The following is a list of podcasting equipment and tools that I regularly use for the recording and production of my podcasts.
Audio
Microphones
Rode NT1-A
Side Address Cardioid Condenser Microphone
This is my main microphone for recording podcasts. It’s not a natural choice for a lot of podcasters as it is extremely sensitive, so can be quite good at picking up background noise as well as the main voice, but when used in a quiet room with good acoustic damping, provides very smooth and natural results. Often used as a studio microphone for recording vocals.
Shure SM57
Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
A classic microphone from Shure used by bands and artists. While not as commonly used for vocals it is remarkable similar to the SM7B used in radio stations across the world, but a fraction of the price. It is also used by the president of the USA for all of his inaugural speeches. I have used this as an additional microphone, and sometimes as my main microphone.
Shure SM58
Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
This is the classic stage microphone that is used the world over for bands and artists. Being in a band for many years, this is a microphone that I have had lying about and have used as a second microphone sometimes, or occasionally as the main microphone. I used this microphone for my Skype interview on podcasting with BBC radio, which worked very well.
Digital Audio Interfaces / Recorders
Focusrite Saffire
Firewire Digital Audio Interface
Two microphone channels with high quality pre-amps and switchable 48V phantom powering for condenser or dynamic microphones. Two headphone outputs for monitoring, DSP EQ and compression providing exceptionally high quality audio for your podcasts. Also has line in and out and MIDI.
Zoom H4n
Portable 4-Track Digital Audio Recorder
A superb recorder for recording interviews in the field, but can also act as a digital recorder in the studio. As well as featuring a pair of stereo condenser microphones, you can also plug in two of your own microphones via the XLR inputs. Superb audio quality.
Headphones
Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro
Circumaural Closed-Back Headphones
Professional closed-back, circumaural headphones ensuring that little or no audio spill from the headphones get picked-up by the microphone. Very comfortable for wearing long periods and very wide frequency response, showing every detail in your audio.
Speakers / Monitors
Genelec 8020A
Bi-Amplified Active 2-Way Ported Monitors
Produced by the world renowned manufacturer of studio monitors, Genelec have produced this fantastic range of small monitors for audio-visual production environments. Very detailed, with good stereo imaging, although you may want a sub-woofer if you need an extended bass response. Have been spotted in the BBC TV studios.
Audio Accessories
sE Reflexion Filter
Stand Mounted Acoustic Absorber
A portable acoustic absorber designed to reduce the amount of room ambience or reverberation picked up by the microphone. As podcasters often record in less than ideal locations, this is an invaluable tool to help produce cleaner recordings, particularly when using an extremely sensitive condenser type microphone.
K&M Popkiller
Acoustic Pop Shield
A common, cheap accessory, but vital for close vocal microphone work such as podcasting to prevent excessive “plosive” sounds from “Ps” reaching the microphone and spoiling your recording. Comes with flexible goose-neck and clamp for attaching to your microphone stand.
Shure A81WS Windscreen
Large Foam Windshield
A large foam windshield designed specifically for the Shure SM57 and SM81 microphones to cut out wind noise and prevent excessive “plosive” sounds from “Ps” reaching the microphone and spoiling your recordings when using the microphone for close-up vocal work such as recording podcasts.
Shure A55M Shockmount
Swivel Shockmount
A shock-mount with swivel adaptor for the Shure SM57 and SM58 microphones to cut noise and vibrations transferred from the microphone stand to the microphone. Designed specifically for the Shure microphones, this neat little isolation mount is equally useful for most standard mics.
Heil PL2T
Microphone Boom
A desk mounted, swivel-based, sprung microphone boom arm enabling you to position your microphone exactly where you need it while keeping all your cables neat and tidy.
Software
Audacity
Audio Editor
Free audio editing software that does pretty much everything you need to get you recording and editing professional sounding podcasts. Simple and easy to use, yet remarkably powerful.
Cubase LE4
Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)
A much more advanced and sophisticated audio editing and production tool useful for more complex podcasts or radio plays with more tracks (presenters/actors), background music and effects.
MP3TAG
Universal Tag Editor
A free tag editor enabling you to add and edit ID3 tags in MP3 files to display such things as album / cover art and artist details.
Studio
GIK Acoustics ArtPanel
Acoustic Tiles
Professionally designed acoustic panels to absorb and deaden the sound in a reverberant or overly ambient room. Not only do these panels work incredibly well, but they also look great on the studio wall.
Video
Software
Lightworks
Non-Linear Video Editor
Lightworks is a very powerful Video Editing Software package that has been used to edit many big Hollywood films such as Pulp Fiction and Mission Impossible, but amazingly is available to download for free!
