Guide to Podcasting

Rock N Roll Rentals Guide to Podcasting Equipment

More people are listening to podcasts than ever before, and there’s never been a better time to start one of your own!
Rock N Roll Rentals makes it easy to get started with all of the equipment you need to make a podcast.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different equipment you can rent to create your own podcast,
whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned audio producer! Read on for our recommendations,
and you can browse all of our Podcasting gear for rent,or check out combinations on our Podcast Packages page.

There are 4 categories of essential Podcasting Gear, all of which are available to you from Rock N Roll Rentals!

1) Microphones
2) Audio Interfaces / Digital Recorders
3) Headphones
4) Essential Accessories


1. Microphones for Podcasting

A Microphone is the most essential tool for recording your voice!
There are two different types of microphones that are popular for Podcasting -
USB Microphones and XLR Microphones.

Microphones that offer USB connectivity are very easy to use and perfect for beginners or solo podcasting, while XLR microphones are the “industry standard”, but require additional equipment to record your audio digitally. XLR Mics are used for podcasts with more than one host or guest speaking at the same time.

Check out the best of each variety below!

The top 3 USB Microphones:

Shure MV7 USB Microphone 

Shure MV7 Podcasting USB Microphone

The MV7 is designed to be the ultimate mic for podcast production, and it comes from the company that introduced the legendary SM7 back in 1973. Inspired by the SM7B design, the MV7 boasts the same broadcast quality while also being the audio interface with USB connectivity and on-board DSP for voice tone and level control.

The MV7 can plug straight into your Mac, PC, iPhone or android phone so you can record at home or on the go. You can control the microphone using Shure’s MOTIV app, which lets you adjust tone, level, and different EQ options. There is a headphone output directly on the microphone, so if you are recording a solo podcast, the MV7 and a pair of headphones are the only things you’d need to get started!

In addition to being high tech USB microphone, the MV7 also offers an XLR output so you can utilize it as a broadcast quality microphone with any recording setup.


Rent the MV7 $9/weekend, or $18 a month - or you can buy it here in our online store.
RODE NT-USB 

RODE NT-USB Podcasting Microphone

Another popular USB Microphone option is the NT-USB, which differs from the MV7 as it is a Condenser Microphone instead of Dynamic. It is a fantastic option as an all-in-one desktop set-up, and features, and can plug straight into your Mac or PC Desktop, or your iPad. Instead of using an app on your computer, with the NT-USB you can adjust the microphone level and a zero-latency headphone monitor level right on the side of the mic. This is another great option for a solo-podcast or any other home recordings.


Rent the NT-USB for only $5/weekend or $10/month!
RODE NT-USB 

RODE Podcaster

If you are a solo Podcaster looking for a pro level broadcast microphone, the Podcaster by RODE offers the Broadcast quality of a dynamic microphone with the simplicity of a “plug and play” USB connection. A built in windscreen minimizes plosives caused by harsh consonants making it ideal for recording speech. The Podcaster is compatible with Mac and PC laptops and desktops, as well as iPads via Garageband.


Rent the Podcaster for only $7/weekend or $14/month!
 

The top 4 XLR Microphones:

RODE PodMic 

Rode PodMic

Clearly the folks at RODE knows a thing or two about podcasting equipment, as you’ve seen their names come up a few times already. Of their contributions to the Podcasting world, the PODMIC by RODE probably makes the biggest impact for pro and novice podcasters!

The Podmic boasts broadcast quality at a seriously competitive price!

It is extremely durable due to it’s quality all metal construction and it’s integrated pop filter can handle anything from loud screaming to a whisper.

Additionally, if the PodMic is used in combination with the RODEcaster Pro, there are default settings to optimize EQ and tone!

Rent the Podmic for only $5/weekend or $11/month!
Zoom Podcast Mic Pack 

Zoom Podcast Mic Pack

ZOOM Japan (not the same company that makes virtual conference software) have been making big strides in the world of podcasting after being a staple in the world of Film Audio for over a decade. One of their latest offerings was this Podcast Mic Package that comes with almost everything you need to get started! This Podcast pack comes with a broadcast quality microphone, a set of lightweight full closed back headphones, both an XLR mic cable and a headphone extension cable as well as a stand for the mic and a pop filter!

This Podcast pack offers an incredible value for the level of quality - you'd be hard pressed to assemble this level of quality a la carte for less than $300.

Add a ZOOM Podtrack P4 interface (which tops our list of podcast interfaces below) and you're off to the Podcast races!

Buy the Zoom Podcast Pack in our online store for only only $124.50 in our online store!
RODE NT-USB 

Shure SM7B

If there was one microphone that could be called the industry standard for all radio, voiceover, ADR and podcasting - this is the one.

The SM7B’s legacy is warranted because it captures smooth and flat frequencies with precision, and has switchable EQ settings that can cut just the right amount of bass, or add a twinkling presence. On top of great frequency response, it’s internal air suspension shock isolation virtually eliminates mechanical noise transmission - It’s a legend!

Rent an SM7B for only $14/weekend or $28/month
RODE Procaster 

RODE Procaster

Perhaps best described as the big brother to the PODMIC, the Procaster is a large broadcast style mic that delivers the goods just as well as the other microphones mentioned here. It was first released in 2004, and has stood up to the test of time as comparable to any other broadcast dynamic!

Rent the Procaster for only $7/weekend or $15/month



 

 

2. Audio Interfaces / Multitrack Recorders

Almost as essential as a microphone, podcasts need to be recorded digitally so they can be edited, tweaked, cut to format and then ultimately - uploaded!

Editing your podcast requires recording software* for recording/editing your audio, but Audio Interfaces allow you to capture your content and digitally convert it.

