BEST PODCAST SETUPS IN 2024...SO FAR!!!

Links For Gear (Affiliate)
Rode Gear -
Rode Podmic USB -
brandstore.rod...
Rodecaster Duo -
brandstore.rod...
Rodecaster Pro II -
brandstore.rod...
Rodecaster Duo Podcaster Bundle - brandstore.rod...
Rodecaster Pro Bundle -
brandstore.rod...
Other Gear -
Focusrite Vocaster One -
US Link - amzn.to/3Ix3ENw
Canada Link - amzn.to/43grBCn
UK Link - amzn.to/4ab97Fo
Focusrite Vocaster Two -
US Link - amzn.to/3TzI7Kg
Canada Link - amzn.to/3wUsoNd
UK Link - amzn.to/49U4EHB
sE Dynacaster -
US Link - amzn.to/3PgwVzG
Canada Link - amzn.to/3wSmcFu
UK Link - amzn.to/3V8Wl6i
Shure Sm58 -
US Link - amzn.to/48RgLUn
Canada Link - amzn.to/48RNIA0
UK Link - amzn.to/3PjGDBH
Maono PD200x. -
US Link - amzn.to/3v73r0y
Canada Link - amzn.to/3wVvb92
UK Link - amzn.to/3v0lk14
I use Epidemic Sound, sign up for a 30-day free trial here - www.epidemicso...
Join the Dark Corner Studios Discord!! - / discord
My Instagram - @darkcornerstudios
My Twitter - @DarkCornerYT
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My Gear -
Mics - Sennheiser MKH416 - amzn.to/40D8IIr
Mixer - Arturia Audiofuse Studio - amzn.to/3swdBq0
Boom Arm - amzn.to/3FY56XP
Camera - Canon T7i - amzn.to/49w6xu8
Lenses - Sigma - 18-35 f1.8 - amzn.to/3QPaOBQ

[@DarkCornerStudios]

OMG I had a dead asset in this video. That is a new one........ Only a few seconds...but damn...that didnt show up in the final edit

[@tkidd250]

👀 what was it?

[@DarkCornerStudios]

@tkidd250 just some b-roll of the OG RCP...nothing massive. Weird that it got nuked though

[@tkidd250]

I see at least it's a fun curve ball

[@DarkCornerStudios]

@tkidd250 high end quality control on my part 🤣

[@TheMichaelTech]

@@DarkCornerStudios Ahh a Final Cut Pro user I see

[@TransplantHelper]

I have a Podtrack p4 and love it for my ultraportable setups. Battery powered grab and go with no laptop needed

[@daveatjude3]

Aiden, thank you for real-world realities in grading the cost and commitment levels for your recommendations. Newbies to podcasting, listen to this. Thinking about what you want to do? Start cheaper and then build on it if it proves to have legs. It is the audio CONTENT that makes a podcast. No one listens to your podcast because you have a cool, shiny, expensive mic. Effective sound, even effective cheap sound is more than adequate to get started.

[@berto6063]

I would love it if you would do a video on how you actually make a podcast and how to use these devices in context. Thanks man! You're doing awesome!

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Interesting thought...so basically a very basic how to?

[@berto6063]

@@DarkCornerStudios right! I have a regular interface and studio one as my DAW, but I don't understand the benefits of those podcast specific interfaces. What are the pads for? What types of functions can you program? I'm getting into voiceover and recording my singing and I'm curious if something like the Rodecaster would be beneficial for me.

[@berto6063]

You could even consider creating a course on getting into podcasting and voiceover. 😉

[@DarkCornerStudios]

@@berto6063 I am doing a podcasting course as we speak

[@RolandDobbins]

The last thing the world needs is more podcasts from the non-audio-savvy.

