June 7, 2022

Podcast Shopping List

One of my students in TPS asked:

Do you have a recommended equipment and software list for recording podcasts?

Indeed I do!

Recording Software—For recording with guests, I use Zoom with “original sound” turned on and record the conversation locally as separate tracks. For recording with Rochelle on TBOA, I use Riverside which is better quality than Zoom. For guests I still like Zoom better because they are always familiar with it.
Microphone—I use an MXL USB 006. People always tell me it sounds great, it plugs straight into my Mac with no converter necessary, and is a steal at around a hundred bucks.
Editing Software—I use Audacity. It’s free, open source, cross platform, and has a bunch of killer plugins that make the editing process quick and easy. There’s definitely a learning curve, but that’s true of most audio editing software.
Hosting Software—I use Transistor and I LOVE it. Simple, reliable, stellar customer support.

There are probably at least a hundred alternatives to each of these recommendations.

You could spend a year researching mics alone.

Don’t do that.

I have been podcasting non-stop since 2012 and experimented with all sorts of configurations.

IMHO, my current setup is the perfect balance of quality and simplicity, even for a newbie.

If you’re looking to start your first podcast, stop researching, buy this stuff, and start sharing your voice.

Yours,

—J

P.S. Have you thought about starting your very own podcast but gave up on the idea?

I’ve got good news for you!

If you can run a Zoom call, you can host a podcast.

In my 5-Day Podcast Challenge, you will learn exactly what to do (and NOT do) to get your podcast off the ground in as little as five days.

Add your name to be notified when registration opens for the next session of 5DPC.

I hope to see (and hear) you there!