Leo Laporte's Podcast Equipment List

Leo Laporte is the tech podcaster and journalist. He’s also the founder of the TWiT (This Week in Tech) Podcast Network, which he established in 2005. Known as the "Chief TWiT," Laporte has had such an impact on the evolution of podcasting, especially in the tech sector. 

He was one of the earliest podcasters, transitioning his journalism from traditional media to online formats and helping to popularize the term "podcast." He’s committed to sharing accessible tech information and has made TWiT a respected name in the industry, producing over 30 hours of content weekly across various shows.

Laporte hosts several popular podcasts on the TWiT network, including:

• This Week in Tech (TWiT): A flagship show where Laporte and a rotating panel of tech experts discuss the latest in technology news and trends.

• MacBreak Weekly: Focused on Apple news, this podcast features discussions and insights from top tech journalists and Apple enthusiasts.

• Security Now: Co-hosted with Steve Gibson, this show delves into cybersecurity issues, threats, and best practices for securing personal data.

• Windows Weekly: A podcast dedicated to Microsoft products, covering everything from Windows to Office and Xbox, with insights from industry experts.

• This Week in Google: A discussion on the impact of Google and other tech giants, featuring a diverse panel of commentators.

• Ask The Tech Guys: A call-in show where Laporte answers listeners' tech questions, providing advice and solutions to common tech problems.

Mic

Model:  Heil Sound PR 40
Price: About $349

Pros

• Great Sound: this mic offers an extended low-frequency response and a warm, intimate sound that is clear and articulate.

• Flat Frequency Response: The mic has a superbly flat frequency response, making it easy to EQ.

• Excellent Noise Rejection: The supercardioid pattern effectively rejects side and rear noise, ideal for less-than-perfect recording environments.

• Rugged Build: Constructed with high-quality materials, it is heavy and durable, designed for professional use.

Cons

• Tight XLR Jack: The XLR connection can be a bit tight, making it challenging to connect and disconnect.

• No Included Cable: The microphone does not come with an XLR cable, which must be purchased separately.

• Lack of Gain Control: There is no built-in gain control or headphone monitoring, requiring external equipment for optimal use.

Every podcaster has their own choice of microphone, and there are a lot out there to go with. We’re big fans of Shure, but the Heil PR 40 is a great contender for those with the budget. Leo Laporte has chosen the Heil PR 40 as a go-to microphone for all his podcasts. 

If you want to look at the technical aspects, this microphone has some great features. The Heil PR 40 microphone features a frequency response of 28Hz to 18kHz and a supercardioid polar pattern, making it really effective at isolating front sound while rejecting noise from the sides and rear. 

It brings you a warm and clear sound, comparable to condenser microphones despite being a dynamic mic. However, you may need a good preamp to achieve optimal performance, as it does not have built-in gain control or a headphone jack.

Overall, the Heil Sound PR 40 is a high-quality microphone that excels in voice recording. It's durable, makes a great sound, and has great noise rejection, making it a strong contender for podcasters, although you should be aware of its limitations regarding connectivity and monitoring.

Camera

Model: Sony A7R II

Price: $945

Pros

• High Resolution: 42.4 MP sensor delivers exceptional image quality and detail.

• Autofocus Performance: Fast hybrid AF system with 399 focus points, effective in low light.

• Image Stabilization: 5-axis in-body stabilization reduces camera shake.

• Versatile Lens Compatibility: Works well with a variety of lenses, including older SLR and rangefinder lenses.

Cons

• Short battery life: especially during continuous shooting or video recording.

• Video Crop: 4K video is cropped to Super35 size, which can limit framing options.

• Overheating Issues: Potential for overheating during extended 4K video recording sessions.

Leo Laporte has chosen the Sony A7R II for his video podcasting camera. It’s a durable and reliable camera that can keep up with the 30+ hours of video podcasting he is creating per week.

The Sony A7R II is a full-frame mirrorless camera that’s known for its high-resolution capabilities and features. It has a 42.4 MP back-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor, which allows for exceptional image quality and detail. It incorporates a fast hybrid autofocus system with 399 phase-detection points, providing reliable focusing even in low light. The camera also includes five-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which helps reduce blur from camera shake. Additionally, it supports 4K video recording, although with a crop factor that may limit its usability for some creators.

Despite its strengths, the A7R II has a few drawbacks, including limited battery life, particularly when using autofocus or recording video. This is a con we’ve found in many cameras. The solution is either to have a constant connection or multiple batteries to swap out.

Want to start your own podcast?

There’s a lot of equipment that goes into creating top-notch podcasts like TWiT’s shows. It can be a bit of an investment at the start, but you’ll want to know you’re purchasing the right equipment for your show format.
If you need help, with equipment choice, recording, production, or promotion for your brand podcast, get in touch with Lower Street.