We’ve talked about the different bits and pieces you need to get your podcast off the ground. Now here’s a handy shopping list for you!
For some of the items, I’ve taken the liberty of providing a comparison, trying to balance quality and price – please note, prices will obviously vary over time, and also, whatever region you happen to be buying in.
We use affiliate links for the products we recommend, which means we earn a small commission, should you decide to buy through them. This is at no extra cost to yourself and helps support all the free content we put out on the site. With that all said, let’s get to the recommendations…
Budget Interview Setup
First off, we have the budget list. But, don’t confuse budget with low quality: the Rode Smartlavs are actually really good little devices. They capture decent quality voice, but can be a little susceptible to background noise. Upgrading to a handheld mic, below, gives better protection from background noise, and a deeper, richer sound.
The other compromise, here, is that you’re recording right into your phone. On one hand, that saves money, since you’re using a device you already have. But, on the other, it’s using a device that’s prone to distractions and software crashes. There’s a lot to be said for a dedicated audio recorder to make sure your precious audio is captured safely. If this is the route you want to go down, though, check out the best audio recording apps for iOS and Android.
| Product | Price | Quantity | Total | Purchase Link |
| Rode Smartlav+ | $75.00 | 2 | $150.00 | Buy it now |
| Rode SC6 Adapter | $20.00 | 1 | $20.00 | Buy it Now |
Total: $170.00
Mid-Range Interview Set-up
Now we’re looking at a high quality set-up that should still be affordable for most people who are really looking to get serious about their podcasting standards. When used right, this equipment will see you achieve great results.
| Product | Price | Quantity | Total | Purchase Link |
| Zoom H5 | $280.00 | 1 | $280.00 | Buy it now |
| Samson Q2U | $80.00 | 2 | $160.00 | Buy it now |
| XLR Cable | $15.00 | 2 | $30.00 | Buy it Now |
Total: $470.00
That’s an outstanding list of tech that will give you superb results… but if money is no obstacle, you might consider the Gold standard setup…
Gold Standard Set-up
Simply put, this in-person interview equipment is of the highest standard. It’s not cheap, but when you listen back to the results of your recording sessions, you’ll understand why. The H6 is the Zoom’s latest model with more inputs than before – perfect for recording large groups – and has increased onboard editing capabilities. The Shure SM58 is the classic microphone used in conference rooms and stadia around the world.
| Product | Price | Quantity | Total | Purchase Link |
| Zoom H6 | $330 | 1 | $330 | Buy it now |
| Shure SM58 | $100 | 2 | $200 | Buy it now |
| XLR Cable | $15.00 | 2 | $30.00 | Buy it Now |
Total: $560
Extras: Mic Stands, Headphones & Splitters
If you wanted to have a sit-down interview with this, and make sure everyone had their own headphones (useful for monitoring the recording) then you could go for these extras.
| Product | Price | Quantity | Total | Purchase Link |
| Behringer Headphone Amplifier | $35.00 | 1 | $35.00 | Buy it now |
| Audio Technica Headphones | $50 | 2 | $100 | Buy it now |
| Mic Boom Arm | $30 | 2 | $60 | Buy it Now |
Your Full Audio or Podcast Interview Equipment Shopping List
So, there you have it – your podcast interview equipment shopping list. Obviously, the focus of this season has been on recording in-person conversations. If you plan to do more of a remote approach, however, then it might be worth opting for a quality USB mic and some dedicated call recording software.
If you’d like some more help with your podcast, then we’ve courses on everything from choosing gear and editing, to promotion and monetisation inside Podcraft Academy. We run weekly live Q&A sessions too, so you’ll get access to additional support and advice on a regular basis!
What Our Readers Think About Full Audio or Podcast Interview Equipment Shopping List
Colin,
Thanks for giving me a shopping / wishlist! 😉
How would you compare and contrast Zoom with Tascam?
Have you tested iRig Field Mic and iRig?
What is your favorite microphone on the go? I want to have one in my backpack, ready to do an interview in the street, e.g., a food truck owner. Could Shure’s MV88 be a good pick?
Hi Martin, for on the go stuff I like using any type of Zoom (commonly H1 or H5) on its own, or if I’m recording with someone else I’ll plug a couple of ATR3350 lav mics into them. That setup has worked really well for me recently.
I was wondering if you have any recommendations for field recording. For instance, what if I want to record episodes in places other than an office or home? I currently use a Sony IC Recorder. It has some great sound and was quite inexpensive. What would you do to get a podcast episode for instance in a bar or restaurant? Or with a group of participants in the same room?
thanks
The Zoom H1 is a great portable recorder for getting interviews with 2 or more people in busy places, but if you’re happy with the quality of your current recorder there’s maybe no need to change it?
Thanks Mr McLean.
I noticed in the higher quality options, you did not include a set of headphones. In the Gold Standard shopping list you added a headphone amp and splitter. I am confused what these are for if they weren’t included in the other packages. If not required, what do they have to offer?
Also, can you recommend a good quality, budget set of headphones for under $100 that will give good audio?
Thanks. I have enjoyed the website and made several purchases already based on your recommendations.
Abe, thanks for spotting that mistake! We missed the headphones out of the higher packages – I’ve fixed that now.
The amplifier is really useful for higher spec setups in that it allows you to plug in headphones for both hosts, and they can adjust their own volumes if required. It just adds a little more flexibility, and you can also have a producer listening in on a 3rd pair of headphones if required.
Hope that helps!
Colin
Hi Colin,
Great series, thank you! Wondering what your advice would be for this situation: We are a team of 2 hosts that have so far, only recorded interviews with guests via Skype. We each have a headset with microphones which plug into our computer and we use Garageband to edit. We’re thinking of doing an interview at an antiques fair. It would be the two of us, plus 2 guests, so a total of 4 voices. Plus, the interview would be done in front of an audience, and possibly outside or in semi-covered barn type of environment. It sounds like we’d need at least the Zoom H5 to get 4 inputs. Could we use the two headsets we already own and just buy two more? And I guess we’d need cable, too. Not sure if it’s worth it for just one interview. Although, if it goes well, we might do more of these in-person interviews. Thanks for your feedback!
Hi Zandra. You can use 3.5mm (standard headphone jack) splitters to feed multiple mics into a recorder. The Belkin 5 way splitter might be worth a look.
Great series! I am using your recommendations to buy my new mobile podcast setup, thank you!
Thanks so much for your great information! It appears that the ATR-3350 Microphone has been discontinued. Do you have another suggestion for that budget component? And would you suggest the newer version of Zoom H1?
Thanks a lot for that piece of advice! I start with two Rode smartLavs now and will work with the iPad Pro – any piece of advice on recording software? Garage Band? The Rode recording app itself does not seem to run with the newest iOS version …