Many people ask me what I use to produce my podcasts. My equipment mix has changed significantly since I started in 2005.
Here are links to what I use (for the most part). The links for many of the products & services included below are affiliate links and if you are kind enough to purchase from them, I receive a modest commission. If you are interested in podcast consulting services you can contact me at jimATjimharold.com. Note, personal consultation is not inexpensive since the majority of my time is dedicated to producing and growing my own podcasts.
Note, neither Jim Harold or Jim Harold Media LLC are liable for the outcome of your podcasting efforts. This is just some friendly advice based on our experience, your mileage may vary. Thanks!
Heil PR-40 Dynamic Studio Recording Microphone (First Choice)
I like the fact the PR40 is a dynamic mic and doesn’t seem to pick up a lot of background noise..Leo Laporte uses this so if it is good enough for him…you’ll want the below shockmount, pop filter & boom arm if you go with the Heil.
Heil PR 40 Shockmount
Not cheap, but this is VERY important so you don’t get a lot of vibration noise from the PR-40. Note: This is a slightly different model than mine, but it should do the job just fine!
Heil Sound PRSM Champagne Shockmount for Heil PR30 and PR40 Mics
Popfilter
This is to reduce those PLosives, you know, POPPING Ps!
Heil Sound Windscreen for PR30 & PR40 Microphones
Heil Sound PL-2T Overhead Broadcast Boom
I had used a cheaper mic boom for several years which was serviceable but it started to sag over time — buy cheap, get cheap. Many big time podcasters use this and though it is more expensive than other units it is a great addition for a radio-quality setup, it has great cable management, is strong and silent, and durable. One of these should give you many years of good service.
Heil Sound PL-2T Overhead Broadcast Boom
Yeti USB Microphone (Second Choice)
I have not personally utilized the Yeti; however, I have worked with co-hosts who have used this mic to very good effect. While certainly not up to the standards of the Heil PR 40 it provides a respectable level of quality. The advantage to beginning podcasters is that this mic is relatively inexpensive and does not require a mixer or interface. It plugs directly into your computer via USB plus it comes with its own stand so you don’t need a separate shockmount or stand. If you are interested in dipping a toe into podcasting but not sure you are committed or are on a shoestring this is a good starter mic. Eventually, you will want to upgrade if you become serious about podcasting professionally.
Blue Microphones Yeti USB Microphone – Silver Edition
Mackie Onyx Blackjack Premium 2×2 USB Recording Interface
I wouldn’t have recommended this several months ago, but Mackie has dramatically improved the Windows drivers and this is now rock solid for me on Win 7 and I understand it works well on Mac too. I use this to interface the Heil PR-40’s XLR to my computer via USB. Note, this is not necessary if you are using a USB mic like the Yeti (see above). It (or a mixer) is necessary if you are using a broadcast XLR mic like the Heil PR40. I may be upgrading to a full blown mixer soon, stay tuned.
Mackie Onyx Blackjack Premium 2×2 USB Recording Interface at Amazon
Adobe Audition CS6 by Adobe
I use version 5.5 of this software, and I think this has been a key part of improving my sound, this is the newer version which I assume is just as good if not better. You can certainly use the free program Audacity as I did for many years but this is a pro level program used at many radio stations that has expanded tools that are quite useful.
MDR-V6 Headphones
I was introduced to these headphones in college, loved them and was pleasantly surprised last year when I saw that you could still get them. Great sound for not a lot of money — really good headphones.
Levelator 2
I find this free software very helpful in levelling audio without a lot of fuss.
Powergramo
I use this program to record my Skype/phone via Skype interviews. It basically allows me to record from Skype for calls or Skype to Skype sessions thus replacing a conventional phone hybrid.
WordPress Website Hosting
I have my own dedicated server, BUT if you are just starting out this is overkill. Below is a banner and link to some very reasonable hosting (Blue Host) for a WordPress site (which I strongly recommend as the only choice for podcasting). Note: This type of shared hosting is ONLY appropriate to host your website NOT YOUR MEDIA FILES (MP3s). Scroll down to see my recommendation for media hosting.
Podcast Media Hosting (REQUIRED)
This is the one part of this list that is a requirement. If you want to host a podcast you MUST get a dedicated host for your media files (MP3s, etc). Otherwise, you will be paying very large bandwidth bills or getting shut off by your provider. I recommend Libsyn.com. I’ve been using them since 2005 with great results. Their $15 monthly plan should be sufficient for most beginning audio podcasters.
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Video Podcasting Equipment
Logitech Pro Webcam C920
I actually use the slightly older C910 but I have never had a bad Logitech webcam and this is what I’d buy if I were in the market for an upgrade today.
Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920, 1080p Widescreen Video Calling and Recording (960-000764)
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Mobile Recording Setup
I recently picked up a portable recorder and mic so I can remotely record Campfire stories, etc. It works great!
Electro Voice ND767A
I chose this mic because it has very good sound and though it is a dynamic mic it has strong output levels that output to my portable recorder.
Electro Voice ND767A Dynamic Vocal Microphone @ Amazon
Zoom H4n Portable Recorder
I really like this recorder because of its high customer ratings, its versatility, on board mics with ability to use professional XLR mics as well, its quality sound, and relatively low price!
Zoom H4n Handy Portable Digital Recorder
On Stage Pop Filter
To reduce those pesky, plosive Ps.
On Stage Foam Ball-Type Mic Windscreen, Black
XLR Mic Cable
Cheap, good quality and gets the job done.
Your Cable Store XLR 3 Pin Microphone Cable (6 feet)