Recommended Products and Resources


Below are a list of some of products, software, and instructional articles I recommend.

Important Note: None of the links below are affiliate links. These are just my honest recommendations.

Equipment

  • Samson Q2U USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone Recording and Podcasting Pack: This is also a great starter microphone.. I have not personally used it, but I’ve heard audio recorded with it and have read/seen several positive reviews from colleagues.

    • Positives:

      • Low cost.

      • It can be plugged right into your computer using a USB port or into a mixer using an included adapter.

      • The sound quality rivals much more expensive microphones.

      • It comes with a windscreen.

    • Negatives:

      • Since it is a dynamic microphone, your mouth must be very close to the microphone while speaking. Typically no more than 1-3 inches away.

  • Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB Cardioid Dynamic Microphone (ATR Series): This is a perfect starter microphone and I actually personally use an older model for my podcast.

    • Positives:

      • It can be plugged right into your computer using a USB-C port or into a mixer using an included adapter.

      • It is a dynamic microphone so it will pick up less background noise than a condenser microphone making it very forgiving for new podcasters and those who do not have a soundproof space to record in.

      • The sound quality rivals more expensive microphones.

    • Negatives:

      • Since it is a dynamic microphone, your mouth must be very close to the microphone while speaking. Typically no more than 1-3 inches away.

  • On Stage Foam Ball-Type Mic Windscreen, Black: You will need to purchase this separately if you’re purchasing the ATR2100 mentioned above.

    • Positives:

      • Helps eliminate sharp, unpleasant popping sounds that are made when a sudden rush of air leaves your mouth; typically made by words with the letters B, C, D, K, P, and T.

      • It's incredibly cheap.

    • Negatives:

      • It's so cheap that it's an Add-on item which means it can only be purchased if the order total is $25 or more so it's best to purchase this at the same time you're purchasing your microphone.

Software

One of the most important items to consider when deciding on your recording/editing software is whether or not it has the capability of recording your interviews in split-track (for interviews; this is irrelevant for solo recordings). This means you and your guest are on completely separate audio tracks. This makes an incredibly huge difference when it comes to the editing and quality of your show.

Some of the more popular programs I've tried and recommend my clients stay away from are Zencastr, Cleanfeed, Ringr, Pamela, and Zoom.

  • Audacity: I've tried multiple recording/editing software and this is what I personally use day in and day out for my business and my own podcasts.

    • Positives:

      • It's free.

      • It's incredibly easy to use after reviewing some quick tutorials (linked below) and getting everything set-up properly in the beginning.

    • Negatives:

      • It does not have the capability of recording long-distance interviews. It can only be used when recording solo episodes, items like solo episode intros/outros, and in-person discussions if each person has their own microphone and computer with Audacity.

      • While it still works perfectly for PC users, most MAC users have been experiencing glitches since updating their iOS to Catalina. If you are a MAC user with Catalina, I recommend using QuickTime to record your solo audio and Audacity to edit it.

  • Riverside.fm (Affiliate Link): This my current preference for recording remote interviews is this online platform. You and your guest will have separate tracks and it even includes video, live call-ins, and a whole host of other bells and whistles.

Software Tutorials

Interview Skills Resources

Speaking Resources