HOW TO START A PODCAST
November 10, 2021
HOME PODCAST SETUPS
December 5, 2021
So today is Black Friday and like many of you, I'm spending a lot of time shopping. However, I'm doing my shopping online from the warmth and comfort of my own home. Which got me thinking... if you are anything like me, you may be on the hunt for some new or upgraded gear for your podcast or home studio. And if that's the case, I thought it might be beneficial to list out a few recommendations for you.
Each of these recommendations and the addtional links listed below are products I currently use, or have used, and have purchased within the last couple of years. The links I've provided for you are all Amazon affiliate links which simply means that if you happen to click on that link and purchase that product, I get a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Ok... now it's time for some recommendations...
The RØDE PODMIC is one of the best and most popular mics currently on the market and has been since it's release in 2019. It is a hefty piece of equipment with the look and feel of a classic broadcast microphone. The Podmic is bright and clear on the high end but tends to require a little boost on the low end for a fuller sound.
The PRESONOS PD70 has been my go-to mic for podcasting in 2021. While a bit smaller and less expensive, this mic definitely gives off SM7B vibes. It may not be quite as bright and clear as the Podmic but it does have a richer low end that some with bassier voices may actually find to be a little muddy.
The RØDECASTER PRO was literally built for podcasting. It offers eight total channels including 4 XLR mic inputs, along with inputs for USB, phone, and bluetooth connectivity. The eighth channel is reserved for sound pads that can be programmed for intro/outro music, ads, sound FX and more. The Rødecaster Pro also comes with presets designed specifically for several of Røde's most popular mics (including the Podmic) but can be paired with any XLR or USB mic you may prefer which makes it an excellent option for beginner and growing podcasters alike.
I usually opt for a desk mounted boom arm like the BLUE COMPASS or the RØDE PSA1. Both arms are built extremely well and can hold their position even beefier mic attached. While the BLUE COMPASS has a cleaner form factor, the RØDE PSA1 gets the edge for ease of use and overall ability to hold its position straight out of the box with no additional tightening or adjustments needed.
If you prefer a desktop mic stand, I am a fan of the GATOR FRAMEWORKS WEIGHTED TABLETOP STAND. This stand is heavy and not likely to move, rock or tip duing the recording process. It comes with a short boom arm attachment and is versatile enough to be used with or without it.
There you have it... a few of my favorite pieces of equipment I recommend as gift ideas for the podcasters in your life. If you're looking for a few more ideas to round out the studio or any alternatives to what I've already shared, just scroll a little further and you will find some links to continue your research. I am also working on a video to be released soon on YouTube (just search for Summit City Studios) to help you build a complete podcast studio in your home on any budget you may have. Head on over there and subscribe to the channel so you don't miss that one before you finish all of your Christmas shopping.
What gear would you recommend to fellow podcasters this holiday season?
MIC STANDS: Innogear Boom Arm
HEADPHONES: Audio-Technica ATH-M30X
LIGHTS (for video podcasters): Godox SL-60w, GVM 850D, Godox ES45
Each of these recommendations and the addtional links listed below are products I currently use, or have used, and have purchased within the last couple of years. The links I've provided for you are all Amazon affiliate links which simply means that if you happen to click on that link and purchase that product, I get a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Ok... now it's time for some recommendations...
MICROPHONES
Everyone loves the Shure SM7B but not everyone has the budget to purchase that mic which usually sells for right around $400. So, putting that one aside for the time being, there are two mics that top the list for me when it comes to podcasting and both hover right around the $100 price point.The RØDE PODMIC is one of the best and most popular mics currently on the market and has been since it's release in 2019. It is a hefty piece of equipment with the look and feel of a classic broadcast microphone. The Podmic is bright and clear on the high end but tends to require a little boost on the low end for a fuller sound.
The PRESONOS PD70 has been my go-to mic for podcasting in 2021. While a bit smaller and less expensive, this mic definitely gives off SM7B vibes. It may not be quite as bright and clear as the Podmic but it does have a richer low end that some with bassier voices may actually find to be a little muddy.
MIXER
There are some quality USB mics out there that will allow you to plug directly into your computer and start recording. But for those looking for something that offers a little more freedom to control your sound, I suggest investing in a mixer with a USB interface. And for that I recommend the Rødecaster Pro.The RØDECASTER PRO was literally built for podcasting. It offers eight total channels including 4 XLR mic inputs, along with inputs for USB, phone, and bluetooth connectivity. The eighth channel is reserved for sound pads that can be programmed for intro/outro music, ads, sound FX and more. The Rødecaster Pro also comes with presets designed specifically for several of Røde's most popular mics (including the Podmic) but can be paired with any XLR or USB mic you may prefer which makes it an excellent option for beginner and growing podcasters alike.
MIC STANDS / BOOM ARMS
Your mic needs a place to rest that will hold it tight and keep it close to your voice and there are a couple of options here that you can go with.I usually opt for a desk mounted boom arm like the BLUE COMPASS or the RØDE PSA1. Both arms are built extremely well and can hold their position even beefier mic attached. While the BLUE COMPASS has a cleaner form factor, the RØDE PSA1 gets the edge for ease of use and overall ability to hold its position straight out of the box with no additional tightening or adjustments needed.
If you prefer a desktop mic stand, I am a fan of the GATOR FRAMEWORKS WEIGHTED TABLETOP STAND. This stand is heavy and not likely to move, rock or tip duing the recording process. It comes with a short boom arm attachment and is versatile enough to be used with or without it.
There you have it... a few of my favorite pieces of equipment I recommend as gift ideas for the podcasters in your life. If you're looking for a few more ideas to round out the studio or any alternatives to what I've already shared, just scroll a little further and you will find some links to continue your research. I am also working on a video to be released soon on YouTube (just search for Summit City Studios) to help you build a complete podcast studio in your home on any budget you may have. Head on over there and subscribe to the channel so you don't miss that one before you finish all of your Christmas shopping.
What gear would you recommend to fellow podcasters this holiday season?
ADDITIONAL LINKS
MICROPHONES: LyxPro SDPC, Movo VXR10, Blue Yeti (Blackout Edition), Zoom F1 with SGH-6MIC STANDS: Innogear Boom Arm
HEADPHONES: Audio-Technica ATH-M30X
LIGHTS (for video podcasters): Godox SL-60w, GVM 850D, Godox ES45
