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Equipment You Need to Start an Online Radio Station

Are you starting from scratch with your own online radio station? Here's a list of all the essential equipment you need to start an online radio station.

James Mulvany

by James Mulvany in Production

Last updated 14.08.2024

This is an image of a silver mixing desk next to a small silver and red mic and a pair of red and black headphones. There is a red and brown lit board with the radio.co logo visible.

Are you starting from scratch building your own station, but not sure what equipment you need? This complete guide will show you exactly what equipment you need to start an online radio station and get up and running in no time.

Here's what you will learn about:

  • Broadcasting Software: Types of software you can use to broadcast live that map to equipment.
  • Microphones: A range of different mics, from entry-level to professional.
  • Processors: Microphone processors for amplification and equalisation to improve audio.
  • Broadcasting Desks: Audio systems for multiple channel management.

We'll run through the different types of setups you can choose from basic to professional, but first things first, do you have a Mac or PC?

Mac vs PC

Let's get this out of the way first! Whether you own a Mac or PC won’t really affect your online radio station setup that much.

Both have an audio input, output, and USB ports, which are essentially what you need. Although you may have to get an adapter for Mac if you have a Macbook. Other than that, the only things affected are the different types of broadcasting software that's available for both operating systems.

Broadcasting Software

Broadcasting software is encoders that take audio from your computer and push it out to your online radio station.

There are different types you can use, some are basic that just stream audio online, others are more advanced with media management, samplers, gains, and mixing capabilities.

You're spoiled for choice when comes to broadcasting software as there's plenty to choose from. Here are some of the most popular to date:

You can find more live broadcasting software over on Radio.co Help.

Basic Setup

If you're new to online radio and need a quick refresher course on how it all works then we recommend checking out this guide.

This is a white faded image of a person at a microphone and studio set up. Overlayed are the words "want to start an internet radio station? Common questions answered"

It answers some common questions like...

Do I need expensive equipment to broadcast?

Not really, you can get by on a shoestring budget with just the bare minimum, something we'll cover now.

Microphones

There are 2 microphones we recommend for a basic setup: Behringer B1 and Rode Podcaster.

Behringer B1

Look no further than the Behringer B1 for a reliable and cost-effective microphone ($100 / £70). It has a wide diaphragm so it has a good frequency response that picks up clear audio.

This is a stock image of the Behringer B1, a silver mic with a black and silver storage suitcase on the right.

As it's a condenser microphone you'll need phantom power to run it, so you can't just plug it directly into your computer. Either use a microphone preprocessor or a broadcasting desk, something we'll cover in the more advanced and professional setups.

Buy on Amazon USA.

Buy on Amazon UK.

Rode Podcaster

Popular amongst podcasters and voice-over artists, the Rode Podcaster is the go-to microphone as it's excellent at cancelling out background noises.

This is the white and black Rode Podcaster mic, a thin mic on a black boom arm against a white neutral backdrop.

Phantom power isn't needed with the Rode Podcaster, so you can plug it directly into your computer via USB. Pick up the microphone for around $200 / £140.

Buy on Amazon USA.

Buy on Amazon UK.

Stand & Shockmount

A stand and shock mount hold your microphone in place and reduce vibrations for better sounding audio.

This is a stock image of a silver and white Stand & Shockmount

Often these aren't included when buying microphones, but you can get them both for about $12 / £10.

Buy on Amazon USA.

Buy on Amazon UK.

Headphones

Sony MDRZX310 Headphones

If you're on a shoestring budget or want a pair of affordable headphones without breaking the bank then the Sony MDRZX310 headphones are ideal ($17 / £14).

This is a stock image of some black Sony MDRZX310 Headphones against a plain white backdrop

They're lightweight and you can fold them away to save on storage space or if you plan on travelling. A basic pair of headphones like this or even earphones will do for a basic setup.

Buy on Amazon USA.

Buy on Amazon UK.

Advanced Setup

Sometimes the basics just don't cut it, so if you need a more advanced setup closer to what commercial radio stations use then let's start by taking a look at what you need.

Audio Interface

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

All condenser microphones need what's known as "phantom power" to run, something an audio interface like the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 offers along with a few other perks you should really know.

This is a stock image of a thin red audio interface, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, against a white backdrop

No special adapters or extensions are needed with the Focusrite, just plug it in via USB and you're all set. Connect up to 2 condenser microphones for you and a guest, then adjust volume levels with the dials for smoother controls. It retails for around $180 / £100.

Buy on Amazon USA.

Buy on Amazon UK.

You can see how the Focusrite works and it in action in this guide.

