Podcast Equipment Reviews
Thinking of Starting a Podcast?
In December 2016, we decided to create our podcast but honestly had no idea where to start. Over the last 4 years, we’ve come a long way and learned a lot about video and audio production. We also have a box in a closet with no so inexpensive equipment we’ve only used once. That being said, here is a list of equipment we currently use to produce our podcast. If you have any questions, email me at john@sexpositiveme.com
Zoom H6 6-Track Portable Recorder
Zoom H6 6-Track Portable Recorder
The Zoom H6 allows us to record up to 6 tracks simultaneously. We usually attach 2-4 XLR lavalier microphones when we’re mobile or studio condenser microphones. Then the tracks can be adjusted separately then combined to a single file. This is important when interviewing multiple people. Files are recorded to SD Card. There is also a USB Audio Interface to connect directly to your PC or Mac. It runs on 4 AA batteries and is lightweight and completely portable.
Rating: 4.5/5
Movo LV4-O2 Lavalier Omnidirectional Microphone
Movo LV4-O2 XLR Phantom Power Lavalier Omnidirectional Microphone, with Lapel Clips and Windscreens (2 Pack)
These mics work great with the Zoom H6 as well as any mixing board with XLR inputs. We usually use them for interviews when we’re on the road or when we are recording video and down have the ability to use our studio mics.
Rating: 4/5
Neewer NW-800 Recording Microphone Set
Neewer NW-800 Professional Studio Broadcasting & Recording Microphone Set
This is a good inexpensive mic set to start with on a relatively low budget. Their quality is good for podcasting and they are easy to set up and use.
The set includes:
- (1) NW-800 Professional Condenser Microphone
- (1)Microphone Shock Mount
- (1)Ball-type Anti-wind Foam Cap
- (1)Microphone Power Cable
May 2020 Update: This is a condensor mic and it worked good the first 2 years we used it but the quality degraded and they had to be replaced.
Rating: 2.5/5
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MXL BCD-1 Dynamic Podcast Microphone
MXL BCD-1 Dynamic Podcast Microphone vs Neewer NW-700 Professional Condenser Microphone
When I started my podcast, I purchased 2 Neewer NW-700 Professional Condenser Microphones from Amazon. Four years later it was time to upgrade. I had met BSW at Podfest 2020 and after explaining my needs & budget, they recommended the MXL BCD-1 Dynamic Podcast Microphone. In this video, we compare both mics in a studio environment.
Rating: 4.9/5
Acoustic Foam Panels
6-Pack 2" X 12" X 16"
Acoustic Foam Panels 6-Pack 2″ X 12″ X 16″, Ohuhu Uncompressed Pyramid 2 Inch Thick Sound Absorbing Dampening Wall Foam Acoustic Treatment
In our home studio, the AC unit is in the next room. When improving our studio, we placed 24 tiles (2 packages) against the wall by the AC unit and the noise levels dropped dramatically. If you live in an apartment of near a busy street, these files can help you create a quieter space.
Rating: 4/5
PoP Voice Lavalier Lapel Microphone
PoP voice Upgraded Lavalier Lapel Microphone, Omnidirectional Condenser Mic for Apple iPhone iPad Mac Android Smartphones, Youtube, Interview, Studio, Video, Recording,Noise Cancelling Mic
I carry this mic everywhere with me. If you record video or audio with your smartphone this is a must have. It’s small, inexpensive and records at a much higher quality over just using your smartphone’s mic. Both Angelique and John carry one in our bags and purses.
Rating:5/5
XLR Male to Female Microphone Cable – 6 Feet
XLR Male to Female Microphone Cable – 6 Feet
We always use one of these per mic in our studio plus 1 extra as a spare.
Rating: 5/5
Smartphone Clamp
Manfrotto Universal Smartphone Clamp, Pro Version (MCPIXI)
This clamp attaches to any standard camera mount for your smartphone. It also has a mount on top to add a microphone, wireless receiver, light or other equipment.
Rating: 5/5
4-Channel Stereo Headphone Amplifier
Behringer Microamp HA400 Ultra-Compact 4-Channel Stereo Headphone Amplifier,Silver
We use this device when we conduct interviews online over Skype or Zoom. Usually we’ll have 2-4 of us in the studio and an online contributor. It allows up to 4 headsets to hear the same audio with 4 individual volumne controls.
Rating: 4/5
Smartphone Video Rig & Ring Light
GVM 5600K Selfie Cell Phone Ring Light, Smartphone Video Rig & Phone Video Stabilizer for Camera, Smartphone, Makeup, YouTube, Self-Portrait Shooting with Bluetooth
This rig gives you a stable smartphone camera mount and light on one. There are additional mount points to add microphones or other equipment. The majority of our video content is shot using this rig, an iPhone, and a tripod.
Rating: 5/5
LED Ring Light - 18 inches for Photo/Video
Neewer Camera Photo/Video LED Ring Light 18 inches/48 Centimeters Outer, 55W 240 Pieces LED, 5500K Dimmable with Plastic Color Filters, iPad Clip and Universal Adapter with US/EU Plug
Reguardless wether you use this light with a camera or smart device or just use as a light source, this large ring light allows you to adjust the brightness and get the perfect lighting.
One con is that it comes with a single battery and an external charger. I needed to buy an additional battery and a direct power plug.
Rating: 4.5/5
Neewer Portable Aluminum Camera Tripod / Monopod
Neewer Portable Aluminum Alloy Camera 2-in-1 Tripod Monopod
We use iPhones to shoot all or our video and this lightweight tripod works great. Usually, we are shooting our own videos and do not have a carera person (yet). Using this tripod combined with a smartphone clamp allows us to start recording and then be apart of the content.
Rating: 4.5/5
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