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Full Audio or Podcast Interview Equipment Shopping List

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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.

ProductPriceQuantityTotalPurchase Link
Rode Smartlav+$75.002$150.00Buy it now
Rode SC6 Adapter$20.001$20.00Buy 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.

ProductPriceQuantityTotalPurchase Link
Zoom H5$280.001$280.00Buy it now
Samson Q2U$80.002$160.00Buy it now
XLR Cable$15.002$30.00Buy 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.

ProductPriceQuantityTotalPurchase Link
Zoom H6$3301$330Buy it now
Shure SM58$1002$200Buy it now
XLR Cable$15.002$30.00Buy 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.

ProductPriceQuantityTotalPurchase Link
Behringer Headphone Amplifier$35.001$35.00Buy it now
Audio Technica Headphones $50 2 $100Buy it now
Mic Boom Arm$302$60Buy 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!

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