a more enjoyable and professional listening experience when you start a podcast.

• Read more about compression.

Need more help? Check out our Podcast Production Services page.