IN-PERSON INTERVIEWS:
Zoom H6 Six-Track Portable Recorder — For in-person recording, I use the H6 with simple stage mics (below). For recording 2-4-person interviews, it’s easier to use than the older H4n model. Pro tip: ALWAYS put in new batteries for every important interview. I use simple earbuds for sound checks and set up.
Shure SM58-LC Cardioid Vocal Microphone without Cable — Thanks to Bryan Callen for introducing me to these. I’ve tried all sorts of fancy lavalier mics, booms, etc. For my money, nothing beats these old-school stage mics for in-person podcasting. You could throw them against a wall and they’d probably be fine. Some people use mic stands to hold them, but I do not. I prefer to let/make guests hold them, as they’re less likely to lean away. Sound levels (volume) are therefore more consistent, requiring less fussing in post-production.
XLR 3 Pin Microphone Cable (6 feet) — To connect the Shure SM58-LC microphone to the H6 Zoom recorder. Don’t cut corners here. In my limited experience, if anything is going to go wrong (and undetected until too late), it’ll be a loose fitting on one of these. Have extras.
Foam Mic Covers — These minimize the clicks, pops, and motion noises picked up from vocals, as well as background noises and actual wind. Brand doesn’t matter much here.
REMOTE INTERVIEWS:
Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB Cardioid Dynamic USB/XLR Microphone — This is my go-to travel mic for all remote interviews. It can also be used for recording intros, sponsor reads, etc. with Quicktime. I will often mail guests this mic via Amazon Prime if they need one, as it has the best bang-for-the-buck value I’ve found. Be sure to use a foam ball windscreen or “pop filter.”
Logitech BRIO Ultra HD 4K Webcam. I’ve always used my built-in MacBook lens for podcasting, Zoom, and so on. I looked into getting a prosumer setup with a great Sony camera, but I wasn’t motivated enough to fuss with lots of setup on a laptop that is by definition going to move a lot. This BRIO webcam was the middle ground I found, and I love it. What’s most remarkable and surprising is that, although I bought it to improve the other side’s experience, it makes my own experience of video chats much more enjoyable and much easier on the eyes. Here’s the official description: “Brio is a remarkable piece of technology that streams crystal-clear video with superb resolution, frame rate, color, and detail, including autofocus and 5x HD zoom. Brio delivers 4K Ultra HD video at 30 fps, HD 1080p at either 30 or 60 fps, and HD 720p at 30, 60, or an ultra-smooth 90 fps for outstanding clarity, smoothness, and detail.”