Starting a podcast doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to be done the right way. Whether you’re recording interviews, long-form conversations, or solo episodes, the quality of your audio, video, and overall setup directly impacts how professional your podcast feels.
This guide is based on Torro Media’s hands-on podcast production experience, including producing podcasts such as Always Bullish and Monday Bull by Torro Media, as well as The Search Podcast hosted by Marc Lewis, which we’ve grown to over 10,000 followers across platforms. Everything below comes from real-world use, not theory, the same workflows and tools we rely on in production.
What You Need to Start a Podcast
Audio Equipment (Most Important)
Audio quality will make or break your podcast. Even average video can get you by — but bad audio can’t. That’s especially true because a large portion of podcast listeners consume content on audio-only platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
While some people enjoy watching podcasts as a movie or cinematic experience, many others are listening while running, at the gym, commuting, working, doing errands, or cleaning. In those moments, audio clarity is everything — and poor sound quality is the fastest way to lose an audience.
Rodecaster (Mixer / Mic Line / MIDI)
We use the Rodecaster Pro II, which acts as the central hub of the podcast. It allows you to connect multiple microphones, control levels, record clean audio, and maintain consistency across episodes.
Budget-friendly alternatives:
Simpler audio interfaces or mixers can still work when paired with good microphones — just be mindful of input limits and recording options.
Microphone for Each Person
We use the Shure MV7+. Each speaker should have their own microphone to ensure clarity, separation, and a professional sound.
Budget-friendly alternatives:
- Shure MV7x
- Samson Q2U
- Audio-Technica ATR2100x
XLR Cables
You’ll need one XLR cable per microphone to connect each mic to the mixer. Use quality cables and choose lengths that fit your setup to avoid clutter or strain on connections.
Micro-SD Card
Insert this directly into the mixer to record audio. Make sure it’s properly formatted before recording.
Headphones (Recommended)
Headphones allow you to monitor audio in real time during recording. Hearing levels, mic clarity, and issues as they happen helps prevent problems that are difficult to fix later.
Video Equipment
If your podcast is being uploaded to YouTube and/or repurposed into short-form clips — which ideally, it should — video becomes an important part of the workflow.
Cameras
We use Sony A7III cameras, but any reliable mirrorless camera capable of long, uninterrupted recording will work. There are solid options at both professional and budget levels.
Recording Media
Each camera will need its own SD card, assuming you’re recording internally.
Camera Angles
- One camera for a solo shot of each person
- One wide shot capturing everyone (ideal, but optional)
Power Management
Each camera should be plugged into power to prevent shutdowns during longer recordings. Also make sure any power-saving settings that may stop the recording or turn off the camera are disabled.
Video Enhancement (Optional Upgrades)
Ninja Monitors (One Per Camera)
Ninja monitors improve video quality and reliability by recording footage directly onto a Ninja-compatible SSD instead of the camera’s internal SD card.
A Ninja setup typically includes:
- Ninja monitor
- Compatible SSD and adapter cable
- AC power adapter
- HDMI to micro-HDMI cable
Important: When purchasing a Ninja monitor, make sure you’re buying the correct model and understand what’s included. Many essential components — including the AC power cord and Ninja-compatible SSD — are often sold separately. This can be confusing and easy to overlook, something we learned firsthand through experience.
Lighting (Critical for a Professional Look)
Lighting plays a massive role in how professional a visual podcast looks. Even great cameras can appear amateur with poor lighting, while proper lighting can instantly elevate the quality of your show.
You don’t need a complex lighting setup, but you do need to be intentional. Soft, front-facing light and consistency across shots go a long way.
Post-Production & Editing
Editing is where the podcast becomes content.
Editing Software
- Adobe Premiere Pro (industry standard)
- Budget-friendly alternatives:
- CapCut
- iMovie
Storage & File Management
Podcast production generates large files quickly, especially with video.
Common storage ranges include:
- Smaller drives for audio-only or light video workflows
- Larger drives for multi-camera, long-form production
We use a 20TB Seagate Expansion HDD, but the right size depends on how often you record and how much footage you’re storing.
Social Media, Clipping & Consistency
Recording the podcast is only half the job. Growth comes from distribution, and today that means social media.
Clipping full episodes into short-form content for platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts is one of the most effective ways to reach new audiences. Many listeners will discover your podcast through a clip before ever listening to a full episode.
Consistency matters. Understanding how platforms reward watch time, engagement, and retention matters. You don’t need to master every algorithm — but you do need to show up regularly and give your content a chance to perform.
A great podcast with no distribution will struggle. A good podcast with consistent clipping and posting can grow quickly.
Estimated Cost Ranges (High-Level)
- Audio-only setup: roughly a few hundred dollars
- Audio + basic video: low-to-mid four figures
- Professional multi-camera setup: several thousand, depending on gear choices
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a professional studio or an unlimited budget to start a podcast — but you do need:
- Clean, reliable audio
- Consistent video and lighting
- A repeatable recording, editing, and distribution workflow
That’s the difference between just starting a podcast and building one that lasts.
Looking for more podcast help? Contact us, we're pros and more than happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best podcast setup for beginners?
The best beginner setup prioritizes clear audio first, then adds video later. Start with one solid microphone, a simple audio interface or mixer, headphones for monitoring, and a quiet recording space. Once your audio sounds clean and consistent, add a camera and basic lighting if you plan to post on YouTube or clip content for social media.
Do I need a mixer like the Rodecaster to start a podcast?
No, you can start without a Rodecaster if you are recording solo or with one guest. A basic audio interface can work well, especially if you are using one or two microphones. A mixer like the Rodecaster becomes more valuable when you want a central hub for multiple mics, easier level control, cleaner recording, and a more repeatable workflow.
Should I record video for my podcast, or is audio only fine?
Audio only is fine if your main distribution is Spotify and Apple Podcasts. If you want faster growth, video helps because it gives you YouTube long form content, plus short form clips for TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. Many shows grow because people discover them through a clip first, then watch or listen to full episodes later.
How many microphones do I need for a podcast interview?
Plan for one microphone per person. Sharing a mic usually causes inconsistent volume, more background noise, and a less professional sound. Separate microphones keep voices clear and make editing easier because each speaker has their own clean track.
What is the easiest way to improve podcast audio quality?
Control your recording environment and mic technique. Record in a quieter room with less echo, keep the microphone close to each speaker, and monitor levels with headphones while recording. Clean audio usually comes from good mic placement and a consistent workflow more than expensive gear.
How do I prevent cameras from stopping during long podcast recordings?
Use continuous power for each camera and turn off any auto-sleep or power-saving settings. Make sure your recording media can handle long sessions, and test your full setup before a real episode. A quick trial run can reveal issues like overheating, storage limits, or settings that stop recording unexpectedly.
How much storage do I need for podcast production?
It depends on your workflow. Audio-only files are manageable, but multi-camera video creates large files quickly. If you record often and keep full episode archives, plan for larger external storage so you are not constantly deleting footage. A repeatable file naming system and organized folder structure matters just as much as total storage size.
How often should I post podcast clips on social media?
Consistency matters more than perfection. A practical starting point is to post multiple clips per episode and keep a steady weekly rhythm so the platforms have enough content to test and distribute. The biggest goal is to give your podcast repeated chances to get discovered through short form content.
