Podcast Equipment Guide for Professionals

So, you've had your podcast for some time now and you are looking to level up your podcast set up? Well, you've come to the right place. We've listed some higher quality options for the basics of your podcast as well as several other pieces of high quality equipment that you can add to your set up to further improve the quality of your podcast.

The Basics

• Computer (with Internet access)
  • Your personal computer can certainly work for recording, editing, and uploading your podcast, but if you are looking to upgrade your set up, there are a few computer options that are best for podcasting. Generally speaking, you want a computer that has at least 16GB RAM and a fast single core processor, such as the 8th generation Intel i7 processor.
    • Desktops:
      • Apple iMac
        • The Apple iMac Pro is significantly more expensive than the Apple iMac, but if you love Apple products, this might be a great investment for you. It includes a top of the line 5K monitor as well as some other impressive specs.
      • HP ENVY All-in-One
      • Dell XPS AIO
      • SkyTech Omega
    • Laptops:
      • Apple MacBook Pro
      • HP Spectre x360
      • Dell XPS 13
      • ASUS ZenBook Pro

Note: If you have very specific requirements for your computer, consider building your own. All you need is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), Cooling, Motherboard, RAM (Random-Access Memory), SSD (Solid State Drive), Power Supply, Case, Monitor, GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and HDD (Hard Disk Drive). If you are unfamiliar with any of these pieces of a computer, some simple Google searches will provide clarity as to what each piece does, the best pieces for your uses, where you can purchase them, and how to go about building your computer.

• Recording Software
  • Investing in a recording software that includes more advanced features and higher quality audio is essential. Some great options are:
    • Adobe Audition (MacOS & Windows): $20.99/month
      • Note: Adobe Audition also has Cloud storage, so you are able to record and save your audio files online.
    • Hindenburg Journalist (MacOS & Windows): One-time purchase of $95 for standard version and $375 for Pro version.
    • Logic Pro (MacOS): One-time purchase of $199.99

• Microphone
  • A traditional microphone is absolutely essential to getting a great sounding podcast. Whether you choose a dynamic or condenser mic is up to your discretion. Dynamic mics tend to provide warmer and more focused sound whereas condenser mics provide a brighter and clearer sound. Also, the power source, XLR and USB, tend to dictate your options. Condenser mics are usually USB powered and you can find both condenser and dynamic mics that are XLR powered, but these require additional power sources. Some high quality microphones are:
    • Blue Yeti USB Microphone
    • Rode Procaster Broadcast Dynamic Vocal Microphone
    • Shure SM7B Vocal Dynamic Microphone
    • Heil Sound PR 40 Dynamic Cardioid Studio Microphone

Now, ensuring that your basic pieces of equipment are performing to your liking is of the utmost importance, however there are many other pieces of equipment that you can add to your setup to improve the audio quality and ease of your podcasting process even further.

Equipment to Further Improve your Podcast

• Headphones
  • If you want to have complete control over your audio, you need to be able to monitor it using headphones. These are a few of the best over-ear headphones:
    • Shure SRH1540 Premium Closed-Back Headphones
    • Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones
    • Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series II) Wireless Headphones

• Audio Interface
  • In order to expand upon and improve the audio capabilities of your computer, an audio interface is a necessity. Some of the best audio interfaces are:
    • Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface
    • Steinberg UR44 Audio Interface

• Mixer
  • Along with a high quality audio interface, a mixer will really help you gain the control over levels, inputs, outputs, etc. to improve you podcast quality.
    • BEHRINGER XENYX 1204USB
    • Mackie PROFX8V2 8-Channel Compact Mixer

• Headphone Amplifier
  • If you ever have any guests on your podcast, a headphone amplifier will be a necessity.
    • Marantz HD- DAC1 High Definition USB DAC/Headphone Amp

• Computer Monitor
  • You may want an extra screen or 2 when podcasting to have a complete view of your podcast audio as well as anything else that you want to view while podcasting.
    • Dell U2415 24-Inch LED Monitor
    • Dell UltraSharp 27-Inch Screen LED-Lit Monitor

• Microphone Boom Arm/Mic Stand
  • A microphone boom arm or a mic stand can be really helpful in making your podcasting area more professional.
    • Boom Arm: RODE PSA1 Swivel Mount Studio Microphone Boom Arm
    • Mic Stand: K&M 23325 Table/Floor Microphone Stand

• Shock Mount
  • Shock mounts help to prevent unwanted sounds in your recording, including movements of the mic, tapping, typing, and other vibrations.
    • RODE SM6 Shock Mount with Integrated Pop Shield

• Cables
  • You may need to purchase a variety of cables to connect all of your pieces in your setup. Some of these cables may include:
    • 3.5 mm to ¼" audio cable
    • 3.5mm audio cable
    • XLR mic cables
    • ¼" inch speaker cable
    • ¼" inch insert cable

• Pop Filter/Windscreen
  • Pop Filters/Windscreens are vital to protecting your microphone from picking up any harsh noises. Some great options are:
    • Pop Filter: Stedman Corporation Proscreen XL
    • Windscreen: AT2020 Foam Windscreen

• Acoustic Treatment
  • In order to avoid a lot of reverb or echo, add an acoustic treatment to your podcasting area.
    • 12 Pack- Acoustic Panels Studio Foam Wedges

If you are looking for a beginner's equipment guide, which includes details about what each piece of equipment does, or you're simply looking for some more affordable options for some of the equipment listed, take a look at our Podcast Equipment Guide for Beginners here.

Many of the options for equipment listed are definitely on the pricier side as they are some of the best pieces of equipment out there. So, keep in mind that there are also lots of other options that are less expensive, but still really great quality that will help improve your podcast. Just consider your price range and requirements for your podcast to decide what pieces of equipment are right for you. Happy podcasting!

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