5 recording set-ups for your podcast
Find the right microphone and audio equipment to fit your show’s specific needs.
While the microphone on your phone is a great way to record, we get a lot of questions from podcasters looking for the best gear to improve their sound. RØDE Microphones are experts in audio hardware, so we teamed up with them to recommend five recording set-ups for all different kinds of podcasting needs. Whether you’re a solo host just starting out or a podcasting professional with multiple guests each episode, here are some equipment options to take your production to the next level.
Note: These recommendations come from our friends at RØDE Microphones and are unsponsored. Anchor does not receive a bonus from publishing this article or any subsequent purchases.
Anchor is the official podcast hosting platform for RØDE’s podcasting competition, My RØDE Cast. Submit a 1–2 minute podcast for a chance to win a share of $150,000 in podcast prizes. Entries are currently open and close Tuesday, June 16th. Check out the My RØDE Cast website for details.
For beginners: NT-USB Mini Compact USB Microphone | $99
The NT-USB Mini is a compact USB microphone that’s designed to deliver studio-quality audio directly to a computer or tablet. It’s the perfect microphone for beginners looking for a simple, plug-and-play solution to start recording — no mixer or audio interface required.
The NT-USB Mini features a condenser capsule for a rich and clear sound and a built-in pop filter for reducing plosives (those annoying ‘p’ and ‘t’ sounds that can occur when you’re talking close to the grille). It comes with a detachable magnetic desk stand that provides isolation from knocks and bumps and is easy to remove if you want to attach it to a studio arm. It features a 360-degree swing mount, so you can position the mic however you need to for optimum sound and comfort. There’s also an input for your headphones, plus a zero-latency monitoring mode, which eliminates echo.
The NT-USB is ideal for anyone just getting into podcasting who needs a simple, affordable solution that delivers incredible audio. And if you need to record with another person, you can use 2 NT-USB Minis with a single computer.
For solo podcasters: PodMic Dynamic Podcasting Microphone | $99
The PodMic is perfect if you already own an audio interface or mixer. Featuring a highly-detailed capsule and an in-built pop filter for reducing plosives, the PodMic is designed to give your voice a silky, noise-free sound.
With an all-metal body, the PodMic looks great and is built to last. It features a classic swing arm for attaching the mic to a desk stand or boom arm. This is internally decoupled from the body, so you don’t have to worry about noise if you need to move the mic while recording.
For interviewers: SC6-L Mobile Interview Kit | $99
For many podcasters, interviews are an important part of the show. And like every other element in the recording process, capturing great audio for these interviews is super important.
The SC6-L Mobile Interview Kit is ideal for recording the field. Featuring a high-quality dual-input interface that plugs into any iOS device with a Lighting input, plus a headphone output for monitoring your audio, it’s perfect for capturing an interview. The kit includes the SC6-L plus 2 smartLav+ lapel mics for broadcast-grade recording.
The SC6-L kit is also a great option for anyone that needs a super portable recording solution — it’s basically a two-person podcasting studio that fits in your pocket!
For podcasters who want a professional edge: NT1 / AI-1 Complete Studio Kit | $199
If you’re thinking of getting more serious with your podcast–maybe you’ve been using a USB microphone for a while and want to take your sound to the next level–the NT1 / AI-1 Studio Kit is a great home podcasting solution.
The kit features everything it takes to record great-sounding podcasts, including an AI-1 audio interface, NT1 large diaphragm condenser microphone, SMR shock mount, and a 20-foot XLR cable. All you need is a computer and desk stand or boom arm, and you’re ready to record.
The AI-1 features a studio-grade XLR input, Neutrik combo jack for plugging in either microphones or instruments (perfect if you want to record music for your podcast), and a headphone amplifier for crystal-clear audio monitoring. Combined with RØDE’s legendary NT1 studio condenser mic, this is a great solution for solo podcasting with a professional edge.
The ultimate podcasting solution: RØDECaster Pro Podcast Production Studio | $599
The RØDECaster Pro condenses tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of broadcasting equipment into 1 easy, powerful console. It features 4 microphone inputs and headphone outputs, so you can podcast with up to 4 people at once. These feature Class A circuitry, as you’d find in the world’s best broadcast recording consoles.
Have a remote guest you want to interview? Connect your smartphone to the RØDECaster Pro via Bluetooth or with a TRRS cable to stream the conversation live. The RØDECaster Pro even provides “mix-minus” audio to prevent echo being heard by the caller (without the need for complicated external hardware).
The RØDECaster Pro features 8 programmable sound pads for instant triggering of sound effects, music, intro and outros, or ads rolls. Each pad is customizable, with options for playback mode, color-coding, and more, and you can store up to 8 banks of sounds (64 in total). Powerful audio processing is available at the touch of a button with the APHEX Aural Exciter and Big Bottom processor, and you can record directly to a microSD card or connect it to a computer via USB and record to straight to Anchor.
Pair the RØDECaster Pro with 4 PodMics and 4 PSA-1 studio arms and you have a complete podcasting set-up to rival the best studios in the world.
Give this gear a try the next time you create with Anchor! For more tips on choosing the right microphone for your podcast, we’ve got you covered.
