PODCAST EQUIPMENT
GUIDE 2024

You don’t have to spent a million dollars to sound like it, but you do have to buy the right equipment. Mainly that means do not buy the Yeti, its meant for sound treated spaces which a majority of you don’t have. This is a solid list of equipment that is time tested, affordable and will ensure that you sound fantastic. 

Earbuds

Mackie CR-Buds

$19.00

Better than using nothing, and $20 well spent.

Mackie CR-Buds + Dual Driver Professional Fit Earphones

$39.99

I love the fit, they are an improvement over the most classic designs and are extremely good for how affordable they are.

Shure SE215

$99

industry standard “professional” in-ear. Made by the same company that makes the SM7B and MV7.

Headphones

Mackie MC-100

$29.99

Low profile for an overhead, get the job done, if you are wearing for hours and hours, you might want something more comfortable, but for $30 you can’t beat it.

Audio Technica ATH-M20X

$49

Tried and true. Industry standard. Clean black look. We had these in all of our physical studios, these are a solid choice.  

Audio Technica ATH-M50X

$149

THE Industry standard. Top quality comfort, top quality sound. Removable cable drastically enhances the life of the headphones as it is easily replaceable of the cable gets worn out… or chewed on by a four legged friend

USB Microphones

4 great USB microphones - all to improve your audio quality, and some to take you even further!

Samson Meteor Mic

$69.99

Shockingly good audio for an entry level USB microphone. It is a condenser, but it does a fantastic job of actually sounding natural and warm – great place to start.

Audio Technica AT2005USB

$79

Entry level DYNAMIC USB/XLR microphone – you get the benefits of it being dynamic, so it’s easier to control the sound and not pickup unwanted sounds, and you get the benefit of it being XLR for when you decide to grow your podcast and need to use a mixer.

Also available as a bundle with headphones

$128

RODE NT-USB Mini

$99

Small but mighty, sounds excellent. The new features accessible from RODE’s free software RODE Connect unlock MASSIVE potential for grown with this microphone.

Best of the Best – Shure MV7

$239

Incredible sound, along with extremely useful companion software make this the clear winner. Additionally being XLR for future grown makes this an incredible investment.

FOR THE MORE ADVANCED USER
OR GROUPS OF PEOPLE

6 Microphones
to use with
an interface or mixer:

ZOOM ZDM-1

$79.99

Designed specifically for podcasters, nice and clean sound – great place to get started.

Audio Technica AT2040

$99

New and designed specifically for the podcast community – Audio Technica developed a fantastic microphone that adds that warmth you want in a good podcast mic at a very affordable price point. Low profile, clean look.

RODE PodMic

$99

Because it should be included.

Best Options that are NOT an SM7B

Shure MV7X

This is the XLR version of the Shure MV7, solid choice if you have an audio interface.

$179

MXL BCD-1

Looks the part and will get the job done, can’t go wrong here. 

$149.95

And then there is the SM7B

$399

Because it must be acknowledged.

Always add a Cloudlifter to your SM7B.

Audio Interfaces

Presonus Audiobox 96

$99

Affordable and high quality for 2 inputs – comes with free recording software StudioOne.

Audient EVO 4

$129

An incredible interface with some smarts! The EVO series has an “auto-gain” feature which helps dial in the gain settings so you sound your best and don’t need to worry about knobs and gain.

Podcast Recorders
these make your flow
so much easier!

ZOOM P4

$219

4 inputs, 4 headphone outputs, phone call and USB connectivity – easy to use and makes recording good quality sound easy.

ZOOM P8

$549

More inputs, more functionality. The only Podcast recorder of it’s caliber that is also completely battery powered.

Tascam MixCast 4

$599

Top of the line podcast recorder, extremely easy to use, and comes included with free dedicated Podcast Recording software.

Top Podcast Bundles
to check out if you
want it All-In-One

ZOOM Podcast Bundle with P4

$339

Molly's Pick!
Rated 5 out of 5

Shure MV7 Bundle with Earbuds

This is def my favorite of all of the options. The boom arm will keep the mic close to your face and give you that “pro look”. The earbuds will prevent your engineer from cursing your name during exhausting editing sessions and the mic, well, what do we need to say about the MV7. Basically, it’s the best. 

This will work without an audio interface. 

