Podcast Studio Setup

The Easiest Beginner Setup for Audio and Video

Did you know that over five million podcasts exist worldwide—yet more than half fail after just three episodes? This may sound discouraging, but it’s actually an enormous opportunity. With 460 million people listening to podcasts daily, simply persisting beyond those first three episodes puts you ahead of half the competition.

One of the biggest mistakes new podcasters make is overcomplicating their setup. In this guide, we’ll explore the simplest way to start a podcast, including essential gear, recording methods, and ways to enhance quality with video and lighting.

The Simplest Podcast Setup for Beginners

To begin, you really only need two things:

1. A microphone
2. A way to record and edit audio

Choosing the Right Microphone

While there’s a wide range of microphones available, dynamic podcasting microphones are a safe choice for most beginners. They’re designed to reduce background noise and focus on your voice.

For simplicity, a USB microphone is best. It’s plug-and-play—connect it directly to your computer and start recording. Two highly recommended options are:

1. RØDE PodMic USB – affordable, durable, and professional sounding
2. Shure MV7+ – versatile with both USB and XLR connections

If you want the highest quality and more control over your sound, consider an XLR microphone. Just remember you’ll also need an audio interface to connect it to your computer, which adds cost and complexity. For beginners, USB is usually the smarter starting point.

Recording Your Podcast: Manual vs Semi-Automated Methods

Manual Recording

You can record into free programs like Audacity or GarageBand, but manual editing can be time-consuming and technical. Many new podcasters quit early because the process feels overwhelming.

Semi-Automated Recording (Recommended)

Platforms like Riverside streamline recording and editing. Simply plug in your USB mic, open Riverside in your browser, select your mic, and hit record. You can:

1. Invite remote guests with a link
2. Record in high quality without syncing files manually
3. Use built-in AI tools for editing and transcription
4. Publish directly to platforms like Spotify

By reducing technical friction, you’re far more likely to keep producing episodes consistently.

Why You Should Consider Video Podcasting

Podcasting isn’t just about audio anymore. 42% of U.S. adults now prefer video podcasts, up from 32% in 2022. On Spotify alone, video podcast consumption has grown by 70% year-on-year.

Video offers several advantages:

1. Higher audience engagement
2. Easier content repurposing for TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts
3. Greater brand visibility

Platforms like Riverside include features such as Magic Clips, which automatically generates short, shareable highlights from your episode.

Best Cameras for Video Podcasts

If you’re adding video to your podcast, consider these options:

1. Built-in laptop webcam – free and convenient, but lower quality
2. External webcams – e.g., OBSBOT or Insta360 models, often with 4K capability
3. Mirrorless cameras – e.g., Sony ZV-1 or Sony ZV-E10 for ultimate image quality

All of these can work seamlessly with Riverside’s recording platform.

Additional Gear to Improve Quality

1. Headphones – optional, but useful for monitoring. AirPods or other wireless earbuds are discreet. For maximum clarity, over-ear headphones like RØDE NTH-100 are excellent.
2. Lighting – good lighting dramatically improves video quality. Natural light from a window works well, but a softbox LED light offers consistent results at any time of day.

Quick Recap: The Best Podcasting Setups

Beginner Audio Podcast:

1. USB dynamic microphone
2. Semi-automated recording with Riverside

Intermediate Video Podcast:

1. USB microphone
2. External webcam
3. Riverside for recording and editing

Professional-Level Video Podcast:

1. XLR microphone with audio interface
2. Mirrorless camera
3. Riverside for multi-track recording and publishing

Final Thoughts

Starting a podcast doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. By keeping your setup simple and leveraging tools that streamline production, you greatly increase your chances of producing episodes consistently—and standing out in a crowded market.

If you’re ready to launch, try Riverside for free. When you’re ready to upgrade, use code NICK2 for 20% off your subscription.