Podcast Starter Kits for Every Budget and Format (2026)
So, you want to start your first podcast. Maybe you got inspired by listening to your favourite podcast show and have a few of your own thoughts and bold opinions to share with the world. Or maybe you’re building a professional podcast setup for a client. Now where do you even start? You’ll need the right podcast equipment, but things can get confusing the moment your shopping list starts piling up: USB microphones, XLR cables, audio interfaces, studio headphones and audio editing software you’ve never heard of. The list goes on, and then things can get expensive. But don’t worry, DJ City has got you covered with the podcast starter kits below!
TL;DR: First and foremost, start by choosing the number of people you want to record in the same room, and then build one complete signal chain around that. If you are recording by yourself, a USB microphone or a single-mic interface pack can get you moving quickly. For two people, my easiest recommendation is the RODE NT-USB Mini Duo Podcast Pack. If you want XLR microphones, separate tracks and room to add more guests, start with a recorder or interface that has enough microphone inputs and headphone outputs.
Disclosure:Â DJ City sells the products discussed in this guide. Recommendations are based on current product information, manufacturer documentation and the practical requirements of each setup. Prices, bundles and stock can change, so check the linked product pages before ordering.
Podcast starter kits: quick picks
- Best affordable solo pack:Â Steinberg IXO12 Podcast Pack
- Best easy two-person kit:Â RODE NT-USB Mini Duo Podcast Pack
- Best foundation for up to four people:Â Zoom PodTrak P4
- Best premium two-person bundle:Â RODE Duo Professional Podcasting Bundle
- Best solo video and streaming bundle:Â RODE Professional Ultimate Streamer Bundle
My pick for most first-time co-hosts is the RODE NT-USB Mini Duo pack. It gives you two matching microphones and the required USB-C cables, and RODE Connect handles the recording and routing on a compatible Mac or Windows computer. Add two closed-back headphones and you have a tidy desk setup without learning an XLR signal chain on day one.
Podcast starter kits at a glance
Swipe sideways to compare all columns.
| Setup | Best for | People in the room | Connection | Included | Add before recording |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steinberg IXO12 Podcast Pack | Affordable solo XLR setup | 1 | XLR mic to interface; USB to device | Interface, condenser mic, stand, pop filter, XLR cable and software | Closed-back headphones; suitable USB adaptor if your device needs one |
| RODE NT-USB Mini Duo | Simple two-person desk podcast | 2 | Two USB-C microphones to computer | Two microphones, two USB-C cables and colour tags | Two headphones; enough free USB ports or a suitable powered hub |
| Zoom PodTrak P4 | Portable shows and growing panels | Up to 4 | XLR microphones to recorder | Four mic inputs, four headphone outputs and SD recording | Microphones, XLR cables, stands, headphones, SD card and power |
| RODE Duo Professional Bundle | Premium two-person studio | 2 | XLR microphones to RODECaster Duo | Console, two PodMics, boom arms, headphones and XLR cables | Computer or microSD card, depending on your workflow |
| RODE Streamer Bundle | Solo video podcast and streaming | 1 | XLR mic and HDMI video through Streamer X | Streamer X, PodMic, headphones, desk stand and XLR cable | Camera, HDMI cable, computer and lighting |
Price and stock note:Â Use the product links for current pricing and availability. A bundle can move into backorder when one included component runs out.
Best starter kit for a solo podcast
Best affordable solo pack: Steinberg IXO12 Podcast Pack
The IXO12 pack is the one I would look at if you’re relying on an XLR setup. It includes the IXO12 interface, ST-M01 condenser microphone, desktop stand, pop filter and XLR cable. Steinberg also includes WaveLab Cast and Cubase AI, so the recording software is covered.
The catch? The IXO12 has only one microphone preamp. So if you have another co-host onboard, this might not be the best setup. The included condenser microphone will also pick up more of a lively room than a close-talked dynamic mic, so you need to make sure your studio’s curtains, carpet, soft furniture are placed at a distance from the mic source.
Why I picked it
- The essential XLR signal chain comes in one pack.
- The interface works with computers and supported iOS devices.
- You can replace the microphone later without replacing the whole setup.
Add before you record
- A pair of closed-back studio headphones.
- A quieter, softer room than the kitchen or an empty spare room.
- The correct USB connection or adaptor for your computer or mobile device.
Two-person podcast setup
Two people in the same room should each have a microphone and a way to hear the recording. That means two USB microphones supported by the same recording system, or two XLR microphones connected to a device with at least two mic inputs. Check the headphone side as well. Many two-input interfaces still have only one headphone socket, which means a splitter or headphone amplifier belongs in the budget.
Easiest two-person setup: RODE NT-USB Mini Duo Podcast Pack
This is the simplest, hassle-free first setup for two people recording at one desk. Both NT-USB Mini microphones connect to your computer, and the free RODE Connect software can recognise and manage compatible RODE USB microphones together. Each mic also has its own 3.5mm headphone output for direct monitoring.
Before you order, count your computer’s ports. The supplied cables are USB-C to USB-C, and some laptops will need different cables or a suitable powered hub. The microphones are condensers too, so sit close to them and keep hard, reflective rooms under control.
What is included
- Two RODE NT-USB Mini microphones
- Two SC17 USB-C to USB-C cables
- RODE COLORS identification tags
What you still need
- Two closed-back headphones
- A compatible Mac or Windows computer running RODE Connect
- Enough USB connectivity for both microphones
Premium two-person setup: RODE Duo Professional Podcasting Bundle
This is the complete XLR route. The RODECaster Duo sits at the centre, with two PodMics, two PSA1+ boom arms, two NTH-100 headphones and two XLR cables around it. Each host gets a matching signal path, physical controls and proper monitoring, while the console can bring in remote callers and record without making your computer do all the work.
