The best equipment to record your podcast for under $75

Audio equipment is expensive... why spend more than you have to?

Hello. My name is Laura Meoli and I'm the host of the LoudaVision Podcast for creative people. I have created an easy online course to teach you everything about creating your very own podcast. --CLICK HERE to learn more--

When starting my podcast, I was using costly camera equipment.
Why?
I believe that we should try out things we want to try, and not let logistics get in the way. As a filmmaker, I have access to camera equipment and microphones, so I used them to start my podcast. There's no wrong answer as long as it works for you.
Eventually, I ended up purchasing microphones and equipment specifically for my podcast.

Here's a list of my equipment recommendations for podcasting.

I record the LoudaVision podcast from home using my laptop computer. My guests join me via Skype and I get to be in my pajamas. Here's how:

Ecamm Skype Recorder
Record your podcast from home using this software which you can purchase for a one time download fee of just under $30. This application record high quality audio of your free Skype calls. There is also an option to record video of the conversation.
My favorite feature of Skype Recorder is that it records separate audio tracks of you and your guest. That means when you're editing, you can adjust levels individually. For example, if I cough while my guest is talking... I can remove the cough without interrupting their audio track.
Price: $29.95

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This is my go-to microphone when recording the LoudaVision podcast. I just plug the table mic into my laptop USB port and record using Ecamm Recorder for Skype, or Adobe Audition. I have since purchased a taller mic stand, because it helps me sit up straight when recording. However, I did use the included mic stand for a very long time and just propped it up on a box. It's very simple to use and I've had no issues with the mic at all.
Price: $21.99

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Optional Additions:
Pop Filter for Table Mic 
I purchased this Pop Filter to help my audio sound smoother, with less pronounced P's. It is definitely an optional purchase. You can use it with your table mic.
Price: $9.99
Just a note that this pop filter does not fit with the stand that is included with the microphone listed above. I only purchased the pop filter after I already had my taller mic stand which has a wider base for the pop filter to hold on to.

Taller Mic Stand
As of today it is unavailable on Amazon.com but I'm sure there are similar ones out there.
Price: $8.99

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If you are not interested in recording via Skype, you can record your one mic directly into an audio recording application such as Audacity.
Audacity is pretty simple, but I have had issues with it when trying to record multiple microphones. If you're recording just one mic, it's definitely a great free option.
Price: FREE

Another option for recording your podcast (besides Audacity) is Adobe Audition, which is part of the Adobe Creative Cloud subscription.
Prices vary as there are often discounts and promotion codes to use. I suggest starting with a free trial for 30 days.
Price Varies

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OR If you're looking to record on the go, I suggest...

The Audio Techica Smartphone Mic is a Lavalier Microphone for recording on the go. Plug it into your smartphone or audio recorder, and clip it on to your shirt collar. This is my primary microphone for recording videos, as it plugs easily into my DSLR camera. Just do a test first with the included connector/splitter because it has caused issues for me in the past. Plugging the mic straight in though has been very successful and I get very high quality audio.
Lavalier microphones are great when you're moving around a lot, and for getting just one person's voice.
Price: $29.00

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There are many options out there for reliable audio equipment and recording software. The above suggestions are what work for me. If you'd like to share your top pics for podcasting equipment, please comment below.

For more creative tips and inspiration, follow me on Twitter @LoudaVision or Subscribe to my Newsletter

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Click here for my A to Z guide to Podcasting!

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Click here to find out about my first book, inspired by the LoudaVision Podcast.