4 Essential Podcast Equipment Pieces for Professional Podcast Audio

Want to make your podcast sound professional? Here’s the gear you need:

1. Shure SM7B Microphone: Clear vocals, reduced background noise, and durable design.

2. Sony MDR-7506 Headphones: Accurate sound monitoring with a comfortable, durable build.

3. Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP Low Profile Boom Arm: Keeps your mic stable and adjustable for perfect placement.

4. RODEcaster Duo Mixer: Handles multi-host setups with advanced mixing features.

Why it matters: Poor audio drives listeners away – 76% of podcast listeners prioritize sound quality. This setup ensures polished, professional audio that keeps your audience engaged and helps your podcast grow.

Equipment	Key Feature	Price
Shure SM7B	Clear, warm vocals	$399
Sony MDR-7506	Detailed sound monitoring	$99
Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP	Adjustable mic arm	$99
RODECaster Duo	Multi-channel mixer	$499

With this equipment, you’re set to create broadcast-quality episodes that stand out in the crowded podcasting world.

1. Shure SM7B: Professional Broadcast Microphone

The Shure SM7B is often considered the go-to microphone for podcasters aiming for top-notch sound quality. Priced at $399, this dynamic microphone is a solid investment for improving vocal clarity and reducing background noise – two key challenges for any podcast setup. Its noise rejection capabilities make it a great match for one of our other essential tools, the RODEcaster Duo mixer.

What makes the SM7B stand out is its ability to deliver clear, warm vocals. Thanks to its cardioid polar pattern, it minimizes unwanted background noise, which is especially helpful in home studios without acoustic treatment. With a frequency range of 50 Hz to 20 kHz, it ensures your voice sounds natural and full.

The microphone also features a built-in shock isolation system, which helps eliminate vibrations from your desk or keyboard noises during recording.

To get the best out of the SM7B, you’ll need a high-gain audio interface (60dB+), an XLR cable, and a durable boom arm.

Its balanced frequency response works well with a variety of vocal styles, and its sturdy construction has earned it a 4.8/5 star rating from nearly 12,000 reviewers on Amazon. For those prone to heavy plosives, the SM7b ships with two pop filter options, ensuring your audio always sounds clean and crisp.

2. Sony MDR-7506: Studio Monitor Headphones

Once you’ve recorded clean audio using your microphone and mixer, accurate monitoring is the next step. The Sony MDR-7506, introduced in 1991, is known for its ability to highlight even the smallest audio details. With a frequency range of 10Hz to 20kHz and a closed-back design that blocks out about 98% of ambient noise, these headphones help maintain the professional sound quality achieved with tools like the SM7B microphone and RODEcaster Duo mixer.

These headphones work perfectly with the RODEcaster Duo’s real-time monitoring, helping to catch any issues that might go unnoticed during recording. Thanks to their 40mm drivers, they deliver clear and detailed sound, making it easier to spot common podcasting problems like background noise or subtle imperfections in the audio.

Feature	Specification	Benefit for Podcasting
Frequency Response	10 Hz – 20 kHz	Covers the full range of vocal frequencies
Weight	230g	Comfortable for extended editing sessions
Impedance	63 Ohms	Works well with standard podcast gear
Cable Length	9.8 feet/3 meters (coiled)	Allows flexibility in studio setups

Professionals often praise the Sony MDR-7506 for its durability, with many reporting they last for over a decade with basic care. The foldable design and soft carrying case make these headphones a great choice for both studio and remote recording setups.

The accurate sound profile ensures that the audio you hear during editing will sound consistent across different devices and platforms. Plus, the lightweight build and padded ear cups make long editing sessions much more comfortable.

To maintain their precision, regular cleaning and care are recommended. The coiled cable also helps reduce wear and tear over time, making these headphones a reliable part of your podcasting gear.

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3. Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP: Low-Profile Microphone Arm

Once you’ve nailed down the right microphone, choosing a mic arm that will position your mic properly is crucial. The Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP offers a sleek, low-profile solution with its innovative parallel arm design. Unlike traditional boom arms, this model maintains a clean, minimalist aesthetic while providing impressive functionality for streamlined podcast setups.

