I've spent years building radio and streaming infrastructure, from studio audio chains to the encoders that push stations online. This is the gear and software I recommend to anyone starting an internet radio station or live show, from budget setups ...
Sections
5
Microphones
Interfaces & mixers
Headphones
Studio accessories
Broadcasting software
Microphones
The radio voice. Very forgiving in imperfect rooms, but it needs a lot of gain, so pair it with a strong preamp or a Cloudlifter.
Shure SM7B Dynamic Vocal Microphone
Indestructible and cheap. The mic I recommend for guests and co-hosts.
Shure SM58 Pro XLR Dynamic Vocal Microphone
Best one-mic start: USB and XLR in one, so it grows with your setup.
RØDE PodMic USB Dynamic Broadcast Mic XLR
Interfaces & mixers
Clean preamps, stable drivers. The safe choice for a one- or two-host show.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB-C Audio Interface
A full broadcast studio in one box: faders, processing, jingle pads. Worth it if you go live regularly.
RØDE RØDECaster Pro II Audio Studio
Adds clean gain for low-output dynamic mics like the SM7B. Fixes the "too quiet" problem.
Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter CL-1 + XLR Cable
Headphones
Studio classic. Choose the 250-ohm version for interfaces and mixers.
beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 250 Ohm Headphones
Studio accessories
Quiet and stable. Your mic stays exactly where you put it.
RØDE PSA1+ Studio Boom Arm with Spring
Cheap and removes plosives ("p" and "b" pops) for good.
Stedman Corporation Proscreen XL - Black
Broadcasting software
Open-source streaming server. Still the backbone of a huge number of internet stations.
Icecast
Scriptable audio automation: playlists, jingles, live takeover, fallback when the DJ drops out.
savonet/liquidsoap
The simplest way to send your live mix to an Icecast or SHOUTcast server.
BUTT - Broadcast Using This Tool
Free DJ software that can stream directly. Perfect for music shows.
Mixxx
Full disclosure: this one is mine. I built StreamEncoderPRO after years of setting up encoders for radio stations and running into the same problems again and again. It takes your studio audio and keeps your station streaming online reliably, 24/7. T...