$359

Presonus Podcast Bundle with PD-70 and Boom Arm

$379

Audio Technica AT2020USB+PK

$199

Incredibly popular, all you need to look and sound good.

the camera & set up

Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam – Full 1080p HD Camera

$89.02

  • Brand : Logitech
  • Series : 960-001176
  • Special Feature : Autofocus
  • Video Capture Resolution : 1080p
  • Connectivity Technology: USB

accessories that
you will need

use this to place the camera in front of THE SCREEN FOR THAT EXCELLENT EYE CONTACT

Smatree Telescoping Selfie Stick with Tripod Stand

$24.99

  • Compatible Devices : GoPro
  • Brand : Smatree
  • Material : Aluminum
  • Tripod Head Type : Ball Heads
  • Color : Q3S
  • Maximum Height : 36.6 Inches
  • Minimum Height : 11.8 Inches
  • Folded size : 11.8 inch

you will need this to
connect everything

Sabrent 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub with Individual LED Power Switches

$7.49

  • Brand: SABRENT
  • Hardware Interface: USB 3.0 Type A
  • Number of Ports: 4
  • Operating System: Windows 10, Windows 2000, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Mac OS X and Higher
  • Item Dimensions LxWxH: 3.4 x 1.4 x 0.61
  • Operating System: Windows 10, Windows 2000, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Mac OS X and Higher

NEED A LITTLE
MORE GUIDANCE?

A woman smiling and pointing at a Shure microphone in a recording studio with a blurred background.

Whether you are looking to buy equipment or already have some and aren’t sure how to use it, I can help. 

We will spend an hour together going over your project, your environment, the content goals and editing process that you have in place. 

By fully understanding the above I will personally guide you on a custom set up for your space. 

There is no reason to buy ill fitted technology with the intent to upgrade later. You can buy reasonably priced equipment that will grow with you, not against you. 

Don’t worry, I got you. I love this stuff. 

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kevin cripe
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I have talked to Molly a couple times and been impressed by her knowledge and professionalism. After signing up Anne M became my contact person and she has been amazing and I was able to get on a podcast I would have never been able to get on. Everything has been top notch.
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Katie Nelson
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It’s not just podcast booking with the Heartcast Team, it is a brand boost. It is the Best in visibility and thought leadership. Molly and her team put you in the right rooms at the right time for you and for your people to hear you!!
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Wisdom, Love and Magic
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Heartcast Media is the best!!! Molly Ruland and her staff are knowledgeable, capable and a joy to work with. The services they offer are comprehensive and expertly delivered. Honestly you would be foolish if you didn't choose to work with them. I recommend them most highly and if I could give them more than five stars I would.
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Diana F
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Heartcast Media brings clarity, strategy, and results to SEO. There’s a lot of noise in the SEO space — quick fixes, surface-level audits, and generic advice. Heartcast Media cuts through all of that with a thoughtful, brand-first approach that delivers. From day one, their team operated like a true strategic partner. They took the time to understand our business, audited our content with precision, and delivered an actionable SEO roadmap that aligned with our long-term goals. No fluff, just real insights and a clear path forward. We started seeing meaningful improvements in keyword performance, organic traffic, and qualified inbound leads — and just as important, we finally had the clarity to make smart, data-informed content decisions. If you’re looking for an SEO partner who gets both the art and science of digital visibility, Heartcast Media should be at the top of your list.
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Krystl Densmore
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Whether you are struggling to book podcast appearances with a service, you've tried the DIY route, or you're just starting out on your podcast guesting journey, cut out the BS and sign up with Heartcast. Molly and her team are fast, professional, efficient, and a blast to work with. I tried other avenues to get my clients booked on shows and was feeling burnt out and defeated by the incessant grind with miniscule ROI. Heartcast has made getting them on top-quality shows an easy—dare I say, pleasant—experience. I will use Heartcast for all of my clients moving forward, and you should too!
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Heather Macbeth
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Molly Roland and her team are amazing! They have helped me with getting my business off the ground. Easy to work with, creative, efficient. Highly recommend this business!
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Nithin Ramachandra NR Media
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It is amazing working with Molly and her team at Heart Cast Media, they are the best, seeing great results with my new Show and shout-out to you guys, thank you for everything
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Jennifer Cooper
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Heartcast Media is an incredible asset to businesses large and small around the world. Molly and the team are direct, patient, kind, incredibly knowledgeable and helpful at every turn. I cannot say enough good things about this team. Highly recommend on every level.
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Edward Segal
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I can’t speak highly enough about the expertise and podcast services of Heartcast Media. It has produced more than 100 episodes of my “Crisis Ahead” and “Crisis Management” podcasts over the past four years, and is now producing my new “Whistle-Stop Politics” show. Sound engineer Matt Billman is an absolute joy to work with, and Molly Ruland is always available to provide her expert advice and recommendations when needed. For companies, organizations, and individuals who are looking for a company to produce a top-notch podcast, Heartcast Media should always be at the top of their list to call.
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Julie Schniers
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I loved working with Molly and her team! She is incredibly skilled, helpful, and just fun to work with. Her team was always on top of helping me (which was a struggle because I am so technologically challenged and picky). I can't say enough wonderful things about Heartcast Media!