https://kitcaster.com/

Podcast Tools for Online Interviews

Resource and Recommendation

Podcast Tools

You don’t have to break the bank to get great vocal recordings for your online podcast interviews. I reached out to fellow podcast hosts to assemble this list of hardware recommendations. Here we will cover microphones (both USB and XLR), headphones, accessories, and a quick video to optimize your Zoom recordings. 

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

  1. Record the interview to your computer (even when the host sends the Zoom invitation).
  2. Record the raw audio track without compression.
 
There are several advantages to recording a copy of the podcast yourself. Not only will you have a backup copy of the host’s recording is compromised, but you will also have the original audio. These audio files will come in handy when you are ready to repurpose the podcast content.

Kitcaster Recommended Podcast Microphone Package ~ $800

Audio Signal Path

This is our microphone and accessory recommendations for capturing world-class audio for podcast interviews. An excellent choice for studio, home, or office.

Additional Mic Options

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.

Kitcaster divider
1570578376 1508775

AKG Lyra

$149

  • Looks cool on your desk
  • Ultra-HD Quality Audio
  • Zero latency monitoring
  • Sound check
  • Shop
86 847 001 06

Blue Yeti

$129

  • 12 colors to choose from
  • 16,000 5 star reviews on Amazon
  • Cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional & stereo
  • Sound check
  • Shop
619eUD65k3L. AC SL1500

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
Screen Shot 2020 11 12 at 3.27.37 PM

Blue Snowball

$49

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.

Kitcaster divider
61V2IPfjMEL. AC SL1080 1

Rode PodMic *Kitcaster Recommends

$99

  • A broadcast-quality dynamic microphone a rich, balanced sound optimized for podcasting
  • Features an internal pop filter to minimize plosives
  • An internal shock mounting to reduce vibration
  • Optimized for use with the RODECaster pro podcast production studio
  • Also offers exceptional results with any high-quality microphone interface
  • Shop
Screen Shot 2020 04 22 at 1.40.07 PM

AKG Pro Audio C214

$349

  • Large diaphragm condenser
  • Integrated suspension
  • 20dB attenuator and bass-cut filter
  • Sound check
  • Shop
71v8iiQf2cL. AC SY355

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 BETA 58A BETA58A Supercardioid Dynamic 1522058724 127122

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. 

Kitcaster divider
1463997036 1253444 1

Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Closed-back Studio

$99

81TzTAx8weL. AC SX425

Sony MDR7506

$89

  • Rugged construction
  • 1/4 inch adapter included
  • Review
  • Shop
61JxBr0UreL. AC SX425

Sony MDRZX110 *Kitcaster Recommends

$15

  • Dude, they’re $15 bucks
  • 15,000 5 star ratings on Amazon
  • Sounds great for podcasting
  • Review
  • Shop

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.

Kitcaster divider
Screen Shot 2020 11 12 at 2.37.06 PM

TERTIAL from IKEA

$12.99

  • Soft light for all day use
  • Versatile
  • Dirt cheap
  • Review
  • Shop
Screen Shot 2020 11 12 at 2.39.41 PM

SPOT

$69

Screen Shot 2020 11 12 at 2.42.09 PM

Lumecube

$69

Screen Shot 2020 11 12 at 2.43.50 PM

iVict 24 LED USB Book Clamp Light

$23.99

  • Easy on the eyeballs
  • Laptop friendly / mobile
  • Review
  • Shop
Screen Shot 2021 02 02 at 9.56.28 AM

Key Light – el Gato

$199

  • Soft, steady performance
  • Streamer approved
  • Review
  • Shop

Kitcaster Recommended Podcast Camera Package ~ $1400.00

Video Signal Path

This is our camera and accessory recommendations for capturing world-class video for podcast interviews and content repurposing on social media. An excellent choice for studio, home, or office.

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.

Additional Camera Options

Kitcaster divider
71G1mb4c8bL. AC SX300 SY300 QL70 FMwebp

Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera *Kitcaster Recommends

$748

  • Next Gen speed: experience the world’s fastest 0. 02 sec AF with real-time AF and object tracking
  • Enhanced subject capture: wide 425 Phase/ 425 contrast detection points over 84% of the sensor
  • Fast and accurate: up to 11Fps continuous shooting at 24. 2MP raw with crisp, clear natural colors
  • Multiple movie functions: make time lapse movies or slow/quick motion videos without post processing
  • Shop
61ClARj6CiL. AC SY300 SX300 QL70 FMwebp

Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens for Sony E *Kitcaster Recommends

$369

  • Compatible with Sony E mount cameras
  • Perfect for nature & event photography
  • Large f/1.4 aperture for superb lowlight performance
  • Compact size makes it very portable
  • Fully accommodates Fast Hybrid AF
  • Shop
1543 D750 front 1

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. 
Screen Shot 2020 11 12 at 3.05.30 PM

Logitech BRIO 

$215

Screen Shot 2020 11 12 at 3.08.25 PM

Logitech StreamCam

$169

Accessories

Shopping list of podcast essentials.