[@tkidd250]

Got the Podtrack P4, Samson Q2U and Audio-technica ATH-M20x on the way as a starter kit. One thing you forgot to mention were the headphones 😮

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Headphones are like recommending underwear I find. And unless you are doing any critical listening...you can use earbuds. So...just to avoid overfilling the video...I dropped em

[@fangsoffuego]

​@@DarkCornerStudios what are the cheapest headphones you'd recommend for editing?i once got recommended the sony mdr 7506

[@DarkCornerStudios]

@@fangsoffuego those are fantastic...but not SUPER cheap. I like the Audiotechica ATH20x

[@fangsoffuego]

@@DarkCornerStudios ive got a 4 person thing, and we want headphones that can be used outside of our pod and for our personal editing/mixing projects, would you say its safer to go for the sony's, also by cheap i mean anything under $100

[@theoutsiderjess1869]

I have the wireless m20x and they're a beast you can also wire it as well lasted me 2 years before i had to replace it i think my sweat broke it

[@trenerantonio]

I had a Podmic USB. I sold it. Currently I use Vocaster Two and MV7X. I’m thinking of buying an MVX2U for mobility, but in my country the equipment costs 1.5 times more than in the US.

[@theoutsiderjess1869]

I have the podmic usb and i really like it more than the original

[@ramshacklewizard]

I've recently had really solid impressions from the Fifine AM8 USB/XLR mic. A bunch of our stream crew use them, and it's in that sub $100 range!

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Got one on the way for review

[@ramshacklewizard]

Looking forward to it!

[@NateNakao]

I really wish I'd waited for the RØDECaster Duo. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love my RCP2, but I've only ever used the third XLR input once, it takes up a lot of space on my desk, and it would've been nice to save the extra money.

[@piotrmajor112]

After long consideration, comparing prices, watching movies - mostly from this channel I went for : Shure SV200 (cheaper than SM58) + moano mixer + IKS DJ headphones. So far it works awesome for me. It was everything externally cheap - since I am beginer.

[@koolpep]

I am still using the Podtrak P8 at my desk and the P4 on the go - the P4 is a joy to use. The Vocaster is great if you don't need any SD card recording, very solid sounding and super easy to use and setup. Great recommendations. I also have the Portacapture X8 which is better in any regard vs the P4 but from a usability perspective - I just prefer the P4....

[@jackblah5842]

Last year I got one of the first RODEcaster Pro II's and it had janky connections on the pads so I had to send it back for warranty work. Thankfully I still had my PodTrak P4 which stepped in and saved the day while I waited for the Pro II to come back. While waiting, they introduced the DUO which I immediately bought and sold the Pro II when it came back fixed. I'll always keep the P4 around since it's so small, portable and capable especially since it can easily drive my Electrovoice RE20.

[@TransplantHelper]

I got the Vocaster 2 and love it. The software made it worth it. I love my Lewett 240 and my SM57.

[@levelupwithmikenewman]

The K669D mics at just $36 for group podcasts as a little know gem. Built like the Podmic, studio look instead of XM8500 handheld look. Vocasters are also gems that never got the traction they deserve for solo or duo podcasts. I just set up a 4 person podcast with zoom P4 and the k669d broadcast style mics. They loved the sound and the bargain! Sounds great You can get 4 tank-built studio mics for less than one Podmic usb. all great info! Thanks! 👍🏻

[@Gongtopia]

Either of the Rode boom arms are the way to go. Really. Don't waste your money on cheaper ones or even others at the same price. Rode arms are quiet, stay in place, and will last for years.

[@TheNewArtSchool]

A second hand rodecaster pro (1st version) and any mic (except for the sm7b, everyone has one, why sound the same as everyone else?).

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Agree on the mic honestly...but people be people

[@daveatjude3]

I went this route and have not regretted it one bit. If I recall, I got the RC Pro for $200, used. Superb capabilities that will last until I retire from content production.

[@daveatjude3]

One more thought... used Rode Procaster mics are cheap and sound fantastic.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

@@daveatjude3 never thought of those used

[@knightmare1015]

I use the Zoom Podcast Mic Pac and the Focusrite Vocaster One with the autogain feature. For a portable set up, My Zoom Podtrack P4 is awesome.

[@tkidd250]

The breakdown we've all been waiting for 😎

[@DJPLAYNICE]

Love this breakdown. Thanks man! 🤘🏼

[@thewhyquestions]

Thoughts on a Podtrak P4 and a few SM48's for a 3 person setup? You didn't mention the SM48 in this video but for $40, you are getting pretty darn close to the sound of the 58 for less than half the price!

