GEAR

I’m a minimalist so this is the least amount of gear you need to record podcasts and interviews. This kit is designed to travel in a small bag and setup/teardown is less than 2 minutes.

1. the RECORDER

Pick one. This is your biggest investment. It’s what will record the show and manage the sound.

 

A: Zoom H6 ($329)

This is the recorder I use. It’s pretty rugged, the dials make it super easy to adjust the audio levels on the fly, and it works great if you plan to do video (it’s professional grade and you can use it with your other pro gear). It has 4 lines and you can attach a 5th auxiliary mic.

The resale value on this is pretty good because everyone knows it is dependable.

OR

b: Zoom Podtrack 4 ($199)

This was made for podcasters. It’s ugly as fuck but’s made for a podcaster to record on the fly. You can attach 4 lines and there are easier inputs for doing remote interviews.

2. the MICROPHONES

You need one for you, and one for each guest. Assuming you are traveling to location, I am suggesting handheld mics with a shorter cord.

 

Shure 58 Mic ($99 each)

This is the probably the most common microphone ever. Why? Because the sound is solid, they are easy to hold, you can drop it over and over and it still works, and it NEVER fails.

I would suggest these if you plan to do podcasts where you don’t want to set up mic stands.

XLR Cables ($16)

The cables needed to connect your mics with your recorder. I suggest 6ft as the best length for most recordings.

POP FILTERS ($7)

Get them in black, or get them in colors. Either way, you will have less annoying pops with the pop filters. Your listeners will complain about sound regardless.

3. Headphones

Just like mics, you need one for you and one for a guest. Listen as you record to check your levels and sound quality.

 

Headphones ($49)

My favorite brand is Audio Technica. Here is a pair for $49 that sounds great. You can spend more or less. Just be sure to have some headphones for you and your guests to listen. It feels more professional and it creates a “space” for you and your guest. Be sure you are wearing good headphones so you can hear everything clearly.


Headphone splitter* ($6)

This is so you can add as many headphones as mics.
*You only need this if you get the H6.

4. OPTIONAL

Get them or don’t. You may already have these and/or may not want/need these.

 

Mic Stand

Some guests have trouble holding mics for extended periods of time. I’ve had two guests with disabilities and needed a mic stand. You can always be an asshole and tell them to toughen up, or you can have a spare mic stand for those who need it.

Rechargeable Batteries

I prefer Eneloop. I always put a fresh set of batteries in the recorder. Buying new batteries for every episode is terrible for the environment. I use Eneloops for everything (photo, video, podcast)

Memory Card

You may already have a card you want to use. Just be sure to get a dedicated memory card. 16g is MORE than enough space for 30+ episodes.

Or buy a kIT $420

Maybe you just want to get the cheapest and try it out. Here’s your solution.

I found this kit on amazon. The mics are lower quality and the headphones are made by some brand I never heard of. It uses that ugly recorder. So overall it’s ugly and the quality is questionable. But it’s the cheapest and has EVERYTHING you need!