What Video Podcast Gear You Need In 2024
Some people say all you need to podcast is a phone and some Apple earbuds, but, if you want your show to reflect the quality and caliber of your brand, it is best to elevate it with high-quality equipment.
I am here to walk you through some of my equipment favorites needed to produce a high-quality podcast that can attract any audience. This is the hardware we use for my episodes of Visible with Isa Media Inc. and for in-person client recordings.
Don't worry if you're new to all this equipment, I'll do my best to keep it simple.
Microphones
Podcasts’ purpose is to be heard. Therefore, having a professional microphone is essential. It truly makes or breaks the experience as a listener.
If you are not in a sound-treated recording environment, you want a dynamic mic because you want it only to pick up your voice and not the other sounds in the room.
My two recommendations are the Shure SM7b and Rode’s PodMic, two dynamic microphones that hone in on the speaker’s voice despite any distractions in the background. Both of these do require an XLR cable.
However, if you are in a sound-treated environment, adding a cloud lifter to your SM7b will help gain and boost your voice.
Interface
An interface is needed to plug microphones, instruments, and other audio sources into memory cards and computers. The one I prefer is the first-generation Rodecaster because of its simplicity and user-friendly features. I love that it lets me record right to a micro SD card and a laptop.
Using a USB C cable, I hook it up to my computer so that it records in GarageBand as well. This gives me peace of mind knowing there are two files. If you don't have a Mac, you can also record in Audacity or another digital audio workstation.
If you are doing audio only, you can stop here and head to our episode about software to learn about what we use for editing and more. However, if you plan to go the extra mile with video, let’s move on.
Visuals: Cameras, Lenses, & Lighting
Visuals add a layer of depth to your episodes. In addition to adding entertaining viewers that may listen on streaming platforms other than apps like Spotify. They also help your audience feel a stronger connection to you as the host. The following are a few recommendations to add if you are going to pursue this extra step!
While having the option for 4k is nice to have, it is not required. All you need is a camera with the ability to produce 1080 HD clips.
For the majority of my work, I'm using a Canon M50 Mark II due to its straightforward operation and good sensor. In the case I do want a two-camera setup for a client, I will rent a Sony A 6600 as well. A big tip when it comes to cameras: always bring extra batteries for each camera, as they tend to die at the worst possible moments!
Lenses and lighting are really going to depend on the location and how you want the shot set up. Depending on the look I've experimented with aperture lights, panels, and ring lights.
Also, buy more regular and micro SD cards than you think you need. Buy the little carrying case wallet to keep them organized, too. And before you format them MAKE SURE you have those files in at two other locations.
Hard Drives
While it may be corny, there is one cardinal rule my production professors always told me - there are only two types of people in the world: people who have lost data and people who will.
Hard drives are the most important piece of equipment are your external hard drives. It is crucial to have more than one! If possible, make sure to choose a solid-state drive. I use a 1 TB WD my passport portable drive and a 4 TB WD desktop hard drive in addition to a large Google Drive storage plan.
Keep In Mind
After this a high-level overview of the equipment I use for my episodes and my clients, I hope you will consider these pieces when producing your podcast!
I would be lying if I didn't say that it adds up, but it's worth it because the production of the episodes matches the quality of the content and the business behind it. Bad audio and bad visuals can make it difficult to enjoy and trust the content of a podcast, but if you don't want to have to research all these tools or figure out how to use them, it's okay you don't have to.
My Hands-Off Production clients have the option to do in-person recording days with myself and my team. We take care of all the equipment, setup, and file management so that your only focus is delivering your content well.
If you'd like to learn more, book a call with me. We will discuss the proven podcast strategy propelling your show forward and the dream setup you want for your video podcast.
Despite using a lot of this equipment for years, I am always experimenting with new hardware. So if you'd like me to update you on these regularly, let me know by DMing me on Instagram.
