True Crime Podcast Equipment: What You Actually Need to Get Started

TL;DR: Start with a quality microphone ($60-150), headphones ($50-100), and free recording software. A quiet recording environment matters more than expensive gear. As you grow, consider adding an audio interface, better acoustic treatment, and professional editing software. Don't let equipment concerns delay your launch.

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Table of Contents

• Equipment Philosophy
• Budget Starter Setup ($150-250)
• Recommended Setup ($400-700)
• Professional Setup ($1000+)
• Recording Environment
• Remote Recording Gear
• Editing Software Options
• Upgrade Priorities
• FAQ

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Equipment Philosophy

True crime listeners expect clear, professional audio. Muddy sound, background noise, and inconsistent levels distract from your content.

Here's the thing: you don't need expensive equipment to achieve professional sound. You need adequate equipment used correctly in an appropriate environment.

What matters most:

1. A decent microphone properly positioned
2. A quiet recording space
3. Consistent audio levels
4. Clean editing

What matters less:

• Top-tier equipment you can't afford
• Complex setups that slow you down
• Gear that exceeds your skill level

Start simple. Upgrade as you understand what improvements you actually need. For production guidance, check out podcast host automation tools and best podcast tools for content repurposing.

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Budget Starter Setup ($150-250)

Everything you need to record quality true crime content without significant investment.

The essentials

USB Microphone ($60-100)

USB mics connect directly to your computer—no additional equipment needed.

Recommended options:

• Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB (~$100): Versatile dynamic mic with both USB and XLR outputs. Good noise rejection for imperfect environments.
• Samson Q2U (~$70): Similar dual-output design at lower price. Solid performance for beginners.
• Fifine K669B (~$30): Budget option for absolute beginners. Upgrade relatively quickly.

Headphones ($40-80)

Closed-back headphones let you monitor audio without bleed into the microphone.

Recommended options:

• Audio-Technica ATH-M20x (~$50): Affordable monitoring headphones with accurate sound.
• Sony MDR-7506 (~$80): Industry standard, slightly better sound quality.
• Any closed-back headphones you already own: Start here before buying.

Pop Filter ($10-20)

Reduces plosives (p and b sounds that create pops). Either:

• Mesh pop filter that positions in front of mic
• Foam windscreen that covers mic directly

Recording Software (Free)

• Audacity: Cross-platform, full-featured, completely free
• GarageBand: Mac users, intuitive interface, free with MacOS
• Ocenaudio: Simple, clean interface, free

Total budget setup cost

This setup produces professional-quality audio for solo recording. Many successful podcasts started with less.

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Recommended Setup ($400-700)

Level up with XLR equipment and better monitoring for enhanced quality and flexibility.

Why upgrade to XLR?

XLR microphones connect through audio interfaces, offering:

• Better preamps and audio conversion
• More microphone options
• Expandability for multiple inputs
• Professional-level quality potential

Core components

Dynamic Microphone ($100-200)

Dynamic mics handle imperfect environments better than condensers—important for home studios.

Recommended options:

• Rode PodMic (~$100): Built for podcasting, excellent value, minimal background pickup
• Shure SM58 (~$100): Industry workhorse, nearly indestructible, proven quality
• Shure MV7 (~$250): USB/XLR hybrid, built-in processing options

Audio Interface ($100-150)

Converts XLR mic signal for your computer.

Recommended options:

• Focusrite Scarlett Solo (~$120): Single input, excellent preamps, reliable driver support
• Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (~$180): Two inputs for guests or co-hosts
• PreSonus AudioBox USB (~$100): Budget-friendly alternative

Better Headphones ($80-150)

• Audio-Technica ATH-M50x (~$150): Industry-standard mixing headphones
• Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (~$150): Extremely comfortable for long sessions

Boom Arm ($40-80)

Positions microphone consistently and reduces desk vibration transmission.

• Rode PSA1 (~$100): Smooth, reliable, widely recommended
• Amazon Basics equivalent (~$20): Functional but less smooth

Acoustic Treatment ($50-100)

Basic treatment improves sound significantly:

• Foam panels for primary reflection points
• Bass traps for corners (optional at this level)
• Moving blankets as budget alternative

Total recommended setup cost

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Professional Setup ($1000+)

For serious podcasters or those building dedicated studios.

Premium microphone options ($300-500)

Shure SM7B (~$400): The podcasting standard. Smooth, rich sound, exceptional noise rejection. Requires significant gain—pair with a Cloudlifter or strong preamp.

Electro-Voice RE20 (~$450): Broadcast standard, natural sound, excellent for voice.

Rode Procaster (~$200): More affordable broadcast-style option with excellent results.

Enhanced audio chain

Cloudlifter or Fethead ($100-150): Clean gain boost for dynamic mics that require more power.

Multi-channel interface ($200-400): For in-person interviews with multiple guests.

• Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 or 18i8
• Zoom PodTrak P4 (built for podcasting, includes record buttons and sound pads)

Hardware processing (optional, $100-300): Compressors, EQs, or channel strips for real-time audio processing. dbx 286s is popular for voice.

Professional software

• Adobe Audition (~$23/month): Industry standard, powerful multitrack editing
• Logic Pro (~$200 one-time): Mac comprehensive DAW
• Hindenburg Journalist (~$95): Built specifically for spoken word

Studio construction (optional)

Dedicated recording spaces optimize audio:

• Acoustic panels covering 20-40% of walls
• Bass traps in corners
• Floating or isolated floor (serious builds)
• Consistent temperature and ventilation

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Recording Environment

Your environment affects audio quality more than your equipment.

