PODCASTERS GEAR BUILDER

Find the Best Gear for YOUR Podcast & YOUR Budget

Even if you have a tight budget for podcasting equipment, there are many affordable ways to get started.  

We have put together 3 Levels arranged from lowest cost to highest.  

Our criteria for the gear we are suggesting is:

  • Tried, tested, and used by many podcasters
  • Quality build and good reputation
  • Produces no less than high quality recordings

Each LEVEL is broken down into simple categories.  We have reduced the overwhelm by providing only great options for you to choose from.  

The images found in each LEVEL link to Amazon, where you can easily add them to your cart.  

Level 1

The USB Microphone Route

USB Microphones are the most affordable and convenient solution for podcasters.  

The microphones suggested on this level are all great mics that achieve no less than a high quality and adequate recording quality.  

 

MICROPHONE 

CHOOSE ONE

The Samson Q2U and the Audio-Technica ATR2100X are both UPGRADABLE and can be used as a USB or a Regular Microphone.

The Rode Podcaster USB MIC is a favorite of Journalists and broadcasters.  It gets a very impressive sound.  

The Shure MV7 is a more affordable USB version of the very popular Shure SM7B (listed below).

HEADPHONES 

CHOOSE ONE

MIC STAND and Accessories 

Level 2

Standard Mic and Interface Route

 

Now we're taking things up a notch by using a STANDARD XLR microphone and an AUDIO INTERFACE. 

You will achieve higher quality audio at this level and you have more flexibility and upgradability. 

This is especially a good option if you plan on recording two or more people in the same room together.  

MICROPHONE 

CHOOSE ONE

The Audio-Techinca AT2020 is a Condenser Microphone, which means while it will get a more detailed sound from your voice, it will also pick up more of your room sound.

AUDIO INTERFACE

CHOOSE ONE

Depending on how many people you are going to record AT THE SAME TIME, you will choose an interface with that many inputs.  So this first interface, The Focusrite SOLO is perfect if YOU'RE SURE you'll only be recording yourself.

This interface is for recording 2 people at the same time.

This interface is for up to 4 people at the same time.

HEADPHONES

CHOOSE ONE

MIC STAND and Accessories

Level 3

PRO Mic and Interface Route

 

Look at us podcasting like pros.  This Level is definitely more spendy, but man does it sound good. 

Even if this LEVEL isn't in your budget, you can still totally get good sounds.  Remember all the professional and popular podcast examples from Lesson 4 of the Kick Start Module. 

You can also mix and match different pieces from Level 2 and 3. 

For example:  You could use one of the microphones from Level 3 and one of the interfaces from Level 2 (or vice versa).   

MICROPHONES

CHOOSE ONE

These 2 mics are condenser microphones, so they will sound more rice and full-bodied.  But they will also pick up more background noise.

Below you'l find the Neumann U87.  This is the microphone used in NPR's studios.  

You'll also see a mock version of the microphone by a great microphone company Warm Audio.  This mic emulates the great sound of the U87 and for a fraction of the price.  

AUDIO INTERFACES

CHOOSE ONE

These interfaces can record up to 2 microphones at the same time.  They all have versions that record more inputs, based on your needs.  

The more inputs, the higher the cost.

These are ALL GREAT sounding audio interfaces. 

ACCESSORIES

Make sure that you choose:

A nice pair of headphones

  • A mic stand
  • A mic cable (if you go with a XLR Microphone)
  • A Pop-filter or windscreen

The options for these items listed in the other LEVELS will also work great for this LEVEL.  

Acoustic Treatment

All you have to do to discover some affordable and attractive acoustic panels is to search on Amazon for:  "Acoustic Panels".

Auralex Acoustics make very professional panels that REALLY improve the sound of any room.  I especially recommend their bass traps, which you install at and 90-degree angle. 

Auralex. 

 

There are brands, like Mybecca, that offer similar products at a cheaper price.  The sound improvement isn't quite as impressive, but still VERY good.