I am going to make this as simple as possible.

You want to start a podcast?

You want to start a vlog on YouTube?

(And really, if you are going to do one, you might as well do the other too, right? There is a huge podcast audience, but there is also a huge vlog audience, which may not intersect. You need to reach everyone with your message. Go big.)

I am going to break down all the pieces you will need, give you the products and prices, so you can take this and build the podcast/vlog station that fits your needs and your budget. All of these suggestions, in any combination, will give you a professional sounding, ready for market, podcast and/or vlog.

With these products, you can be recording, producing and launching your own podcast or vlog for between:

Cost Efficient - $328
High End- $2500

Recording Software
Cost Efficient:
  1. Ableton Live 9 Intro Ableton Live 9 Intro DJ and Mixing Software with Sound Library - $99
  2. Garage Band – FREE
High End:
  1. Ableton Live 9 Standard Ableton Live 9 Standard Multi-Track Audio Recording with Sound Library - $329
  2. Avid Pro Tools 12 -Channel Multitrack Recording Software - $700
*These programs allow you to edit and gently master your recordings, which is VERY helpful!
Interface (What You Plug The Mics In To)
Cost Efficient:
  1. M-Audio M-Track MKII Two-Channel USB Audio Interface - $99
  2. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB Recording Audio Interface - $150
High End:
  1. Universal Audio Apollo Twin High-Resolution Thunderbolt Interface - $700
  2. Focusrite Forte USB Audio Interface - $545
Microphones
Cost Efficient:
  1. Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB Cardioid Dynamic USB/XLR Microphone - $58
  2. Shure SM58-LC Cardioid Vocal Microphone - $100
High End:
  1. Heil Sound PR 40 Dynamic Cardioid Studio Microphone Bundle - $400
  2. Rode Podcaster Booming Kit - $349
*This is an important area. The mics are the foundation of your sound. Have you ever listened to something recorded poorly? It’s pretty difficult to get through. You DO NOT want to be that person. There may be less expensive, quality mics out there, but I don’t know that they are. Choose wisely!
Headphones
Cost Efficient:
  1. Sennheiser HD 202 II Professional Headphones - $24
High End:
  1. Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Headphones - $100
*expected more expensive? If you want to go out and buy super expensive Beats headphones, or Bose, go for it, but it is not necessary.
Cables
Cost Efficient:
  1. Gearlux Balanced 25-Foot XLR Microphone Cable - $13
High End:
  1. Monster Performer 600 Mic Cable - 10' - $45
Mic Stand
Cost Efficient
  1. Okeyn Metal Microphone Stand - $13
High End:
  1. Image® Broadcasting Studio Microphone Arm Stand - $31
Mobile Recording
Cost Efficient
  1. TASCAM DR-05 Portable Digital Recorder - $94
High End
  1. Zoom H6 Six-Track Portable Recorder - $349
*please keep in mind that you will need to transfer the recording to your computer in order to upload it online. You will still need software (from up above or standard devices on your computer).
Mastering
Cost Efficient
  1. Don’t Master
High End
  1. iZotope Ozone 7 - $200
*mastering can completely enhance your recording, but it is possible to have a quality recording without it. It is really a decision you have to make as a producer.
Hosting
You will need to host your recording somewhere. The high end would be having your own website, the low end would be using sites like: SoundCloud, Archive, Libsyn, etc.
Extras You Will Need For Vlogging
Video Recording For Apple: Ecamm - $30
Video Recording For PC: Evaer - $20

Hopefully this helps.

Now it is your choice on how to move forward. With these products, you can be recording, producing and launching your own podcast or vlog for between:

Cost Efficient - $328
High End- $2500

That’s a HUGE difference. You have a lot of decisions to make. The good thing is these products are the ones used by the pros. Can you get the same quality with the cost efficient? Absolutely. It’s all up to you, everything you need is here.