The Most Versatile Podcast Setup EVER!

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There’s a ton of gear out there, what do I get? Well, after producing, editing, consulting, problem solving and working with over 100 podcasters now – I’ve narrowed it down. 

In the past, I’ve helped people to accommodate their budget, but the reality is – a bad sounding podcast isn’t going to do well.

First, the quick list. Then I’ll support it with some details, following up with some DO NOTS!

Zoom H6 Handheld Recorder

It works as an interface. An interface converts the audio to a digital file (aka it makes your audio computer compatible). Most people believe a Mixer does this – and in some cases it does, but not near as well as an audio interface. 

The Zoom H6 can record up to 6 microphones plugged into at once. But the most important part is that it will record all of these two separate tracks. This makes editing way easier, and will greatly enhance your quality of recording. You can balance the levels in POST, or really fine tune any aspect of the audio. If you’re working with an audio engineer, he/she will thank you to the end of time. 

As well, this little sucker is portable! You don’t need to take your computer with. If you travel a lot and do recordings all over the world, this little guy packs away easy and will continue to record up to 6 channels if you need. As well, it has a microphone attachment if you just want to drop it down on a table in front of two people. For advanced users, buy one of it’s many attachments, my favorite being the Shotgun Mic attachment to really get isolated audio from your guests. This is often used for an on camera interview.

Last but not least, it comes with all of the features a Pro loves, but you don’t have to use them to get great audio. 

Shure MVY (XLR/USB)

Don’t be stupid. This is the only microphone any podcaster really needs. 

First, the fact that it’s USB or XLR is the most important. If you’ve ever recorded two people in the same room, on the same computer – two USB is the biggest problem in the world. Computers don’t automatically understand how to differentiate between two mic inputs. This is where an interface is handy. But if you’re recording only one microphone the USB is a cinch and you don’t need an interface. Just plug in, make some small adjustments and you’re ready to go.

This mic rejects outside noise better than any USB mic on the market. Check out The New Majority Podcast if you want to hear what Pro audio sounds like with a single USB microphone. 

But because it has XLR capabilities, you can plug this microphone into any mixer or interface if you need a multi-mic setup. 

As far as the sound goes, it’s almost indistinguishable from its big sister the SM7b. The SM7b is XLR only. Being so closely related, you know that it has a ton of history of being perfect for broadcasting.

Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (80Ohhm)

Ok, so these are fancy headphones and not completely needed. Almost any headphones will work. But we’re talking about versatility, which translates to you being serious. These headphones sound great, meaning you can edit out tiny details you won’t be able to hear in crappier headphones. 

Also, these headphones are the most comfortable headphones on the planet. It’s like having a teddy bear hug your head.

15′ GLS Audio XLR Cable

Since we’re talking about versatility, let’s talk about a dumb mic cable. Tweed is the answer. It makes winding up cables way easier. Cable management is a bitch. So let’s put you in a place of success by considering some of the smaller more mundane details of equipment. It’s not my favorite cable in the world but very few podcasters are willing to spend $100 on Mogami Gold Mic cables. 

Since the Shure MV7 comes with a USB cable, this is only needed if you pair it with the Zoom H6. Again, if we’re discussing versatility, lets do it right. 

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