Best Podcasting Gear

In the past, using a teleprompter typically meant using your phone or tablet as part of the process. You would have software on your device that would show the text into the teleprompter that you would then read. It's not a bad option, but many times, you need to use your device, and now it's tied up with the teleprompter. Not anymore.Ever wondered how some podcasters make video production look so effortless? I've found a new tool that might just be their secret - the Elgato Prompter. This ingenious device eliminates the need for extra devices by incorporating a built-in screen, making video creation more accessible to manyMentioned In This EpisodeElgato PrompterAMBITFUL Teleprompter 7.5'' with Tabletop Tripod for Smartphone and DSLR Camera,Elgato FacecamElgato Facecam ProElgato Stream DeckElgato KeylightSony ZV-10

Welcome back to Best Podcasting Gear, the show where we help you sound like a million bucks without spending a million bucks. I'm your host, Dave Jackson, from the School of Podcasting.com. Disclosure: Links may include affiliate links, which I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. In today's episode, we will talk about the Shure MVX2u, a game-changing solution for podcasters who want to take their Shure SM7B microphone on the road.You know, we've all had that moment where we dream of being the next Joe Rogan, but then reality hits us when we realize the hassle of bringing our equipment with us. The SM7B requires a significant amount of gain to get that crystal-clear signal. But fear not, my friends, because Shure has come to the rescue with their new tool, the Sure MVX2u.This XLR to USB digital interface is a game-changer. With its headphone jack, integrated preamp offering 60 decibels of gain, zero-latency monitoring, and even 48 volts Phantom Power, it has everything you need to elevate your podcasting experience.But here's the best part: the MVX2u works seamlessly with the Sure Plus desktop software. This allows you to customize your sound and save your settings directly onto the USB device. So, even when you're on the road without your computer, your perfect sound is just a click away.Now, you may be wondering if this is the first time Shure has released such a device. They had the X2U with a micro USB interface before, but the MVX2u takes it to a whole new level. And at just $129, it's a steal. In fact, if you were thinking of getting the Fet head to boost the gain, which only offers 20 decibels of gain for $99, I would highly recommend going for the MVX2u instead. Its 60 decibels of gain essentially turns your SM7B into a USB microphone.And while we're on the topic of recommendations, I have to share my go-to place for purchasing gear: Sweetwater. Not only do they offer financing options if you prefer spreading out your payments, but they also add an extra year of warranty to every purchase. Plus, they even include some sweet candy in the box to make your day a little brighter.So, if you're a podcaster looking to elevate your audio quality and take your Shure SM7B on the road hassle-free, the Shure MVX2u might be the perfect solution for you. Head over to our website, bestpodcastinggear.com, for more information. And remember, I'm Dave Jackson from the School of Podcasting.com, here to help podcasters like you sound their best. Let's get started!

Rode has really embraced podcasters and before you go buying, the new Rode Podmic might save you hundreds of dollars.

I'm doing more interviews in person and on the go, so I looked at the Rode Wireless Go, but it seemed you always needed your phone or computer to adjust the settings. Then I heard about the DJI Mic, and watched a few videos, and I was hooked.Overview VideoDJI Mic Wireless Transmission System Features:250m wireless transmission rangeCompact build makes for an easy travel solution and keeps recording sessions portableDual-channel recording system featuring 2 omnidirectional transmitters; perfect for studio, podcast, and interview recordingsIncluded charging case provides up to 15 hours of battery lifeTouchscreen receiver display offers an easy-to-use interface for controlling your system’s settingsUSB-C receiver with 3.5mm TRS ports offers versatile compatibility with most smartphones and computer devicesSafety track, gain control, and windscreen features provide an easier path to high-quality recordingsWhy LIke The DJI MicFor me, it was about the ability to be hyper-portable and ready to go at a moment's notice. I've also got a ton of battery life as the case charges the mics and receiver when you're not using them. You can also power all of those via USB C.No lav is going to sound good as a dynamic mic, but I watched a ton of videos comparing the DJI Mic vs the Rode Wireless Go and while I thought the Rode system has a little more clarity, I didn't feel it wasn't something I could solve in post (let's face it interview ALWAYS need editing) so I opted for the ease of use, and its been very easy.PowerDewise Interview Lavalier SetThis lav set sounds great for being $40 or less. It comes with two lavs with 12 feet of cable each, along with a splitter, and a nic little bag to take it with. If you're looking to do in-person interviews on the go, and don't want to have to bring stands, windscreens and more, this is a very affordable solution. (and just as good as a Rode smartlav)MY Money Was UsedFull disclaimer I bought the DJI Mic with my own money via sweetwater ( I love their payment plans). This post contains affiliate links and I may receive compensation if you purchase anything using these links.This podcast is part of the Power of Podcasting Network

