Everything You Need to Start a Podcast

If you're wondering what you need to start a podcast, the answer depends on your show concept, budget, and where you’ll be recording. Are you planning a classic interview podcast or multi-personal discussion format? Will it be done in person or remotely? Maybe you’ll be flying solo. 

Trying to figure out the right recording setup for your needs can often feel overwhelming. The good news is that you don’t need a full professional studio to sound like a pro – you just need reliable tools built for proper podcasting. Whether you're producing your show from your home, a dedicated recording space, or on the move, understanding what equipment you need to start a podcast will help you invest in the right gear from the start. Let’s break it down by category.

• Microphones: the key to sounding professional
• Headphones: for real-time monitoring and editing
• Mic stands and cables: to keep your setup stable and connected
• Audio interfaces and mixers: required for XLR mics or multiple audio inputs
• Recording software: to capture and shape your sound
• Webcam or digital camera: if video podcasting is part of your plan

Microphones

Your microphone is the most essential piece of podcasting gear you can buy. It’s what captures your voice and helps you connect with your listeners. Shure offers a wide range of options to fit every experience level and budget.

MV7+ Podcast Microphone
This dynamic microphone was designed specifically for podcasting and content creation. The MV7+ delivers warm, professional audio without requiring a complex setup. It connects via both USB and XLR, meaning it’s equally great for beginners and those upgrading their recording rigs. Use the USB-C output to plug directly into a laptop or smartphone or go with XLR to connect to a professional audio interface. With powerful onboard signal processing (DSP), Auto Level Mode, and real-time vocal enhancements like denoiser and a digital pop filter, this mic adapts to your voice and space easily. The MV7 also comes in two other versions:

• MV7i: With a built-in interface, this makes it easy to hook up a second XLR mic or instrument and connect directly to your computer or phone without a separate audio interface. Simply plug a second mic (or instrument) into the MV7i and you’re set to record two channels with ease
• MV7X: An XLR-only option ideal for anyone needing a multi-mic setup with an audio interface or mixer.

SM7B – Iconic Vocal Microphone
Still the gold standard for podcasting, the SM7B is a favorite of both professional broadcasters and big-name podcasters for good reason. It provides an unmatched smooth, warm tone with excellent isolation and noise rejection. It’s important to note that this dynamic XLR microphone does require a quality audio interface or mic signal booster, otherwise your audio might be too quiet. Once you have your recording rig set up right, this audio icon remains a top-tier choice for those podcasters serious about their sound.

SM7dB – Vocal Microphone with Built-in Preamp
Building on the legendary original, the SM7dB is the same microphone  as the SM7B mentioned above, but also features a built-in preamp for more output level and flexibility. Also an XLR microphone, it retains the classic warm, natural sound of the SM7B but eliminates the need for an external mic booster. This makes it easier for podcasters to plug in and record with studio-quality sound, even when using less powerful audio interfaces.

SM58 – Dynamic Vocal Microphone
If you’re searching for a reliable, affordable podcast mic that’s also performance-ready, the legendary SM58 is a great choice. This dynamic mic is rugged, natural-sounding, and widely trusted by musicians and presenters the world over. It’s ideal for panel discussions or multi-person podcasting on a budget.

MoveMic – Wireless Lavalier Microphone
Compact and easy to use, MoveMic wireless lavalier microphones offer high-quality wireless audio perfect for mobile podcasters, vloggers, and interview-based shows. They can connect directly to your smartphone and deliver clear voice capture without the need for bulky gear. You can get MoveMic One if you just need one channel for yourself, or MoveMic Two to record two audio tracks simultaneously. If you need to record to a camera, look no further than the MoveMic Receiver package that adds digital camera compatibility.

Headphones

What equipment do you need to start a podcast? Quality headphones are certainly high on the list. Monitoring your audio while recording or editing is key to catching mistakes and ensuring consistent sound quality. Shure offers two excellent headphone options for podcasters, so you hear every detail.

SRH440A – Professional Studio Headphones
The SRH440A closed-back headphones provide accurate audio across the frequency spectrum and good isolation, so they’re great for both editing sessions and real-time monitoring during recording.

SRH840A – Professional Studio Headphones
A step up in detail and comfort, the SRH840A headphones deliver a rich, balanced sound that helps you fine-tune your audio mix. With a closed-back design and enhanced padding, these are a great choice for serious podcasters and editors.

