81. Podcast Setup for Beginners

Listen to “81. Podcast Setup for Beginners” on Spreaker.

Let’s get one thing straight: launching your podcast doesn’t require a studio full of blinking lights, a sound engineer, and a thousand-dollar mic. What you actually need is a setup that works for you—something simple, sustainable, and good enough to make your voice shine without the stress or sticker shock.

Over the past few months, I’ve been getting a wave of questions from new podcasters asking:

“What’s the best podcast setup for beginners?”
“Do I need to buy all this gear before I launch?”
“Why doesn’t my audio sound professional?”

And here’s what I always tell them: your setup doesn’t define your success—your consistency and clarity do.

But, yes—your setup does matter enough to get right from the start. Because bad audio will turn listeners away, and the good news is, it’s easier than ever to sound professional without spending a fortune.

So, let’s break it down.

What's In This Post

Step 1: Start with the Mic That Matches Your Season

Your microphone is the heart of your podcast setup—but you don’t need to marry it. Think of it like dating: start with something solid that fits your life and your goals right now.

Here’s my honest, real-world take:
I’ve used my good ol’ trusty Blue Yeti microphone for years. It’s not the most glamorous mic out there, and by industry standards, it’s far from “top tier.” But it’s reliable. It delivers clean, rich sound when used correctly—and that’s what matters.

Now, if you’re looking for alternatives that are beginner-friendly and portable, here are my top picks:

🎙️ Samson Q2U – This one’s my go-to recommendation for new podcasters. It’s a dynamic mic that plugs in via USB or XLR, so you can grow into a more advanced setup later.
🎙️ Audio-Technica ATR2100x – Very similar to the Samson Q2U, with a clear, crisp tone and solid build.
🎙️ Rode PodMic USB – For those who want slightly higher-end sound but still want plug-and-play simplicity.

What you don’t need right now?
A complex interface, a mixer, or a $700 condenser mic that picks up every car horn and dog bark in your neighborhood.

Keep it simple. Keep it soulful.

Step 2: Build a Sound-Smart Space (Without Building a Studio)

Now, let’s talk about the real secret to sounding pro: your recording environment.

If your room echoes, even the best mic can’t save you. You need to soften your sound space.

And no—you don’t need expensive acoustic panels. I use a foam recording box I grabbed on Amazon, paired with a simple pop filter clipped right onto my mic stand. The foam box absorbs reflections, while the pop filter tames those harsh “p” and “t” sounds.

If you’re on a tight budget, here’s a little hack that works wonders:

Record in a closet surrounded by clothes (seriously, it’s nature’s sound booth).
Throw a thick blanket over hard surfaces near your mic.
Turn off noisy fans, air conditioners, and any humming electronics.

Your goal isn’t perfection—it’s clarity. You’re creating a vibe, not a recording studio.

Step 3: Choose Software That Doesn’t Slow You Down

Now, let’s talk about recording software—because this is where most new podcasters overcomplicate things.

If you’re brand new to this, you just need something intuitive that doesn’t require a tech degree.

Here are my top picks:

GarageBand (Mac) – Free, simple, and surprisingly powerful. Perfect for solo episodes or basic editing.
Audacity (Mac/Windows) – Open-source and solid for beginners. Not the prettiest interface, but it gets the job done.
Riverside.fm or Zencastr – Ideal for remote interviews. Both record locally (on each person’s computer) so your audio stays clean even if your Wi-Fi decides to betray you mid-episode.

Pro tip: if you’re using Riverside or Zencastr, always wear headphones. It keeps your audio crisp and prevents echo.

The goal here isn’t to master every button—it’s to find your rhythm. Pick a platform, learn the basics, and start recording. You can always refine your workflow later.

Step 4: Focus on Consistency Before Complexity

Let me tell you something I wish every new podcaster understood from day one: you don’t need the perfect setup to start—you need the right mindset to keep going.

I’ve seen too many people stall out before they even launch because they’re waiting for the perfect mic, the perfect intro, the perfect logo. But podcasting is a practice. You learn by doing, not overthinking.

When I launched my first podcast years ago, I didn’t have fancy gear. I had a cheap mic, a quiet room, and a message. What mattered was showing up.

And here’s the thing—your audience doesn’t care what microphone you’re using. They care that you’re consistent, authentic, and providing value.

So, instead of spending six months perfecting your setup, spend six weeks recording, listening, adjusting, and improving. That’s how you grow faster and find your voice.

Step 5: Upgrade Slowly—When You’re Ready

Once you’ve been podcasting for a while and you’re starting to find your groove, then you can start thinking about upgrades.

A few gear additions that make sense over time:

Audio Interface (like the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2) if you move to XLR mics.
Boom Arm Mic Stand for better mic placement.
Closed-back Headphones for cleaner editing and less bleed.
Soundproofing panels or foam if you move into a larger or echo-prone space.

But don’t rush it. Your audience isn’t asking for better gear—they’re asking for your next episode.

Step 6: The Soul of a Great Setup

Let’s zoom out for a second, because podcasting isn’t just about cables and tech. It’s about connection.

Your podcast setup should feel like an extension of your creativity, not a barrier to it. The goal is to design an environment where you can hit record easily, speak confidently, and stay in flow.

That’s why my motto is “sustainable setup.”
If your process is too complicated, you won’t stick with it. But when it’s simple and aligned with your lifestyle, you’ll actually look forward to creating.

Here’s what a soulful podcast setup looks like in real life:

It’s quiet enough to focus.
It’s organized enough to feel calm.
And it’s personal enough to feel like home.

You don’t need to imitate the big podcast studios—you just need to honor your own rhythm.

Step 7: Your Quick Setup Checklist

To make this super practical, here’s your beginner podcast setup checklist to reference before you hit record:

🎙️ Equipment
✅ Microphone: Samson Q2U / ATR2100x / Blue Yeti
✅ Pop Filter: Attached to mic stand
✅ Foam box or DIY acoustic treatment
✅ Headphones for monitoring

💻 Software
✅ GarageBand or Audacity for editing
✅ Riverside or Zencastr for interviews
✅ Descript (optional) for transcripts and easy editing

🎧 Environment
✅ Quiet room or closet setup
✅ Soft surfaces (curtains, rugs, blankets)
✅ No background noise (fans, A/C, etc.)

💬 Mindset
✅ Focus on connection, not perfection
✅ Batch record to stay consistent
✅ Celebrate progress, not polish

Stick to this checklist and you’ll be miles ahead of where most beginners start. You can also download my Launch Confidently Podcasting Checklist here.

Final Thoughts: Start Simple, Stay Consistent, and Grow with Soul

When it comes to your podcast setup, I’ll leave you with this:
Don’t chase perfection—chase purpose.

Every podcaster you admire started out unsure, experimenting, and figuring it out as they went. What separates those who make it from those who fade out isn’t gear—it’s grit.

So, whether you’re using a Blue Yeti, a Samson Q2U, or just your phone mic to start—what matters most is that you’re sharing your message, building your voice, and showing up.

Because at the end of the day, your mic doesn’t create impact—you do.

Ready to lighten the load and podcast with more soul?

Let’s work together. Learn more about our services at Soul Podcasting Collective or book a discovery call to see how we can support you.

Author
Recent Posts

Demetria

Demetria is the founder and CEO of podcast agency,Soul Podcasting Collective, and has been a podcast coach and digital marketing consultant for 20 years. She helps businesses and entrepreneurs turn their profitable passions into a plan of action with podcasting, blogging, content strategy and more! Join her and her team and begin your podcasting journey today.