{"id":168474,"date":"2017-09-27T07:01:22","date_gmt":"2017-09-27T14:01:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/heartifb.com\/?p=168474"},"modified":"2024-02-13T04:34:45","modified_gmt":"2024-02-13T12:34:45","slug":"start-your-own-podcast-part-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/heartifb.com\/start-your-own-podcast-part-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Start Your Own Podcast, Part II: What Your Need Before Your Begin"},"content":{"rendered":"

Have You Ever Wanted to Start Your Own Podcast?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"How<\/p>\n

Throughout the next few weeks, we will be running a series titled \u201cStart Your Own Podcast: A How-To for Fashion Bloggers\u201d. We\u2019ll break down everything from what to consider before you begin, to what equipment you need to purchase before you start \u2013 and how to get your followers to tune into your podcast.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Check out Part 1 of the series HERE!<\/em><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Our goal is to help fashion bloggers and influencers make the jump from blogging (and vlogging) to producing successful audio content. These posts can also be helpful to anyone interested in dabbling in the world of podcasting; they are not solely geared at individuals in the fashion industry. So, whether you\u2019re a fashion blogger, or are just curious to learn more about producing podcasts check out \u201cStart Your Own Podcast, Part II: What Your Need Before Your Begin\u201d below.<\/em><\/p>\n

The Equipment<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s not possible to start a podcast without investing in some equipment. Even bloggers need a camera and a laptop at their disposal, before they can get started with blogging. Vloggers will need to invest in good lighting gear, before they can start filming (or rent an apartment with good, natural light). And anybody who plans on having their own website will need to pay web-hosting fees and purchase a domain name, before the site can exist. The point is, whether you're planning on podcasting casually or professionally, you will need to invest in some new equipment if you're looking to start your own podcast.<\/p>\n

Here at IFB we've rounded up the essentials and<\/em> the extras, when it comes to podcasting gear. In this post, you'll get a good idea of what you need in order to get your podcast off the ground. Don't have a huge budget? Don't worry. We'll let you know price points for things like microphones, where you can cut corners and much more below.<\/p>\n

The Essentials\u2026<\/strong><\/h2>\n

These are the three things you need<\/em> to acquired, before you start out with podcasting.<\/p>\n

On a budget? The good news is you probably already have one of the three items below kicking around at home \u2013 and another can be obtained for free. How much money you want to spend on your equipment is completely up to you.<\/p>\n

A Computer (with a Connection to Wi-Fi)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This is pretty self-explanatory. You will need a computer if you want to start your own podcast. Either a desktop computer or laptop will work fine and allow you to record, edit and upload your podcast to the internet.<\/p>\n

But what if you don't have a computer (or wanted to purchase a new one, specifically for podcasting)? Can you buy just any old computer? The short answer is no.<\/p>\n

Your computer will need the right ports if you plan to use a USB microphone to record audio. Planning on using an analogy microphone, with a portable XLR recorder (or any other audio interface device)? Your computer will need a 3.5 mm audio-in jack, a USB port or, potentially, a Firewire port.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re planning on investing money in a computer, specifically to be used for producing your podcast, you will need to make sure it can support all equipment and software needed for recording.<\/p>\n

Audio Editing Software a.k.a. DAW<\/strong><\/h3>\n

You will need to download a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) before getting started with your podcast. This will allow you to edit your audio recordings and, essentially, create your podcast. There are plenty of options out there, but the licenses for some DAW\u2019s can be costly.<\/p>\n

As Lifehacker breaks down in their post on podcasting<\/a> \u201c . . . licenses for professional level DAWs like\u00a0Reason\u00a0or\u00a0Pro Tools\u00a0can cost anywhere between $300 and $900. Apps like\u00a0Hindenburg\u00a0offer simpler audio editing software for under $100,\u00a0Reaper\u00a0is a fully loaded audio production app for $60, and Adobe\u2019s audio editing software\u00a0Audition CC is available with a $19.99 monthly subscription, but you probably shouldn\u2019t start dumping money into podcasting software if you\u2019re just starting out.\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n

Yes, you ready that correctly: You shouldn\u2019t be throwing loads of cash at editing software right off the bat.<\/p>\n

Instead, download Audacity.<\/a> It\u2019s a free, and allows you to edit audio without having to commit to paying licensing fees.<\/p>\n

Microphone(s)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

You probably have quite a few questions, when it comes to purchasing a microphone. Does the quality of microphone matter? Can listeners tell the difference between audio recorded on a low quality vs high quality microphone? Should you be spending loads of money on mics from the get go?<\/p>\n

Yes and no. Keep your budget in mind, but buy the best quality microphone you can afford. Generally speaking, listeners can tell the difference. Either way, you will need to decide whether you want to purchase a USB or analog (XLR) microphone.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s the difference? Check out the breakdown below\u2026<\/p>\n

USB Microphone<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Less hassle \u2013 it converts analog sound directly into digital (i.e. you plug the microphone into your computer\u2019s USB port, start recording and you're good to go!)<\/li>\n
  • Typically the less expensive option<\/li>\n
  • Can produce lower quality audio, in comparison to an analog microphone<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Analog Microphone<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Typically more expensive (as you need to purchase an XLR connector, to upload the audio from the analog microphone to your computer)<\/li>\n
    • Higher audio quality<\/li>\n
    • Can be used with other audio and\/or sound equipment, or for other purposes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Keep in mind that most gaming headsets or other basic microphones you may have lying around the house can also be used. So if you\u2019re really tight for dosh, yet determined to start your own podcast, you can easily find a way to make it work.<\/p>\n

      Looking for a microphone? IFB recommends\u00a0Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone.\u00a0<\/span><\/a>On a budget? Check out the\u00a0Blue Snowball USB Microphone for a less expensive option.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n