Mic Stands and Cables

Keeping your mic steady and properly positioned makes a huge difference in sound quality for your podcast. Shure has mic bundles with Gator accessories that include adjustable stands and XLR cables.

Whether you prefer a convenient boom arm for solo recording or a traditional desktop stand, you’ll find a configuration that fits your workflow. Don’t overlook cable quality – a reliable XLR or USB cable reduces the risk of unwanted noise or loose connections during your session.

Audio Interfaces, Mixers and Digital Recorders

An audio interface connects your XLR microphone to your computer, converting analog sound into a digital signal. If you’re using an XLR mic, like the SM7B or SM58, this is a must-have. USB mics like the MV7+ can plug straight into a laptop or smartphone, however, if you’re going to use several mics or audio sources (think phone/video interviews) for your podcast, it can be handy to have an interface or mixer to control everything. Dedicated digital recorders, on the other hand, can be useful to record audio on the go, but you’ll need to transfer the audio files to your computer once you get home.

MVX2U – Digital Audio Interface
The MVX2U is a sleek, single-channel XLR-to-USB interface with real-time DSP onboard for Auto Level Mode, EQ, and limiter settings – all accessible via the Shure MOTIV Mix™ desktop app. A simple and perfect solution for connecting one XLR microphone directly into your computer. It delivers 60 dB of clean gain, enough to power even mics like the SM7B without needing a separate signal booster. The interface also features phantom power for condenser mics and headphone monitoring. It’s USB-C powered, plug-and-play ready, and perfect for podcasters who want high-quality sound in a small package.

MOTIV Mix™ (Mac/Windows)
Specifically tailored to MOTIV microphones and interfaces, MOTIV Mix™ from Shure gives you a powerful desktop audio workflow. Available for both Mac and Windows, the app allows you to manage up to five audio channels while you’re recording, streaming, monitoring, or mixing. It also lets you access features like Auto Level Mode, which intelligently sets your mic’s gain, EQ, compression, limiter, and tone controls. The software also enables direct recording of mixed or individual channels for flexible post-production.

Recording Software (DAWs)

You don’t need to spend a lot to on recording software. Several Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) apps are free or low-cost and offer all the tools you need to edit and mix your podcast.

GarageBand (Mac)
Free on Apple computers, GarageBand is intuitive and surprisingly powerful. Offering a convenient Voice project template, it’s a great starting point for solo podcasters and beginners.

Audacity (Mac/Windows/Linux)
Open-source and free, Audacity is one of the most popular DAWs for podcasters. It supports multi-track editing and a wide range of effects.

Adobe Audition (Mac/Windows)
Part of the Adobe Creative Cloud, Audition is a powerful DAW with advanced editing tools and noise reduction features. It’s great for serious podcasters who want maximum control.

Hindenburg (Mac/Windows)
Designed specifically for spoken-word content, Hindenburg offers powerful features at an affordable subscription price. This DAW has many fans in the podcast community.

Online Recording

If you plan to do lots of remote interviews for your podcast, there are now several services that offer easy online recording, such as Riverside, Zencastr and Descript. The key is to make sure the program records both your audio and that of your remote guests locally – that means on their hard drive – which the software then packages and sends to you. This means better audio quality! 

Whichever DAW or service you choose, make sure it supports the file formats and features you need, such as multi-track recording, noise reduction, video options and export for podcast directories.

Webcams and Digital Cameras

If you want to do a video podcast, live stream or plan to share highlights on YouTube or TikTok, you’ll need to invest in a good camera. Many people start with a basic webcam, like the Logitech StreamCam, but upgrading to a dedicated digital camera can dramatically improve your video quality. Look for models with clean HDMI output or USB streaming support, and don’t forget proper lighting to make it look professional. Shure USB mics like the MV7+ are compatible with streaming and video podcasting software, making it easy to sync your audio setup with your visuals.

Bringing It All Together

So, what do you need to start a podcast? At minimum, you’ll need a good microphone, headphones, and recording software. As your show grows, you might decide to add a better mic stand, an interface, and video gear.

Whether you go with the versatile MV7+, the legendary SM7B, or the portable MoveMic system, you’ll get pro-quality audio backed by decades of Shure engineering excellence. Combine your mic with reliable headphones like the SRH440A, an MVX2U interface, and your favorite DAW, and you’re ready to hit record.

For more gear ideas and tips to launch your podcast, check out the Shure MIKED UP – Podcasting handbook here.