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 many

Elgato Prompter

AMBITFUL Teleprompter 7.5'' with Tabletop Tripod for Smartphone and DSLR Camera,

Elgato Facecam

Elgato Facecam Pro

Elgato Stream Deck

Elgato Keylight

Sony 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!

Today I've got a quick update about the Rodecaster line.

We had the Rodecaster I, which is still a great product. You can record from any service on your computer (zoom, Squdcast) then you can get separate tracks where you are on channel one, and the computer is on another. You could have a separate person via a phone as well as Bluetooth. The phone uses a TRRS cable.

The Rodecaster Pro II had better preamps, better routing, and the ability to plug in more than one device via USB C. Keep in mind when I say better preamps; this doesn't mean the old preamps were. Awful. It also gave you the ability NOT to record all tracks.

The biggest complaint about Rodecaster I and Rodecaster I was that it took up a large amount of desk space. Recently Rode announced a few new devices that address this concern.

The Rodecaster DUO has two XLR inputs, whereas the previous versions had four. So this is great for the person who has a co-host in the room or online.

When I was in London at the Podcast Show I got to play with the Rode Podmic USB and I saw that it comes with software that means you have a single channel Rodecaster with all the Aphex effects.

Rode Podmic

Rode Podmic USB

Rode Rodecaster Duo

Rode Rodcaster Pro I

Rode Rodecaster Pro II

Zoom Podtrak P4

Samson Q2U

Squadcast

Hindenburg Journalist

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 Video

• 250m wireless transmission range
• Compact build makes for an easy travel solution and keeps recording sessions portable
• Dual-channel recording system featuring 2 omnidirectional transmitters; perfect for studio, podcast, and interview recordings
• Included charging case provides up to 15 hours of battery life
• Touchscreen receiver display offers an easy-to-use interface for controlling your system’s settings
• USB-C receiver with 3.5mm TRS ports offers versatile compatibility with most smartphones and computer devices
• Safety track, gain control, and windscreen features provide an easier path to high-quality recordings

For 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.

This 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)

Full 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 new Zoom Podtrak P4 is now available. This unit is super small (about the size of a checkbook) and it:

Allows you to record up to four microphones in the same room with you.

You can record remote calls (Zoom, Squadcast, etc) via USB.

You can also plug your Phone into via a TRRS cable.

You also have four touchpads to adding jingles to play.

So you could have two people in the room with you, one person on Zoom, and a person connected via the phone.

You end up with separate tracks, a stereo mixdown.

You can run it via an outlet, USB, or batteries.

It's also the size of a checkbook and clocks in at $200.

There is also an optional BTA-2 Bluetooth option that you can add and connect your phone/iPad into the unit.

The Zoom Podtrack P4 enables you to record four separate tracks (along with a stereo mix)

You have four XLR inputs

A USB input

A TRRS Cable

(Optional) Blue Tooth. 

So you can have two people in one room, one person on Zoom, and another on your phone

and everyone can hear everyone. You get separate tracks, and a stereo mix.

Oh yeah, want to play some sound effects? You have four jingle buttons

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

The 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 issue

The 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.

Your 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.

A Zoom H6 Portable Recorder $319

iPad mini 4 (wi-fi only) $389

iJingle webmaster app for ipad $20

Aphex Aural Exciter $345 ( and really it would be $99 for the Aphex Channel)

That would cost $1073

The 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.

Here is a quick video (that wastes about 30 seconds about storytelling at the intro)

If you are looking for capturing REALLY GOOD sound, with the Aphex processing, the Rodecaster Pro is a great choice. The ability to have a noise gate can be great when you're in a noisy environment. The Roadcaster Pro is so popular many people are making hard and soft cases for travel.

I like the Rode Podmic if you're choosing the Rodecaser Pro as there are some built-in settings for that microphone (as they are both from Rode).