The Equipment, Tools & Software
we Use & Recommend
Colin started The Podcast Host back in 2011, with the aim of helping as many people start podcasting as possible. One of the biggest barriers to that is equipment, software and tools!
So, this page is designed to bring together all of the resources we love in one easy-to-find place. No matter what stage you’re at, you can find the tools you need here.
PART 1: PODCAST EQUIPMENT
Podcasting Microphones
Your mic is your best friend. It's the single most important part of your kit. Keep it simple to start with, then upgrade only if you need to.
Starting Out
Headset Microphone: Sennheiser PC8
Low-cost, good quality. Read headset mic shootout here.
USB/XLR Microphone: Samson Q2U.
High quality, flexible.
Going Pro
XLR Mic: The MXL 990
Great value & quality.
XLR Gold Standard: Shure SM7b
Legendary mic in the industry.
Improving
Good USB Mic: The Blue Yeti.
Popular, reliable, one-stop shop.
Best USB Mic: The Rode Podcaster.
Gold standard USB quality.
For More Information
– Best Podcasting Microphones
– Best USB Microphones
– Best Headset Microphones
Digital Recorders for Podcasting
Digital recorders offer flexibility in location, and add reliability, avoiding software crashes or glitches during recording. You'll see we're fans of the Zoom range, and use them for everything!
Starting Out
Best budget option, with a decent internal mic.
Going Pro
Ultimate podcast recorder with 4 XLR inputs, call recording capabilities, and sound pads.
Improving
Always popular, doubles as a USB mic.
For More Information
– Guide to digital recorders
– Recording Face to Face interviews
Video Equipment
Video is great for running Skype interviews, live broadcasting your podcasts or recording episode highlights for YouTube. Here's how to capture it.
Webcam
The best bar none – top quality webcam imagery.
Tripod
Brilliant, flexible tripods, ideal for a webcam.
Webcam Effects & Recording
Set up scenes, screen-share, picture in picture, greenscreen, live broadcast & record your videos.
For More Information
Podcasting & Media Accessories
Here are the extra bits that make things easier, or incrementally better.
PART 2: WEB & MEDIA HOSTING
Web Hosting Service
It’s a good idea to have a website of your own for your podcast. It means you control how you grow and monetise the show, long term. Thankfully it’s really easy to set up!
A great webhost with tools to make it super simple to set up your own website.
For advanced users requiring more power and features, Siteground is a top choice.
For More Information
– How to set up website for blogging & podcasting
– Podcast Themes for WordPress (10% discount on Second Line Themes)
Podcast Hosting
A podcast hosting service takes care of storing your audio files. They can also create an RSS feed, which is needed to submit to Apple Podcasts or other directories. We have 3 main recommendations for you:
Buzzsprout – $12/month – is the cheapest top option, & most popular. If you use our link to sign up then you’ll get a $20 Amazon gift card if you stick around for at least 2 months.
Captivate – $19/month – has great growth & private podcast features. Sign up for a 7-day free trial and see for yourself.
Transistor – $19/month – also offers private podcast feeds, & is super simple. 14-day free trial available!
PART 3: SOFTWARE & APPS
Podcast Recording / Editing Software
Sometimes called a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), this is an application where you can record and edit your podcast.
Starting Out
Free editing package that gives you the full suite of tools to do it yourself.
Super quick and easy web tool which automates processing & theme music, and assists with editing.
Online Calling & Recording Software
If you want to Podcast with a remote host or inteviewee, you need software to run & record the call. Here’s our favourites.
Squadcast
Start from $10/month. Records WAV & MP3, split-track with host and up to 3 guests!
Riverside.fm
Starts from $19/month. Records WAV, MP3, & video, split-track with host and up to 7 guests!
PART 4: PODCAST MUSIC & MEDIA
Most shows include at least a theme tune, and many include music beds and sound FX to add to the mood. You have to pay for the good stuff – here’s where to find it.
- Shutterstock – from $19/£14 a month
- Epidemic – from $13/£10 a month
- Audioblocks – from $19/£14 a month
These subscriptions give you access to huge libraries and lifetime licenses on anything you use during that subscription.
PART 5: PROMOTING & GROWING YOUR SHOW
Email Newsletters
One of the best things you can do to grow your Podcast long-term is to start an email list. Get your listeners signed up and you can tell them about new episodes, ask them for feedback and get their help in sharing your show.
ActiveCampaign focuses on email marketing for digital businesses, e-commerce, and business-to-business companies. If you're creating a network with other podcasters and want to share information, this could be a good tool.
Delivering emails to your list & delivering automatic email sequences. We use Convertkit for our own newsletter. It’s super-easy to set up, and offers tonnes of options to automate newsletters, segment your users and a lot more.
For More Information
Social Media & Audience Management
We all know social media is great for growing and engaging with your audience, but it’s overwhelming. Here are the tools we use to make it easier.
Create an automated, recycling queue of posts to Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIN. Smarterqueue cycles through our queue of 500+ posts, promoting all of our old and new content on a regular schedule. Brilliant!
Welcome new users, members or list subscribers with video. We’re using this to engage with our new members through quick videos, as soon as they join up. It helps them know us, trust us and become fans of what we do!