We’ve curated a few studio setups from mobile vlogging to desktop podcasting so you can get set up and going in no time. Let’s take a look.

Basic Studio

You can get started podcasting with what you already have.

Desktop

Type Gear Note
Camera Built-in laptop camera https://www.loom.com/share/99d4ba8532cb41399b9988b8b3cc532e?sid=51094d6d-56f3-45c8-a6ac-a56486b32f45
Microphone Airpods or other headphones with a mic Headphones are highly recommended!
Lighting Window or lamp The lighting should be from behind the camera pointing towards you (light source not shown on the camera).
Background Not a window Anywhere you’d feel comfortable showing on camera is fine, though people tend to choose their office or a clean, naturally-lit room.

Mobile

Type Gear Note
Camera iPhone 13 or newer Using the Riverside App
Tripod Any phone tripod
Microphone Airpods or other headphones with a mic Headphones are highly recommended!
Lighting Window or lamp The lighting should be from behind the camera pointing towards you (light source not shown on the camera).
Background Not a window Anywhere you’d feel comfortable showing on camera is fine, though people tend to choose their office or a clean, naturally-lit room.

Backpack Ultralight

A recording studio that can fit in a backpack and set up in 5 minutes.

Type Gear Note
Camera iPhone 16 or newer Using the Riverside app
Microphone
if all guests are physically in one location Rode Wireless Micro 2x wireless microphones that plug directly into phone or desktop via lightning or USB-C port
Headphones & Microphone
if talking to remote guests Airpods or Wired Apple Earbuds
Tripod (option 1)

Mobile

  1. If solo or in-person interview, plug in the Rode Wireless Micro microphone receiver to phone USB-C port.
  2. Open Riverside.fm studio or async studio and select the Wireless mic input.
  3. Wear the mic clipped to a shirt. Rode Wireless Micro supports 2 wireless mics.
  4. Set up the camera and lighting so the speakers are in view.
  5. Record!

Desktop