Jimmy Dore's Podcast Equipment List

The Jimmy Dore Show is a popular podcast and YouTube channel that blends political commentary with a bit of humor. In recent years, The Jimmy Dore Show has gained quite the following, with millions of views and a dedicated subscriber base on YouTube. Let’s have a look at what equipment Jimmy Dore uses to produce his show. 

Jimmy Dore’s Studio Setup

Mic:

Model: SM7B

Price: Averages at about $399.

Pros: 

• Wide Dynamic Range: The SM7B offers a wide dynamic range, providing clarity and versatility in vocal and instrumental recordings.

• Durability: This mic is known for its rugged construction and legendary reliability, making it a long-lasting investment.

• Presence Boost: The SM7B features a presence boost that compensates for lack of brightness, enhancing vocal quality.

• Internal Shock Mount: it’s equipped with an internal shock mount that absorbs vibrations, eliminating the need for bulky external mounts.

• Off-Axis Rejection: Provides good rejection of off-axis sound, ensuring focused audio capture. (It doesn’t pick up background or “side” noise as much, just what’s in front.)

• Built-in Pop Filter: Includes a highly effective pop filter, reducing plosive sounds and enhancing vocal clarity.

Cons: 

• Needs to be Close: This mic is meant to be used just a few inches from your face, if you are moving a lot it won’t pick up the audio. This can be a con if you are prone to movement. 

• Transient Response: While decent for a dynamic microphone, it may not capture as much detail in the audio as condenser microphones, though for voice-only and podcasting, this should be fine.

• Low Output Level: True only in slightly older versions of this mic, there may be the need for a pre-amp. The newest version comes with one built in.

As his main microphone, Jimmy Dore uses the SM7B, a microphone that is very popular with podcasters. It also happens to be one of Lower Street’s top recommendations. This is a sturdy microphone that offers great-quality recording. It does just take a little practice to perfect your mic technique for the best sound.

Camera

Model: Panasonic LUMIX GH5

Price: $1,599.99 (body only)

Pros:

• Exceptional Video Quality: Shoots 4K at 60fps and 1080p at up to 180fps, the GH5 delivers high-quality video with excellent detail and color accuracy.

• In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS): The GH5 features highly effective 5-axis IBIS, allowing for smooth handheld shooting without the need for a tripod.

• Unlimited Recording Time: Unlike many cameras that limit recording to 4GB segments, the GH5 allows for continuous recording until the memory card is full.

Cons:

• Autofocus Limitations: The autofocus system is considered inferior to competitors particularly in video mode.

• Menu Complexity: The extensive features can lead to a steep learning curve, as the menu system may feel overwhelming initially.

• Battery Life Concerns: While decent, battery life can be impacted by the camera's advanced features, often requiring multiple batteries for extended shoots.

• Low Light Performance: While improved over its predecessor, the GH5 still struggles in low light compared to larger sensor cameras.

Jimmy Dore actually uses a multi-camera setup, we can tell one of his trusty cameras for producing his video podcast is the Lumix GH5, but have not identified the others yet.

Need a hand launching your podcast?

There’s a lot of great podcast equipment out there, picking exactly what you need can be a bit daunting. From concept to equipment selection, production to promotion Lower Street is here to help you launch a top-notch podcast. Get in touch and let us help you out.