This will vary based on your needs. At the least, you should have a quality microphone. We’ve put a free equipment guide together to help you save time and avoid spending boatloads of cash on the wrong equipment.
Microphones
Most Affordable
Logitech ClearChat Comfort/USB Headset H390
You’ll be comfortable with this headset thanks to the plush ear pads and padded headband that adjusts to you. The noise-canceling microphone cuts background noise-and rotates out of the way when you’re not using it. You’ve got it easy-this plug-and-play USB headset gives you quick access to volume and mute controls.
Mid Range
Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB Cardioid Dynamic USB/XLR Microphone
The ATR2100-USB is designed to take you from the stage to the studio and beyond. This rugged handheld microphone offers two outputs, USB output for digital recording, and an XLR output that connects with a sound system’s conventional microphone input for use in live performance. The microphone plugs right into your computer’s USB port, and functions seamlessly with your favorite recording software.
High End
Heil Sound PR40 Dynamic Microphone Studio Recording Microphone
The Heil Sound PR40 is a full-range dynamic microphone designed with the ability to reproduce frequencies as low as 28Hz, ideal for live sound, recording, and broadcast applications. The unique, copper-wound voice coil uses a mixed metallic magnet structure that creates a magnetic field 10 times stronger than most mics. A unique dual pop screen design ensures that breath blasts never hit the diaphragm directly. (Note: You will need this XLR cable if you are plugging into a mixer, and this XLR to USB cable if you are plugging directly into your computer)
Accessories for the Heil PR40
The PRSM Shock Mount is a flexible support system that helps suppress low-frequency rumble on the microphone line by absorbing and damping vibrations picked up from the studio desk or console.
Heil Sound PL-2T Overhead Broadcast Boom
The Heil Sound PL-2T overhead boom uses a system of perfectly balanced internal springs rather than the unsightly, mechanically unstable outboard springs used on booms of much lesser quality. Handles microphones up to 3-1/2 pounds in weight. Remove the top and back plates to thread the mic cable inside the boom with ease. I also ships with a standard C-clamp mount.
Studio Microphone Mic Wind Screen Pop Filter
Use the AmoVee Studio Microphone Mic Wind Screen Pop Filter to immediately improve the sound of your vocal recordings. Plosive sounds such as “p” and “b” create a sudden burst of air pressure that can create a bassy “pop” in your vocal recordings, ruining what could have been the perfect take.
BSW RE27POP Pop Filter for the Heil PR-40
Fine mesh metal screen diminishes undesirable P-Popping while keeping the integrity of the hi-end frequency response. Made specifically for the Electro-Voice RE27 microphone, Heil PR40, and the Røde PODCASTER microphones
Mic Flags
IMPACT PBS is your global source for quality microphone flags, studio flags, banners, lanyards, decals and more. A nice flag will give your podcast setup a professional broadcast look and feel.
Audio Technica ATH-M30X Professional Stereo Monitor Headphones
The M-Series ATH-M30x professional monitor headphones combine modern engineering and high-quality materials to deliver a comfortable listening experience, with enhanced audio clarity and sound isolation. Tuned for highly detailed audio, with strong mid-range definition, these versatile monitoring headphones are ideal in a variety of situations. Designed primarily for studio tracking and mixing, they offer added features for increased portability, making them a great choice for field recording.
Mixer
Behringer Xenyx 802 Premium 8-Input 2-Bus Mixer with Xenyx Mic Preamps and British EQs
Got a solo gig at the local coffee shop? Need to make a quick public announcement? Simple sound calls for the simply superb XENYX 802, the BEHRINGER mixer with everything you need to give an intimate setting incredible sound. The ultra-compact XENYX 802 mixer’s 8 Inputs (2 mic, 2 stereo + Aux Returns) allow you to effortlessly achieve premium-quality sound, thanks to the 2 studio-grade, phantom-powered XENYX Mic Preamps and ultra-musical “British” channel EQ.
Speakers
M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 Active Studio Monitor Speakers
The Studiophile AV 40 studio monitors bring this same professional legacy to your home. Unlike plastic multimedia speakers, AV 40s use technology that’s trusted by top musicians, engineers, and composers: premium woofer and tweeter components for rich lows and crystal-clear highs; waveguides for clarity, detail, and a wider “sweet spot”; and wooden cabinets for tight, punchy sound.
Webcam
The C920 is incredibly versatile and easy to setup that works seamlessly with your favorite applications. Video blog, stream, share, rant, rap, sing and dance with ease in Full 1080P HD.
Recording/editing software
AA works for both PC and Mac, and is our recommended recording and editing software when it comes podcasting and post production.
Audacity is free free open source digital audio editor and recording computer software application for those on a tight budget or want to get their feet wet before investing in Audacity. It’s both Mac and PC compatible.
GarageBand is also free if you’re a Mac user, but it’s only Mac compatible. GarageBand turns your iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch into a collection of Touch Instruments and a full-featured recording studio.
Media Hosts
Libsyn is our #1 recommendation media host because they’ve been around for 10 years and have a proven track record. Libsyn (Liberated Syndication) offers the best, most complete podcast hosting and publishing services available and plans start as low as $5 per month.
Blubrry PowerPress brings the essential features for podcasting to WordPress including hosting, full iTunes support, web audio/video media players and more. We use their free plugin ‘Powerpress’ on most of our clients sites, and it’s features allow website viewers to listen and download podcasts.
SoundCloud’s podcasting program is currently in beta. This means that you will need to apply to the program and be accepted in order to enable your RSS feed on your SoundCloud account. While SoundCloud is the leading hosting platform, we recommend it a secondary platform to your main media host.
Mobile Studio
Roland R-05 Studio WAVE/MP3 Recorder
R-05: WAVE/MP3 Recorder Affordable Pocket Recorder with Advanced Features The compact R-05 is easy to use, affordable, and packed with big-ticket features that raise the bar in its price class. Experience crystal-clear 24/96 capture, enhanced recording and editing features, and extended battery life (over 16 hours per charge). On stage, in rehearsal, at school, on the street, in the boardroom – whenever inspiration strikes, let the R-05 capture the moment with convenience and quality.
Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB Cardioid Dynamic USB/XLR Microphone
The ATR2100-USB is designed to take you from the stage to the studio and beyond. This rugged handheld microphone offers two outputs, USB output for digital recording, and an XLR output that connects with a sound system’s conventional microphone input for use in live performance. The microphone plugs right into your computer’s USB port, and functions seamlessly with your favorite recording software.
Apogee Duet Audio Interface for iPad & Mac
Apogee Duet is an award-winning audio interface, headphone amp and MIDI interface making it easy to create professional recordings anywhere on your iPod touch, iPhone, iPad or Mac. With Apogee’s legendary digital audio conversion and world-class mic preamps, Duet is the best way to capture your podcast with incredible dimension and detail.
GLS Audio 6ft Cable 1/8″ TRS Stereo to XLR Female
This is to connect your ATR-2100 to your Roland Digital Recorder! This 3.5mm to XLR Female Audio Cable connects audio equipment with 1/8″ mini-stereo jacks and XLR audio jacks including iPod (Mini, Shuffle, Nano, Generation 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Classic), iPhone, iPod Touch, computer Sound Cards, CD Players, multimedia speakers and home stereo systems