ANDREW SCOTT MEDIA

Podcasting Setup Recommendations

USE CASE

This list is a set of recommendations for individuals, small remote groups, or organizations that are looking to produce podcasts either in-person/in-house, or remotely via Zoom, Skype, Teams, etc. We highly recommend that each regular podcast participant have the same recording set-up to ease post-production engineering requirements, and produce consistent recorded audio characteristics. 

SINGLE SPEAKER

BASIC

USB Microphone, ZealSound Metal Condenser Recording Microphone

Current MSRP—04/2021: $33.99 (coupon options available)

Avaliable on Amazon

COMMENTS

An entry-level USB microphone solution, with desk stand, pop-filter, and interface cabling. Everything you need to start. Best for those who do not want a full-time 24/7-ready on-desk solution. Easily deployed for a recording session, very small desk footprint, easily stowed and stored when not in use. Decent upgrade from “open-air” recording by way of built-in laptop microphones. Side benefit of good noise rejection in more ambient office environments with lots of hard, reflective surfaces.

Recommended additions: headphones or ear-buds while recording. 

MID-LEVEL

MAONO AU-A04TC PC Plug & Play Condenser Podcast Streaming Cardioid Mic Kit

Current MSRP—04/2021: $64.99 (coupon options available)

Available on Amazon

COMMENTS

A solid, entry-level USB microphone with desk stand, shock mount, and pop-filter solution. All interface cabling included. Everything you need to start. Best for those who do not want a full-time 24/7-ready on-desk solution. Easily deployed for a recording session, easily stowed and stored when not in use. Major upgrade from “open-air” recording by way of built-in laptop microphones. Slightly prone to higher signal-to-noise due to condenser -vs- dynamic pickups.

Recommended additions: headphones or ear-buds while recording. 

ADVANCED

Samson G-Track Pro USB Microphone with Knox Headphones and Pop Filter

Current MSRP—04/2021: $149.99

Available on Amazon

COMMENTS

A high-quality, upper-level USB microphone with desk stand, and pop-filter solution. Everything you need to start, including headphones. Best for those who do not want a full-time 24/7-ready on-desk solution. Easily deployed for a recording session, easily stowed and stored when not in use. Major upgrade from “open-air” recording by way of built-in laptop microphones. Slightly prone to higher signal-to-noise due to condenser -vs- dynamic pickups. 

REAL-TIME MULTI-MIC

MID-LEVEL (IN-PERSON MULTI)

Zoom PodTrak P4 Portable Multitrack Podcast Recorder + 64GB SDXC Memory Card + Dynamic Cardioid Handheld Mic with Carrying Case + Stereo Headphones + Mic Stand + Batteries and Charger

Current MSRP—04/2021:

COMMENTS

A high-quality, mid-level multi-speaker solution with three microphones, desk stands, headphones, storage case, and cabling. Good for those who do not want a full-time 24/7-ready on-desk solution. Easily deployed for a recording session, easily stowed and stored when not in use. Very mobile, can be battery-powered, allowing for high-quality field or remote recording, but also suitable for semi-permanent office- or regular team-based sessions. Direct-to- Device recording (SD card), eliminating the need for a laptop or other DAW-based recording. Input levels and headphone monitor mix controlled on unit in real time. Options for patch-in/ remote caller inclusion.

CONS: Slight learning curve. 

 

ADVANCED (IN-PERSON MULTI)

RODECaster Pro Integrated Podcast Production Console – Bundle with Mic, Headphones, Cables

Current MSRP—04/2021: $1,349.95

Available on Adorama
(may also be available from other sellers)

COMMENTS

A studio-quality, “pro-summer” high-level multi-speaker in-person solution with four high-quality dynamic Rode microphones (as used by ANDREW SCOTT MEDIA), desk stands, headphones, and most required cabling. Well suited for those who will be producing multiple podcasts or media offerings weekly/monthly. Most suitable for organizations or producers with permanent facilities for recording (small purpose-built studio or conference room). Direct-to-Device recording (SD card), eliminating the need for a laptop or other DAW-based recording (but able to load recorded file into DAW for post-prod). Input levels and headphone monitor mix controlled on unit in real time. Real-time audio processing options (including noise reduction, compression/expansion, EQ, and more). Multiple options for inclusion of remote participants, call-ins, etc, -via- patch-in, or Bluetooth. Sound effects or other audio elements (music, bumpers, sponsor ads, etc) can be triggered directly while recording -via- control pads.

CONS: Not particularly mobile. Significant learning curve.