Complete Podcast Setup – Low, Medium, High Budget

Starting a video podcast doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re working with a low, medium, or high budget, the key to a successful two-person podcast is using one high-quality recording device to simplify your setup. This guide will show you the best recording devices, microphones, and sound card options for every budget level.

Use a basic tripod; position the device at eye level. Apps like Filmic Pro enhance video quality.	Recording Device	Setup	Microphones	Lighting
Low-Budget	Smartphone or HD Webcam (e.g.,iPhone 16 Pro, Logitech C920)	Use a basic tripod; position device at eye level. Apps like Filmic Pro enhance video quality.	USB Mics (e.g., Samson Q2U, Blue Yeti) or Lavalier Mics (e.g., Rode SmartLav+)	Natural light or affordable ring lights.
Total ($160)	Personal Smartphone	SENSYNE 62″ Phone Tripod $20	BOYA BY-WM3T Dual Wireless Lavalier Microphone $80	Sensyne 10” Ring Light X 2 $30 X 2
Medium-Budget	DSLR or Mirrorless Camera (e.g., Canon EOS M50, Sony ZV-E10)	Use a basic tripod; position the device at eye level. Apps like Filmic Pro enhance video quality.	XLR Mics (e.g., Shure SM58, Rode PodMic) with audio interface (e.g., Focusrite Scarlett 2i2)	Softbox lights or LED panels for professional lighting.
Total ($1,590)	Sony ZV-E10 $800	RODE PSA1 Swivel Mount Studio Microphone Boom Arm X 2 $100 X 2 K&F Concept 64 inch/163cm Camera Tripod $50	Rode PodMic X 2 $100 X 2 Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 $200	Andoer Softbox Lighting Kit $140
High-Budget	High-End Camera (e.g., Sony A7 IV, Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K)	Set on a sturdy tripod; consider dynamic shots with a camera slider. Use professional lighting systems.	Premium XLR Mics (e.g., Shure SM7B, Electro-Voice RE20) with a mixer (e.g., Rodecaster Pro)	Professional lighting systems for a cinematic feel.
Total ($5,330)	Sony A7 IV $2,700	RØDE PSA1+ Professional Studio Arm X 2 $130 X 2 SIRUI AM-324 Professional Camera Tripod  $230	Shure SM7B X 2 $400 X 2 Rodecaster Pro II $700	Godox 750W Professional Studio Lighting Kit $460 Godox TL30 RGB Tube Light X 2 $90 X 2

Key Considerations

• Video Quality:
  • As the budget increases, the quality of the recording device significantly improves, enhancing both image and audio clarity.
• Audio Quality:
  • Transitioning from USB mics to XLR mics with audio interfaces or mixers elevates audio fidelity.
• Lighting:
  • Investing in better lighting solutions drastically improves the visual quality of the podcast, making it more engaging for viewers.

Recording Device: Smartphone or HD Webcam

How to Setup

• Position your smartphone or webcam on a basic tripod or mount it at eye level to capture both speakers. If you’re using a smartphone, apps like Filmic Pro allow you to adjust the settings for professional-grade video quality. Ensure your phone or webcam is wide enough to capture both people comfortably in the frame. This single recording device should be positioned centrally to pick up both audio and video.
• Using one recording device simplifies the setup and ensures that both video and audio are synced in real time, reducing editing time.

Microphones: USB Mics or Lavalier Mics (No Sound Card Needed)

• For audio, budget USB microphones like the Samson Q2U or Blue Yeti can be plugged directly into your computer, serving as your primary audio capture device. You can also use Rode SmartLav+ lavalier microphones that plug directly into your smartphone’s audio jack, using the same recording device for both speakers.
• No sound card is needed in this setup, as USB microphones and lavalier mics can directly connect to your primary recording device, simplifying the process.

Lighting and Background Considerations

• Use natural light from windows or affordable ring lights to improve video quality.

Recording Device: DSLR or Mirrorless Camera

• For a medium-budget setup, a DSLR or mirrorless camera like the Canon EOS M50 or Sony ZV-E10 can serve as the single recording device for both your video and audio needs. These cameras offer sharper image quality, improved autofocus, and a range of lenses that allow for better control over the visual aesthetic of your podcast. Many DSLRs also have built-in microphone inputs, allowing you to use external mics for superior audio capture.

