MICROPHONE & GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS
These are just some of the gear I recommend and you should choose what to invest in based on your needs and budget. Below are links from my favourite pro-audio retailer in Canada for products that you can purchase directly from them. They have locations across Canada with an excellent return policy. These are NOT affiliate links, I just like them. 🙂
You can use these links to find names for items to purchase through your preferred retailer, such as Sweetwater or your local Guitar Center for my American friends.
Low-End Budget Microphones
Items in the low-end budget usually consist of a full package. Check to see what accessories you may still need or upgrade from their desktop mic stand to a full mic stand for flexibility.
ATR2100x (May no longer be available)
Samson Q2U (My recommended pick in this price range.)
Mid-Range Budget Microphones
Items in the mid & high-range budgets will need to purchase additional accessories such as a mic stand or an interface if it does not have a USB connector. (ie uses an XLR cable) Check what comes with each mic to see what else you may need to purchase.
Shure MV7 – has a USB cable (also comes in a pack that includes a short tabletop desk stand) excellent for different recording situations as it works with their Shure Motive App
Shure SM58 – XLR cable – classic handheld microphone that takes a beating if you need to store it when not in use. The cable needs to be purchased separately.
AT2040 – XLR cable – excellent at rejecting noise from your room
Rode PodMic – XLR cable – goes great with Rodecaster Pro
Samson Q9U – has a USB cable – great if you know your laptop tends to have a hum or for people who have a higher frequency or pitch to their voice as it picks up more mid-ranges
High-End Budget Microphones
Items in the high-range budgets will need to purchase additional accessories such as a cloud lifter to get the maximum sound quality of the mic
Shure SM7B – classic
Electro-Voice RE20 – excellent for people with a higher frequency or pitch to their voice as it picks up more mid-ranges
Additional Optional Gear & Accessories
Headphones are vital. If you don’t have any:
Audio interfaces – this box connects an XLR cable mic to this box which then has a USB to connect to your computer:
Focusrite Scarlett Solo – for only one microphone
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 – for you and a co-host in one room recording together
For in-person recording:
Zoom H5Â or Zoom H6 handheld recorder
Zoom Expansion Module for Zoom H5
RODEcaster Pro – excellent for 4 or more people with connection to your laptop or phone with all the bells and whistles to create each episode
RODEcaster Pro II – the upgraded version of the RODEcaster Pro that records cleaner audio (low noise and higher volumes)
Zoom PodTrak P4 Podcast Recorder – smaller recorder for 4 people
Optional accessories:
Tripod Standing Mic Stand or desk clamp boom arm
Microphone cable (buy the correct length for your needs)
Cloudlifter (to boost the sound from a high-end budget mic)