Finding quiet space

Identify noise sources:

• HVAC systems (the #1 problem for home recorders)
• Computers and hard drives
• Outside traffic
• Refrigerators, appliances
• Other people in the building

Timing: Record when noise is minimized. Early mornings or late evenings often work best.

Location selection: Smaller rooms with soft surfaces beat large echo-y spaces.

Basic treatment without investment

Use what you have:

• Closets full of clothes make decent recording booths
• Hang blankets to break up reflections
• Record near bookcases, not bare walls
• Avoid hard floors and large windows

Portable treatment:

• Recording near a bed or couch absorbs sound
• Position yourself facing into a corner with blankets
• Create a "blanket fort" around your recording position

Testing your space

Record and listen critically:

• Do you hear room echo?
• Is there consistent background noise?
• Does your voice sound natural or boxed-in?

Compare recordings from different locations in your home. Small position changes create big differences.

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Remote Recording Gear

True crime podcasts often require remote interviews. Different considerations apply.

For guests recording themselves

Guide guests to:

• Use headphones (prevents echo)
• Find quiet spaces
• Position phones or laptops reasonably
• Test connection before recording

Don't expect broadcast quality from guest-recorded audio. Clear and understandable is the goal.

Platform recommendations

Riverside.fm (~$15-29/month): Records local audio for each participant, uploads high-quality files. Backup recording if connection fails.

SquadCast (~$15-30/month): Similar local recording approach, reliable backup systems.

Zencastr (Free tier available): Basic local recording, good for starting out.

Zoom/Teams/Meet: Acceptable for informal interviews but lower audio quality.

Travel recording kit

For field recording or interviews away from your studio:

Portable recorder: Zoom H5 ($280) or Zoom H4n Pro ($220) capture high-quality audio anywhere.

Lavalier microphones: Rode Lavalier Go (~$80) or compatible clip-on mics for mobile situations.

Portable acoustic treatment: ISOVOX or similar portable isolation (expensive) or bring moving blankets.

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Editing Software Options

Your editing software should match your skills and needs.

Free options

Audacity

• Full-featured, cross-platform
• Steep learning curve
• Large community and tutorial resources
• Perfectly capable for professional work

GarageBand (Mac)

• Intuitive interface
• Good built-in effects
• Smooth integration with Mac ecosystem
• Limited compared to Logic but sufficient for podcasting

Paid options

Adobe Audition (~$23/month)

• Industry standard for podcasters
• Excellent noise reduction
• Multitrack editing
• Steep learning curve, powerful once mastered

Logic Pro X (~$200 one-time, Mac)

• Professional DAW
• More power than most podcasters need
• One-time purchase vs. subscription

Hindenburg Journalist (~$95 one-time)

• Built specifically for spoken word
• Automatic leveling
• Intuitive for non-engineers
• Excellent value for podcasters

Descript (~$12-24/month)

• Text-based editing (edit transcript, audio follows)
• Automatic transcription
• Good for rough cuts, may need finishing in other software

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Upgrade Priorities

When you're ready to improve, prioritize in this order:

1. Recording environment

Better room acoustics improve every recording you make. Investment here has compounding returns. This is often cheaper and more impactful than equipment upgrades.

2. Microphone

If your current mic sounds thin, noisy, or harsh, upgrade here next. The jump from cheap USB to quality dynamic mic is dramatic.

3. Editing skills

Learn your software deeply before assuming you need new software. Most podcast audio problems are editing problems, not equipment problems.

4. Audio interface

Quality preamps and converters improve sound ceiling. Less urgent if you're getting good results with current setup.

5. Everything else

Headphones, arms, accessories matter but offer smaller improvements. Upgrade when current gear genuinely limits you.

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FAQ

Do I need separate equipment for solo episodes vs. interviews?

For solo episodes, basic setup works. For in-person interviews, you need additional inputs—either a second microphone into a multi-input interface, or a dual-channel recorder like Zoom PodTrak P4. Remote interviews use software solutions regardless of local setup.

Is USB or XLR better for true crime podcasts?

For beginners, USB is simpler and adequate. XLR offers more flexibility, better upgrade paths, and potentially higher quality—but requires additional equipment. Start with USB if you're new. Move to XLR when you understand why you want it.

How much should I spend to start?

$150-300 gets you everything needed for professional-quality audio. Don't let equipment be an excuse to delay launching. Better to start with basic gear and upgrade as you earn revenue than to spend thousands before recording your first episode.

Do I need a sound mixer?

Most podcasters don't. Software mixing during editing handles what mixers traditionally did. Hardware mixers (or interfaces with DSP like GoXLR) can simplify live streaming or add real-time effects, but they're not necessary for standard podcast production.

What about video podcast equipment?

If adding video, budget for: camera (DSLR or quality webcam, $200-500), lighting (ring light or softbox setup, $50-200), and background setup. Audio equipment recommendations remain the same—audio quality matters more than video quality for podcasts.

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Ready to Start Recording Your True Crime Podcast?

Quality equipment matters, but it shouldn't delay your launch. Start with gear that fits your budget, focus on environment and technique, and upgrade as you grow. Your content and storytelling matter more than your equipment specifications.

As you build your archive of episodes, being able to search your own work becomes invaluable—finding specific cases you've covered, tracking how your production quality has evolved, and referencing what you've said previously.

Try PodRewind free and make your true crime archive searchable from the very first episode.