Whether you’re starting a podcast or looking for the best computer for podcasting, it can be hard to know what type of pro tools you need. If you’ve been considering getting started with podcast recording but are unsure where to start as far as recording software or audio editing software, this blog post is perfect for you! We’ll discuss the different types of computers that are great for recording and editing podcasts – including high-end machines, inexpensive models, laptops, and more.

Do You Need a Computer for Podcasting?

One of the first questions you will ask yourself is whether you need a computer for podcasting that will be separate from the computer you are currently using. The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including the type of podcast you plan to create and your level of experience. If you’re just starting out, it might be a good idea to use an existing computer – or even your smartphone – to record and edit your podcasts.

However, if you want to produce high-quality content with pro tools, you’ll need one of the best computers for podcasting. To edit, process, and export high-quality audio (and possibly accompanying video), a fast and powerful computer is a good choice. That can also mean spending more, but it doesn’t have to.

What to Look For in a Computer for Podcasting

Now that you know whether you need a computer for podcasting and audio production or not, it’s time to start shopping. When choosing a machine for this purpose, there are several factors to consider:

  • the type of content you plan to create (e.g., audio-only, video)
  • your budget
  • the features you need (e.g., editing capabilities, storage space)
  • possibly portability and convenience

Look for a computer with a powerful graphics card. Why? You’re more concerned with audio production, aren’t you? To record and edit high-quality audio, you need a good graphics card because you will be using an audio interface and software with a lot of visual elements. This includes waveforms, spectrograms, and other tools for analysis. You will also be refining audio clips to turn them into the highest quality possible.

Graphics cards are not as important for those who plan to only do audio podcasting, but they can still be helpful. If you’re looking to do some basic video editing along with your audio podcasting, then you’ll want a computer that has a good graphics card.

Another thing to consider is the type of ports that the computer has. You will need at least one port that can take an XLR input for your microphone, and you may also want a Thunderbolt or USB-C port to connect external devices.

Storage space is another important consideration, especially if you plan on podcasting regularly. You’ll need enough space to store all of your audio files, as well as any video files you may produce. Laptops usually have less storage space than desktops, so if you’re looking for a computer specifically for podcasting, it might be best to go with a desktop model.

How Much RAM Do I Need for Podcasting?

RAM is important for the best computer for podcasting because it determines how many applications you can have open at the same time. If you’re doing a lot of multitasking – like working on audio while editing video – then you’ll need more RAM. Most computers come with at least four gigabytes of RAM, but if you’re planning on using heavier software or working with large files, you may want to consider upgrading to eight or even 16 GB RAM.

The other reason you will want to have as much RAM as possible on whatever computer you use for podcasting is that you will be running your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) to edit your podcast, and these programs often use a lot of memory. DAWs often require RAM of at least four gigabytes, and some even recommend 8GB RAM or 16 GB RAM.

The next RAM consideration is the podcast editing software you plan to use. You can use several good options on both macOS and Windows computers, including free ones like Audacity or GarageBand, but one of the most powerful tools around is Adobe’s suite of Creative Cloud apps, such as Premiere Pro CC (video) and Audition CC (audio). These programs work best with a lot of RAM, so make sure your computer meets those requirements if they’re needed.

. The Best Laptop for Podcasting: MacBook Air

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The MacBook Air is a slim and sleek laptop perfect for podcasting because it has a good graphics card and lots of RAM. The 13-inch model is known for having great battery life, making it perfect to take with you on the go if needed.

Specifications of the MacBook Air:

  • Two Thunderbolt ports
  • Four USB ports
  • HDMI port

Apple MacBook Air’s advantage for podcasters is the graphics card and the battery life. The 13-inch MacBook Air has a dedicated graphics card, which means that it is much better than an integrated one for things like video editing as well as running Photoshop or Illustrator simultaneously with your podcasting software.

The downside of the Apple MacBook Air for podcasters is that it does not have a lot of storage space. The base model comes with only 128 gigabytes, which may not be enough if you plan on podcasting regularly and storing audio and video files together.

If you’re looking for a computer to do both podcasting and general-purpose work like web browsing and word processing, the MacBook Air is a great option. It has all the ports you need, as well as a good graphics card and plenty of RAM. Just keep in mind that it might not always have enough storage space for your needs.

2. Best Budget Laptop for Podcasting:  Acer Aspire E15

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If you want the best budget laptop for podcasting, Acer’s Aspire E15 is a great option. It comes with an eighth-generation Intel Core i processor, which will give you enough power to do basic podcast editing, and it also has plenty of storage space.