All 3 of these audio interfaces/digital recorders have flexible options for recording straight to your computer, or recording to SD cards for recording on the go.

*There are a number of free recording softwares that you can use for your Podcast
For both PC and Mac: Audacity is a great option, and we recommend checking out Studio One 5 Prime (free)
For Mac only: Garageband is a great free option that comes installed on most devices, and is available in the App store.
 

The top 3 Audio Interfaces and Recorders:

ZOOM Podtrack P4 

ZOOM Podtrack P4

This recently released digital mixer and recorder specifically designer for podcast recording is simply amazing.

It is loaded with features, and offers 4 mic inputs, 4 headphone outputs, on-board FX and 4 programmable sound pads for intro music or ads! If you have a podcast guest you can record straight from your phone or device via the aux input.

When recording, you can use the Podtrack4 as a standalone audio recorder to record straight to SD cards, or plug it into your computer and use it as an audio interface with the Digital Audio recording program of your choosing. It even runs on 2 AA size batteries if you are recording on the go.

All of these features and an outstanding build quality make the ZOOM PodtrakP4 perfect for recording any kind of podcast!

Rent the Podtrack4 for only $6/weekend or $12/month!
RODE Rodecaster Pro 

RODE RodecasterPro

The RODEcaster pro is a super-charged new podcasting machine that puts a production studio into one box.

It features four high-quality XLR microphone inputs and four headphone outputs, and with intuitive controls, automatic level setting and one-touch recording to a microSD card or computer, you can literally be making a podcast within minutes of taking it out of the box. Connect your phone or computer to the Rodecaster pro for zoom or phone interviews over Bluetooth or through an auxiliary connection - The RØDECaster Pro even provides “mix-minus” audio to prevent echo being heard by the caller. On top of all of those great features there are 8 sound pads that can store up to 64 songs, sound effects, or ads, and quality preamps.

Rent the Rodecaster Pro to record your podcast with up to 4 hosts at a time for only $16/weekend or $35/month
ZOOM Livetrack8 

ZOOM Livetrack8

LiveTrack L-8’s feature set is perfectly suited to podcasters and content creators with 6 Microphone inputs, 2 dedicated USB/aux channels and 4 individual headphone outputs. With six onboard pads, you can easily trigger intros, foley FX, ads, and prerecorded interviews.

For call-in interviews, simply connect a phone via the included 3.5mm TRRS cable or route audio from computer call apps, such as Skype, over USB. Additionally, LiveTrak L-8’s mix-minus function eliminates troublesome echo and feedback from and to your caller so your show sounds pro. Additionally, the LiveTrak L-8 is not limited to capturing interviews or podcasts. It also acts as a 12-tracker recorder and interface for your home studio as an full-fledged audio interface, or as an SD field recorder. It can even run on 4 AA batteries!

Rent the ZOOM Livetrak8 for only $12/weekend or $25/month

 


3. Headphones

Headphones are an essential for recording and podcasting.
Over the ear style headphones are ideal for isolating the sound, and hearing audio clearly.

Here are 3 rock-solid options that don’t break the bank, but are professional studio products:

 

Top 3 Headphones:

ATHM20x 

Audio Technica ATH-M20X

Looking for big value at a small price-tag to get started on your podcast? These are one of our most popular and favorite sets of headphones!

The closed-back design of the ATH-M20x gives you superior isolation with minimal bleed - out or in. Also, the circumaural earpads give you cushy comfort during long sessions. Factor in their small price tag, and the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x headphones are a total no-brainer.

You can purchase them in our online store to accompany your rental here!
Shure SRH240A 

Shure SRH240A

Another great podcasting offering from Shure - the SRH240a are a great option for Podcasting.
The SRH240As feature a closed-back design, so they help block out external noise - great for listening to music, but even better when its time to record your podcast. They are outstandingly comfortable, plus, the wide frequency range means you're going to hear all the frequencies you need when you're editing.

You can purchase them in our online store to accompany your rental here!/a>

Sennheiser HD200pro

Sennheiser HD 200 PRO headphones deliver studio-quality sound at a very low cost

Proprietary neodymium magnets ensure detailed sound, and they offer outstanding comfort, courtesy of their light weight and soft ear cushions. Enjoy excellent sonic isolation, by means of a closed-back over-ear design.

You can purchase them in our online store to accompany your rental here!
 

 

4. Essential Accessories

There are a few accessories that make a big difference when you are working on recording your own podcast. Having the right cables, stands and tools can make the difference between a comfortable recording session or a frustrating one. Check out a few of our favorites below.

Here are just a few of our favorites:

 

Podcast Accessories:

RODE Studio Arm 

RODE Studio Arm Microphone Boom

One of the most essential accessories for podcasting is having a good microphone boom arm.

RODE delivers just that with their Studio Arm Boom Microphone stand that can attach to any table or surface where you may be sitting to record your pod!

You can purchase them in our online store to accompany your rental here!
Headphone Extension 

Headphone Extenders

Once you get going on your podcast, you'll find that taking your headphones on and off every time you stand up gets old pretty quick, which is why its great to have some headphone extension cables around!

You can purchase them in our online store to accompany your rental here!
Pop filter 

Microphone foams and pop filters

Having different guests use your microphones or need to pad some harsh consonants? Pop filters and foams can solve so many issues - both for audio and hygine!

You can purchase them in our online store to accompany your rental here!
 
Guide by William Glosup • February 1st 2021

Like What You Read?

At Rock N Roll Rentals we love to share our knowledge and input about the hottest new products and trending music. Be sure to check out our other Blog Posts, Rental Gear, and Online Store.