- About the Author
- Podcasts
Andrew is a long-time online creator with over 1,800 people supporting his work across two Patreons. He is a full-time podcaster, editor, and helps people manage Patreons and Podcasts. He recently launched an online course all about successfully planning, launching, and growing a Patreon.
Finding the best podcasting equipment is a top priority when delving into the world of podcasting, but there are thousands of different options for you to pick from. So what are the best podcast equipment recommendations in 2024, and how can you put your studio together on a budget?
I’ve compiled a list of the best podcasting equipment that you can bundle together for the ultimate home studio setup. These choices come from 19 years of experience podcasting. I started podcasting in 2005, and today I still release weekly episodes of MuggleCast and #Millennial. On both, you’ll see the sound quality you’ll get by using the below equipment. I use all of the below items on a weekly basis and am thrilled with the results.
Shure MV7 USB:
Renowned for its exceptional audio quality and versatility, the Shure MV7 microphone is designed to deliver crisp, clear sound with minimal background noise. Its dynamic and condenser dual-capsule design allows for flexible recording options, making it ideal for various podcasting setups and environments. With its built-in headphone monitoring and customizable settings, the MV7 ensures optimal sound reproduction, providing a polished final product that captivates listeners.While the MV7 is pricier compared to other USB microphones, this one is very easy to setup and offers excellent audio quality. By purchasing this mic alone, you’ll be sounding like a professional podcaster right out of the box.
A Mic Arm:
A mic arm offers convenience and flexibility by allowing you to position your microphone precisely for optimal sound capture. By suspending the microphone above your workspace, a mic arm helps reduce vibrations and unwanted noise, resulting in cleaner audio recordings. Its adjustable design enables effortless positioning, ensuring comfort during long recording sessions while maintaining consistent sound quality.The Shure MV7 does not come with a mic stand, and when a mic does include this accessory, it tends to be placed on the table. A mic arm will be much more comfortable to use, and prevent unwanted noise from being captured off the desk.
Mic Sock:
A mic sock, or windscreen, serves as a simple yet essential accessory for reducing plosives (In English: Your ‘p’s’ popping into the microphone, like ‘Potter’) and wind noise during recording. By placing a mic sock over the microphone’s grille, you can effectively minimize unwanted breath sounds and environmental disturbances, resulting in smoother audio playback. This inexpensive addition helps maintain audio clarity and professionalism, enhancing the overall quality of your podcast recordings.The MV7 comes with a mic sock, but I actually put a second one over top to further reduce plosives. Mic socks or a wind screen are a must if your microphone does not include one.
A Key Light or Ring Light:
Adequate lighting is essential for creating visually appealing podcast recordings and videos. One or more lights can enhance the clarity and professionalism of your content, ensuring that your audience remains engaged throughout the duration of your podcast. Whether using natural or artificial light, proper illumination helps highlight your facial expressions and gestures, fostering a deeper connection with your audience and reinforcing your message effectively.Of course, a light won’t be necessary if you’re only recording audio. But if you are recording a video podcast, this next suggestion will be a necessity too:
Logitech Brio 4k Webcam:
Incorporating a high-definition or 4K webcam enhances the visual appeal of your podcast by providing crisp, clear video footage. Whether you’re recording solo episodes, conducting interviews, or live streaming your podcast, a webcam allows you to connect with your audience on a more personal level, fostering engagement and building rapport. By integrating a webcam into your podcasting setup, you can create professional-looking video content that complements your audio recordings, enhancing the overall production value of your podcast. Believe it or not, many people love watching podcasts in addition to listening!
Sound Absorption Panels for an Echo-y Room:
Sound pads, or acoustic panels, are invaluable tools for controlling room acoustics and minimizing unwanted echoes or reverberations. By strategically placing sound pads in your recording space, you can create a more controlled environment conducive to high-quality audio production. These acoustic treatments absorb excess sound reflections, resulting in cleaner recordings with improved clarity and depth. Whether recording in a home studio or a professional broadcasting facility, sound pads play a crucial role in optimizing the acoustic characteristics of your recording space.An alternative to buying sound panels is to add a big rug to your room, or fill your room with books. Anything soft to help absorb sound will do the trick! If you’re buying sound pads, put them in corners of the room, and any walls that are empty.
Adobe Audition for audio editing:
Adobe Audition is a powerful digital audio workstation (DAW) that offers a comprehensive suite of tools for editing, mixing, and mastering audio recordings. With its intuitive interface and advanced features, Audition allows podcasters to fine-tune their recordings with precision, ensuring professional-grade results. From removing background noise and enhancing vocal clarity to applying dynamic effects and mastering audio tracks, Adobe Audition empowers podcasters to elevate their content to the next level, delivering a polished listening experience that captivates audiences.Audition allows you to add third-party plugins, which will further enhance your show. Adobe requires a subscription in order to use Audition and their other Creative Cloud products, but it’s well worth it.
Rogue Amoeba’s Audio Hijack:
Audio Hijack is a versatile audio recording application that allows podcasters to capture sound from any application or device connected to their computer. The app is lightweight, reliable, and very powerful. Audio Hijack enables users to record interviews, streaming audio, and system sounds with ease. Whether capturing audio from Zoom calls, music apps, or microphones, Audio Hijack provides the tools necessary to create high-quality podcast recordings effortlessly.
When you combine all of these recommendations, you’ll be all set to create a stellar podcast! If you need help setting up your equipment, or you need assistance with editing, please check out my podcast consulting services.
