Equipment Needed to Set Up a Podcast Studio in Toronto
One of the biggest things that stops new podcasters in Toronto from hitting “record” is gear anxiety. Do I need a fancy mic? What about headphones, mixers, software, cameras? Can I record from home or should I go to a studio?
At That Toronto Podcast Studio, we’ve worked with podcasters at every level — from first-timers to full-on production teams. The truth? You don’t need to spend thousands to sound professional… but you do need the right tools in the right environment.
Here’s your no-fluff, Toronto-specific guide to what podcasting equipment you really need — and how to avoid wasting money or time on gear that won’t help.
Note: You can find ALL the gear mentioned on this page on our > DIY Podcast Gear < page.
🧠 First: Know Your Recording Plan
Are you:
– Recording solo episodes from home?
– Interviewing guests remotely?
– Co-hosting in-person?
– Filming video podcasts to share on YouTube or Instagram?
– Wanting a walk-in studio where it’s all done for you?
Your gear depends on your format. If you’re coming to a professional studio like ours, you don’t need to bring anything — we provide everything listed below, already optimized for great sound and video.
But if you’re setting up a home or mobile setup, here’s what you’ll need 👇
🎙️ 1. Microphone — Your #1 Investment
Your mic is the single most important piece of podcasting gear.
Built-in laptop mics and most Bluetooth headsets = awful. They pick up background noise, room echo, and cheapen your voice.
You want to get a Pro-Level Mic (XLR): the Shure SM7B
These need an audio interface or mixer (see below), but they’re studio-grade. We use the Shure SM7B in-studio — the same mic used by Rogan, CBC, and NPR.
🎧 2. Headphones — So You Hear What They Hear
Why they matter:
– Prevent echo or feedback
– Help catch plosives, background noise, or mic issues
– Let you monitor real-time sound when recording guests
Top Picks:
Avoid wireless/Bluetooth — they often lag. Wired = clean signal.
🎚️ 3. Audio Interface or Mixer (If You’re Using XLR Mics)
An interface converts analog audio (from your mic) to digital (your computer).
You want the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 for a 2 mic setup.
Want multiple guests or want to mix live? You’ll need a mixer:
We suggest the Rodecaster Pro II — the gold standard for podcasters
In our studio, we use multi-mic XLR setups with dynamic processing, so your voice always sounds broadcast-ready.
🖥️ 4. Recording Software (DAW)
You need software to record and edit your show.
– Adobe Audition
– Descript (edit by editing text!)
– Logic Pro X (Mac)
In-studio, we handle this for you so you never need to worry.
🎥 5. Cameras (For Video Podcasts)
In 2025, over 65% of top-performing podcasts also release video versions (YouTube, TikTok, Reels). Visual content doubles engagement.
Cameras:
- Sony A7IV (key camera) with a wide prime lens (see below)
– Sony ZV-E10 (multiple and tight angles) with variable zoom lenses (see below)
Lenses:
- 24mm F/1.4 Wide Angle Lens (for the wide A7IV camera)
- Sony 24-70 F/2.8 GMII (for the first crop angle ZV-E10)
- Sony 70-200 F/2.8 GMII (for the second crop angle ZV-E10)
Our studio shoots with multi-cam 4K setups, pro lighting, and seamless switching — ideal for clips, YouTube growth, and sponsor-ready video.
💡 7. Optional — But Smart Extras
- Lighting. see our DIY Podcast Gear page.
– Boom arms: keep your mic in position without handling noise
– Pop filters: soften harsh “p” and “s” sounds (not really needed on the Shure SM7B’s we use)
– Sound treatment: blankets, foam panels, or carpet to cut echo if recording at home
– Backup recorders: always smart when recording remotely
🔧 Or… Just Walk In and Record With Us
Want to skip the setup? We built That Toronto Podcast Studio for creators who want studio-quality audio + video without the need to learn how to use all this.
✅ We provide top-tier mics, headphones, lighting, and multi-camera setup
✅ We handle the recording, editing, cleanup, and even clip creation
✅ You just show up, speak, and leave with a ready-to-publish episode
No messy wires. No settings. No tech support tickets.
💰 Podcast Setup Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Hiring Our Studio
1. DIY Pro Home Setup (XLR Mics + Interface + Headphones)
Estimated Cost: $2,000 - 2,500 CAD
Good for: Higher-quality solo or co-hosted shows
Notes: Great sound, but setup complexity and tech learning curve are high.
2. DIY Full Video Podcast Setup (Mics + Cameras + Lights)
Estimated Cost: $10,000 - $15,000 CAD (depends on quality and extent of gear)
Good for: Professional video podcasts with clips
Notes: Significant investment, and you still need to handle editing and post-production.
Starting up your own podcast (done right with the proper microphones, mixers, camera equipment, lighting, set design, etc.) could lang you between $10,000 and $20,000 depending on how pro-grade and nice you want it to be. And on top of that, you still have to learn how to do everything, spend time doing it, experimenting with everything, and then editing it after the fact. Or, you could hire us for a fraction of the cost. See below.
3. Hiring That Toronto Podcast Studio (All-Included)
Estimated Cost: $320 - $190 CAD per session (depending on add-ons and session length)
Good for: All creators — solo, teams, branded content
Notes: No equipment to buy, no setup to manage. Walk in, record, walk out with high-end audio/video + optional editing and publishing support.
By the time you buy, configure, test, and learn to edit — most clients find it faster and more cost-effective to just use the studio and get started running rather than crawling.
🏁 Final Word: Start Simple, But Sound Good
The most important thing? Start.
You don’t need the fanciest gear to launch — you need the right environment, a solid mic, and help when you need it.
Whether you’re planning a personal show, branded podcast, or high-visibility launch for your agency or business, we’re ready to make it sound and look world-class.
🎙️ Book your session at That Toronto Podcast Studio and let’s build something people want to hear (and watch).