The Swiss Army Knife of PodcastingThe Zoom Podtrack P4 enables you to record four separate tracks (along with a stereo mix)You have four XLR inputsA USB inputA TRRS Cable(Optional) Blue Tooth. So you can have two people in one room, one person on Zoom, and another on your phoneand everyone can hear everyone. You get separate tracks, and a stereo mix.Oh yeah, want to play some sound effects? You have four jingle buttonsMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEThe Zoom Podtrack P4

The Rode Rodecaster Pro could THE piece of gear for 2019. I\'m here to tell you everybody is scrambling it replaces so many pieces of equipment into one.It is a mixer, a recorder, a jingle palet, a channel strip, and it connects with your phone.You can record up to four microphones and your phone. The phone has built-in mix minus (so the person on the phone won\'t have weird echo issueThe 4 high-quality microphone channels are able to power both dynamic and condenser microphones. You can quickly connect microphones for you and your guests with an automatic level setting and one-touch recording to a microSD card. You can connect to your phone via Bluetooth or TRRS cable. You will be able to drag and drop files into the jingle buttons.Built-in Signal Processing that Would Cost you Hundreds of DollarsYour pristine signal can also be enhanced with the legendary patented audio processors, APHEX Aural Exciter™ and APHEX Big Bottom™. These have been incorporated in the audio processing section of the RØDECaster Pro, and your sound will have that rich, warm tone only found in professional studios. The RØDECaster Pro also features multistage dynamics, such as compression, limiting, de-essing and noise-gating.What It Would Take to Have All the functionalityA Zoom H6 Portable Recorder $319 iPad mini 4 (wi-fi only) $389iJingle webmaster app for ipad $20Aphex Aural Exciter $345 ( and really it would be $99 for the Aphex Channel)That would cost $1073What It Doesn\'t DoThe only thing some people who want the ultimate control may be disappointed that it only records in stereo. If you are recording four people you get one stereo file. I recorded this way for YEARS, and yes it is nice to have everyone on their own track to add different EQs, and mute tracks, etc but this built into the unit. If you record it correctly, you don\'t need to work magic in post-production. For me, this is not a deal breaker. Yes, the Zoom H6 does this, but it doesn\'t have the built-in Aphex, the phone connection, jingle buttons and more.The Rode Rodecaster Costs $599 and will Ship This MonthHere is a quick video (that wastes about 30 seconds about storytelling at the intro)

Today we look at three microphonesMicrophone 1: The Audio Technica BP40Microphone 2: The Heil PR40Microphone 3: The Electrovoice RE320I use the RE320Want to go shopping go to www.bestpodcastinggear.com/sweetwater

While everybody uses Amazon, and (if you\'ve paid $140+ for Prime) you get free shipping, my favorite place for gear is Sweetwater.Why Sweetwater??Free ShippingIn many cases they add an additional year of Warranty to the gear.They put candy in the box.Their customer service is phenomenal (you can call them with questions).If you can\'t find something on Sweetwater, B&H Photo is another great place to shop for gear (if you\'re in New York City, I hear the physical store is (especially for video) Amazing). Mention in this EpisodeAmazonSweetwaterB&H Photo

While everybody uses Amazon, and (if you\'ve paid $140+ for Prime) you get free shipping, my favorite place for gear is Sweetwater.Why Sweetwater??Free ShippingIn many cases they add an additional year of Warranty to the gear.They put candy in the box.Their customer service is phenomenal (you can call them with questions).If you can\'t find something on Sweetwater, B&H Photo is another great place to shop for gear (if you\'re in New York City, I hear the physical store is (especially for video) Amazing).Mention in this EpisodeAmazonSweetwaterB&H Photo