February 21, 2025

Podcast Gear 2025

An email list member asks:

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

Indeed I do!

Recording Software - I sometimes use Zoom with “original sound” turned on and record the conversation locally as separate tracks. But more often than not, I use Riverside which is better quality than Zoom.
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.
Transcripts - I use Descript for transcription and sometimes for audio repair if someone’s audio is terrible. The Descript UI is a hot mess, but I put up with it because it’s so good at the things I use it for.
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 have 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