Have you just embarked on the awesome adventure of radio broadcasting? The requirements to get started are pretty simple; a simple computer and broadcasting software. Although, why not put together your own home radio studio in order to start broadcasting even more professionally!
In the following three articles, follow our step-by-step guide to help you create, assemble and broadcast from your own home radio studio.
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Part I: How to create your Home Radio Studio
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Part II: How to put your Home Radio Studio together
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Part III: How to broadcast from your Home Radio Studio
Equipment for your home radio studio
To kick things off, let’s start with the material side of things. Indeed, you’ll probably need to invest in a bit of equipment for a more professional broadcast. We’ll be showing you a simple and effective setup, taking into account the quality/price ratio.
Depending on the number of hosts on your own radio station, you may need more or less equipment. To comply with an accurate and accessible budget, we’ve planned this setup with two hosts and one external caller.
A Mixing desk
We’re using the Behringer Xenyx Q802 USB.
Why? Two mono mic inputs, two other stereo line inputs for music sources, and as a bonus, one USB input/output to avoid low end sound cards included in today’s computers.
How much is it? $79 / £63
Microphones
For this setup, we’ve chosen to use 2 Behringer XM8500 Ultravoice microphones.
Why? If there are several people in the same studio, you’ll definitely need several mics. Since your mixer has two mono inputs, using a set of two mics will allow you to broadcast two hosts from your studio.
How much is it? $23 / £19 (x2)
Cables for your home studio
You’ll need XLR male/female cables, we’re using The sssnake SM6BK.
Why? This cable ensures perfect transmission of the signal from your microphone to your mixer.
How much is it? $6 / £5 ( x2 )
You may also need a Jack 6.35 mm Y-audio cable, such as The sssnake YPK 2030.
Why? This cable allows you to use an additional computer for your music or invite a listener from your switchboard.
How much is it? $4 / £3.30
A Microphone stand
For our setup, we like to use a microphone stand with boom arm: Millenium MS-2003.
Why? Adjustable and comfortable, it will allow you to have your hands free during your broadcast and adjust your microphone to mouth height.
How much is it? $18 / £14.30 ( x2 )
Headphones
When it comes to headphones, we like to use the Beyerdynamic DT-770 Pro 80 which retail for around $135/ £110. If you’re looking for a more accessible pair, check out our article on best budget headphones!
Why? Headphones allow the host to monitor the quality of the show’s content and make some technical adjustments to the audio. We recommend this headset for starting out, and it’s perfect for most musical styles.
Do you now have your equipment? It’s time to move onto Part 2!