Specifications of the Acer Aspire E 15:

  • 12 gigabytes of RAM
  • 256 gigabytes of SSD storage

Benefits of the Acer Aspire E15 for podcasting:

  • Twelve gigabytes of RAM is a good amount for podcast editing, and you can always upgrade to sixteen if needed.
  • 256 gigabytes of storage space is enough for storing audio and video files.
  • The Acer Aspire E15 comes with Windows ten, which is the best operating system for podcasting because most DAWs are made for it.

Downsides of the Acer Aspire E15 for podcasting:

The downside is that it doesn’t have a dedicated graphics card. If you plan to do any video editing or use more intensive software, you may want to consider something else. Another downside is that it only has one high-speed USB port, so you’ll need to buy an adapter to connect more than one powerful accessory at a time.

Ports are necessary if you plan to use multiple inputs, like when you do an interview and have many guests on the show.

3. Chromebook for Podcasting: Google Pixelbook

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Chromebooks have increased their power and advantages over the years, to the point where they now make great tools for podcasting. The best Chromebook for podcasting is the Google Pixelbook, which comes with a seventh-generation Intel Core i Processor, sixteen gigabytes of RAM, and 512 GB of internal storage space.

Specifications of the Google Pixelbook:

  • Seventh-generation Intel Core i Processor
  • 16GB RAM
  • 512GB internal storage space

Benefits of the Google Pixelbook for podcasting:

  • Its seventh-generation Core i Processor is one of the newest on the market, so you know it will be able to handle any software you need to use.
  • You can’t beat sixteen gigabytes of RAM – that’s more than many laptops currently offer.
  • The Google Pixelbook comes with a built-in pen for drawing or taking notes, which could come in handy if you’re doing any editing or brainstorming during your podcasting process.

The main downside to the Google Pixelbook is that it doesn’t have an SD card slot or a traditional USB port – instead, it has two USB Type C ports. If you’re okay with using adapters, then this shouldn’t be much of a problem, but it’s something to consider if you’re not familiar with them. Another downside is that the battery life isn’t as good as some of the other laptops on this list, and it is quite expensive.

4. Podcasting with iPad Pro

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Specifications of the iPad Pro:

  • M1 chip made by Apple
  • 11 inch or 12.92-inch Retina Display

The iPad Pro is a newer model that’s been gaining in popularity among podcasters, and for good reason – it has some impressive specs. The M1 chip makes this tablet faster than many laptops on the market, so it’s perfect for multitasking while you record or edit your podcast and has proven performance when it comes to processing audio and video.

It also comes with a range of ports, including USB-C and Thunderbolt, which give you more options for connecting microphones, audio interfaces, and other peripherals. Another benefit of the iPad Pro is its battery life; Apple claims it can last up to ten hours on a single charge, which is more than enough for a full day of podcasting.

The main benefit of using an iPad Pro for podcasting is its portability. Since it’s a tablet, you can take it with you wherever you go without having to worry about lugging around a heavy laptop. This could be useful if you want to do on-location interviews or record outside of your home studio. Another advantage of the iPad Pro is that there are many different apps available for audio editing and recording, making the process much easier than trying to use software not designed for podcasting.

One downside of using an iPad Pro for podcasting is that it doesn’t have as much power as some of the other laptops or desktops on this list. If you’re planning on doing a lot of recording or editing then it’s best to go with one of the other options mentioned here.

The main downside of the iPad Pro is that it doesn’t have a physical keyboard or trackpad, so you’ll need to buy one separately if you want to be able to type quickly and accurately. There are many great keyboards available for the iPad Pro, but they can add an extra expense to your budget. Another downside is that there’s no option for a built-in cellular connection – you’ll need to be near Wi-Fi access points to use the tablet for podcasting.

Believe it or not, it is possible to record, edit, and produce your podcast with an iPad Pro. iPad Pro is a powerful tablet that has blurred the lines between a tablet and a laptop, and as a result, is a great companion for podcasters.

One more thing…

The Google Pixelbook, MacBook Pro, and iPad Pro are all excellent choices for podcasting (the first two in particular), but they aren’t your only option. If you’d like a laptop that is cheaper than any of these three while still having some powerful specs on board, consider checking out Dell’s XPS line. Or if you’re looking for something completely different, there is always a huge array of Chromebooks, which run ChromeOS instead of Windows or Mac OS.

