Hardware18.12.2024

Starting a professional podcast for R3,000

South Africans looking to start their own podcast can do so for just over R3,000.

Recording a podcast can be as easy as using a mobile app, but this will result in a low-quality recording.

To ensure good quality in the podcast, three main pieces of equipment are required: a USB audio interface, a microphone, headphones, and a PC or laptop. A laptop is ideal, as it allows the recording location to be changed more easily.

A podcast can also be recorded using just a USB microphone, but this may compromise audio quality.

Regarding software, only a digital audio workstation (DAW) is needed. Most audio interfaces include a licence for a DAW. There are also several free and open source options.

The audio interface is an external soundcard that moves the sound from the microphone to the DAW on the computer.

They come equipped with at least one microphone and instrument input, a mic pre-amp, a headphones-out port, volume knobs for the master and each input, and

These can range in price from R1,500 to north of R100,000. However, most entry-level interfaces will suffice for podcasting.

More expensive options offer advanced features, such as additional inputs, which allow users to plug in other instruments and microphones.

The Behringer U-Phoria UM2 USB costs R1,499 and has one microphone or instrument input and one additional instrument input. It includes a licence for Tracktion, so users can begin recording immediately.

The PreSonus AudiBox Go is more compact than the Behringer and also comes with one instrument input and one mic input that doubles as a second instrument input.

It also has a USB-C out that allows a camera connection kit to be connected to sync audio and video for filming or streaming.

For R200 more, one can get the M-Audio Air, a much bigger but more sleek audio interface.

It has the same inputs and outputs as the other two; the only difference is that its volume knobs and controls are all on the top of the interface as opposed to on the sides.

Next, one needs a microphone. This can be prioritised over the interface as it is what ultimately decides the quality of the recording.

If an audio interface is being used, an external line return (XLR) mic will be needed; otherwise, a USB mic can suffice.

Starting at R1,799 is the Samson C01 Large Diaphragm condenser microphone.

For R400 more, one can purchase the Audio Technica AT2040 Hypercardioid Dynamic Podcast Microphone, which is made specifically for podcasting and streaming.

The mic has an integrated shock mount that tames almost any noise and is designed to minimise room noise for a clearer recording.

For those looking to go all in and get one of the best podcasting mics available, the Sure MV7+ is precisely that. However, it costs quite a bit more than the others at R6,499.

The mic has USB-C and XLR outputs and a customisable LED touch panel to mute and unmute the mic.

Unlike the other microphones, it also includes an outport for headphones, which allows users to monitor the audio directly from the microphone.

This can make monitoring the audio easier, especially if there is only one output on the audio interface and two mics are connected.

Next, a pair of headphones with a 3.5mm jack or 3.5mm adapter placed over the auxiliary cable will be needed.

The Behringer HPS-3000 can get podcasters started for R320. These are over-the-ear studio headphones designed for mixing and engineering, with an ultra-wide frequency response.

The Behringer HC 2000 is also great for beginners as it is affordable at R899, compact, and can be used for listening on the go.

While most audio interfaces come with a DAW licence, there are several paid and free options available when looking for an alternative.

Audacity is an excellent DAW to start on, as it is free and easy to use.

When looking at paid versions, these can often cost as much, if not more, than all the equipment.

Some affordable options are Reaper, StudioOne, Hindenburg Journalist, or Sound Forge Pro.

Below are equipment bundles, including a mic, audio interface, and headphones, which can be more affordable than buying them individually.

Focusrite Vocaster One Studio USB-C Podcasting Audio Interface Bundle — R3,095

Behringer U-Phoria Studio Pro — R3,599

M-Audio Air Complete Vocal Package — R3,999

Mackie Creator Bundle — R5,590

Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio Bundle 4th Generation Audio Interface — R5,890

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