Podcast Tools
Zoom
Zoom.us is increasingly becoming the go-to recording platform for remote podcast interviews. This brief video will show you how to optimize your Zoom settings for podcast recording.
Learn how to
- Record the interview to your computer (even when the host sends the Zoom invitation).
- Record the raw audio track without compression.
USB Podcast Microphones
Plug & Play
Each of these microphones plugs directly into your computer. They offer fantastic sound for podcast interviews at a great price. Little or no set-up is required.
Blue Yeti
$129
- 12 colors to choose from
- 16,000 5 star reviews on Amazon
- Cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional & stereo
- Sound check
- Shop
Rode NT-USB
$199
- Looks cool on your desk
- Tripod desk stand, ring mount, storage pouch and 6m (20’) USB cable
- Cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional & stereo
- Direct mix control between mic input and source output
- Sound check
- Shop
XLR Podcast Microphones
These microphones will give you a substantial lift in audio quality from the USB microphones. (See accessories listed below.) please note that you will also need to purchase a mic cable, a mic stand, and a pre-amp to convert your audio to digital.
AKG Pro Audio C214
$349
- Large diaphragm condenser
- Integrated suspension
- 20dB attenuator and bass-cut filter
- Sound check
- Shop
Shure SM7B
$399
- The best podcast microphone that money can buy
- Flat, wide-range frequency response for exceptionally clean and natural reproduction of speech
- Bass rolloff and mid-range emphasis (presence boost)
- Sound check
- Shop
Shure Beta58a
$159
- Brightened midrange and bass roll off
- Extremely durable and versatile
- Frequency response tailored for vocals
- Sound check
- Shop
Headphones
These are a couple of my favorite headphones for podcasting. Any good pair of over-ear, wired headphones will work just fine. Note, you may want to pick up a cord extension and 1/8″ to 1/4″ adapter depending on your tools and desk setup.
Lights
A lot of podcasters are using Zoom to record their podcasts these days. Look your best. I have tested out a bunch to find options right in the Goldilocks Zone. Not too bright, not too intrusive, no harsh shadows, mobile-ready, and not too expensive. All of these are great options.
Video
Upgrade your webcam. Not all podcasters publish the video, but nearly all of them record it. Having a great video version of your podcast episode is crucial when you’re ready to repurpose the interviews. If you’re looking for a turnkey podcast / video hardware, software, and set-up consultation, reach out! We can help.
Your old DSLR camera
FREE
- If you have a DSLR kicking around, put it to use! With the blurry backgrounds, DSLR cameras make video calls look incredible. Check out this YouTube tutorial to add some serious power to your podcast interview video.
Accessories
Shopping list of podcast essentials.
XLR mic cables
