Podcast and Video Gear We Use and Recommend
We’ve published tens of thousands of podcast episodes and YouTube videos. The gear below reflects what we personally use, trust, and recommend to clients at different stages. No fluff. No unnecessary upgrades. Just smart, reliable setups that work.
“Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend tools we genuinely believe in and would suggest to our own clients.”
“Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend tools we genuinely believe in and would suggest to our own clients.”
Microphones
Samson Q2U
The Samson Q2U is one of the best budget microphones for podcasters who want a simple, reliable setup without sacrificing audio quality. As a dynamic microphone, it performs well in typical home environments and helps minimize background noise.
Shure MV7
The MV7 is our most frequently recommended microphone for creators who want a noticeably more professional sound without unnecessary complexity. It’s designed specifically for spoken voice, sounds great on both audio and video, and scales cleanly as your studio grows.
Shure SM7B
The SM7B is a broadcast industry standard and an excellent choice for in-person studios or premium productions. It delivers a smooth, natural vocal sound and handles a wide range of voices consistently, but it shines only when paired with the right supporting gear.
Headphones/Earbuds
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
These are a long-time industry favorite for recording and editing. They provide clear, accurate sound and help catch issues like background noise, pops, or distortion before an episode goes live. They’re especially useful when recording to prevent audio bleed and when doing detailed edits.
Apple EarPods (Wired)
Wired earbuds are a surprisingly solid option for many creators. They’re comfortable, familiar, and perfectly usable for editing, monitoring calls, and general listening. While they’re not as precise as studio headphones, they’re far better than built-in speakers and easy to use consistently.
Apple AirPods Pro
AirPods Pro are a popular, familiar choice for creators who value convenience and flexibility. They work well for editing, monitoring calls, and even casual recording, especially for solo or remote sessions. While wired headphones are still ideal for precision work, the latency with modern wireless earbuds is generally minimal.
Apple AirPods Max
AirPods Max offer a comfortable, premium over-ear experience with excellent sound quality and noise cancellation. They’re a great option for editing, review listening, and even casual recording setups where comfort and appearance matter. As with most wireless headphones, there can be slight latency compared to wired options.
Audio Interfaces & Mixers
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
The Scarlett 2i2 is a reliable, beginner-friendly interface that works great for solo podcasters or one-person remote recording setups. It delivers clean sound, is easy to use, and pairs well with mid-tier and high-end microphones.
MOTU M2
The MOTU M2 is a step up in audio quality and metering, making it a great option for creators who want more precise control and feedback. It’s still compact and easy to use, but offers excellent sound quality for both recording and monitoring.
RØDE RØDECaster Pro II
The RØDECaster Pro II is an all-in-one solution designed for podcasts with multiple hosts or guests in the same room. It combines an interface, mixer, and monitoring controls into a single unit, making it ideal for in-person studios or creators.
Mic Stands & Boom Arms
Samson MD2 Desktop Stand
This is a simple, compact stand that works well for lightweight microphones and temporary setups. It’s a good option if you need something portable or don’t want to mount a boom arm to your desk.
InnoGear Adjustable Desk Microphone Stand
This is a versatile desk stand with a weighted base and adjustable boom, making it a solid option for creators who want more positioning flexibility without committing to a full boom arm. It works well for desk setups, heavier microphones.
RØDE PSA1+
The PSA1+ is a popular boom arm for a reason. It’s smooth, quiet, and easy to position, helping you place the microphone correctly without cluttering your desk or camera frame.
Cameras
Logitech C920 / C922
These webcams are a dependable entry point for creators who want a simple setup with consistent results. They can deliver up to 1080p video, which is more than sufficient for podcasting, remote interviews, and most web-based content.
Logitech Brio
The Logitech Brio supports higher resolutions and frame rates, including up to 4K capture. In practice, most creators will use it at 1080p for reliability and compatibility, but the extra resolution and improved sensor can result in a sharper, cleaner image.
Sony ZV-E10
The Sony ZV-E10 is still an excellent choice for creators who want a noticeable jump in video quality. It can capture up to 4K video and delivers strong autofocus and low-light performance. While many recording platforms cap output at 1080p, the oversampling from 4K often results in a more polished final image.
DJI Osmo Pocket 3
The Osmo Pocket 3 is an excellent option for creators who need high-quality video in a compact, grab-and-go form factor. It can capture up to 4K video with strong stabilization and performs especially well for handheld shots, on-location interviews, and travel content.
Canon EOS R5
The Canon R5 is capable of extremely high-resolution video and delivers exceptional image quality when paired with proper lenses and lighting. This level of camera offers significant flexibility and headroom, though real-world output is often limited by recording platforms, workflow choices, and delivery formats rather than the camera itself.
Lighting
Neewer 18" LED Ring Light Kit
A ring light is an easy way to improve video quality with minimal setup. It provides even, flattering light for face-on shots and works well for desk setups, solo recording, and video calls. Output quality will depend on placement, room lighting, and camera settings, but this style of light is a solid starting point for most creators.
Elgato Key Light
The Elgato Key Light offers more directional control than a ring light and produces a more natural look for video. It’s a strong option for creators who want cleaner lighting with fewer reflections, especially for podcast and YouTube setups. Brightness, color temperature, and final output will still depend on room conditions and camera settings.
Additional Accessories
Aokeo Pop Filter
A simple pop filter helps reduce harsh “p” and “b” sounds and smooths out vocal recordings. It’s an inexpensive upgrade that can make a noticeable difference in vocal clarity, especially for close-mic setups.
GIK Acoustics 242 Acoustic Panels
You don’t need to treat an entire room to improve your sound. A few well-placed acoustic panels can significantly reduce echo and room reflections, helping your microphone capture cleaner, more focused audio. Results will vary based on room size and layout, but even light treatment can help.
Manfrotto Compact Action Tripod
A solid tripod keeps your camera stable and framing consistent. This is especially useful for mirrorless cameras, field recording, or creators who want flexibility between desk and floor setups.
Elgato Cam Link 4K
If you’re using a mirrorless camera as a webcam, a capture card like the Cam Link 4K allows you to bring that camera into your recording or streaming software. While final output may be limited by the platform you’re using, this helps preserve image quality and flexibility.
Recording Platforms
Riverside
Riverside is our top recommendation for podcast and video recording, especially for remote interviews. It records high-quality audio and video locally on each participant’s device, which results in significantly better final quality and fewer issues caused by internet instability. It’s reliable, creator-friendly.
StreamYard
StreamYard is a solid option if live streaming is your top priority. It’s easy to use, browser-based, and integrates well with platforms like YouTube and LinkedIn. While it doesn’t offer the same level of local recording quality as Riverside, it’s a practical choice for creators who value live audience interaction and simplicity.
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