The number of people you plan on recording your podcast with will determine the kind of equipment you’ll need.
If you’re recording solo, a USB mic is a great way to start (the ATR2100x is amazing for the price). But you can improve the sound quality greatly by using an analog XLR microphone combined with a USB interface.
If you’re recording with multiple people in your “studio”, you’ll need a USB interface or mixer, an XLR microphone for each person, and at least one pair of headphones (but ideally one pair for each person).
Then there are accessories like microphone stands, shock mounts, pop filters, and headphone amps that make recording not only easier but help your podcast sound much better.
Audio quality is important to a good podcast, but there are several other things you will need besides recording equipment:
- Podcast Hosting (our #1 pick is Buzzsprout)
- Podcast Software (we use Adobe Audition)
Also, these services are technically optional but highly recommended:
- Web Hosting (we recommend Bluehost)
- Domain Name (use Namecheap or get a free domain with Bluehost)
- Email Marketing Service (we use and recommend ConvertKit)
Solo Podcast Kits
Like I mentioned earlier, the Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB is an excellent microphone that has both a USB and XLR connection.
You can get it and a pair of headphones like the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x and that’s all you need to get started.
Here are some higher quality kits and bundles that include multiple items:
ATR2100x Bundle
The ATR2100x Bundle comes with a microphone, boom arm, shock mount, and pop filter. The microphone comes with both a USB and XLR cable so you will be good to record without any additional gear.
You can add an audio interface like the Focusrite 2i2 (3rd Gen) for even better performance.
Blue Yeticaster
The Blue Yeti is a popular USB microphone with multiple pickup patterns, giving you flexibility in how you record.
The Yeticaster Bundle comes with the Yeti, Radius III shock mount, and Compass boom arm.
You save quite a bit when you get all three together.
Heil PR-40 Bundle
The Heil PR-40 is one of the leading podcast microphones so if you want a high-quality podcast kit, this is the one to get.
You get the microphone, Heil PRSM shock mount, boom arm, and XLR cable. Combine with an audio interface and Cloudlifter for the best results.
Audio-Technica AT2035PK Podcasting Pack
The Audio-Technica AT2035 is a popular voice recording microphone. This pack comes with the mic, shock mount, boom arm, and ATH-M20x headphones.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Bundle
Focusrite is known for their high-quality audio interfaces so this is a great way to get one while also getting a few other pieces of gear.
This 7-piece bundle comes with the latest Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen), microphone, shock mount, headphones, boom arm, pop filter, and XLR cable.
I used to recommend these but they are unavailable at the time of writing. They may come back in stock:
- Rode Procaster Podcast Kit (XLR mic) – you’ll need to pair this with a USB interface – try the Focusrite 2i2 (3rd Gen)
- Rode Podcaster Kit (USB mic)
2+ Person Podcast Kits
You can simply get multiple kits from above, although you’ll need to be sure to get an interface that has enough microphone inputs for the number of mics you’re using.
There are a few kits to make things easy though:
4 Person Zoom PodTrak P4 Portable Podcast Kit
The Zoom PodTrak P4 is new for 2020 and is a great digital audio recorder.
This kit comes with:
- Zoom PodTrak P4
- 4x Samson Dynamic Microphones
- 4x XLR mic cables
- 4x mic stands
- 4x headphones
- 4x headphone stands
- 64GB SanDisk memory card
- Battery charger
Rodecaster Pro + PodMic Kit
The Rodecaster Pro is the best mixer/audio interface for podcasting.
It has 4 XLR microphone inputs, 4 headphone outputs, phone call recording, customizable sound pads, pro-level processing features, and tons more. This is what we use!
This kit comes with the:
- Rodecaster Pro
- 2 PodMic’s
- 2 boom arms
- 2 XLR cables
- 2 pairs of headphones
Focusrite 2 Person Podcast Kit
This kit comes with a bunch of stuff:
- Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 USB audio interface (4 mic inputs)
- 2x Samson handheld dynamic mics
- 2x mic stands
- 2x headphones
- 2x pop filters
- A bunch of different cables
