Podcasting Gear 101

Dan Benjamin at Hivelogic posted a great list of podcasting hardware and software - from entry level to prosumer/high-end. Unfortunately he only focuses on Mac OS X software. If you work on a PC, you might consider using the open source Audacity and explore Podcasting Tools to find more resources.

The Entry Level Setup

Hardware:

• Samson C01U Recording/Podcasting Pak ($150)
• Samson PS01 Pop Filter ($25)

Software:

• GarageBand for OS X (part of iLife, usually bundled with a new Mac)

  and optionally, for more granular editing

• Fission for OS X ($32)

If you’d rather not buy the whole setup, you can buy the C01U microphone all by itself for $85.

The Midrange Setup

Hardware:

• Samson CL8 Condenser Mic ($150)
• Samson Shockmount ($30)
• On Stage Mic Stand ($17)
• Samson PS01 Pop Filter ($25)
• XLR to XLR Microphone Cable ($9)
• M-Audio MobilePre USB Mobile Preamp ($100)

Software:

• GarageBand for OS X (part of iLife, usually bundled with a new Mac)

  or

• Freeverse SoundStudio 3 for OS X ($80)

The Prosumer Setup

Hardware:

• Shure SM7B Dynamic Microphone ($315)
• M-Audio Firewire Solo ($180)
• PreSonus TubePRE ($100)
• Heil PL-2T Silent Microphone Boom ($99)
• XLR to XLR Microphone Cable ($18 – two at $9 each)

Software:

• Freeverse SoundStudio 3 for OS X ($80)

  or, if you’re really serious

• Soundtrack Pro 2 (part of Logic Studio) for OS X ($480)