Podcast Equipment Guide: What I Recommend After 500 Episodes
When I started podcasting over 10 years ago, one of the most intimidating aspects was podcast equipment.
It was expensive, technical, and I didn't trust that I could tell which mic actually sounded better.
When I searched Google, I found tons of podcast microphone recommendations, but it was impossible to tell who knew what they were talking about and who was just collecting affiliate fees from Amazon.
So now, after 10 years and over 500 podcast recordings, I'm writing the guide I wish I had back in 2014.
No affiliate links. No paid promotion. I've used every piece of gear in this post extensively. These are the podcast setups I recommend to friends and family.
What to look for in podcast equipment
In 2020, I had an expensive mic that ruined a big podcast interview.
It was the new Shure MV7, which looked amazing. It had a touchscreen interface to control its levels and fancy software.
But in the middle of an interview, the micro-USB cable slipped out of the back of the mic, the software freaked out, and when I plugged it back in, all the settings had reset. I added tape to secure the cable, but it kept happening. Micro-USB, it turns out, is very prone to slipping out, which made it a bad mic to have on a boom arm.
One of my setups included an SM7B, a Cloudlifter, and a Scarlett 2i2 interface. While they're all good equipment, I was constantly troubleshooting hums, buzzes, and background noise because the setup was overly complicated.
These two stories, along with dozens of others, cause me to look for specific things in my podcast gear:
- Simplicity: Avoid unnecessary cables and accessories that can break
- Reliability: I want reliable, time-tested equipment, not fancy new features
- Hardware > Software: I want solid, physical buttons, not a finicky touch-screen interface
But most of all, I prioritize the recording environment over the gear itself, because a basic setup in a good recording environment will beat expensive gear in an untreated space every time.
The best podcast setup for beginners
You don't need to spend a lot of money to get a great-sounding podcast. In fact, the setup I recommend most often is just two items and costs ~$70.
I recommend this minimalist setup to new podcasters because it's super reliable. It was my first podcast setup, and it's still the gear I travel with. You can listen to an example of me using this equipment in 2022.
1. Samson Q2U Microphone
The Q2U launched in 2007 (the same year as the first iPhone) and has barely changed in 18 years because they nailed it the first time. It sounds great, it's reliable, and one of the few mics you'll feel comfortable throwing into a backpack. We bought our first Q2Us for Buzzsprout in 2014, and I can't remember a single one breaking.
It's a dynamic microphone that rejects a lot of background noise, so you can get a high-quality recording at home, in a hotel, or in your closet.
It has a USB connector and XLR output, so you can plug it directly into your computer or use an audio interface. It comes with a mic stand, a windscreen, cables, and it still only costs ~$70.
I've tested the Blue Yeti, Blue Snowball, Rode Podmic, Audio-technica ATR2100x, and tons of other beginner microphones, but I always come back to the Q2U.
Fun fact: DC Thomson Media replaced all of their podcasting mics with Samson Q2Us during covid lockdowns because they'd perform so well in people's homes.
2. Apple EarPods (or other wired headphones)
There are three reasons you want wired headphones when recording a podcast:
- Self-monitoring: Headphones will help you monitor your voice and environment so you notice audio quality issues before they become a problem.
- Eliminate mic-bleed: Headphones eliminate mic-bleed, where your guest's audio spills over into your track, like a quiet echo.
- Reduce latency (lag): Wired headphones have a latency of ~5ms as opposed to 160- 260ms for wireless headphones like AirPods. That's the difference between hearing something in real time as opposed to hearing your own voice with a lag.
I personally use EarPods because they're lightweight, comfortable, and don't give me a headache like some over-ear headphones. But you can use any wired headphones that you already have at home, the important part is that they're wired and plug into your mic.
Listen to an example: My coworker, Megan, still uses this setup to record Buzzsprout Weekly
How to set up this... setup
1. Unbox the Samson Q2U: It comes with the mic, foam windscreen, tripod stand, and a USB cable
2. Add the foam windscreen: Slide the foam ball over the top of the mic; this will reduce plosives or popping noises
3. Setup the stand: Screw the clamp onto the tripod stand, slide the mic into the clamp, and place it on your desk so it points at your mouth
4. Connect the USB cable: Plug the small side of the cable into the back of the Q2U and the big part into your computer. You might need a cheap USB adaptor.
5. Plug in your headphones: Your headphones should plug into the 3.5mm headphone jack in the back of the Q2U.
6. Turn on the Samson Q2U: Flip the switch to ON
7. Select your audio input and output: On your computer or recording software, set your Q2U as both your input and output. The output will allow you to hear your guest in your wired headphones.
