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If you’re just getting started with podcasting, having the right gear is crucial. That’s why we’ve put together a list of five great tool kits for beginners. These kits come with everything you need, such as microphones, headphones and recording software, to make sure your podcast sounds great.
We’ve consulted our rich community of entrepreneurs – many of whom have successful podcasts! SPI Pro For this article.
While many podcast gear guides will suggest mics and other equipment by price, this guide works a little differently. Each of these kits presents an ideal podcast equipment list Based on a specific personality. Is audio quality absolutely important to you, or do you need good sound on a budget? Are you traveling a lot, or recording outside the office? Do you record in person with multiple guests, or do you only record your podcast over the Internet?
Whatever your “personality,” this article will at least give you a good starting point, if not a shopping list.
Click on a link below to go to the kit that best describes you.
the jetsetter
audiophile
The frugal podcaster
In-person host
YouTuber
Note – Each kit price was calculated before tax and shipping. Price is only an estimate and may fluctuate since writing this article.
Blue Yetis (a resounding “No!”)
I need to get something out of the way before we continue. When I polled us SPI Pro Community At their favorite podcasting mics, there was one throughline: Of course no A blue yeti.
If you’re unfamiliar with Blue Yeti microphones, their popularity is understandable at first glance. At under $100, they seem to offer an all-in-one solution with a built-in stand and an attractive design (even in flamingo pink).
But the feedback from our professionals couldn’t be clearer.
Criticisms of the Yeti ranged from “I’ve been broke in less than a year” to “I hate them” and “great ad budget, cheap price point”. “It’s designed to take viewers into a fun atmosphere,” says one pro, “that most people aren’t in… unless you’re in your backyard with your goats and chickens and talking about farm life.”
Jetsetter: A mic kit for podcasters in motion
$450
For podcasters on the go, it’s important to have lightweight, portable equipment that can be easily taken from location to location. Here is the ideal kit:
Mike: The Rod VideoMic NTG A shotgun mic built for cameras, but at 3.32 ounces, it’s also the perfect microphone for podcasting on the go. You can connect it directly to your laptop or smartphone.
Standing: At 4 oz., Road Tripod Mini Stand The perfect stand for an on-the-go podcast kit.
Headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones Offers great sound quality and is foldable, making them easy to pack and take on the go. As with any of this kit, it’s important to have a solid pair of studio monitor headphones so you can get a good idea of how your recording will sound in real-time.
Remote recording solution: A solution like Squadcast Essential for remote podcast recording, and both offer high-quality audio and video recording capabilities. There are some differences between both platforms that may or may not be negative depending on your situation (if you want the sharpest-possible video, for example, only Riverside can simultaneously record in 4k). Since the differences are best covered in a second article, we’ll leave it up to you to decide—both are excellent options at the same price point.
With this podcast kit, you’ll be able to create high-quality podcasts wherever you are.
Audiophile: A Podcasting Setup for Discerning Ears
$900
For podcasters who are serious about audio quality and have an unlimited budget, here are some high-end equipment options we recommend.
Mike: A toss-up between the Shure SM7B and the Heil PR40!
The Shure SM7B Popular for one reason: it has excellent sound quality and noise reduction design. It’s a cardioid dynamic microphone that captures a warm, natural sound and has a pop filter and shock mount to reduce plosives and isolate the microphone from vibration. Its performance is further enhanced with bass roll-off and mid-range boost.
The Hill PR40 It’s also a great choice for audiophile podcasters, featuring a wide frequency range and low self-noise. It also has a unique design that helps reduce pops and plosives, making it a great choice for podcasters who are serious about audio quality. If you’ve ever streamed or tuned in to any of Pat’s live streams The Smart Passive Income PodcastThis is you listening Mike!
(Note that either of these mics will be required An XLR cable.)
Mount: The Gator Framework Deluxe Desk-Mounted Boom Stand Allows you to make perfect, stable adjustments for your mic. Set up your mic on this stand, plug it in, and never look back.
Preamp: The Audient iD4 MKII It’s a great choice to pair with the Shure SM7B as it provides a high-quality preamp and offers phantom power, which is essential to powering the SM7B. Additionally, the iD4 MKII has a low latency headphone output, which is important for real-time monitoring during recording sessions.
Headphones: The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Studio headphones are widely regarded as some of the best in the industry, offering superior sound quality and comfort. They’re a classic option that’s been used in recording studios for years and are a great choice for podcasters who want to make sure they hear every detail.
Remote recording solutions: Squadcast.
With this setup, your podcast will sound as good as the one you hear on the radio!
The Frugal Podcaster: A mic kit for budget-conscious podcasters
Under $100
If you’re looking to start a podcast on a budget, there are several great tool options. Coming in at under $100, this kit will make your podcast great with minimal gear.
