Speak up, you’re important.

Mics are the heart of your audio setup, so it's important to choose wisely. My #1 choice is the Shure SM7B. This is going to give you the same quality of audio as Alex Cooper, Joe Rogan, or what you see in all the Dear Media content on IG and TikTok. However, if that’s not in your budget, I recommend the Rode PodMic for a more budget friendly option.

For a mixer, the Rode Caster Pro II is my favorite suggestion. It has 4 mic inputs and is user-friendly, so you won't need to buy additional equipment for your mics. However, you'll need a micro SD card with a quick writing speed to receive the audio, which you can find here. If you'd rather go with an alternative option, the Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 is a solid choice, but keep in mind that you'll need a couple of extra pieces of equipment and the software on your computer. If you go with this one and chose the SM7B as your mic, the SM7B will need a cloud lifter to be plugged into a computer or smaller mixer. This is why, even though the Rode Caster Pro II is more expensive than other options, it’s going to be the most easy to use and have cool features like live streaming and taking audio in from a caller or member of your live audience.

Since you'll likely have a larger room to work with, you'll need lots of long mic cords. We recommend these 20ft cords to make it easy to move them around as needed. However, if you run into guitar center and buy their store brand, they have a lifetime guarantee that if the cords get a short, or anything messes up, you can exchange them for a new one at no cost. You'll also need standing mic stands and sand bags or something to keep them from tipping over. If you plan to sit at a table, we recommend these table stands instead.

For headphones, we recommend the Rode podcasting headphones!! They are comfortable, cute, and have insane quality. You'll need extended cords if you plan on using headphones on set.

The Canon R7 is the best camera option for your podcast studio. Just trust us on this one, we’ve tried LITERALLY all of them. It requires no post-color correcting, has no record limit, and is extremely user-friendly.

Lastly, let's talk about lighting and decor. For lighting, we don't recommend overhead lights. Instead, try these LED panels, which provide excellent lighting and won't cause any glare. Decor-wise, a rug is a must, and things on the walls out of shot are helpful for sound absorption. Adding a faux curtain on one wall and a tapestry can also help. Check out these velvet curtains, square panels, or tapestry for some inspiration.

Hope you enjoy! Let us know if you have any questions!

Xx, Court