8. Adjust your mic placement:
- Keep your mic about 4-6 inches from your mouth
- Try to maintain a consistent distance from the mic
- Speak straight into the mic for a bright sound or at a slight angle (10-45°) for a richer sound with more bass
My podcast equipment after 10 years
This setup is more than I need, and it's overdoing it for 95% of podcasters, but after 10 years of podcasting, this is the setup I use in my home office. You can listen to an example of how it sounds on my show, Buzzcast.
1. Earthworks ETHOS Microphone
This mic is admittedly a splurge, but I fell in love with it when my friends Stephen and Marcus started raving about it. It's a beautiful condenser mic that captures studio-quality sound.
Two years later, and it's still my favorite mic I've ever used.
2. OC White Ultima Low-Profile Boom Arm
This is the boom arm that Joe Rogan and other podcasters use for their videos. I love how it's low-profile, has built-in cable management, and easily swings out of the way when I'm done recording.
The PSA-1 or Elgato Wave LP are more reasonably priced alternatives.
3. Pig Hog XLR Cable
The best compliment I can give an XLR cable is that I never notice it. I haven't had any issues with buzzes or any issues with it.
4. RODECaster Duo
Of all my upgrades, the RODECaster Duo has improved my sound quality the most. It has built-in processing, which has been much more reliable than the software solutions I used before. I typically run a de-esser and "Big Bottom" EQ on my voice.
I prefer it over the RODECaster Pro because it's smaller, and I don't need the additional mic inputs.
5. Apple EarPods
I've tested other headphones, but I use EarPods since they fit the shape of my ears the best of any headphones I've tested.
How to put this equipment together
1. Secure the boom arm: Clamp it to your desk
2. Mount the mic: Attach the Eartworks ETHOS to your OC White Boom arm
3. Connect the XLR cable: Plug one side into the ETHOS, route the cable through the boom arm, and plug the other side into Input 1 of the RODECaster Duo
4. Headphones: Connect your headphones to the headphone jack at the front of the RODECaster
5. Connect the RODECaster to your computer: Use the USB-C cable to connect your RODECaster Duo to your computer
6. Turn on the RODECaster Duo: Press the power button on the back, and it will boot up
7. Select your audio input and output: On your computer or recording software, select RODECaster Duo Main Stereo as both input and output
8. Position your mic: You want the mic pointed at your mouth, about 3 inches away, at a slight angle
9. Configure your RODECaster: Record some audio tests to get the levels right (probably 30-40dB). You can optionally turn on the de-esser or EQ for your voice.
10. Cable management: Use zip ties or gaffer's tape to clean up all the cables
Tips for using podcast equipment
Here are the four things I wish I knew when I started:
Start small: Every extra cable or piece of gear introduces another point of failure.
Ignore the hype: New gear comes out every few months, but it's better to learn how to use your existing gear than to buy new stuff you don't need.
Focus on reliability: There's nothing worse than messing up a recording because your equipment failed. Always look for reliable, time-tested gear.
Improve your recording environment: Gear can only solve so many issues. You can improve your audio drastically by turning off the AC and recording in a room with carpet and some sound treatment.
Final thoughts
Testing gear can be fun, but the real joy is when it fades into the background and lets you focus on creating a great podcast. I hope this guide helps you launch a show you'll enjoy producing for years.
Alban Brooke
Alban Brooke is the Head of Marketing at Buzzsprout and the co-host of Buzzcast. He has recorded over 500 podcast episodes in his ten years in the podcasting industry, and has created multiple resources on How to Start a Podcast.
FAQs
What’s the best USB microphone for a solo podcast?
The Samson Q2U is a fantastic mic that is reliable and sounds great. I prefer it to the ATR2100, Blue Yeti, and the Shure MV7.
Can I use a smartphone to record podcasts?
Yes! You can record using an iPhone or an Android with the right gear. Use good recording software and pair it with a lavalier mic or USB microphone.
What’s better? A condenser microphone or a dynamic mic?
A condenser microphone like the Blue Yeti captures more detail but also more background noise. For beginners, a dynamic XLR microphone or USB mic is often easier to use in untreated spaces.
Do I need a podcast mixer or audio interface?
Not at first. Many podcast kits use USB microphones that don’t require extra gear. But if you’re using an XLR mic or want more control over audio recording, a podcast mixer like the RODECaster Pro or Focusrite interface adds flexibility and more features.
Should I use a pop filter or shock mount?
The Samson Q2U includes a foam windscreen, but adding a pop filter helps with plosives. A shock mount is helpful if you're using a mic stand and want to reduce desk vibrations, but it's optional for most beginners.
Can I use Bluetooth headphones for podcasting?
Bluetooth introduces latency, so I recommend using wired ones instead. Wired headphones give you real-time feedback and help catch audio recording issues early.
What else should I include in a beginner podcast studio?
Start with a USB mic, wired podcast headphones, and basic editing software. If you're doing live streaming, consider a webcam and maybe an audio mixer down the line. Keep it simple and upgrade only when needed.