Kitcaster divider
71S2tEtVA1S. AC SY300 SX300 QL70 FMwebp

Elgato Wave XLR *Kitcaster Recommends

For XLR microphones

$159

  • Microphone Interface: premium XLR to USB-C connection.
  • Wave Link App: mix multiple audio sources and create two independent mixes.
  • Proprietary Clipguard Technology: prevents microphone distortion.
  • Studio Grade Preamp: up to 75 dB of ultra-low-noise gain amplifies insensitive mics.
  • Phantom Power: 48 volts to drive condenser microphones.
  • Shop
61CXHblwzjL. AC SL1369

Cloudlifter CL-1 Mic Activator *Kitcaster Recommends

For XLR microphones

$149

  • FOR HOME STUDIOS & PROFESSIONAL RECORDING: In the studio, boost the signal of quiet audio sources like vocals, percussion, or acoustic instruments while maintaining the natural sound of your microphone.
  • REDUCE NOISE WHILE ADDING MICROPHONE CLARITY & SIGNAL STRENGTH: The Cloudlifter CL-1 mic activator uses Phantom power to give passive mics up to +25dB without passing Phantom power onto the mics themselves. Reduce unwanted feedback while increasing the clarity of your microphones.
  • Shop
61YhWzuAqnL. AC SX300 SY300 QL70 FMwebp

RetiCAM Tabletop Tripod *Kitcaster Recommends

$29

  • Complete table top tripod for digital cameras, DSLR cameras, camcorders, spotting scopes, and many other devices equipped with standard 1/4 tripod mounts;
  • Full of Features: 3-Way pan/tilt head, quick release mounting plate, bubble level, extendable center column, quick snap leg locks, non-slip rubber feet;
  • Shop
719TLlhEpBL. AC SL1500

Mackie HM-4 4-Way Headphone Amplifier Bundle *Kitcaster Recommends

$55

  • This Mackie HM4 4-Way Headphones Amplifier comes with all the manufacturer accessories and a 1-year Mackie USA warranty along with a 10-piece bundle which includes a Mophead 10′ TRS balanced male to male 1/4″ cable, 4x TRS 1/4″ stereo to 3.5mm TRS adapter, 4x cable management ties and Circuit City microfiber cloth.
  • Share a stereo input signal with maximum headroom and low noise to up to 4 pairs of headphones.
  • Shop
51KfFuDhHEL. AC SL1000

Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini Pro HDMI Live Stream Switcher *Kitcaster Recommends

$295

  • HDMI Video Inputs – 4 x HDMI type A, 10-bit HD switchable. 2 channel embedded audio.
  • Total Audio Inputs – 2 x 3.5mm stereo mini jack.
  • Direct recording to USB flash disks in H.264
  • Direct streaming via Ethernet to YouTube Live and more
  • Shop
71TLLGJoNL. AC SL1500

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

For XLR microphones

$199

  • Easy to use
  • Satisfying nobs
  • Record up to 24-bit/ 192kHz.
  • 2,000 5 star reviews on Amazon
  • Review
  • Shop
71php0RrVKL. AC SL1500

Allen & Heath ZEDi10

For XLR microphones. Overkill for online podcast interviews but it’s pretty fun if you have the space.

$279

  • USB outputs
  • Multipurpose mixer 
  • 4 mic/line inputs
  • Review
  • Shop
Screen Shot 2020 11 12 at 3.16.31 PM

Rode RODECaster Pro

Whoa!

$599

  • Sound Effects and Jingles
  • Broadcast-quality phone calls
  • Class A Servo-biased Preamps
  • Review
  • Shop
XLR150 large

XLR mic cables

454312000000000 00 1200x1200 1

Desktop boom micstand

$39

31za0oUe0iL. AC

Rode Pro Studio Boom Arm

$99

41GXT1gHTEL. AC

Headphone Extension Cable

$5

61nfMyFe4TL. AC SX679

1/4 inch male to 1/8 inch female 

$9

LET'S GOOOOOOOOO!

How can podcast interviews work for you?