PODCAST EQUIPMENT GUIDE 2022

You don’t have to spent a million dollars to sound like it, but you do have to buy the right equipment. Mainly that means do not buy the Yeti, its meant for sound treated spaces which a majority of you don’t have. This is a solid list of equipment that is time tested, affordable and will ensure that you sound fantastic. 

Earbuds

Mackie CR-Buds

$19.00

Better than using nothing, and $20 well spent.

Mackie CR-Buds + Dual Driver Professional Fit Earphones

$39.99

I love the fit, they are an improvement over the most classic designs and are extremely good for how affordable they are.

Shure SE215

$99

industry standard “professional” in-ear. Made by the same company that makes the SM7B and MV7.

Headphones

Mackie MC-100

$29.99

Low profile for an overhead, get the job done, if you are wearing for hours and hours, you might want something more comfortable, but for $30 you can’t beat it.

Audio Technica ATH-M20X

$49

Tried and true. Industry standard. Clean black look. We had these in all of our physical studios, these are a solid choice.  

Audio Technica ATH-M50X

$149

THE Industry standard. Top quality comfort, top quality sound. Removable cable drastically enhances the life of the headphones as it is easily replaceable of the cable gets worn out… or chewed on by a four legged friend

USB Microphones

4 great USB microphones
All to improve your audio quality, and some to take you even further

Samson Meteor Mic

$69.99

Shockingly good audio for an entry level USB microphone. It is a condenser, but it does a fantastic job of actually sounding natural and warm – great place to start.

Audio Technica AT2005USB

$79

Entry level DYNAMIC USB/XLR microphone – you get the benefits of it being dynamic, so it’s easier to control the sound and not pickup unwanted sounds, and you get the benefit of it being XLR for when you decide to grow your podcast and need to use a mixer.

Also available as a bundle with headphones

$128

RODE NT-USB Mini

$99

Small but mighty, sounds excellent. The new features accessible from RODE’s free software RODE Connect unlock MASSIVE potential for grown with this microphone.

Best of the Best – Shure MV7

$239

Incredible sound, along with extremely useful companion software make this the clear winner. Additionally being XLR for future grown makes this an incredible investment.

6 Microphones to use with
an interface or mixer:

ZOOM ZDM-1

$79.99

Designed specifically for podcasters, nice and clean sound – great place to get started.

Audio Technica AT2040

$99

New and designed specifically for the podcast community – Audio Technica developed a fantastic microphone that adds that warmth you want in a good podcast mic at a very affordable price point. Low profile, clean look.

RODE PodMic

$99

Because it should be included.

Best Options that are NOT an SM7B

Shure MV7X

This is the XLR version of the Shure MV7, solid choice if you have an audio interface.

$179

MXL BCD-1

Looks the part and will get the job done, can’t go wrong here. 

$149.95

And then there is the SM7B

$399

Because it must be acknowledged.

Always add a Cloudlifter to your SM7B.

Audio Interfaces

Presonus Audiobox 96

$99

Affordable and high quality for 2 inputs – comes with free recording software StudioOne.

Audient EVO 4

$129

An incredible interface with some smarts! The EVO series has an “auto-gain” feature which helps dial in the gain settings so you sound your best and don’t need to worry about knobs and gain.

Podcast Recorders
These make your flow so much easier!

ZOOM P4

$219

4 inputs, 4 headphone outputs, phone call and USB connectivity – easy to use and makes recording good quality sound easy.

ZOOM P8

$549

More inputs, more functionality. The only Podcast recorder of it’s caliber that is also completely battery powered.

Tascam MixCast 4

$599

Top of the line podcast recorder, extremely easy to use, and comes included with free dedicated Podcast Recording software.

Top Podcast Bundles to check out if you want it All-In-One

ZOOM Podcast Bundle with P4

$339

Molly's Pick!
5/5

Shure MV7 Bundle with Earbuds

This is def my favorite of all of the options. The boom arm will keep the mic close to your face and give you that “pro look”. The earbuds will prevent your engineer from cursing your name during exhausting editing sessions and the mic, well, what do we need to say about the MV7. Basically, it’s the best. 

This will work without an audio interface. 

$355

Presonus Podcast Bundle with PD-70 and Boom Arm

$379

Audio Technica AT2020USB+PK

$199

Incredibly popular, all you need to look and sound good.

The Camera & Set Up

Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam – Full 1080p HD Camera

$89.02

  • Brand : Logitech
  • Series : 960-001176
  • Special Feature : Autofocus
  • Video Capture Resolution : 1080p
  • Connectivity Technology: USB

Accessories You Will Need

Use this to place the camera in front of the screen for that excellent eye contact

Smatree Telescoping Selfie Stick with Tripod Stand

$24.99

  • Compatible Devices : GoPro
  • Brand : Smatree
  • Material : Aluminum
  • Tripod Head Type : Ball Heads
  • Color : Q3S
  • Maximum Height : 36.6 Inches
  • Minimum Height : 11.8 Inches
  • Folded size : 11.8 inch

You will need this to connect everything

Sabrent 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub with Individual LED Power Switches

$7.49

  • Brand: SABRENT
  • Hardware Interface: USB 3.0 Type A
  • Number of Ports: 4
  • Operating System: Windows 10, Windows 2000, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Mac OS X and Higher
  • Item Dimensions LxWxH: 3.4 x 1.4 x 0.61
  • Operating System: Windows 10, Windows 2000, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Mac OS X and Higher

NEED A LITTLE MORE GUIDANCE?

Whether you are looking to buy equipment or already have some and aren’t sure how to use it, I can help. 

We will spend an hour together going over your project, your environment, the content goals and editing process that you have in place. 

By fully understanding the above I will personally guide you on a custom set up for your space. 

There is no reason to buy ill fitted technology with the intent to upgrade later. You can buy reasonably priced equipment that will grow with you, not against you. 

Don’t worry, I got you. I love this stuff.