What Equipment Do You Need to Start a Podcast? Our Recommendations for a Minimal and Effective Setup

Do you want to launch a podcast, but don’t know where to start when it comes to equipment? You’re not alone. Between microphones that cost $20 and those that cost $200, software, audio interfaces, and the often-contradictory advice out there, it’s easy to get lost or to spend money unnecessarily 💸

The good news is that a well-thought-out minimal setup is more than enough to produce a podcast with professional quality. Whether you’re a brand just starting out or an independent creator, you can absolutely begin with simple, effective, and affordable equipment 🎯

In this article, we’ll share our recommended podcast equipment setup for beginners. It will allow you to record your first episodes with confidence, avoid common mistakes, and get started without being slowed down by technical issues 🚀

1. Why Choose a Minimal Setup?

When launching a podcast, whether for a brand or as an independent creator, you don’t always have the budget to invest in high-end equipment. But that’s no reason to postpone your show: a well-chosen minimal setup already allows you to get professional-quality sound 👌

Another common obstacle: choice paralysis. With hundreds of microphones, audio interfaces, and recording software available, it’s hard to know where to begin. The risk? Never launching at all, out of fear of making the wrong decision. By choosing simple and effective equipment, you reduce mental load and can finally take action 🎯

And then there’s the physical constraint that’s often overlooked: not everyone has a home studio. A minimal setup is also a matter of space. You don’t need tripods, boom arms, or a bulky mixer to produce a quality audio recording. A quiet space, a good mic, and simple software are more than enough to start comfortably 🧘‍♀️

2. The Recommended Minimal Setup to Start a Podcast

2.1. The Microphone: The Core of the Setup

The microphone is without a doubt the most important element of your configuration. It has a direct impact on the perceived quality of your podcast. If you want to get started quickly, an iPhone can absolutely work for your very first episodes, as long as you record in a quiet environment. That said, it’s strongly recommended to invest in a dedicated mic, even on a small budget 🎯

Today, there are excellent USB microphones at affordable prices, perfect for getting started without technical complexity. Models like the Blue Yeti or the Rode NT-USB Mini offer an excellent quality-to-price ratio. They plug directly into your computer and don’t require an external audio interface. This is the ideal choice for obtaining clear, professional, and consistent sound 🎙️

Finally, whatever microphone you choose, you can significantly improve the sound of your voice thanks to Adobe Podcast’s Enhance Speech tool. This free service cleans the recording, removes background noise, and delivers a studio-like result ✨

2.2. Headphones: An Essential Too Often Overlooked

Using closed-back headphones allows you to better control what you’re recording. They help you hear unwanted noise, distortion, or cutoffs in real time. This saves you many surprises during editing 🎧

Even a basic wired model is sufficient for beginners. The main thing is to avoid wireless earbuds, which can introduce latency or sound compression. With a pair of headphones, you gain precision and listening comfort 🎯

2.3. The Recording Environment: The Key to Good Sound

Good sound quality doesn’t just depend on the microphone. The environment where you record plays a decisive role. A room with bare walls or tile flooring can create echo that will harm the audio. On the other hand, a room with curtains, cushions, a carpet, or even hanging clothes will absorb resonance and improve acoustics 🧘‍♀️

It’s not necessary to invest in acoustic foam right away. A simple closet or a corner of your bedroom set up thoughtfully can be enough to record a podcast that’s clear and pleasant to listen to 🛋️

2.4. Recording Software: Simplicity First

To record your episodes, there’s no need to use complex recording software in the beginning. If you’re on Mac, GarageBand is an excellent starting point: free, intuitive, and sufficient to handle recording and basic editing. On Windows or Linux, Audacity is a reliable and also free alternative 💻

And if you plan on inviting guests remotely, tools like Zoom or Riverside (in its free version) are perfectly suited for occasional use or for a series of interviews 🎤

3. What to Avoid in a Minimal Setup

3.1. Investing Too Early in Professional Equipment

When starting out, it can be tempting to immediately buy the best podcast gear: a top-notch mic, an audio interface, a boom arm, a pop filter, an external recorder… But beware of the “false start” effect: investing heavily right away doesn’t guarantee good sound, consistency, or motivation. It’s better to begin with a simple setup you can master and gradually upgrade your equipment as your real needs and feedback evolve 🎧

3.2. Overequipping with Useless Accessories

Some accessories are useful, others are purely gadgets. A mic windscreen or a pop filter can be genuinely helpful, but buying three different stands, two microphones “just in case,” or cables you’ll never use will only clutter your space and your mind. The goal of a minimal setup is to stay focused on what truly matters: your voice and your content 🎯

3.3. Neglecting the Sound Environment

A high-end microphone won’t work miracles if you’re recording in a noisy, echoey, or poorly insulated room. Acoustics are one of the most powerful and least expensive ways to improve your podcast quality. Even with a good mic, never underestimate the importance of a quiet, “dead” (non-reverberant) recording space 🛑

3.4. Thinking Video Is Essential

More and more podcasters are publishing video podcasts, especially on YouTube or TikTok. But don’t pressure yourself unnecessarily: video is not mandatory, especially if you’re starting with a minimal setup. First, focus on audio quality and the regularity of your episodes. You can always add video later, once you feel more comfortable with your audio production 🎥

Conclusion

A minimal setup doesn’t mean your podcast will sound “amateur.” Quite the opposite. By making the right choices from the very beginning, you’re laying solid foundations to produce high-quality episodes consistently, without depending on a studio or blowing up your budget 💡

The most important factor isn’t the equipment, but rather consistency, the quality of your content, and the care you put into your sound. With a good mic, a quiet environment, and a few well-chosen tools, you already have everything you need to attract and retain your audience 🧡