This mic arm features a unique C-clamp mounting system that accommodates desks up to 2.4 inches thick, with cable channels cleverly hidden within its structure. The arm’s design allows for smooth height and reach adjustments while maintaining a consistently low profile that won’t obstruct your computer monitor or camera frame.

Feature	Specification	What It Does
Weight Capacity	Up to 4.4 lbs (2 kg))	Supports most podcasting microphones
Reach	29.1 in/740mm horizontal reach)	Provides flexible positioning options
Installation	C-clamp (2.4″/60mm max thickness)	Secure desk mounting
Cable Management	Built-in concealed channels	Keeps setup clean and professional

With strong user ratings and positive reviews, the Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP stands out for its premium build quality and thoughtful design features. It includes both 3/8″ and 5/8″ thread adapters, ensuring compatibility with popular microphones like the Shure SM7B. The arm’s ball joints offer precise tension adjustment, allowing for smooth movement while maintaining position stability.

The padded C-clamp protects your desk surface, while the all-metal construction ensures long-term durability. For podcasters who value both aesthetics and functionality, the Wave Mic Arm LP’s $99.99 price point represents a solid investment in studio organization and professionalism.

4. RODECaster Duo: Compact Podcast Mixer

For podcasters seeking professional-grade audio in a compact package, the Rodecaster Duo is an excellent choice. Ideal for smaller setups or on-the-go recording, this mixer packs impressive features into a streamlined design. With 2 high-quality XLR inputs featuring Revolution preamps (+76dB gain), it delivers pristine audio quality that rivals larger mixers.

Feature	Specification	Benefit
Input Channels	2 XLR + USB-C + Bluetooth	Flexible connections for small teams
Sound Pads	6 programmable pads	Easily add sound effects, music, or transitions
Recording Quality	24-bit/48kHz	Studio-quality sound for professional podcasts
Preamps	Revolution Preamps (+76dB)	Clear, noise-free audio capture
Processing	APHEX audio processing	Enhances audio with professional effects

The Rodecaster Duo’s compact footprint doesn’t sacrifice usability thanks to its intuitive high-resolution touch interface. It offers the same APHEX processing found in larger Rodecaster models, including audio enhancements like the Aural Exciter and Big Bottom, ensuring every recording meets professional standards.

Its versatility shines with internal multitrack recording capabilities and USB-C connectivity for seamless computer integration, perfect for capturing up to 10 tracks simultaneously. The mix-minus feature is built into each output, ensuring echo-free remote interviews, while Bluetooth connectivity simplifies adding phone call interviews into your podcast seamlessly.

Priced at $499, the RODEcaster Duo is a cost-effective powerhouse for dual-participant podcasts, smaller podcast studios, or mobile setups. With a high customer satisfaction score from users, it combines premium audio performance with the flexibility needed for today’s dynamic podcasting environments.

Conclusion

Producing professional podcast audio starts with choosing the right equipment. The Rodecaster Duo’s versatile features paired with industry-standard microphones like the Shure SM7B create the foundation for broadcast-quality sound. The addition of thoughtfully designed accessories like the Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP and reliable monitoring through Sony MDR-7506 headphones ensures both comfort and consistency during recording sessions.

Since 73% of listeners use headphones, investing in reliable monitoring gear is crucial for keeping your audience engaged. When selecting equipment, consider your technical expertise, podcast format, and growth plans. The podcast industry continues to evolve with new technology and AI tools emerging to complement core recording equipment like the Rodecaster Duo’s multitrack capabilities.

Your equipment choices should create a balanced setup that enhances your content without overwhelming your workflow. Remember that while having professional gear is important, it’s the combination of quality equipment and proper technique that truly elevates your podcast’s audio quality.

**Pricing based on best available pricing information at time of publication.  Prices are subject to change without notice.  Applicable shipping and taxes not included.  Some of he links above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, we only recommend products or services that we use personally and believe will add value to our clients. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”