A great podcast setup has many different requirements. You need a microphone, a way to record your microphone, headphones, cables, and other accessories.
We’ve created this page with everything that we recommend for your podcast. You’ll find 3 options in each category. Everything you see is known to be “best in class” and “industry standard” and has a reputation for lasting a long time and providing maximum value for your podcast.
Simply put, you cannot go wrong with any of the equipment in our 2021 Podcasting Buyer’s Guide!
Best Podcasting Dynamic Microphone
Dynamic microphones are known be the best for podcasting and broadcasting. Generally speaking, a dynamic microphone will do a better job of capturing your voice with more warmth and less background noise compared to a condenser microphone.
Below are our three recommendations for dynamic microphones for your podcast.
Shure MV7X
- Legendary Shure Sound
- Built-In Pop Filter
- Minimizes Room Pickup
Shure SM7B
- Warm Tone
- Shielded From Electromagnetic Hum
- Comfortable Ergonomics
Electro-Voice RE20
- Broadcast Quality
- Warmth & Clarity
- Reduced Proximity Effect
- Industry Standard
Best Podcasting Condenser Microphone
If you’re in a purpose built studio, a condenser microphone will do a better job of capturing more detail from your voice while podcasting. The downside to using a condenser microphone is that it will also capture more fan noise, background noise, paper shuffling, and other distracting noise compared to a dynamic microphone.
NEAT Worker Bee
- Unique Look
- High Quality
- Great Value
Audio Technica AT2035
- Studio Grade
- Smooth & Detailed
- Compact Design
Rode NT1
- Ultra Low Self Noise
- Internal Shockmounting
- Detailed & Accurate
Best Podcast Audio Recorder (Interface & Mixer)
You will need a way to connect your microphone to a recording device.
If you have a single microphone, the Elgato Wave XLR is an incredible device for connecting your microphone to your computer so you can record using software (GarageBand, Audio Recorder, etc.).
The Zoom Podtrack and RodeCaster Pro are purpose-built podcast recording platforms that will allow you to:
- Multi-Track Record (Record each input to it’s own track so you can re-mix later, if necessary)
- Mix-Minus (You can bring in a remote caller)
- Record to SD Card
- Record using software on your computer (GarageBand, Audio Recorder, etc.)
- Provide headphone output for each guest
- Save pre recorded songs/sound effects and trigger them using the pads/buttons
Elgato Wave XLR
- Single Microphone Input
- Elegant Design
- Easy To Use
- 75 dB XLR Preamp!
Zoom PodTrak P8
- 6 Microphone Inputs
- 9 Sound Pads
- 8 Faders
- Multitrack Recording
- SD Card or Computer
RodeCaster Pro
- 4 Microphone Inputs
- 8 Sound Pads
- 8 Faders
- Multitrack Recording
- SD Card or Computer
Best Podcasting USB Microphone
If you only need one microphone and don’t want to worry about connecting your microphone to an interface/mixer/recorder, then a USB microphone is the perfect solution for your podcast. Below are three great options to choose from.
Blue Yeti
- Flexible Pickup Patterns
- Time Tested Design
- Great Value
Shure MV7
- Solid Construction
- USB and XLR
- Built-In Pop Filter
Elgato Wave 3
- Several Mounting Options
- Simple Interface
- Advanced Software Mixing
Best Podcasting Mic Boom Arm
A boom arm is helpful for isolating your microphone from desk noise and it makes it easier to get your microphone where it will be most comfortable for recording. Below are three great options for podcast boom arms.
Gator Frameworks 3000
- Tube Style Boom Arm
- Integrated XLR Cable
- Excellent Clamps
- Easy To Adjust
Elgato Mic Arm LP
- Low Profile
- Fits Under Monitor
- Lots of Adjustability
- All Black Design
Rode PSA1+ Boom Arm
- Smooth, Silent Rotation
- 37″ Horizontal Reach
- 34″ Vertical Reach
- Top Cable Management
Best Podcast Headphones & Studio Monitors
We use all three of these options on a regular basis. Depending on your preference for closed back or open back headphones, you will want either the DT770 or DT990 pro headphones.
If you like having your headphones LOUD while recording your podcast, we recommend the DT770 pro headphones. The closed back will prevent your microphone from hearing the sound in your headphones.
Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro
- Extremely Comfortable
- Light Weight
- Closed Back
- Enhanced Low-End
Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro
- Extremely Comfortable
- Light Weight
- Open Back
- Articulate & Accurate
Yamaha HS5 Monitor
- 2-Way Reference Speaker
- TRS & XLR Inputs
- Professional Grade
Best Studio Lighting
Having great lighting in your podcast studio will help your video look much more professional. These three options have a great reputation will provide you the light that you need for your studio.
Elgato Light String
- 2M Long
- Up to 2000 Lumens
- WI-FI Controlled
- 30 Watts
Elgato Key Light Air
- Up to 1400 Lumens
- 2900-7000 Color Temp
- 92% CRI
- 25 Watts
Elgato Key Light
- Up to 2800 Lumens
- 2900-7000 Color Temp
- 92% CRI
- 45 Watts
Best Audio Cables
Great cables are critical to making your life easy while recording. It can be very frustrating to troubleshoot buzzing, bad connections, and background noise. These cables are on the “high end” of available cables, but we believe that the extra cost is worth it due to longevity and reliability.
Canare XLR Cable
- Braided Copper Shield
- Very Flexible
- Star Quad Design
- Polyethylene Insulation
- Neutrik Connectors
- Color Options
Canare TRS Cable
- Braided Copper Shield
- Very Flexible
- Star Quad Design
- Polyethylene Insulation
- Neutrik Connectors
- Color Options
Hosa 1/8″ To Dual 1/4″
- Connect Phone/Laptop To Audio Mixer
- Connect Computer To Studio Monitors
- Long Lasting
Home Studio Accessories
Here are some additional items to consider for your podcast studio. These are items that we use on a regular basis and we’ve included them for the sake of making this page complete.
Shure 3″ Extension Tube
- Improves Mic Mounting
- Used With Boom Arm
Mackie HM-4 Amp
- Headphone Amp
- Headphone Splitter
- Affordable
- Easy To Use
Gator Monitor Stand
- For Studio Monitors
- Rugged Design
- Lots of Adjustability
Elgato CamLink 4k
- Capture HDMI Video
- Great For Streaming
Colored Gaff Tape
- Use for labeling
- Mark locations
3″ Black Gaff Tape
- Safely Tape Cable
- Cover Logos
- Make Things Black
Cloudlifter CL-1
- Works with dynamic mic
- Provides 25dB of gain
- Requires phantom power
Radial PRO D2
- Stereo DI Box
- Rugged Design
Radial PRO AV2
- Lots of inputs
- Rugged Design
