Podcasts are more popular than ever. If you want to get creative yourself, you can do so with equipment from Teufel, for example.
They don’t replace the radio but complement it. Current technology has democratized their creation and listening. We’re talking about podcasts, a medium accessible to everyone that has been increasing in popularity for years.
Modest investment
All the creators of this type of content need are a modest investment and a hefty dose of enthusiasm. Unlike radio, there’s no need for expensive frequency licenses or permits for podcasts. What you need is a small studio, web hosting for uploading audio files, and the desire to make a podcast.
Tips from Teufel
Teufel sent us several useful tips for setting up a home studio. We’ll list them here for you. Naturally, this is based on the joyful fact that the Berlin manufacturer offers an affordably priced starter set for creating Podcasts. Here are the tips, based on the obvious fact that for this type of content sound is a crucial success factor. ‘After all, what use is great content, a strong script, and expert preparation if the sound is lacking? Let’s see what you can do to ensure that you can produce podcasts with the right sound quality in your home studio,‘ writes Teufel:
- Microphone. Good doesn’t automatically mean expensive. There are currently condenser microphones on the market for around 50 euros. This type of microphone accurately captures sounds in high quality, including barely audible sounds (such as sighs). This also means that ambient noise is quickly picked up. This can be a problem, but as you’ll see later, there’s a solution for that.
- Headphones. Essential to be able to listen to each other properly during the recording of the podcast and fully immerse yourself in the conversation. The ideal headphone isolates ambient noise and is comfortable. And that’s no luxury, as podcast production can sometimes take hours.
- Audio interface. A small device that connects your computer and microphone via a USB connection. The audio interface serves as a bridge between the two devices and, in short, transmits voice or instrument sound to your computer. It digitizes the analogue signal so it can be processed and edited on the computer. Audio interfaces are available from 75 euros that offer everything you need for podcast production. All these devices have USB connections, and some have multiple inputs. Two microphone inputs are sufficient for two podcast participants. But you can always edit the podcast on the computer instead of doing it live with the other participant. One input and microphone are sufficient for that.
- Editing software. Once you have saved the audio file on your computer, you need software to edit the audio, mix music and voices, add sound effects, and so on. For less than 100 euros you can get very interesting programs. Note: we’re not talking about storing and editing music tracks, which requires enormously powerful software.
Space for recording podcasts. Look for a suitable recording space. If that space is noisy and you can’t adjust it adequately, you can use a portable reflection screen. You can place this in front of the microphone to drastically reduce ambient noise. - Social media. Nowadays, social networks are indispensable for sharing and promoting content. Many podcast creators record videos of their shows and post eye-catching and hilarious video clips on Instagram or TikTok in the hope of going viral.
“Thanks to modern technology, you can set up a home studio for much less money than expected, where you can let your creativity run free and easily record it in podcasts. Assuming you already have a computer, an investment of between 400 and 500 euros can get you effective podcast equipment. With a little skill, you can achieve amazing results,” says Pascale Meijers, Team Lead Country Management Netherlands and Belgium.
On the manufacturer’s website, you will find a starter kit for creating podcasts. This includes the TEUFEL MASSIVE hi-fi headphones, the Mackie Mix8, a compact eight-channel controller, and the Shure PGA58 microphone. This set is normally available for 300.99 euros, but thanks to Teufel’s special summer discount, you can now get it for 269.99 euros.