Podcasting Equipment 101: Everything You Need To Get Started

Written by: Brodrick Lothringer

You know Three Crowns loves a good podcast. We’ve covered the best advisor podcasts, how to host your own show, tips for becoming a better host – and so on and so on. 

That’s because we know podcasting is a major key to growth for financial advisors and, done correctly, can offer a major return on investment while also adding value to your client base. 

And while our own podcasting production program delivers the best of the best, we also know that some advisors would rather take the DIY approach when dipping their toes in the podcasting pond. We’ve got tips and tricks for you, too!

To help you kickstart your firm’s podcasting journey, we’ve rounded up the top five pieces of equipment you’ll need to get started, including recommendations for our personal favorites for each price category. 

5 Must-have Pieces of Podcasting Equipment You Need to Get Started

Sure, you could create a podcast by talking into the Notes app on your phone and uploading the audio to Spotify – but to create a quality podcast for your firm, you’ll need a few core pieces of equipment to get started. 

1. Microphones

The most vital piece of equipment for any podcaster is a microphone. 

When your listeners tune in to your show, they expect clear, consistent audio – and that starts with your recording equipment. A solid microphone will capture your voice while tuning out as much background noise as possible to reduce any audio “fuzziness.”

You’ll also want to consider whether you’ll be taking your microphone on the road often and if it will be easy to transport. If you’re planning to record in a variety of locations, you’ll want something that’s easy to pack up and move. 

Here are my top three microphone options based on your budget:

• Low budget: Blue Yeti ($100)
• Mid-budget: Shure MV7 ($250)
• High budget: Shure SM7B ($400)

*prices are rounded and are subject to change 

2. Headphones

Headphones allow you more control over your podcast’s audio quality. Think about it: when your clients and prospects are listening to your podcast, there’s a good chance they’ll have headphones in. By using headphones while you record and edit your episodes, you have a better idea of what your end result will sound like. 

You’ll want to look for a headphone that maximizes your comfort while also offering high sound quality. Here are my favorite headphone options:

Low budget: Philips Over Ear Wired Stereo Headphones ($20)

Mid-budget: Rode NTH-100 ($170)

High budget: Bose QuietComfort 45 ($330)

*prices are rounded and are subject to change 

3. Digital audio recorders

A digital audio recorder is what you’ll actually use to process and record your audio. For many, a laptop with proper software works just fine for these purposes. For those looking for expanded audio production capabilities or higher quality audio, a more advanced recorder might work better. 

You’ll also want to consider how many microphones your recorder can hook up to at a time – if you plan on having more than one speaker on your podcast, your recorder will need to accommodate that. 

One note: If you choose to record with the built-in mic on your computer, the audio will be lower quality. If you’re going to invest money in one thing, make it a microphone. Listening to a podcast with low-quality audio can get annoying after a while.

Low budget: Your computer (Free)

Mid-budget: Zoom H5 Handy Recorder ($250)

High budget: Behringer U-PHORIA UMC404HD ($230-350+)

*prices are rounded and are subject to change 

4. Boom arms

A boom arm is essentially a stand for your microphone. It usually holds the microphone in the air, which helps reduce sounds and vibrations that often affect mics that are set on a table or desk. That can be especially useful if you’re prone to talking with your hands or moving around much during recording – as those sounds can disrupt the audio experience for your listeners. 

Plus, a boom arm means you don’t have to spend your hour-long recording session hunched over your desk – you can position your microphone exactly where you want it!

Low budget: YOUSHARES Boom Arm ($23)

Mid-budget: Goldenfrog Boom Arm ($50)

High budget: Bietrun Boom Arm ($70)

*prices are rounded and are subject to change 

5. Cameras 

Cameras are technically optional for podcasting, as you don’t have to have a video element – but it could make the difference between success and failure.

Oddly enough, the most popular platform for consuming podcasts is YouTube. A video version of your podcast opens the door to publishing your show on YouTube and other video-based platforms, which are popular amongst all age groups in the U.S. 

Video is also useful in your promotional marketing, as you can take sections of video and share them to your firm’s website and social media accounts. 

Here are a few camera options you can explore to get started:

Low budget: Logitech Brio Webcam ($140)

Mid-budget: Canon VIXIA HF G50 4K30P Camcorder ($900+)

High budget: Panasonic HC-X2 ($3,000+)

*prices are rounded and are subject to change 

There you have it – with these five pieces of equipment in tow, you’re ready to dive into your podcast production and start creating quality content for your clients and prospects. 

Related: The Financial Advisor’s Guide To Writing Blogs That Grab Your Audience’s Attention