If you're looking to have greater control over your voice then you can hook it up to a microphone processor.

Microphone Processor

DBX 286S Microphone Processor

A microphone processor is a tool that most advanced radio stations use to add a grander feel to their audio. It offers presenters with clarity and a warm presence to amplify their voice.

This is a thin silver stock image of the DBX 286S Front panel
This is a thin black stock image of the DBX 286S

Processors are also a good tool for removing background noises and sibilants, which are words that have "S" in which cause high frequency and sometimes bad signals.

As far as microphone processors go, the DBX 286S is a good place to start as it offers simple and adjustable dials for enhancing your voice, plus it's ideal if you're on a budget as it retails for around $190 / £135.

Buy on Amazon USA.

Buy on Amazon UK.

For a full review and guide on how to setup the DBX 286S then check out this guide.

Microphone

Shure MV7

The Shure MV7 is the impressive USB follow up to the classic Shure SM7B. It allows you to use USB or XLR inputs, both providing crisp and clear audio that picks up all the small details that make your voice shine.

This is a silver and black Shure MV7 mic in front of a purple Mac screen.

The MV7 has some extra features you won’t find on other USB mics, such as the desktop app Motiv, which you can use with the USB connection. Extras like the touchpad at the top of the casing make the MV7 incredibly easy for you to get to grips with, so you can just plugin and start broadcasting. It retails for around $249 / £255.

Buy on Amazon USA.

Buy on Amazon UK.

You can see a range of other advanced microphones you can get and how to get that perfect radio voice by following this guide.

Professional Setup

Professional radio broadcasters need a serious setup. Let's take a look at the best equipment suited for several microphones, a call-in facility, and multiple playback audio channels to give you complete control over your live broadcasts.

Broadcasting Desk

Behringer DX2000USB Pro Mixer

A broadcasting desk is the hub of any radio station with its multiple input channels and controls for audio management.

The Behringer DX2000USB is a great low-cost desk suited for broadcasters and online radio station owners as it offers plenty of mixing capabilities for several microphones and external devices.

This is a stock image of the Behringer Pro Mixer DX2000USB against a white backdrop.

The DX2000USB has phantom power so you can connect up to 2 condenser microphones for you and a guest, plus it's easy to setup as you can hook the desk directly to your computer via USB. It comes with 7 channels so you can add external devices like CD players and even your phone, which is a neat little trick for live callers which we cover here.

Buy on Amazon USA.

Buy on Amazon UK.

You can find a variety of different desks by checking out our guide on the best broadcasting desks here.

Boom Arm

RODE PSA1 Boom Arm

The boom arm is an excellent bit of kit that frees up desk space by elevating your microphone onto an attachable arm and out of the way.

This is a black RODE PSA1 Boom Arm against a white backdrop.

The RODE PSA1 works by clamping onto the edge of your desk quite nicely, you can then swivel it from left to right and move it up and down to adjust to your level. It also gets rid of messy wires by attaching your microphone's cable to the boom arm with velcro. We even do this for our studio at Radio.co!

You can pick up the RODE PSA1 boom arm for about $90 / £70.

Buy on Amazon USA.

Buy on Amazon UK.

Microphone

Neumann TLM 103

The Neumann TLM 103 is an industry-standard microphone professionals use across the UK and USA. We even use them at Radio.co in our studio for tutorials and on our Radio & Co podcast.

This is a silver and black Neumann TLM 103 Microphone with a red diamond logo. On the left is a grey sound panel.

It's a sturdy microphone with a large diaphragm for picking up extremely low noises, so every bit of sound in your radio studio is captured, which is ideal for sampling, home recording, and picking up instruments.

You can grab it from most retailers for around $1000 / £850.

Buy on Amazon USA.

Buy on Amazon UK

Headphones

Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro

Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro are industry-standard headphones used by popular commercial stations like BBC Radio 1. You often see broadcasters wearing a pair of these because of how comfy they are, which makes them ideal for long periods of broadcasting.

This is a stock image of the black Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro headphones on a plain black backdrop.

The padded headphone cups cancel out most outside noises, which has the added benefit of improving bass response for higher quality audio reproduction. As far as headphones go these are definitely worth every penny. Grab a pair for $159/£105.

Buy on Amazon USA.

Buy on Amazon UK.

What Equipment Will You Choose For Your Radio Station?

Now it's over to you! What equipment do you plan on using? What equipment have you already got that works well with your setup? Let us know in the comments below.

Now that you know what equipment you need, it's time to get you broadcasting online. With Radio.co you can get started for free with your 7-day free trial. Get started by clicking the button below.

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