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Yes! The reason I tend to gravitate towards the 58s is because of resale. The 48s dont move at all on the used market. However...they are great starter mics...and yeah...they do offer up a much better listening experience than the Behringers!

[@theoutsiderjess1869]

I would pick up either the sm48 or the behringer xm8500 for a 3 person podcaster. The xm8500 are their only good sounding mics

[@dickginkowski6071]

I would strongly disagree. Here's why. I made that mistake and have two SM48's collecting dust. They may look close to SM58 but neither sound as good or perform as well for handling noise, plosives, etc. They would be fine for a non-critical fixed public address situation (such as a church) but unlike the SM58 they aren't built like tanks and don't have value. My mistakes are another example of me failing to heed my own lesson of the cheapskate spending the most. You don't have to blow a wad on the most expensive stuff with all the bells and whistles. Solid performance and durability are crucial and that goes for professional broadcast applications. The Electro Voice 635A ("Buchanan Hammer") is a mic I love to hate because of its poor sound and omnidirectional capability but it's been around for 50+ years and is durable. With the P4 you might consider the SM58 for yourself. If you can't afford a second or third SM58 you may be able to find a couple of used AKG D5 microphones for about the cost of two SM48s if you shop carefully. Watch out for "new" microphones that are cheap on eBay as they are likely counterfeits. Sometimes you can find used mics locally on Craigslist. The D5 is a decent SM58 competitor and isn't counterfeited as much as the SM58 or Sennheiser e845. I do gravitate toward NEW SM58s from an authorized dealer. There are a couple of sales every year around holidays where you can get $10 off the SM58. I do NOT recommend the Podmic for many reasons. I think it does not sound as good and is far less portable. You can use the SM58 or D5 with a desk stand. Also, let's say things go really well and you want to go with a "better" mic. The SM58 will not lose value and will easily work for guests and on the road.

[@boom1925]

Gigcaster 8 would also be good for 4 people group. Has bluetooth for seamless phone calls. 4 headphones. Tons of voice, singing, and guitar effects... ...and Auto Tune!!! Drop Mic. (Not the Shur SM7B; too expensive for my dropping budget)

[@akcesoriumpc6421]

elgato boom arm + dynacaster + evo 4 or 8 is all you need, sm7b is overrated everyone use it coz everyone use it...

[@MarcusOSullivan123]

I really look forward to watching this video

[@veritaslibertatem]

What would be your recommendations for different budgets on analog mixers? Thank you

[@TheNewArtSchool]

Also, on the budget side, the Rode NT-usb mini sounds AMAZING! Still use it even though I have a rodecaster pro. Quite a unique sound!

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Yeah...I stayed away from straight usb mics...way too many to mention...lol

[@zootopiashow]

Shure SM7b + Rodecaster is all you need❤

[@akcesoriumpc6421]

sm7b is overrated...

[@zootopiashow]

@@akcesoriumpc6421 don't buy it 😃

[@zootopiashow]

@@akcesoriumpc6421 Don’t buy it 😃

[@heyTifa5150]

my man!...repping the SM58....the legendary and nigh indestructible SM58.....my beginner choice ....I'm finally going to get the duo here in a couple of weeks

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Awesome...cough... Links... Cough... In...cough... Description.... Lol...all seriousness though...you are gonna love it...it's a little beast

[@annebokma4637]

Vocaster 2 is 69€ at Thomann. The studio set is 99€. Bought both headphone and microphone can go to my son. Now wondering if I could put two * vocaster 2 on one pc. Imagine 4 local and 4 callers 😎

[@johnmerritt8625]

Great review! Thanks!

[@fnub]

These are all great ideas. But how does the video feeds fit into all of this? Ex: critiquing a video in real time?

[@sugarbait]

Shocked you didn't recommend the RE 20?

[@dickginkowski6071]

Big down side of Vocaster Two: You can connect a cell phone for interviews BUT you cannot control it from the Vocaster -- only from the software which is quite cumbersome. Epic fail. Good recommendation on SM58. The Zoom P4 is what I mostly use for a national podcast but I also use a Fethead which means way less gain necessary. Recommendations on both Roecaster Pro original and second generation also spot on. With the exception of recommending Podmics (XLR is same price as SM58) I couldn't have said better myself. You're a friggin genius!

