Ideal Equipment for an Audio Podcasting Studio – TAP241

Before you buy all kinds of podcasting gear that you may not need, consider the following 7 categories of equipment for an audio podcast. (I'll discuss video equipment in the next episode.)

1. Microphone(s)

The quality of your recordings start first with you—your voice, mic technique, and speaking style. But the first piece of equipment that picks up your voice and affects the recording is your microphone.

The ideal spot for most microphones is 4–6 inches (10–15 centimeters). This ensures that the microphone picks up more of your voice than reverb and other noise.

Because most podcasters are not in soundproof, acoustically treated studios, a large-diaphragm, dynamic microphone is usually the best choice.

Get a microphone that will grow with your podcasting needs. USB-only microphones don't scale well, which is why I always recommend against using them. For example, combining multiple USB microphones, remote cohosts, live sound effects, or live-streaming can all be difficult or nearly impossible, unless you make some big sacrifices.

As of 2015, there are only three microphones I can confidently recommend:

• Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB Cardioid Dynamic USB/XLR Microphone—Usually $50–$60 (and sometimes as low as $35), this mic can connect directly to any PC and mobile devices via USB, but it can also connect to professional audio equipment via XLR. It's the only microphone of its kind with a lifetime warranty. And the sound is quite good! The kit comes with the mic, a long USB cable, a thick XLR cable, a mic clip, and a small mic stand. If you can't get the ATR2100-USB affordably in your country, try the Audio-Technica AT2005USB or the Samson Q2U. These two mics have the same features and general quality of the ATR2100-USB, but they have only one-year warranties.
• Electro-Voice RE320 Variable-D Dynamic Vocal and Instrument Microphone or Heil PR-40 Dynamic Studio Recording Microphone—Both of these mics are $300–$325 and produce superior sound. I think the RE320 is a little more universal for most voices, but the PR40's frequency response can