So you want to podcast with you students? Awesome! I definitely have a list of gear that is my favorite for schools–high quality and good prices! I’ll walk you through what gear to buy for both a (mostly) permanent podcast studio as well as a mobile studio. Here’s the gear you need:
Rodecaster Pro
Amazing sound quality! This can record 4 mics at once, has 4 headphone outputs, USB-C if you want to use it to get audio into your laptop, 1/8″ input, Bluetooth input, and an SD card if you want to record without a computer. I can’t say enough good things about this hardware–it used to take 3 different pieces of gear to get all these features.
Notes: If you’re buying gear, this is the first thing to get.
Rode PodMic
This is my favorite mic for podcasting–it sounds comparable to $500+ mics, but is under $100. It’s a dynamic mic, which is not a typical choice for a legit podcast mic, but it sounds incredible. There’s also a preset on the Rodecaster for this mic.
Notes: Any mic with an XLR plug works, but the PodMic is by far my favorite.
Sony MDR7506 Headphones
Lots of choices for headphones–be sure they are wired and have the (bigger) 1/4″ plug.
The MDR7506s are the industry-standard for headphones. Every legit audio engineer has a pair. Cheaper headphones work, but there’s something magical that happens when you put on a good pair of headphones that changes the feel of the entire experience and brings out a better performance for students (and adults).
Notes: Any set of wired headphones with a 1/4″ plug works, but these 7506s make the setup legit.
XLR Cables
You’re using real microphones, so be sure you have real microphone cables–one XLR for each mic.
Brand doesn’t matter too much, but avoid generic cables.
Get smaller cables (6′) if you’re building a permanent studio. Go for longer cables (25′) if you’ll be moving it to different locations.
Notes: The shorter the cable, the better. Quality doesn’t really change, but it looks a lot cleaner.
Boom Stands (permanent)
If you’re making a stationary/permanent podcast studio, these table-mounted boom stands make it easy to get the height and distance just right. They also add to the legit feel of the studio… something you should not underestimate.
Brand doesn’t matter too much, though price determines quality here. Spend at least $25 each, but no need to spend more than $100.
Notes: Permanent installation only–not needed for mobile setup.
Boom Stands (mobile)
If you’re making a mobile podcast studio, these tabletop boom stands make it easy to get the location just right.
Again, brand doesn’t matter too much, though price determines quality here. Spend at least $25 each, but no need to spend more than $100. We bought some cheaper ones that kept tipping over, so don’t skimp.
Notes: Mobile installation only–not needed for permanent setup.
Pelican Air 1615 Case (mobile)
If you’re carting around your podcast studio, make sure to protect it. Pelican is by far the most reliable brand–use it.
There are lots of models–we can barely squeeze everything into the Air 1615 case. You can go bigger, but don’t go smaller here.
Notes: Mobile installation only–not needed for permanent setup. Stick with Pelican cases!
Optional: Portable Battery Power
If you’re going to be outdoors recording, a portable battery makes it easy to plug in the Rodecaster (and a laptop!) and record anywhere. We added this later, and it’s been so convenient to not worry about recording near power (or running long extension cords).
Lots of options here, but my favorite is the Rockpals 250-Watt Portable Generator Rechargeable Lithium Battery Pack Solar Generator with 110V AC Outlet.
Notes: optional, but super convenient for outdoor recording
Here’s everything in list form. Feel free to purchase these anywhere–I’m not an Amazon affiliate… it’s just convenient.
- Rodecaster Pro
- Rode PodMic
- Cable Matters 2-Pack XLR Microphone Cable 6 Feet (multiple lengths available)
- Sony MDR7506 Headphones
- Gator Frameworks Short Weighted Base Microphone Stand
- LyxPro DKR-1 Microphone Arm Stand Mount Adjustable Mic Boom Stand with Desk Clamp
- Pelican Air 1615 Case With Foam
This post gives you the what, but not the why. Yes, you definitely need the gear, but the far more exciting thing is actually using it as your school. If you missed my presentation on Podcasting for Educators, I have a post with slides and links to resources for podcasting at your school.