[@tomwatson283]

Excellent video again. I still think the best has yet to come. Hopefully this year. Just picked up the Mackie Mobilemix (just for the hell of it). And, just like the the Showbox, at those prices, they do not disappoint. Rant over.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

I want to get my hands on the showbox...not sure what kind of video I would do on it though...lol

[@tomwatson283]

@@DarkCornerStudios When first advertised it seemed to have everything? (for a solo artist/busker). It does what it says on the box. Though with the showbox the other channels make for the "duo" option. I would have liked another send and return, but then again, wouldn't we all. My conclusion is its a really solid buskers rig. I will say though, the fx (for me) are not for me. I prefer movable perameters. But for the price. Not a problem. The initial send and return are there. As for making a video about it, I wouldn't know where to start? I'll leave that to you. Every confidence.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

@tomwatson283 yeah...built in fx are never going to be a massive sales point. They work in a pinch though... I'll see if I can come up with an idea...gonna hit up Dylan to go busk for a day...lol

[@tomwatson283]

@@DarkCornerStudios Over the years, I've found, Running the mic into an fx processor (of choice), Back into the rig (of choice) running in mono. Same with acoustic. Sadly the mass of gear mounts up. And, as a disabled man, that's a no go for me. But I try to pass things on to new comers green in the gills, only to find I'm more green in the gills than most of the new comers. It would be great to see more folk using the Showbox on videos (there are a few popping up). But it's not really showcasing the product and more about "them". But that's showbizzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

[@iammcmags6557]

buying the OG podcaster pro in 2024 still good?

[@keithbeckwith9253]

Great videos love your energy. I was recording a podcast recently and it went to crap really quick not sure what happened but when we did a test of the audio, we could hear the bleed over each other even though we had them separated set up was broadcaster pro 2. I want to go to wireless and that seem to be OK. The funny thing is on a previous podcast recording. It was just fine same set up. Suggestions?

[@DarkCornerStudios]

There isn't gear to solve that problem. That is user error...and possibly wrong mics. Make sure the mics are dynamic and placed at least 90 degrees to each other...180 if ever possible. Also...less gain. Just gain it up in post

[@frankmckinley1254]

Solo guy listening. 👍

What do you think about the el gato xlr interface, which better between vocaster or gato xlr for solo podcast?

[@Ethan_Robbins_]

Which Audio interfaces can I use without requiring drivers or software.... essentially plug and play... this isn't an issue on my personal laptop (Mac) as I will be streaming, podcasting, content creation... but I would also like to use with my work PC (Windows) however I don't have admin rights, so unable to download software or drivers, but would really like to upgrade my audio quality for conference calls and presentations.

[@theoutsiderjess1869]

What iove about these videos i get too look back and see what gear i would pick up today vs back then if i had sm7d money to play with

[@KevPez-IS]

LOOK FOR USED ASTON STEALTH MICROPHONES!!! They sound excellent! They were discontinued for a few years. They are coming back, BUT used ones go for $100-180! They used to be 400 Bucks! Get them used while you can! Once the new mics come out and the cheap used ones vanish, you wont find this good of a deal again.

[@dinezeazy]

What about Zoom H8 with Rode podmic?

[@tarniakapow5020]

HI there, thanks for the info! may I ask what studio lighting you use?

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Leds on walls...Amaran 100d and the Amaran 60d

[@MarcAltshuler]

Great video, thanks! Though curious how you can do 7 mic inputs on the Rodecaster Pro 2, as the RØDE Wireless mics use on of the mic inputs, they aren’t additional. So by my calculations you can have a total of 5 mic inputs on the RCP2. 4 inputs (made up of physical or wireless) plus 1 x USB.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

You can assign them all to the faders and one to the virtual fader. Which is 7

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Gonna c9nfirm this tomorrow before I put my fat foot in my mouth. On nyquil right now and life is fun...bahahaha

[@MarcAltshuler]

@@DarkCornerStudios Thanks really appreciate you and your work! I hope you feel better soon.

