The best budget podcast gear to get you started
Start your own podcast affordably.
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So you want to start a podcast affordably but aren’t sure where to start? Not to worry, because we’ve selected some of the best budget podcast gear to get going without too much hassle.
There is a wide range of podcasting equipment available, so please check out this longer post if you’d like to know more about some of the solutions you can put together.
Choosing the best budget podcast equipment
We’ve looked around to find products and packages that offer the best value for their price. In addition, accessibility and ease of use are also major factors we’ve considered.
Make sure you think about the scope of content you are creating when you weigh up which options will be suitable for your workflow.
the t.bone SC 420 USB Desktop-Set
If you need a desktop mic on a budget, the SC 420 USB Desktop-Set gives you a plug-and-play solution for streaming, vlogging, or creating reaction video content.
The bundle consists of a large-diaphragm USB condenser mic, with a pop-shield and a sturdy desktop stand. In use, the cardioid pickup pattern has decent off-axis cancellation and provides good signal quality if you get your speaking level and gain right.
In addition, the mic offers 16-bit 48 kHz recording and direct monitoring via the built-in headphones output.
- More from the t.bone
IK Multimedia iRig Pro I/O
The iRig Pro I/O might not be a podcast-specific item per se, but it offers a huge amount of value in an extremely portable package. With, the combo input you can record mics or instruments at 24-bit 96 kHz via USB.
The interface powers via USB, AA batteries (included), or AC adapter, and also has a controllable headphones output. One of the best things about the iRig Pro I/O is its compatibility, as it also works with mobile devices.
Overall, it offers great value for a bite-sized interface without an intimidating price tag.
- More from IK Multimedia
Rode PodMic
Getting professional audio quality on a budget is always a challenge, but the Rode PodMic is up to the task. During the podcasting explosion that has taken place over the last two years, the PodMic has become widely used throughout the industry.
Its rugged metal housing combined with a steel grille and internal pop shield makes it come across as a workhorse, which is exactly what it is. The presence peak of the PodMic is geared toward speech intelligibility, making it a great budget option.
Be aware that low-output dynamic mics like this do require a little extra juice going in.
- More from RODE
Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X
The AT2020USB-X has an incredible set of feature integration for a desktop USB microphone. It might not have a pop-shield like some models, but you do get 24-bit 96 kHz recording capabilities and a powerful headphone preamp.
Not every application requires post-tape monitoring, so the mix control allows direct monitoring, and the internal LED ring changes from blue to red when the mic is muted.
The mic can also be mounted onto other stands, so you can incorporate it into a wide range of setups.
- More from Audio-Technica
Zoom P4 Podcast Mic Pack
If you need a complete budget solution for starting your podcast, the P4 Podcast Mic Pack offers a comprehensive set of tools that you can easily expand with additional mics.
The set consists of the PodTrak P4 portable recording interface, which is both battery and AC-powered. You also get the ZDM-1 large-diaphragm dynamic mic with a desktop stand and windshield.
Because the P4 can also be used as a standalone SD recorder, it is still useful even if you decide to upgrade your setup in future.
- More from Zoom
More about podcasting:
- Starting your own podcast
- All about podcasting
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