Mic/Stand: The Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB — At $79 (as of March, 2023), this mic doesn’t beat much at this price point. It offers excellent sound quality and is versatile enough to work with XLR and USB connections, plus it comes with a simple folding stand*. This means you can plug it straight into your computer and get down to business.
Pop Filter: The Aokyo Professional Microphone Pop Filter — for about $11, it’s a no-brainer. A pop filter is used so that plosive sounds (such as “p” and “b”) are not picked up by the microphone. Without a pop filter, these sounds can be picked up as loud, unpleasant blasts of air, which can be distracting and make the recording more difficult to listen to. Don’t skip this piece.
Headphones: What you already have! You probably have a pair of AirPods or other headphones and since this is a budget kit, we’re not including a dedicated pair of studio headphones.
Remote recording solutions: If you’re on a budget and want to record guests remotely, you may be tempted to use Zoom for remote recording. Although we strongly advise against this; Its subscription cost Squadcast Well worth the investment. Trust us, your editor (which is probably you) will thank you!
With this setup, you’ll be able to produce high-quality podcasts without breaking the bank
In-Person Host: A Podcast Kit for Eye-to-Eye Magic
$500 – $1600+ (depending on mic selection and number of guests)
For podcasters who record in-person with guests, it’s important to have equipment that can capture high-quality audio from multiple sources. Of course, depending on how many guests you typically record with, you’ll want to tailor this package to your specific situation.
Here are some equipment options to consider:
interface
Zoom H6 six-track portable recorder: This recorder is perfect for personal recording, with the ability to record up to six tracks simultaneously. It has four XLR/TRS inputs, making it easy to connect multiple microphones.
If you want something that is a cut above the rest in this category, we definitely recommend it Roadcaster Pro II, which includes a sound pad, phone connectivity, and a variety of sound effects. It has a large, easy-to-use touchscreen that lets you control all of its features
If your live podcast is exclusively a one-on-one situation, then Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 A fantastic option. It’s an affordable, two-channel audio interface that offers excellent sound quality and is easy to use.
Mikes
Any of the mics mentioned so far are great options for recording in person, but here’s a little roundup:
High-end: without a doubt, Shure SM7B Pick your favorite. A couple (or more) of these puppies and your personal recordings will sound as good as possible!
Medium: Shure’s MV7X Another tough option. With voice-isolating technology and an all-metal construction, the MV7x is designed with podcasters and vocalists in mind. And at less than half the price of the SM7B, they’re a bit more budget-friendly too. (Note—the MV7 is a slightly different design, as you can connect it via USB. However, at this price point, we recommend the MV7X combined with a solid preamp or audio interface.)
Budget: Again we are selected Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB. With a price tag of around $80, it’s hard to beat for budget options.
Miscellaneous equipment
Monitor headphones: Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Studio headphones.
Cables: Pig Hog PHM10 8mm Tour Grade Mic Cable, XLR 10ft – 2-Pack. (Depending on the venue you’re recording at, you may want longer cables.)
Clamp-on, boom stand: Gator Framework Deluxe Desk-Mounted Boom Stand
Desktop Stand: Innogear desktop microphone stand (2 packets)
YouTuber: An add-on kit for video podcasters
Add $850 to any kit above.
YouTube Recently announced That they are bringing podcasts to their YouTube Music streaming service. With the option to switch between video and audio-only consumption, many podcasters feel the need to record video with each episode as well. This is our recommendation for a video podcasting add-on kit, the perfect compliment to your mic setup
Camera: The Canon EOS M50 Mark II with 15-45mm lens Offers great autofocus and high-quality video in one simple package.
Standing: The SmallRig camera desk mount Has an adjustable height of 13-35 inches, allowing the stand to attach to almost any desk.
Light: The Elgato is a light breeze YouTube is a great lighting option for podcasters. It is a compact and lightweight lighting solution that can be adjusted using the Elgato Control Center app. It has a built-in diffuser to create soft, even lighting and comes with a desk mount for easy positioning. Plus, it’s portable.
Remote recording solutions: Squadcast.
With this setup, your podcast will not only sound great, but it will also look great on your YouTube channel.
Pod-on!
No matter what your podcasting needs are, there’s a tool kit that’s right for you. By investing in the right gear, you can ensure that your podcast sounds great and is enjoyable for your listeners. With this guide, you’ll be able to find the perfect tool kit to take your podcast to the next level. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start podcasting!
And if you’re new to podcasting and want to seriously up your game, All-Access Pass May be your best move. Through community-driven learning, you can work with other podcasters, get access to our full course library (including the popular Power-Up Podcasting), attend workshops, and more.
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