The point is, with the number of options out there to choose from, there is no need to get hung up on one brand or type of device. The computer you use for podcasting will work just fine no matter which one you choose. The main difference is how professional of a setup you have, and the hardware requirements for power to keep that setup running smoothly.

Best PC Microphone for Podcasting

If you are using a PC and want to use an external mic for your podcasting, there are two standout choices for you:

1. The Blue Yeti USB Microphone

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Specifications of the Blue Yeti USB Microphone:

The Blue Yeti has been dubbed the best podcasting microphone around because it’s simple to set up and produces great sound quality without breaking your budget. The Blue Yeti is one of the most popular microphones for podcasting and music production because it’s very easy to use and sounds great. It has a built-in headphone jack that allows you to listen to yourself as you record, which can be a huge time saver if you’re doing any post-production work on your audio files. One downside is that there are some problems are recording multiple people at once – but this problem doesn’t exist when using an XLR mic like the NTG.

2. The Rode NT-USB Condenser Microphone

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Specifications of the Rode NT-USB Condenser Microphone:

  • Type: Condenser microphone
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid (Uni-Directional)
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz–20kHz ± 0.25 dB
  • Sensitivity at 1000 Hz

If you want more flexibility or need something for broadcasting applications, go with the Rode NT instead. This shotgun mic will give you excellent sound quality and a very natural-sounding voice. The only downside is that depending on the model you buy, it requires an XLR mic port, so you’ll need to make sure your PC has one before buying this microphone in that configuration. However, the version we would recommend is the one that includes a USB connection for a simpler experience without dongles or the requirement of having an XLR mic port directly on your computer.

Cost of a Good Podcasting Microphone

To buy a good microphone for podcasting, you will need to spend at least $100. If you want a microphone that is good for multiple people, then you will need to spend more like $200-$300.

If you are looking for an excellent all-around podcasting mic that doesn’t require any additional hardware or software, the Blue Yeti is your best option and it can be found for around $130 on Amazon. If you’re looking for something with better sound quality and don’t mind spending a little extra, the Rode NTG shotgun mic is an excellent choice and will run you about $269 on Amazon.

How To Choose the Best Podcasting Microphone for You

When choosing a podcasting microphone it’s important to consider what features are most important to you as well as how much you’re willing to spend on something like this. For example:

– Do you want a desktop mic or an external USB option? If the former, then go with something large and heavy like the Blue Yeti. But if you don’t have enough desk space (or just prefer not using a stationary mic), stick with an external USB model since they aren’t fixed in one position.

– What about an XLR microphone? To get the best possible sound, this is your best option. It gives you more control over how your voice sounds and removes a lot of background noise (there’s no way to get around echo with a USB mic). But if you don’t need something professional grade or can’t afford to buy another piece of studio equipment, there are plenty of affordable USB options out there that still give good results.

Software Compatibility Matters

So we’ve seen that there are plenty of computers that can get the job done when it comes to podcasting. Whether you’re on a budget or looking for something with maximum power, there is a computer for everyone.

However, one of the biggest factors when choosing a computer for podcasting is the compatibility of the software. Be sure that the software is compatible and optimized for the operating system and processing power of the computer.

You will need to run your DAW on the podcasting computer you choose, so keep the memory and storage capacities in mind when purchasing your laptop. Different programs will have different requirements, and these should be labeled on the box of the laptop as well to ensure that they match up.

If the performance of the computer matches the software, it will run better and will be able to handle more processes simultaneously. Plus, you will have less chance of data loss due to crashes.

Ultimately, the more powerful a podcasting computer you buy, the better equipped it will be to deal with every type of DAW that you need to run. Having more power is always better than less in this case.

Additionally, if you settle on a computer-based on the processing power needed for your preferred DAW, but then change DAWs down the line, you might not have the processing power to accommodate the switch.

Other Factors to Consider

  • Does the computer have USB ports? If it doesn’t, are you willing to buy a separate card for your audio interface?
  • Do you want something small and portable, or do you prefer having more space on your desk so that everything is within reach?

If none of these questions apply to you then choosing any old laptop will probably get the job done. However, if they do matter then be sure to consider them when making your purchase.

The products on this list are all more than capable of getting the job done. It depends on the kind of podcast you are producing and whether you also want to add a video component to your podcasts.

Also, keep in mind that there’s no wrong choice here – just find what works best for how you work! This way, everyone can get their podcasting projects finished faster and produce them at a high quality.

Categorized in:

Podcasting,

Last Update: April 1, 2024