Finding Podcast Equipment in South Africa
If you’re looking for podcasting equipment in South Africa, maybe this article can help you as you take your first steps into one of the world’s fastest-growing media platforms. As a bourgeoning podcaster, you might think you need tons of money and a recording studio to produce a podcast, but the reality is that you only need some essential pieces of tech to get up and running. Here’s what you’ll need:
A Laptop or PC with an Internet Connection.
This is clearly a given. This is what you’re going to be recording on. No, you don’t need the most state of the art computer. It must be sturdy enough to handle some light editing software so if you need an upgrade? We’ve got you covered. You can buy a laptop from HP and pay it off in 4 payments using PayFlex.
A Microphone.
Testing 1, 2, 3. Testing. A microphone is a must! You can’t use the microphone that’s installed on your PC because its quality is not good enough for podcasting. Look for a mic that will connect to your PC directly. An exorbitant amount of money is not needed for a mic, especially when you’re just starting out. Don’t go cheap either, the cheaper you go the more sound quality you lose. You don’t want a cracking noise as a backtrack now do you? If you’re going to have guests, they need microphones too. Check out the Trust – GXT 212 Mico USB Microphone on Raru.com. This mic plugs into your PC directly via the USB port. This means you don’t have to fuss yourself with extra adapters.
Headphones.
You might not think so, but headphones are a vital part of your podcast tech kit. We always sound different when listening to a recorded version of our voice. This is because our brains are registering the sounds coming from our cheekbones and outwards. Wearing headphones brings the sound back into our ears making it easier to hear what we actually sound like to others. This helps with controlling your tonality and speech when speaking into your mic. That’s why you see musicians wearing headphones when recording their tracks. Headphones also give you control of noise which you won’t have to spend hours erasing when editing.
Superbalist stocks kick-ass Skull Candy headphones and in-ears. Pair style with quality sound! PayFlex gives you the option to buy a pair of headphones for you Podcast recordings and a pair of Bluetooth earphones for when you’re jamming beats at the gym.
Audio Editing Software.
This is the most important because you require software to record and edit your final audio. The good news is there are free programs out there for those of you who are starting out. Audacity is the most well-known and used open-source editing software, all for free. If you have money to spend or want to upgrade, Adobe Audition comes highly recommended by pro podcasters.
A Podcast Host.
Once your podcast is recorded and edited, it needs a platform. This is where a host is needed. And while you’re probably hoping you can get your podcast onto Apple iTunes tomorrow, slow down cowboy. We have a hurdle for you. There is a stringent reviewing process to get a podcast loaded to Apple so your episode may not make it onto iTunes at first. Spotify has a much easier process to follow so maybe that would be a better place to start. Other popular podcasting platforms are Blubrry, SoundCloud and Libsyn.
Before Buying Your Podcast Equipment…
Before you even start thinking of buying your podcast equipment, you’ll need to ask yourself what are you prepared to talk about endlessly. You’ll have to make it unique and interesting and answer the question of who is this podcast for? Will you commit to it despite the fact that you may not have a lot of listeners at the start. You’ve got to be in it for the long-haul if you want your podcast to work.
Don’t. Be. Boring.
The only sin of podcasting is being boring. Don’t forget, your audience is listening to your podcast while engaged in another activity, such as driving or making dinner. If you’re boring, you won’t keep them locked in and engaged. Like everything in the media, you need to find a reason for listening – Your “why”. People listen to Howard Stern because he is controversial and honest so they can’t wait to hear what he says next. Others listen to Guy Raz’s podcast “How I Built this” because they’re entrepreneurs who want to gain insight from those who have done it all before. These podcasts have a clear answer to the question of “why does this exist?”.
Plan ahead.
Producing a successful podcast requires planning and preparation, even if it’s only a side-line hobby for you. Plot out at least 10 to 15 thrilling episodes for your podcast that will keep your audience engaged and coming back for more. Only then should you start buying your podcast equipment.
