Starting your very own podcast is a fun and fulfilling pastime. But what gear will you need to do it right? Like most questions in the world of recording, there’s no one answer. But there are essential pieces of gear you’ll need to record a quality podcast: a mic and recording software. The rest is up to you. Here are three easy setup types that you can use to get your podcast started on the right foot.
Keep It Simple: Streamlined Podcasting with a Smartphone
While there’s no denying that smartphone microphones have gotten better over the years, they can’t provide the level of detail needed for a podcast. Luckily, there are plenty of smartphone-compatible microphones on the market to keep your rig small, portable, and sounding better than ever. Just plug them into your phone and get recording!
Shure MV88
For turning your iOS device into an all-in-one podcast production studio, turn to the Shure MV88. It plugs right into the Lightning port on your iPhone or iPad and captures clean, uncompressed audio in almost any environment. The MV88 has onboard DSP accessible through the free ShurePlus MOTIV iOS app. Plus, the MOTIV app can do much more than dial in your gain, compression, and EQ. The intuitive interface makes editing easy and will even upload to Dropbox when you save the final cut.
Apogee HypeMic
With the Apogee HypeMic, you’re getting more than a great microphone. You’re getting 35 years of digital audio know-how packed into a single microphone. The HypeMic has a built-in analog compressor, which smooths out your vocals for a rich, studio-grade sound. The best thing about the HypeMic is that it’s ready to use right out of the box. For beginners, the HypeMic is a fantastic value. It comes with a tripod, pop filter, and carrying case. It’s also compatible with Mac/PC/iOS devices, so you can record on any device any time you want.
Get a Head Start: All-in-One Starter Kits
When most podcasters start their shows, they choose to record with their computer and a USB microphone. Using a USB microphone is smart because they’re relatively inexpensive and offer a definitive step up in audio quality. There are a lot of USB microphones to explore at Sweetwater. Here are two of our current favorites for starting a podcast.
AKG Lyra USB Microphone and K275 Headphones Podcast Starter Kit
The AKG Lyra USB microphone and K275 headphones podcast starter kit is one of the most flexible kits out there. Arguably, the most useful feature of the AKG Lyra is its multi-pattern operation. With “Tight” or “Wide Stereo,” “Front,” or “Front & Back” polar patterns on tap, you can record any source with ease. Here at Sweetwater, we’ve even used the Lyra for Zoom calls to connect with team members and representatives who are working at home. Whether you’re a one-woman show or you have a cohost who lives across the country, the Lyra provides the versatility you need with the sound quality you expect from an AKG microphone. Plus, the kit comes with a pair of AKG K275 closed-back headphones to monitor and mix your show! How’s that for value?
PreSonus Revelator
The PreSonus Revelator has shaken up the podcasting game with its wealth of onboard DSP options. It comes with bundled software, including fully customizable Fat Channel effects, for memorable vocal performances. That’s not all, though. The Revelator’s stereo loopback channels make it invaluable for performing Zoom interviews. The microphone will capture the audio from your call and seamlessly layer your voice on top when it’s your turn to talk. Distance, quarantine, and travel issues aren’t a problem when you’re using the Revelator!
Get It All: Powerful Podcast Production Studios
Taking your podcast to the next level can be a challenge. You’ll want to have a flexible setup that accommodates multiple hosts and different input needs. Above all, you’ll want to have extra hardware to trigger effects and music while mixing the show on the fly. These are the best high-end podcast bundles in our warehouse.
RODE RODECaster Pro Podcasting Bundle
There’s a reason we advertise the RODE RODECaster Pro podcasting bundle as “everything your podcast needs” — because it is. This value-packed podcasting bundle ships with every piece of gear you need to record like the pros. Up to four hosts can plug into the RODECaster Pro along with USB and Bluetooth sources. Programmable pads let you play sound effects and jingles. For vocals, you get the Shure SM7B — the industry standard for podcasting. And, if you stream on the side, the RODECaster Pro podcasting bundle doubles as a livestreaming juggernaut. There’s not much that you can’t do with the RODECaster Pro podcasting bundle.
Get the Most Out of What You Have!
As almost any podcaster will tell you, your sound isn’t just about what gear you have in your studio. It’s what you do with it that counts! To get the most out of your podcasting rig, make sure to check out our podcasting articles on inSync! There are plenty of helpful articles to read. From how to start a podcast to the best gear for podcasting and everything in between, we’ve got your podcast questions covered. Explore the best audio interfaces for podcasting, learn how podcasts make money, get pro tips, and learn how to avoid common mistakes — all in one place! It’s all inside inSync, your research destination. When you’re ready to upgrade your podcasting setup after browsing through our best podcast microphones, call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700 to get what you need fast!
