Best Podcast Equipment for Any Budget, Any Level

Learn about the must-have equipment for podcasting, including microphones, audio interfaces, headphones, and more. Improve your audio quality and sound like a pro.

As podcasts continue to grow in popularity, more and more people are interested in creating their own shows. One of the most important aspects of podcasting is having the right equipment to ensure high-quality audio. 

Microphones

The microphone is perhaps the most important piece of podcasting equipment. A good quality microphone will pick up your voice clearly and eliminate background noise. There are a variety of microphones available on the market, but some of the most popular options for podcasters include:

• Dynamic microphones: These microphones are great for podcasting because they are designed to pick up sound from a very specific direction, which means they are less likely to pick up background noise. The Shure SM7B and Electro-Voice RE20 are two popular dynamic microphone options.

• Condenser microphones: These microphones are more sensitive and can pick up a wider range of frequencies. They are great for capturing the nuances of your voice and for recording instruments. The Rode NT1-A is one popular condenser microphone option.

Audio Interfaces

An audio interface is a device that allows you to connect your microphone to your computer. It also helps to amplify and clean up your audio signal. There are a variety of audio interfaces available, but some of the most popular options for podcasters include:

• Focusrite Scarlett: The Focusrite Scarlett is a popular choice for podcasters because it is affordable and easy to use. It comes in a range of sizes, from the Scarlett Solo to the Scarlett 18i20.

• Universal Audio Apollo: The Universal Audio Apollo is a high-end audio interface that offers excellent sound quality and a range of advanced features. It is more expensive than the Focusrite Scarlett, but it is worth the investment if you are serious about podcasting.

Headphones

Headphones are important for monitoring your audio while you record your podcast. They allow you to hear your voice and any background noise that may be present. Some popular options for podcasters include:

• Sony MDR-7506: The Sony MDR-7506 is a popular choice for podcasters because it is affordable and offers great sound quality.

• Sennheiser HD280 Pro: The Sennheiser HD280 Pro is another popular option for podcasters. It offers excellent sound quality and is comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.

Pop Filters

Pop filters are small screens that attach to your microphone and help to eliminate plosive sounds (the popping sounds that occur when you say words like "p" and "b"). They are an inexpensive and essential piece of podcasting equipment.

Other Popular Podcast Equipment

• The Rode RODECaster Pro Podcast Production Studio is a versatile, easy-to-use integrated podcast production console that offers high-quality audio production. It is equipped with 4 Class A mic preamps and 8 faders to control audio levels. The RODECaster Pro records 24-bit/48kHz audio directly to a microSD card or computer via USB, and it can seamlessly stream live shows. It also features 8 programmable pads with instant FX or music playback, and it comes with a companion app. Additionally, the RODECaster Pro has echo-free phone connectivity via either TRRS or Bluetooth with automatic mix-minus. Onboard, the RODECaster Pro has Aphex Big Bottom and Aural Exciter processing. It includes a USB-C to USB-A cable and has dimensions of 13.78 inches W x 10.83 inches D x 3.23 inches H with a weight of 4.37 lbs. It is available for purchase at $428.00.

• The Audio-Technica 4-Person Podcast Podcasting Kit is a comprehensive package that includes four Audio-Technica AT2035PK Studio Mic Recording Packages with microphones, headphones, and boom arms. It also comes with a PRESONUS StudioLive SLM AR8C 8 Channel Mixer 8 In/4 Out USB Recording Interface, a Rockville RHPA4 4 Channel Professional Headphone Amplifier Stereo or Mono Amp, and a Rockville RCTR106R6' 1/4'' TRS to 1/4'' TRS Balanced Cable, Red, 100% Copper. The AT2035 Cardioid Condenser Microphone features a large diaphragm for smooth, natural sound and low noise. The microphone has a driver diameter of 40 mm, a neodymium magnet, and a copper-clad aluminum wire voice coil. It has a frequency response of 15 20,000 Hz, a maximum input power of 700 mW at 1 kHz, a sensitivity of 96 dB, and an impedance of 47 ohms. The package includes a 3.0 m (9.8') straight cable with left-side exit and a 6.3 mm (1/4") snap-on adapter. The mixer is an 8x4 24-bit/96 kHz, USB 2.0 (over USB-C connection) audio recording interface that can record every channel plus the main mix. The mixer also has an SD recorder to capture the main mix and a stereo super channel with Bluetooth 5.0 input, RCA inputs, 1/8-inch stereo input, and switchable SD/USB stereo playback. The package includes Capture live multitrack recording software and Studio One Artist recording and production software (DAW). The package is available for purchase at $1,218.75.

• Riverside offers four different package options for podcasting equipment, including unlimited separate audio and video tracks, custom seat packages, unlimited productions, camera controls, presentation recorder, full-frame view, support for 29.97, 25, and 24 FPS, roles and permissions, customer success manager and priority support, SSO (Okta, Azure + more), and SOC2 type II & ISO27001 certification. Prices for these packages vary from $0 to $24/mo.

• The Mackie HM-4 4-Way Headphones Amplifier is designed to provide simple and effective headphones amplification for artists, musicians, and engineers monitoring through headphones in home, project, commercial, and mobile-recording studios. The HM-4 has a single 1/4" TRS stereo input and four 1/4" TRS stereo outputs that allow you to distribute a stereo source to up ease of use, and features. It also comes with a custom shock mount to reduce handling noise and a pop filter to minimize plosives and other unwanted sounds. 

• Deity Microphones offers the VO-7U, a dynamic USB microphone specially designed for streamers and podcasters. With its tight pickup pattern, this microphone effectively cancels out background noise, ensuring that only your voice reaches your audience. The microphone is also equipped with an RGB ring, which offers 12 distinct colors and effects to match your stream's branding or your PC's aesthetic. Its large dynamic microphone diaphragm provides broadcast-quality sound, and its metal body with a floating friction pivot ensures durability. The VO-7U has a frequency range of 20Hz – 20kHz and can handle up to 135dB max SPL. It operates at 24-bit/48kHz and uses a USB-C interface that requires no drivers. Additionally, it has a built-in analog limiter to prevent audio clipping and a headphone jack that provides latency-free monitoring. The VO-7U is available for purchase starting at $169.00.

Podcasting equipment can be expensive, but it is important to invest in high-quality gear if you want to produce a professional-sounding show. A good microphone, audio interface, headphones, and pop filter will go a long way in improving the quality of your podcast. With the right equipment, you'll be able to produce a show that sounds great and engages your listeners.