Podcast Gear Guide for Three Budgets
Podcasts are more popular than ever, with an estimated 4.5 million different podcasts available online. If you’re thinking of launching your own or upgrading your current setup, you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, I’ll break down three podcasting setups for different budget levels, covering all the gear you need to get started. Plus, I’ll throw in some alternative options along the way to help you find what’s right for your needs.
Whether you’re looking for an affordable setup or aiming for a premium studio feel, I’ve got you covered. And if any of these products catch your eye, I’ve included links to the best deals in the description.
Small Budget Setup
For those just starting out, the Evo Start Recording Bundle is an excellent all-in-one solution for recording, priced at around $250. While it may not be the cheapest option available, it provides everything you need to begin podcasting or even recording music. The bundle includes a high-quality condenser microphone to capture your voice clearly, an XLR cable for connecting the microphone to the audio interface, and an audio interface that converts your sound into a digital format for easy editing. You also get a pair of headphones for monitoring your audio, as well as music production software for recording and editing your podcast.
The Evo 4 audio interface that comes with the bundle features auto-gain, which automatically sets the correct input levels for your recording, making the setup process straightforward. The condenser microphone works best in a quiet environment with minimal background noise. However, if you’re in a noisier setting, you might want to consider the Shure SM58 as a more affordable alternative, as it’s better suited to handling difficult acoustic conditions.
Already podcasting but facing audio issues? Read the “How to improve your podcast audio” blog post :
Medium Budget Setup
For those looking to step up their podcast game, the Universal Audio Volt 276 is a top choice. It’s equipped with a built-in analogue compressor and Vintage Mode to give your recordings a warm, rich sound straight out of the box. Vintage Mode adds mid-range harmonics to your voice, creating a more intimate and professional sound. The onboard compressor helps smooth out your vocal delivery by reducing peaks and thickening the overall tone.
Pair the Volt 276 with the SD-1 dynamic microphone, which is ideal for podcasting. It features a vocal presence boost for clarity and does a great job of rejecting background noise, especially from the rear and sides. For monitoring, I recommend the Austrian Audio HiX15 headphones—these are unbeatable in terms of value for money! The Volt 276 also comes with Ableton Live Lite music production software and a range of plugins to fine-tune your audio.Before we move on to the ultimate podcasting setup, don’t forget to check the links in the description for these products. If you choose to purchase through those links, I earn a small commission, which helps support the channel.
Larger Budget Setup
If you’re ready to invest in a premium podcasting setup, look no further than the Universal Audio Apollo Twin. This powerhouse audio interface features Unison preamps that model the sound of classic Neve and API preamps, delivering studio-grade sound quality.
The Apollo Twin’s real-time audio processing ensures zero-latency recording, allowing you to monitor and tweak your sound as you go. You can also print effects directly to your audio during recording, which I’ll demonstrate shortly.
For the microphone, the Shure SM7B is the gold standard in podcasting. It’s a versatile mic used by top podcasters and radio hosts alike, known for its exceptional sound quality.
To complete the setup, grab a pair of Sennheiser HD300Pro headphones and record your episodes using Logic Pro—a powerful music production software that will help you create polished, professional podcasts every time.
Of course, these setups aren’t set in stone—any combination of the gear mentioned in this post will yield great results! Whether you’re working with a tight budget or ready to go all-in, you can mix and match based on your needs and preferences.
PURCHASING LINKS
Thank you for reading this blog post! If you’re interested in purchasing the gear mentioned above, I’ve included some affiliate links below. By purchasing through these links, you’ll be supporting the site, as I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me keep the website, YouTube channel, and social media platforms running smoothly, so I can continue delivering content you enjoy.
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