🕵🏾♂️🕵🏻♀️ Handy SPY Gadgets
Here you'll find our recommendations for all the different gear for audio and video creators.
Audio Equipment
In this section, you'll find our recommendations for audio equipment.
Podcasting Microphones XLR
These mics will require an Audio Interface. You will plug them into an audio interface. Then you will plug the audio interface into your computer.
Podcasting Microphones USB
These mics DO NOT require an audio interface and you can plug them directly into your computer.
Audio Interfaces
These allow you to plug in microphones and adjust the volume of the microphone. Then you plug the audio interface into the computer.
*Note. Using an audio interface and an XLR microphone will achieve better sound recordings. Also, audio interfaces make it easier to record multiple microphones at the same time.
Accessories
Regardless of what type of microphone set up you go with. You will need a pair of headphones.
It's also nice to have a set of studio monitors (speakers) to edit and mix the audio of your podcasts and videos.
To use studio monitors you will need an audio interface.
And, of course, you'll need cables and microphone stands.
Studio Headphones
Make sure when you're purchasing headphones that they are "studio" quality.
Studio Monitors
These can really help you to take your podcast and video AUDIO mixes up a notch. Using headphones alone doesn't really give us enough of a frame of reference. You can also use computer speakers. But these sound SO nice.
XLR Microphone Cables
You'll need one cable for each microphone. Also, pay attention to how long you'll need the cable to be. 15 -25 feet are usually a good bet.
Microphone Stands
There are different styles of stands.
Desktop stands sit on your desk.
Desk stands with CLAMP to your desk.
And then floor stands sit on the floor.
Which one you need depends on your setup.
If the microphone is going to be in the frame of the camera and likely on a desk then the first two options are great.
If you want to have the microphone off-camera, or coming in from the side of the frame, so that you don't see as much of the stand on camera, then a floor stand is a great option for you.
Cameras
Here you'll find the cameras we discuss in the course and also a couple of higher-end Sony cameras that allow for detachable lenses.
Camera Support (Tripods)
Camera Microphones
XLR Adapters
These are like audio interfaces for your camera. These will allow you to plug in any microphone you want into your camera. Including your podcast microphones.
The quality is still less than recording audio using a standard audio interface. This is because the audio converters on DSLR cameras are really not that great. But this is a great option if you want to avoid syncing audio in post-production.
Shotgun Mics
If you're looking for a microphone to be off-camera, these girls are great!
TIP: You can use one of these microphones on a microphone standoff frame. This is great if your camera is at a distance.
Remember to keep your microphones as close to your mouth as you can.
Lighting
Backdrop
TIP: Measure your space by setting up a camera and measure the area required to fill the frame of the camera.
Photo Paper Mounts
These are easy to install with minimal damage and you can roll different paper rolls using chains. There are a ton of colors and options that you can use with these mounts.