How to Setup

• To set up your two-person podcast, place the DSLR or mirrorless camera on a tripod to ensure stability. You can either use one camera with a wide-angle lens to capture both speakers or utilize an additional feature like an external monitor for live previews. With this setup, your one recording device handles both video and audio input.
• Lighting plays an important role at this stage, so consider using softbox lights or LED panels to ensure consistent and professional lighting throughout the podcast.

Microphones: XLR Mics with Audio Interface (Sound Card Required)

• For clearer and more professional audio quality, upgrade to XLR microphones like the Shure SM58 or Rode PodMic. These mics can be connected directly to the camera’s microphone input, keeping the one-device setup intact.
• Alternatively, use an audio interface like the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 to connect the XLR microphones to your camera or computer. This setup will ensure both speakers have clear, balanced audio. The sound card is necessary to manage these inputs and ensures the highest quality recording while keeping your production streamlined.

Lighting and Background Considerations

• Softbox lighting or LED panels will provide a consistent, professional look with balanced lighting.

Recording Device: High-End Camera or Cinema Camera

• For a high-budget video podcast, use a professional-grade camera like the Sony A7 IV or the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K as your single recording device. These cameras provide cinematic video quality and can also record audio directly through a microphone input. Many high-end cameras allow for multi-channel audio capture, so you can record both video and audio seamlessly through one device.

How to Setup

• In a high-end setup, your primary camera will act as the central hub for both video and audio. Set up your professional camera on a sturdy tripod, and consider adding a camera slider for dynamic shots. Using this single device to record both participants will make the editing process easier, ensuring that the video and audio are perfectly synced.
• Use professional lighting equipment like the Aperture Light Storm series for more cinematic lighting and create a high-quality background or studio set to add polish to your final production. Ensure that your camera settings are fine-tuned to match the lighting and enhance both participants’ appearances.

Microphones: Premium XLR Mics with Mixer (Sound Card Integrated)

• At this level, you’ll want to use premium XLR microphones like the Shure SM7B or Electro-Voice RE20 for top-quality audio. Connect these directly to your camera or use a Rodecaster Pro mixer for live sound control. The Rodecaster Pro functions as both a sound card and a mixer, allowing you to handle all microphone inputs and outputs through one device.
• With this setup, both video and audio are processed through a single recording device, keeping everything streamlined and efficient while maintaining studio-grade quality.

Lighting and Background Considerations

• Professional lighting systems like the Aperture Light Storm series will help create a cinematic feel for your video, with controlled highlights and shadows.

No matter your budget, you can create a professional-quality two-person video podcast using a single recording device. From smartphones and webcams to DSLRs and high-end cinema cameras, your device can serve as the heart of both your video and audio production. This setup simplifies your workflow and ensures that all components of your podcast are seamlessly synced, making it easier to produce high-quality content without complications. The right combination of microphones, sound cards, and lighting will ensure your podcast sounds and looks great, no matter your budget.

Explore the best two-person video podcast setups for low, medium, and high budgets. Learn how to optimize your recording device, microphones, sound equipment, and lighting to create professional-quality content no matter your budget. From natural lighting to advanced lighting kits, we cover everything you need for a polished video podcast. Perfect for podcasters at any stage, from beginners to professionals. Tell us your budget, and we’ll recommend the most suitable equipment! Contact us for more details and personalized recommendation.

Contact us

• The ultimate podcast starter kits for 3 different budgets – Descript
• Best Podcast Equipment for Beginners & Pros in 2024 – All Budgets – Riverside
• Ultimate Guide to Podcasting Gear: From High-End to Budget Options – Go Transcript
• Podcast Studio Setup: The Complete Guide To Setting Up Your Home Studio – Rob Cressy
• How to Build a Podcast Studio on Any Budget – Podcast Blastoff
• The Best Podcast Equipment for Every Budget: Beginner to Expert – Lower Street
• Podcasting on a Budget: Affordable Tools and Tips for Beginners – Listening Dog Media
• The Video Podcast Equipment Guide For Every Budget – Stream Yard