The equipment that you purchase and use can improve your image in the eyes of your current listeners and could help attract and keep future listeners. It’s also one of the largest expenditures that you’ll make on your podcast.
In this episode I talk about choosing the right recording equipment for your podcast, and I also give some suggestions on particular equipment to purchase.
Suggested microphone(s):
Hobbyist
Corporate
The Marshal MXL 990 condenser (cardioid) microphone comes with a shock mount can usually be purchased for about $75 USD. This is the microphone I currently use.
The Shure SM58 is a unidirectional (cardioid) dynamic vocal microphone designed for professional vocal use and includes a highly effective, built-in, spherical filter to minimize wind and breath “pop” noise. Usually around $99 USD.
The Samson CO1U is a USB condenser (cardioid) microphone that usually retails around $80 USD.
Altec Lansing AHS 302i is a headset and microphone combination making it a great choice for podcasters on the road or just starting out, usually retailing under $40 USD.
The Shure KSM27 Microphone is a large single-diaphragm, side-address condenser microphone designed for studio use with extremely low self-noise, and an extended frequency response specially tailored for vocals.
The Shure SM7B is a dynamic microphone featuring a smooth, flat, wide-range frequency response as well as excellent shielding against electromagnetic hum generated by computer monitors, neon lights, and other electrical devices.
Suggested mixers:
Hobbyist
Corporate
The Behringer XENYX 502 has 5 inputs and main mix, stereo CD/tape plus separate headphone outputs. Additionally, assignable CD/tape inputs have been incorporated for routing flexibility. If you only have one mic to deal with, this is a good, low cost miser. One complaint though: To turn it off, you have to unplug it. You should be able to buy one for under $50 USD.
The Behringer XENYX 802 has 8 inputs and a FX Send control for each channel. Additionally, assignable CD/tape inputs have been incorporated for routing flexibility. This unit is identical to the XENYX 502 except there are 4 channels instead of 2. Again, to turn it off, you have to unplug it. This is the closest model to what I use currently. You should be able to buy one for under $60-$70 USD.
The Behringer XENYX 1832FX 18-Input 3/2-Bus Mixer with XENYX Mic Preamps, British EQs, 24-Bit Multi-FX Processor and USB/Audio Interface. It accepts up to 6 microphones.
The Behringer XENYX 2442FX is a premium 24-Input 4/2-Bus Mixer with XENYX Mic Preamps, British EQs, 24-Bit Multi-FX Processor and USB/Audio Interface. It accepts up to 10 microphones.
The Griffin iMic allows you to connect virtually any microphone or sound input device to any computer with a USB port. It supports both mic and line level inputs via a selectable switch, as well as a variable level output for connecting speakers or headphones, and generally costs less than $40 USD.
