What is the best podcast recording setup?

‍Written by Ian Faison

I have to weigh in on one of the things that we get asked most often… what gear should I buy??

Podcast Setup

Well, I talked to our Head of Content Ops Bradley to get the details. Our team has managed 1,000+ podcast episodes and have seen everything from people recording on a train, to a coffee shop, to using a tin can (ok maybe not, but it sounded like that). 

First, a few clarifying questions. 

Are you a podcast host? Are you going to be recording semi-frequently? Or just want to feel fancy?

A High End Setup

Here is our rec for the Highest end recording setup option (non-USB):

• Shure SM7b Microphone and stand 
• UA Volt Audio Interface
• Triton In-Line Preamp
• USB-C Cable 3ft
• Wired Headphones 

Medium-High End Setup (USB)

A great option if you are just going to do a few podcasts as a guest but want to sound great (and sound great on team calls!)

• Our Top Choice for USB Mic: Shure MV7 USB Podcast Microphone
• Medium price option: Rode VideoMic GO II Camera-mount Lightweight Directional Microphone 
• Low price option: Samson Technologies Q2U USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone
• Boom Arm: Gator Frameworks Deluxe Desk-Mounted Broadcast Microphone Boom Stand

See options for headphones, web camera, and lighting below!

Headphones:

• High End: Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Closed-Back Studio and Live Monitoring Headphones‍
• Low Profile: Apple EarPods Headphones with 3.5mm Plug‍

Web Camera:

Lots of options for webcams. Highly recommend something other than what’s on your computer.

• Static Option 1: Elgato Facecam - 1080p60 True Full HD Webcam‍
• Static Option 2: Logitech StreamCam Plus Webcam with Tripod mount
• ‍Static Option 3: Razer Kiyo Pro Streaming Webcam ‍
• Auto Framing/Tracking Option 1: insta360 Link - PTZ 4K Webcam
• Auto Framing/Tracking Option 2: OBSBOT Tiny PTZ Webcam‍
• Auto Framing/Tracking Option 3: OBSBOT Tiny PTZ 4K Webcam

Lighting:‍

• Option 1: MRK1 - MAGNETIC WEBCAM LIGHT‍
• Option 2: Elgato Key Light‍
• Option 3: Elgato Key Light Air‍
• Option 4: Elgato Key Light Mini‍
• ‍Option 5: Elgato Ring Light