What kind of gear do i need to start a podcast?

Having been in podcasting for nearly 4 years now, that question seems to arise on a monthly, if not weekly basis! Many want to know what kind of microphone, what kind of mixer, which program to use, the list goes on. This resource is for you, and entire site dedicated to the beginner podcaster.

If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to reach out by emailing PodcastGearForBeginners@gmail.com.

CHECK OUT OUR MOST RECENT MIC REVIEWS!

MAONO AU-HD300T XLR/USB PODCAST MIC

MAONO AU-PM500 CONDENSER MIC

DYNAMIC OR CONDENSER MIC?

USB INTERFACE OR DIGITAL RECORDER?

CHOOSING A MICROPHONE

USB MICROPHONE

I need an easy "plug and play" solution for a mic, requiring as little gear and technical setup as possible.

OR

XLR MICROPHONE

I need a microphone to record vocals, plus a little wiggle room to grow as I learn more about podcasting gear and recording.

USB MICROPHONES

USB microphones are simple "plug and play" options for beginning podcasters. You plug USB mics into your computer through the USB port and use a Digital Audio Workstation or DAW to record your audio. Simply put, a DAW is program on your computer where you record audio. Free programs include Audacity for PC and GarageBand for MAC.

XLR MICROPHONES

XLR microphones require either a DIGITAL RECORDER or a USB INTERFACE, and an XLR cable between the microphone and the recorder or interface. These XLR microphones are called dynamic mics and have cardioid patterns, picking up the majority of the sound at the font of the mic and rejecting sound from behind the mic.

Shure SM48 

Budget Option

Rode PodMic

Professional Quality

Sennheiser e835

Professional Quality

Rode Procaster

Broadcast Quality

Shure SM58

Professional Quality

Shure MV7

Broadcast Quality

CHOOSING AN INTERFACE OR
DIGITAL RECORDER

AUDIO INTERFACE

I'll be using an XLR mic and need a way to record audio onto my computer or laptop.
OR

DIGITAL RECORDER

I'll be using an XLR mic and I need a portable recording solution that records to an SD card.

AUDIO INTERFACES

Use XLR microphones with these audio interfaces.

PYLE USB Mixer

1 Podcaster
1 XLR mic input

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

2 Podcasters
​2 XLR mic inputs

Focusrite Scarlett Solo 

1 Podcaster
​1 XLR mic input

Allen & Heath ZEDi10

Up to 4 Podcasters
​4 XLR mic inputs

Behringer U-Phoria

2 Podcasters
​1 XLR mic input

Presonus Studio 68c

Up to 4 Podcasters
4 XLR mic inputs 

DIGITAL RECORDERS

Use XLR microphones with these digital recorders.
Digital recorders provide a portable recording solution and record to an internal SD card. These are great for on the run, on the go podcasts needing a smaller solution for getting audio. The audio files are then transferred to a computer and edited in an audio recording / editing program, or a digital audio workstation (DAW). 

Tascam DR40x

2 Podcasters
​2 XLR mic inputs
Record to SD Card

Zoom H4n

2 Podcasters
​2 XLR mic inputs
​Record to SD Card

Zoom H6

Up to 4 Podcasters
​4 XLR mic inputs
Record to SD Card

MIXERS & PODCAST STATIONS

Zoom and Rode have created all-in-one podcast production stations, allowing you to record, mix, play sound effects, record phone calls and more, in one easy solution. The options below offer multiple XLR inputs, on-board effects, internal recorders that allow you to record audio to SD cards, and much more! 

Zoom L8

6 XLR mic inputs
4 headphone jacks
Records to SD card
Records to computer via USB

Zoom L12

8 XLR mic inputs
​4 headphone jacks
Records to SD card
Records to computer via USB

Rode Rodecaster

4 XLR mic inputs
4 headphone jacks
Records to SD card
Records to computer via USB

ACCESSORIES

XLR Cables

XLR cables connect between XLR microphones and interfaces or digital recorders.

Boom Arm

Mount your mic to your table and easily control the placement.

Headphones

Use headphones to monitor your audio from your interface, digital recorder or computer. 

Pop Filter

Reduce the "popping" noise from your vocals.

Headphone Amp​

Use a headphone amp to split your headphone signal up to four times for monitoring audio.

Tabletop Mic Stand

A simple, budget solution for mounting your microphone.

LEARNING CENTER

WHEN TO USE AN XLR MIC

3 PERSON PODCAST + LIVESTREAM

2 person podcast setup
Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule

WHO TO USE FOR PODCAST HOSTING?