The Ultimate Podcast Equipment Guide
Thinking about starting a podcast? As a financial advisor, you’re right to weigh the return on investment. The good news is that podcasting doesn't require deep pockets or fancy studios. Many successful shows started out in spare rooms or home offices with basic gear.
In this guide, we’ll cut through the confusion and give you a realistic idea of what you need (and what you don’t) to create a professional-sounding podcast.
Let’s dive in!
Small Investments, Big Results
Two major areas that every podcaster needs to address at some point are their audio and their content flow.
Everyone likes an episode that’s easy on the ears, and no one likes to listen to people ramble.
Audio sets the listening experience, and content flow shapes how your ideas are received. The good news is that small, budget-friendly adjustments in both areas can dramatically improve how professional your podcast feels.
1. Noise Reduction
If audio quality is an issue, listeners usually don’t complain–they just hit pause and never return.
One of the easiest ways to improve audio quality is by controlling your environment, and it doesn’t have to cost you much at all. Try these tips to reduce echo and background noise in your recording space:
Choose the Right Room: Record in a quiet, enclosed space (a carpeted home office or even a walk-in closet can work wonders). Rooms with lots of soft surfaces (curtains, couches, carpet) will naturally dampen echoes. Simply picking a room with some upholstery or adding furnishings can make a significant difference in sound quality.
DIY Sound Treatment: Household items can do the trick! Hang thick blankets or lay down a plush rug to absorb echoes. Even adding bookshelves or heavy curtains helps by absorbing and diffusing sound reflections. You might be surprised how much clearer your audio sounds after putting a rug under your desk or hanging a comforter behind the microphone. Alternatively, you can buy foam paneling to attach to your studio walls.
Block Out Noise: Close the windows and inform family or housemates when you’re recording to minimize interruptions. If outside noise or street sounds are an issue, consider recording at a time of day when it’s quieter. Little tweaks like these cost nothing but can dramatically improve your audio quality.
2. Speech Practice
Another low-cost investment you can make is in your own presentation skills. Even if you’re an expert in finance, podcasting is a new medium, and it pays to practice how you deliver your message. After all, a podcast that’s engaging and well-paced will keep your audience listening.
Put some time into practicing your conversational skills to make sure you always sound great with tips from classics like Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People”, Robert Cialdini’s “Influence”, or Larry King’s “How to Talk to Everyone”.
3. Artwork
As a financial advisor, your podcast’s branding should reinforce your firm’s image and help you stand out in a crowded field of content. Distinctive cover and episode graphics help attract listeners browsing through podcast directories.
It’s the first impression of your show, so a little effort here goes a long way.
The last thing you need is to get your message lost in the crowd after all your hard work.
Make sure the colors, fonts, and imagery match your firm’s branding. Consistency builds recognition. If your company has specific brand guidelines, apply those.
Fortunately, graphic design work comes in a wide variety of price tags, and there are low-cost options available if you have budget constraints.
Taking It to the Next Level
While these tips can go a long way in improving your sound, they can only take you so far. If you want consistently professional-sounding content, investing in the right hardware becomes an important next step.
1. Hardware: Microphone
Making sure you sound great starts with the right recording equipment!
Consider upgrading to a high-performance microphone for crisp sound and easy listening.
Popular microphone options we recommend:
The world-acclaimed Shure MV7 ($269.95), with its proven track record for podcasts and content creation, is always a great option for creators looking for industry-level solutions.
Audio-Technica ATR2100x ($69.99) can be light on the budget (and the space!).
2. Recording Software: Riverside
To record your podcast content, we recommend Riverside. It records high-quality audio and video for each participant, and automatically records separate audio tracks for each speaker, making editing significantly easier and more precise.
Whether you’re recording solo or hosting remote guests, Riverside offers a reliable, professional foundation for your podcast workflow.
3. Laptops, Headphones, and More
A laptop is the home for the apps and files of many podcast creators today, so it only makes sense that you’d want the best one available.
The following laptops are good options:
The Apple M4 MacBook is considered the best option for podcasters who want all their work (from audio, video, and more) in one spot - and it looks great, too!
Preferring an option that’s easier on the wallet? Then the Acer Aspire 5 is a productivity-focused option for you.
For those who want a more hands-on approach, the Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i 16″ is a fantastic choice. With powerful performance and a large display, it’s well-suited for recording podcast content.
Headphones or earphones can help you monitor sound levels, prevent mic bleed, and hear what you’re saying in real-time.
Popular choices include:
Sennheiser’s HD 280 PRO ($79) for great sound quality,
Audio-Technica’s ATH-M20X ($49) for cord-free comfort and ease of use (especially for first-timers),
Apple’s AirPods (3nd Gen) ($135) are a great fit if you prefer an ultra-light setup,
or the Sony MDR-7506 ($119) if you want what studio professionals use as an all-around solution.
While You’re Recording
Just because you’ve got the latest and greatest tech has to offer doesn’t mean that your work is going to magically shine on its own. Even the best equipment can’t compensate for constant interruptions or avoidable errors, so a bit of preparation and awareness goes a long way.
Here are some handy tips for making the most of your new setup:
Make it a habit to check the Audio Settings on your recording software to ensure that the correct input device (i.e. your external mic) is selected. Getting a great recording down only to find out the audio isn’t as clear as you planned, can be a real bummer.
If you want more control while editing and mixing your audio, always make sure that you have a separate audio track for each speaker. This is automatically the case if you use Riverside.fm. If several speakers are recorded on the same track, it’s harder to edit out the parts you may not like in the final cut.
Small noises like phone alerts and jangling jewelry can be avoided if you take the time to mute or remove them before recording. Fans and air conditioners can also add unnecessary sounds to your audio, so be sure to minimize or completely turn off those appliances before you hit record.
Put your mic in a sweet spot where you won’t bump it for smooth recording, and remember to keep a short distance between it and your mouth while talking. Three to five inches (or a little over half of the length from the tip of your middle finger to your wrist) is recommended, but do always check for that perfect distance, as it can vary per mic.
And You’re Ready!
For financial advisors, podcasting can be an incredible way to connect with clients and showcase your expertise, and it doesn’t require a broadcast studio or a six-figure investment.
Over time, the equipment discussed above can lead to better reviews, more listeners, and new business opportunities as your professional image grows.
As financial advisors, you understand the importance of wise investments and this is one that can truly pay off in building your brand. With this guide, you now know what you need (and what you don’t) to create a professional podcast that represents your firm well.
A successful podcast starts with a strong strategy. Download our free Podcast Strategy Workbook to get started!