Whether you’ve saved a big wad of cash for a top-notch podcasting setup or you’re creating the ultimate wish list for you and your co-host to drool over, we’ve put together a small selection of the most tempting podcast products on the market today.
Podcasting Mixers
As a podcaster, nothing beats efficiency and ease of having tactile management over all your podcasting controls. The RODECaster Pro II from RODE is an all-in-one production studio, offering 6 customizable faders and a large color touchscreen that lets you manipulate a rich set of features. In addition to 4 mic/line/instrument inputs you’ll find advanced processors, like the Aural Exciter which enhances clarity and crispness, as well as the Big Bottom, which adds warmth, depth and low-frequency punch. You’ll also have control over a host of other functions, such as a high-pass filter, pitch shifter, noise gate, de-esser and more. The 8 programmable sound pads can trigger imported audio files, play special effects, send midi commands and activate mixer functions like fades and bleeping. Bring in remote guests via Bluetooth connection and power hard-to-drive mics, like the Shure SM7B, without a Cloudlifter. You can record your tracks either straight to a microSD card or external hard drive or simply use the RODECaster as an interface with your computer.
There are other products in the RODECaster lineup that handle both video and audio production simultaneously with similar audio production capabilities the RODECaster Pro II has to offer. For video podcasts, check out the RODE Caster Video and soon-to-be-released RODECaster Video S—these devices feature mix-effect layers, chroma-keyers, and video switchers for a full-fledged audio/visual podcast production.
Portable Podcast Recorders
For those who want a portable and versatile multitool of a recording device, the Zoom H8 recorder has the expansion capability and customization options you’ll want.
The H8 features six physical inputs: four XLR mic inputs and two XLR/TRS mic/line/Hi-Z combo connectors—but can record up to eight tracks when you use the included XYH-6 X/Y stereo mic capsule. The capsule is swappable too—Zoom offers three other separately sold microphone capsules for the H8: the XAH-8 which can rotate from a tight X/Y stereo pattern to a wide AB, the quad-mic VRH-8 ambisonic mic for 360-degree audio recordings, and the EXH-8 that provides four additional XLR jacks to expand to ten inputs.
Along with the eight inputs, the H8 gets to twelve tracks by simultaneously recording your inputs to a stereo mix track along with a backup stereo track for the built-in stereo mic.
Navigation is easy and intuitive thanks to the color touchscreen and simple gain control knobs. Zoom has also made sound quality a priority with 24-bit / 96 kHz resolution multitrack recording. Record to an SD card or use the device as a simple interface with your computer. With eight hours of battery life, onboard effects, including a low-cut filter and compressor, and a rugged, ergonomic build, this recorder has everything you'll need in a compact and ultra-portable form factor.
Audio Interfaces
If you host a one or two-person podcast and want to pair a powerful but easy-to-use interface with your computer, check out the CONNECT 6 rom Lewitt. You’ll get two studio-grade preamps that can handle hard-to-drive dynamic mics without any signal boosters. In addition, you’ll find hardware-based processing, which not only offers voice effects but also allows for zero-latency monitoring, routing and mixing without draining any processing power from your computer. With three loopback channels to capture audio from external sources (like Zoom calls), optional connectivity to your phone or tablet and impressive companion software, the CONNECT 6 is solid option for those podcasting and streaming from their studio.
Microphones
Apart from the legendary Shure SM7B, there are two other coveted, professional-grade podcast/broadcast mics to look out for: the famous Electro-Voice RE20 and the equally skilled but more directional Neumann BCM 705. Both the cardioid RE20 and the hypercardioid BCM 705 convey exceptionally transparent and well-defined speech with notably low noise performance. And to save yourself from any hassle, you can purchase either model as part of an all-in-one package—the RE20 combo and BCM 705 package both include everything your microphone setup will need to get started right away.
Broadcast Arms
After investing in a top-of-the-line mic, you might as well throw in for a fancy broadcast arm while you’re at it. If you’re looking for a broadcast arm that includes an arm extension and desktop clamp, check out the sporty ProBoom Ultima Gen2 kit made by O.C. The boom arm can handle heavy mics and, and like the model above, it features an internal wire channel to keep your desktop looking clean.
Headphones
A clean and well-balanced set of headphones is essential for accurate monitoring of your recording. And if you’re reading this article, it’s likely you want the best. With regard to closed-back reference headphones, it’s hard to beat Beyerdynamic’s famous DT 1770 PRO MKIIs. Upgraded from the original 1770s with a far more agreeable 30 ohm impedance, these cans are not only remarkably precise, but they’re also a pleasure to listen to with respect to music. Use the velour earpads for a soft and cool feel, or switch to the included leatherette earpads for added richness and bass. For convenience, the company also supplies a coiled cable in addition to the straight one.
Room Treatment
If you’re going all out on podcast equipment, it’s wise to also prioritize the quality of your acoustic space. Proper room treatment will likely make your podcast sound more professional and will hopefully lessen the time and effort you’ll have to spend in post-production. The Auralex 2” Propanel Wall Panel is designed to reduce room reflections and echoes and is optimized for speech intelligibility, making it the perfect absorptive panel for podcast and broadcast applications. Rather than investing in an entire wall-panel system, which may be unnecessary, this option lets you buy each panel separately for a more custom fit. The panel is also class-A fire rated, making it a safe choice for those who like to light up in the studio.
Podcast Tables
The Triangle-Shaped Podcast Console from Forecast Consoles is the Cadillac of podcasting tables. Given its three-person design, this desk is perfect for a host, cohost and guest, or two hosts and a video setup. With under-counter routing and sound panel inserts for noise reduction, your podcast studio will not only look tidy but will also enhance your sound quality. The console comes with pre-drilled holes for mic arms and includes an integrated power supply unit installed right into the countertop to make powering your gear a breeze.
For more information about the podcasting products listed, including additional features, specs, and highlights, be sure to check out our detailed product pages.
