Podcast Equipment Recommendations

People always ask me about equipment recommendations so here we go.

Microphones

I recently used an ATR2100-USB Microphone. It is the most versatile. It is USB which is good for solo podcasters (providing plug and play), it is dynamic (so it isn’t super sensitive), and it is XLR which means you can use it with a mixer. Best of all as of July 2012 its $49

Good Audio Technica ATR2100USB
Great Heil PR40 ($300)

Mixers

If you are podcasting solo you don’t need a mixer, however you could use one to boost the tone of your voice. Mixers run from $50+ (depending on how many mics you can plugin). Behringer makes affordable mixers. I’ve heard that Mackie mixers are better (but they are also more expensive). I’ve used a behringer mixer for 7 years.

Typical Mixer: Behringer Xenyx 802 (for 2 people) $69
Better Mixer: Mackie 402-VLZ3 (for 2 people) $99

Cables

You will need cables for everyone. The shorter the better. This helps keep the “Studio” clean, and lengthy cables can pick up noise. To plug your mixer into your computer I use a Dual RCA Cable to 1/8” cable and plug it from the Tape Out of the mixer to the Line In of the computer. You don’t need this if you are using USB.

10 Foot Microphone cable: $10

Pop Filter

You NEED pop filters for each person. You can spend thousands on your equipment, and still sound like an amateur if you don’t have a pop filter.

Pop Filter $15

Heaphones

These Audio Technica Headphones will do the trick for a little over 30 bucks. If you have the budget, these Sony MDR7506 Headphones ($99) will do the trick (I’ve seen them used in Professional Radio studios).

Headphone Amplifier For Non-solo Podcasters

If you have more than one person in the room with you, you will need to use a mixer, and a headphone amp if you want everyone to hear themselves.

Behringer HA400 For four headphones $22

Microphone Stands

You will need a stand to hold the microphone. These range from desktop, to boom arms (Which swivel around). I use a boom/radio arm as I never “tear down” my studio. I leave everything plugged in.

Desktop Stand $15 ”
MXL BCD-STAND ($69 – comes with cable)
Best: The Heil Pl2 stand is a very durable swing stand, and it can handle heavy microphones ($129)

Shock Mounts

Shock mounts are handy as it isolates the microphone from vibrations. I once heard a hum in my podcast. The vibrations from the computer went through the desk, and I had the mic sitting on a desktop stand (which then picked up the vibrations). It was subtle, but it bugged me. I shock mount (more or less) suspends the microphone in mid air.

Typical shock mount is around $25

Portable Recorder

Portable recorder are handy if you are traveling. They are also the most reliable way to record your podcast. I did record direct to computer for years. Using a USB Microphone dictates that you record direct to the computer. In doing this, I’ve had my computer crash and I’ve lost a few episodes. I now record to a portable recorder.  I use a Roland R-05 ($229), but I also like the Zoom H2n ($200), and the Zoom H4n ($269).

Software

There are a few titles when it comes to recording. On the mac there is Garageband which comes with the computer. Audacity is free and it also works on a Mac or PC (and is used by many). If you use this software, turn off all the other software that is running when you record, and save your files often.
Sony Music Studio is affordable and runs on a PC. Hindenburg Journalist has a great product for less than $100 and its great if you are doing interviews. The top editor is Adobe Audition which goes for around $300. The current version has received a lot of negative feedback.

For Mac: Audacity
For PC: Sony Music Studio

Media Hosting

For Media hosting I use Libsyn.com (Get a free month using the Libsyn coupon code sopfree) and I also recommend blubrry.com. My podcast about podcasting is hosted on Libsyn.com In case you’re wondering, yes you should always use a media host.

Website Hosting

For website hosting I recommend Host Gator as they have a great price, great service, and they don’t require you to order a year in advance. If you haven’t purchased your web hosting yet, please see my quick start guide as I can set up wordpress for you when you order through my affiliate link.

Places You Can Buy Podcasting Gear

Same Day Music> does not charge tax unless you live in NJ.

Amazon has some of the best prices.

BSW is a company that carries EVERYTHING audio.

B & H Have tons of gear, and great support.

Free Shipping on orders over $25. From Musicians Friend.com

Platform

WordPress (not wordpress.com, wordpress on your own self hosted website – which gives you more control).

iThemes Builder  $80 (See video)  now Optimizepress (for membership layout)

Digital Access Pass – This is the membership script I use on the School of Podcasting. It is super flexible. Great support.

Plugins

PowerPress is THE podcasting plugin. Great support, and it does everything.

Akismet – Spam detection tool

Pretty Link - For creating reasy to remember link

Easy AZON – THis $47 plguin makes adding items from Amazon a breeze.

Google XML Sitemaps – Helps make Google food.

Easy Video Player ($127) – Great tools for putting Videos on Your Site – Great Stats on what was viewed.

Poll Daddy – Great plugin for adding polls and surveys to your site.

 

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