Are you interested in creating a podcast? I’m happy to share the exact equipment and tools that I use to create my podcast series, to make it a little easier for you to get started!
The Starter Kit
First, I’d like to recommend my trusted Zoom H6 recorder where all of the magic is captured. I’m on my third podcast series now with over a hundred hours of record time on this device and it still works great and provides excellent quality audio. This set even includes a MicroSD card and rechargeable batteries. There is an included microphone that attaches directly to the device but the sound quality is not great so I wouldn’t recommend using it.
Instead, I recommend purchasing a set of Shure microphones. The sound quality is excellent, and it allows you to record tracks for each podcast speaker separately. With only one mic it picks up everything including a lot of background noise, hence the reasoning for using a separate mic for each speaker. Additionally, you’ll want something called a windscreen, or small foam covering, to go over the microphone to soften some of those hard hitting sounds when speaking.
Next you’ll need the cables to connect your Zoom 6 recorder to the microphones. I did purchase mine at a local music shop (shop local if you can!) but you can find them online here. These cables are 6 ft in length which gives plenty of room to have enough space and options for seating during the recording session.
To keep the microphones in place during a recording session, this recommended microphone stand is super sturdy, as it’s weighted at the bottom a bit, holds the mic nicely, and is adjustable in height. (You’ll need two as these are sold individually.) For local podcasts I still prefer these stands, but I have a lighter packable version below if you’d like something smaller and lighter, especially when flying.
Travel-Friendly
To protect your Zoom 6 recorder, I really love this small and secure zip case. It fits snug but is just right and compact for travel.
If you plan on traveling with the equipment I’d suggest traveling with 3 ft cables found here instead of the 6 ft ones you would generally use, and additionally microphone stands that are a bit lighter and foldable found here.
Podcast Editing
Since the Zoom 6 saves all of the recordings onto the included MicroSD card, you’ll need a card reader if your laptop doesn’t have a card port. This small device is compatible for all laptops, with a USB on one side and a USB C on the other side.
Now that you have the equipment, how do you edit the episodes? Since I have a Macbook, GarageBand is part of the included software and works great for edits. You simply load the .WAV files from the MicroSD card onto your computer and drag and drop into the program. They will look something like this: ZOOM0135_Tr1 and each track is recorded independently so you are able to edit accordingly. We all know that some voices carry more than others, so you can adjust the volume per track. It might take a bit of research to learn, but it’s fairly straightforward. It can however be time consuming if you decide to edit meticulously and remove all of the “ums” or “ands” and awkward pauses, but in the long run it’s worth it for a clean episode that provides a great listening experience. Don’t forget to think about your podcast cover image and artwork, and how you’d like to market and release your series. If you have questions or need assistance doing so, Purevant Living provides those services. Feel free to contact us here, and happy podcasting!
-Stephanie Krubsack