[@dirface]

A few things to consider with the Rode system; first off when you record a podcast and want to do some post on the files, there's no way to dump ONLY the files you have recorded to (let's say 2ch). The device will save all inputs as a multi-wav with a size of about 4Gb+. Every channel will be saved, even the ones not used. Nightmare to send to/from client w/o splitting files first. The other thing is the resulting audio, no matter how you set the inputs, will be really low, like -20dB regardless of what mics, cloudlifters etc was used. Very un-pro IMO.

[@frankcoffey]

Are there any podcast interfaces that are not fixed sample rate so you can also use it with a DAW?

[@DarkCornerStudios]

?? What's stopping you from using it with a DAW? All of these work with DAWs. Not sure what a f8xed sample rate has to do with it

[@frankcoffey]

@@DarkCornerStudios There is an obvious problem but I won't be the one to explain it to you.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

@frankcoffey lol...oh please do...

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Especially as it pertains to podcasts.

[@erind2197]

Check out the Yamaha AG08.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Ir is on my list...but rather pricey...

[@theoutsiderjess1869]

Im sad the vocaster didnt do well however Im not complaining i can pick one up now

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Yeah it had some tough competition in the Rodecaster Duo

[@dickginkowski6071]

@@DarkCornerStudios Also engineering and build issues. I paid through the nose with the idea that it was an interface with mix minus capability for phone calls and discovered that it was only able to do that through the software. Ugh. Waste of money that sits in the box it came in.

[@milesian1]

Nice overview. Just thinking, most podcasts with more than four people probably don’t have everyone in the same room. So what happens then? Shoutcast, Streamyard, Riverside, etc.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Yeah...I use Streamyards for that...works great

[@dariuszgalczak3992]

the best of the cheapest dynamic microphone is SUPERLUX TM58

[@doubledeckers]

The Superlux PRA D1 is better than the TM58. Both aren't good in terms of handling noise if that's a concern. I have a Rode M1 but I prefer the PRA D1. Would like to see Aiden review it.

[@dariuszgalczak3992]

I own a PRA D1 and a TM58, the PRA D1 has a brighter sound, the TM58 gives a warmer tone and therefore as a microphone for podcasts and vlogs seems better to me. Most users recording podcasts are looking for that tone, the TM58 already has that and without correction. For professional tasks, of course, the Superlux PRA D1 is better. Sound transmission through the housing, can be improved by unscrewing the head of the microphone and filling the empty space with cotton wool, or wax etc. this is how it is in the original Shure sm58.

[@doubledeckers]

@@dariuszgalczak3992 thanks for the tip about cotton wool or wax, I will try that on both mics. You're right the PRA D1 does need more eq adjustment to sound good. Out of the box the TM58 is too shrill for my voice. But we all have different voices.

[@GoldenKnight702]

Vocaster 2 is on sale for $100 right now on Amazon

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Yeah...that is a must buy if you are in the market for a podcasting interface

[@VoiceOverHQ]

​​@@DarkCornerStudiosgreat friend, can i use the Vocaster as VoiceOver audio interface for record clean spots?... Are the Vocaster preamps a clean ones?... Thanks a Lot!...

[@DarkCornerStudios]

@@VoiceOverHQ yeah...they are easily clean enough for VO

[@VoiceOverHQ]

@@DarkCornerStudios like Arturia Minifuse or Audient id14mkII?... And for singing?... Thanks!...

[@trenerantonio]

First 👍 from Belarus!

[@Slipsch]

Why not LS-208?

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Lol...it's a bit heavy on the price

[@Slipsch]

@@DarkCornerStudios haha i see, i thought you somehow change your thoughts that SM7B is better than LS-208.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

@@Slipsch never!

[@tkidd250]

🥈2nd

[@likethesky]

If two people in separate locations interviewing a third (another, 3rd location) what do you recommend? One comment said Streamyard…? So for one of the folks, I’m gonna get a Vocaster Two (in case two are in same place at once one day), a Rode PS1+, and a Shure SM58. Do I need a windscreen for the SM58? Does it have a built in pop filter (they’ll be on video, so I’d prefer no physical pop filter)… will the Vocaster do pop filtering? (Sorry for the super n00b Qs!) @DarkCornerStudios