The world of audio recording has changed drastically in recent years. With improvements in technology and accessibility, anyone is capable of recording quality sound in a home studio. From musicians looking to record their next hit to podcast hosts capturing their next episode, professional sound and quality is attainable for all.

With an absurd amount of options available, finding the best podcast equipment that is within your budget is a challenge. For example, the Neumann U 87 is a brilliant microphone that will capture a voice like a dream, but it runs for $3,000. Not many podcasters working on a budget have that kind of cash on hand. Alternatively, the CAD U37 USB microphone sells for $60 and all you need to do is plug it into your computer. The trade off is that you will surely notice a difference in sound quality, and for a podcast host who is looking to appear professional, that may not be an option.

As is the case for most things in life, you get what you pay for. Purchasing a cheap piece of equipment will yield poor results and buying a top of the line piece of equipment will break the bank. Microphones, mixers, headphones and editing softwares are the four key components in a podcasters studio, and each product is available for a wide variety of prices, from dirt cheap to astronomical.

This article will detail how to outfit your home studio with the best podcast equipment for under $350.

Microphones:

Your microphone is arguably the most important piece of equipment you will buy for your podcast because even the most inexperienced listeners will notice a poor quality recording.

Blue Microphones Yeti USB Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone

USB, XLR, and condenser microphones are all great candidates for podcasting, but if you are looking for good sound quality and simple operation, the Blue Yeti USB Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone is your best bet. Simply plug the USB into your computer, follow the start up steps, and you are ready to record. Starting at $129

Mixers:

If you need two microphones recording at the same time or choose to work with a microphone that requires an XLR cord, then you will need to purchase a mixer. A mixer is the box that transfers sound from your microphone into a format that goes into the recording software on your computer.

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface

There are a number of excellent options available, but the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface is a great piece of equipment for any podcaster to start with. Starting at $159.

Recording Software

Once you have your recording captured, you need a place to edit it, whether you are chopping the recording or simply cleaning up the sound quality. Fortunately, there are a number of free options available. Audacity is a free software available for download and Garage Band is available with Apple products. FREE.

Headphones:

The last piece of equipment you will need is a pair of headphones. Like microphones, there are many options available for a wide variety of prices. Fortunately, to put together a quality podcast any pair of decent over-the-ear headphones will do. Audio-Technica ATH-M20x is a great middle ground. Starting at $49.