Gear Guide

Please note for some of these items, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you need help choosing the right gear, we can make sure you don't buy the wrong gear with a 15-minute consultation

Microphones

Under $100
Audio Technica ATR2100 and a Foam Screen
Samson Q2U
Audio Technica ATR2005
Sure SM58 (XLR only - no built in USB)

Under $500

Electrovoice RE320 - Shock mount and Windscreen

Rode Procaster

Heil PR40 kit or just the Heil PR40 microphone

Microphone Stands

Desktop stand with Boom Arm

Cables

Note the ATR2100, Q2u, and AT2005 all come with cables. XLR Male to Female Microphone Cable - 10 Feet (to plug a microphone into a mixer or interface) 3.5mm Male to 2 RCA Male Audio Y-Cable (6 FT) (used to plug a mixer into the line in of a computer) Dual 1/4 inch TS to Dual 1/4 inch TS Stereo Interconnect Cable, 6.6 feet (used to plug a mixer into a recorder) Pearstone Stereo Mini Male to Stereo Mini Male Cable (Black) - 6) (used to plug any of the under $100 microphones into a recorder)

Pop Filters

Foam Ball-Type Mic Windscreen, Black Shock Mount With Metal Wind Screen Pop Filter Combo Works great with the under $100 microphones

Recorders/Interface

Zoom Podtrak P4 (the most recommended piece of equipment) Rode Rodecaster Pro Mixer/Recorder/Jingle Player (see review)

USB Interfaces

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

BEHRINGER U-PHORIA UMC404HD

Rodecaster Pro Interface/Recorder/Jingle player/ headphone amp (interface and recorder) get a case if you travel

Portable Recorders

Zoom H1N Super contact, great for using as a "back up recorder"

Headphones

Audio-Technica ATH-M30x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones, Black (I use these) Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone

Headphone Amplifier

These can be used when you have more than one person in the room with you and you are using a recorder without a built-in headphone amplifier. Mackie HM-4 Headphone Amplifier and Connecting 1/4" to 1/4" Cable to plug a mixer into the headphone amplifier

Recording Interviews Over the Internet

Squadcast

Software

Audacity (free for Mac and PC) Hindenburg Journalist Adobe Audition CC | 1 Year Subscription (Download)

Media Hosting

For Media hosting, I use Libsyn.com (Get a free month using the Libsyn coupon code sopfree) and I also recommend blubrry.com (get a free month using coupon sopfree). My podcast about podcasting is hosted on Libsyn.com In case you're wondering, yes you should always use a media host.

Web Hosting

For website hosting, if you want a great looking, headache free website that is SUPER EASY to setup, check out PodPage (check out the free class to learn Podpage). I also have Coolerwebsites.com which is my Godaddy reseller program (their service is amazing)

Platform

If you're using WordPress, my favorite themes are Second Line Themes (Second made for podcasters).

Plugins

Pretty Link - For creating easy to remember link Easy AZON - This $47 plugin makes adding items from Amazon a breeze. Google XML Sitemaps - Helps make Google food. ManageWP - I love this tool to keep my websites updated and backed up

Gear Shopping

Sweetwater (aff) is my favorite place to buy gear. Why? They have a built-in 2-year warranty, free shipping, free tech support, prices as good (and sometimes better) than Amazon, and just insane customer service.

Amazon - No customer service, but cheap pricing.

BNH - Huge inventory.