You are paying for a far more premium production workflow, so I would only jump here if the show is going to use it to its full potential. For a weekly interview series, live production or a permanent studio, the physical controls and flexible routing make perfect sense. For a casual show recorded once a month, the USB duo kit leaves a lot more money for room treatment and other activities.
Podcast setup for three or four people
Best flexible foundation: Zoom PodTrak P4
The PodTrak P4 is a smart starting point when the guest count changes from episode to episode. It has four XLR microphone inputs and four independently controlled headphone outputs, records separate tracks to an SD card, and can run from two AA batteries or USB power. It can also bring in a remote guest by phone or computer with mix-minus handling to reduce echo.
Just remember that this is the hub, not a finished kit. For every person in the room, add a suitable XLR microphone, XLR cable, stand and headphones. You also need an SD card. Build the basket on paper first, because four inexpensive microphones still become a sizeable spend once every cable and stand is counted.
A complete four-person shopping list
- One Zoom PodTrak P4
- Four XLR microphones
- Four XLR cables
- Four mic stands or boom arms
- Four closed-back headphones
- One compatible SD card
- AA batteries, a USB power source or both
Adding video to your podcast
Best solo video and streaming bundle: RODE Professional Ultimate Streamer Bundle
A video podcast adds a second signal chain. Your microphone still needs clean audio, while the camera needs a reliable path into the computer and enough light to produce a decent image. This bundle centres on the RODE Streamer X, which combines a one-mic audio interface, video capture and hands-on controls. It also includes a PodMic, NTH-100 headphones, DS1 desktop stand and XLR cable.
It is a strong solo setup, especially if you also livestream. It is not a two-person podcast console: the Streamer X has one XLR microphone input. You will still need a camera, the right HDMI cable, lighting, storage and a computer that can comfortably handle your chosen recording or streaming software.
What should a podcast starter kit include?
One microphone path for every person
A microphone path means more than owning two microphones. An XLR setup needs one mic input and one cable per person. A USB setup needs enough compatible USB connections and software that can record the microphones together. Do not assume two USB mics will behave as one tidy recording system in every app.
Headphones and enough headphone outputs
Closed-back headphones help you catch hum, clipping, poor mic position and a remote caller who has disappeared. Every person does not always need to monitor during a casual recording, but each extra listener needs a suitable output. Check this before buying a standard two-input interface with only one headphone socket.
Mic stands, pop control and the correct cables
A microphone sounds more consistent when it stays close to the speaker’s mouth. Add a desk stand or boom arm for each mic, plus a pop filter or windscreen where the microphone does not already provide enough protection. XLR microphones normally need XLR cables; USB microphones need the correct USB cable and port for your device.
Recording software and enough storage
Audacity remains a useful free editor for a straightforward computer recording, and our beginner’s Audacity podcast guide walks through the basic process. Dedicated systems such as RODE Connect and the PodTrak P4 solve different routing and multitrack jobs, so decide where you want to record before choosing the hardware.
A room that helps the microphone
An expensive microphone still records the room around you. Start with the quietest furnished space available, get each mic close to the person speaking and move away from bare walls, windows, computer fans and air conditioning. If the room is lively, a close-talked dynamic microphone is often easier to manage than a sensitive condenser.
A useful International Podcast Day goal!
International Podcast Day lands on 30 September every year. If anything, it’s a great motivator to stop overthinking everything and just start. Aim for a short pilot instead of a perfect public launch. Record ten minutes, listen on headphones and a phone speaker, then fix the loudest problem. You will learn a lot more from that first botched recording than you will from another week of comparing endless gear tabs and reviews!
Frequently asked questions
What equipment do you need to start a podcast?
At minimum, you need a microphone (USB or XLR), headphones for audio monitoring, and recording software on a computer or phone. If you choose an XLR setup or record multiple hosts in person, you will also need an audio interface or podcast mixer.
Can two people record a podcast with USB microphones?
While possible using virtual audio routing software, it is tricky to configure and often leads to technical glitches or audio sync issues. For a reliable multi-host setup, using two XLR microphones plugged into a multi-input audio interface or dedicated podcast mixer is recommended.
Do I need an audio interface for podcasting?
Not if you are a solo host using a USB microphone, which plugs directly into your computer. However, an audio interface is required if you are using XLR microphones, want to connect multiple mics, or want finer hardware control over your sound quality.
Is a dynamic or condenser microphone better for podcasting?
Dynamic microphones are usually best for home podcasting because they reject background noise, keyboard clicks, and room echo. Condenser microphones deliver a detailed, crisp sound, but they pick up every ambient noise unless you are recording in an acoustically treated space.
How much should a beginner spend on podcast equipment?
A solid beginner solo setup usually costs between $100 and $250 AUD for a good USB microphone and headphones. If you are planning a two-person or multi-host XLR setup, expect to budget around $350 to $600 AUD for mics, an interface, and accessories.
Can I start a podcast with my phone?
Yes, you can record and edit a podcast using built-in phone mics or plug-and-play mobile microphones alongside free apps like Spotify for Podcasters or GarageBand. It is a great way to start, though upgrading to dedicated microphones will significantly boost audio quality.
Further reading from DJ City
Ready to build your podcast setup?
Browse DJ City’s current podcast equipment, or contact the team with the number of people you want to record, your computer or mobile device and your rough budget. That is enough information to start matching the inputs, microphones, headphones and cables properly.
