You want to know the best podcasting tools for professionals. You’re either brand new to podcasting and worried about how you’ll sound. Or you’ve been doing this a while and you want to upgrade your podcasting kit with the same tools used by professionals.
The equipment below is used by pros, but can be suitable for beginners also. Just ask if you have any questions about anything on this page.
Disclaimer: If you purchase via an affiliate link below, I earn a commission from the seller at no extra cost to you which goes towards producing more free content and hosting the podcast, blog etc.
My Preferred Podcast Host
I use Spreaker for my hosting.
You can get your first month free via this affiliate link.
I chose Spreaker as one of my first podcasting tools for professionals because as far as I know they are the only host that lets you monetise from day one the effort you put into your content at no extra cost to the listener. They are very price competitive considering and have an easy peasy interface for uploading, incorporating ads, and integrating your podcast with other platforms so that you can automatically spread the word when a new episode goes live. Give them a go!
My Preferred Audio & Video Editing Software
For quicker audio and video editing I use Descript (affiliate link).
Microphones & Accessories For All Podcasters
Next in the best podcasting tools for professionals and beginners, I use a microphone suitable for new and experienced podcasters, the Samson Q2U.
The accessories that come with it (the clip, the stand) are impressively sturdy for the price point. I got set up with it and recording the same day that I first took it out the box, so it’s reasonably idiot-proof.
Neewer Adjustable Boom Arm For Your Mic
This is ideal if you don’t have somewhere ideal to stand your microphone, or you like to stand yourself. Or if like me, you’re trying to get as close as possible to your script, this means you can have that as close as you like while still keeping the mic close to your mouth. Otherwise it’s an either/or situation. (Or I should get laser eye surgery so that I can see my script from a distance… Nope, that’s still an either/or scenario…)
Also I tend to edit as I go along, so I like to have my computer in front of me so that Audacity is at arm’s reach. This means typing around a mic unless you move it out the way… You want to avoid moving your mic once you start recording ideally, so that your audio sounds fairly consistent throughout.
Knox Shock Mount For Samson Q2U or ATR2100-USB Microphones
We only want good vibrations. By good, I mean none.
Advanced Sound Quality
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface (for that radio sound!)
Rodecaster Pro Podcaster Production Studio – for a studio sound with the ability to add music and SFX with the press of a button during recording
Pro-coustix Acoustic Foam Tiles – to reduce echoes. This is more of a concern if you are recording in a space where the acoustics are already challenged e.g. you have hardwood floors and lots of hard surfaces in the room.
Free alternatives to this kind of soundproofing include bunching yourself up in a cupboard(!), or constructing some kind of pillow fort. The former is not very comfortable. Actually, if you can stand while you record, it should make your recording sound more energetic. It’s also just good for voice quality generally. (Compare how you sound when you’re sat slumped to when you stand. I think it’s to do with being able to expand your lungs better).
I don’t know what you like to do in your free time, so I’ll let you decide if the pillow fort option is too time consuming to set up and take down each time…!
Podcasting Earphones & Headphones
Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earphones
beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO Studio Headphones
If you prefer over the ear headphones.
Lastly…
I wasn’t aware of this mic when I ordered mine. I’ve been very happy with the Samson Q2U so far, but by all accounts this is worthy competition.
For interviews on the go
Rode Smartlav+ Lavalier Microphone For Smartphone
RØDE SC1 TRRS extension cable for smartLav+ (for adding length to the above mic)
RØDE SC6-L Dual TRRS input and headphone output for Apple Devices (lightning connection for up to two audio inputs & a monitor)
Other Recommended Tools For Your Podcast
The other podcasting tools for professionals that beginners can take advantage of also include your host, and how you deliver your mailing list.
I use Spreaker for my podcast hosting. Here’s the show page on Spreaker, and the show page here on the blog if you want to compare. Don’t forget you can get your first month free and run ads from day one to support your content creation.
The mailing list functions thanks to email service provider ConvertKit (affiliate link).
I invested in the annual plan (which nets a discount on paying monthly). This is because when I start a project, I like to commit to seeing my goal through, so paying upfront ensured I wouldn’t quit emailing blog readers after a week!
You can start with a free plan though if you’re really not sure where you’re headed, or you’re technology shy (affiliate link). I find ConvertKit very easy to use though despite setting up automations and sequences and all that fancy jazz.
Let me know if you want to know what else I use to run the blog besides what’s mentioned on the Bear Resources page, or if you have questions. What do you need help with in your side hustle or business?
