If you’ve been invited to be a guest on a podcast or webinar you’ll want to make the best impression you can. Part of this is the content that you share. Another part of it is your presentation style and another big part of it is the equipment you use. In this post I’m going to focus in on the equipment that I recommend for podcast and webinar guests.

Overview

If you just want to order the right equipment without reading all the reasons why, here’s what you need to be a great podcast & webinar guest:

  1. Samson Q2U microphone
  2. Microphone stand / boom arm
  3. Microphone windshield
  4. Logitech C920 webcam
  5. Ring light

Minimum acceptable audio quality

The absolutely minimum acceptable audio quality that I recommend to be a podcast or webinar guest is a reasonable headset like the Plantronics Blackwire C225. It’s very comfortable, produces OK quality audio and also means that you don’t need to concern yourself about plugging in another set of headphones.

Please do not use the integrated microphone that’s part of your laptop. This will generally result in a poor audio experience for your listeners and could also result in a poor impression of you and your brand.

Recommended audio equipment

However, if you’re going to be on more that one webinar or podcast episode, I highly recommend that you invest a little more in your equipment setup.

A lot of people will recommend that you get a condenser microphone like the Blue Yeti. While it looks great and sounds really good in a quiet environment, most people don’t work in a silent office. Therefore, instead of getting a condenser microphone, I strongly recommend that you get a dynamic microphone. What’s great about dynamic microphones is they tend to have a small ‘sweet spot’ which means that your mouth should be around 4 inches away from the end of the microphone. When you move much further away, your recording volume will diminish quickly. This means that dynamic microphones are great because they don’t pick up additional noise such as computer fans and other unwanted sounds.

Recommended microphone: The Samson Q2U

The Samson Q2U has a wonderful warm sound for a budget dynamic microphone. If it’s not available on Amazon, try and find it elsewhere.

If you can’t get a Q2U, get a Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB. However, you may find that you have to order this from the USA.

If you can’t get your hands on either a Q2U or an ATR2100x and you need to get your hands on a decent plug-and-play microphone, my third recommendation is the Shure MV7.

Mic stand / boom arm

To keep your microphone 4 inches away from your mouth you should use a mic stand / boom arm like this one.

Microphone windshield

If you’re using the Q2U or ATR2100x microphones it’s a good idea to get a microphone windshield to help limit the volume of noises associated with your breath.

Webcam

For those of you on video, the Logitech C920 has a nice crisp HD image with autofocus, so you’ll notice this as a nice upgrade to your standard laptop camera. (You might have to go hunting for this elsewhere if Amazon don’t have it in stock.)

Webcam usage tips: Try to position your camera at eye level and near the part of your screen where your fellow guests are.

Lighting

If you’re in a dark room, you should consider lighting up your face. This ring light could be a great purchase.

I hope that you enjoyed the whistle stop tour of the essential equipment that I feel you need to be a great podcast & webinar guest!

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