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Gear Recommendations
Shure SM7dB - is a microphone you will find in top studios for both music and podcasting. It delivers a smooth, natural sound that works just as well for spoken word as it does for vocals and instruments, which is why it has been trusted on countless records and broadcasts. With a built-in preamp, it avoids the low-output issue of the original SM7B and connects easily to almost any interface. It is a reliable choice for anyone who wants one mic that can cover both professional music and podcast work.
Shure MV7+ - delivers impressive sound for both podcasting and music, but it is not quite at the level of the SM7dB. The tone is clear and polished, with built-in software tools that help smooth out voice recordings, yet it does not have the same depth and richness that makes the SM7dB a studio standard. Where the MV7+ stands out is in flexibility. With both USB and XLR connections, you can start simple by plugging straight into your computer and then move up to an interface when you are ready. It is a strong choice for anyone who wants professional results with less setup and a more approachable price.
RØDE PodMic - is a reliable entry-level choice for podcasters and musicians who want solid sound at an affordable price. It has a tight, focused tone that works well for spoken word and vocals, though it does not capture the same depth or smoothness you will hear from the Shure SM7dB or MV7+. Built with a rugged metal body and an internal pop filter, it is designed to last and easy to handle. The PodMic requires an audio interface since it is XLR only, but paired with the right gear it offers a dependable way to get started without a big investment.
Universal Audio Apollo Twin X - is a professional-grade interface trusted in studios around the world. It delivers outstanding audio quality with pristine preamps, near-zero latency, and powerful onboard DSP that lets you run Universal Audio’s plug-ins directly from the hardware. For musicians, this means access to studio-level processing while tracking. For podcasters, it offers unmatched clarity and reliability that will stand up to any production. The Apollo Twin X is an investment, but it is one that provides both top-tier sound and long-term flexibility.
Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 Mk4 - is a versatile interface that strikes a balance between affordability and expandability. It comes with two high-quality microphone preamps along with two additional line inputs, giving you four inputs total. On the output side you get four balanced outputs, which opens the door to more advanced routing, monitor setups, or outboard gear. The sound quality is excellent for both music and podcasting, and the extra I/O makes it a smart choice for anyone who wants room to grow beyond the basics.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Mk4 - is one of the most popular starter interfaces for both podcasters and musicians. It provides two clean mic preamps, simple controls, and reliable sound quality in a compact design. While it does not offer the extra inputs and outputs of the 4i4, for many setups it covers everything you need to record voice, instruments, or a small podcast. The 2i2 is a cost-effective way to get professional-quality audio without the added complexity.
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro - is built for serious studio use. It has a smooth, detailed sound with a fuller low end, which makes it ideal for capturing the depth of instruments and vocals during recording. The padded design is extremely comfortable, even in long sessions, and the build quality is made to last for years. For musicians and podcasters who want professional-grade headphones that feel good to wear and deliver a more refined listening experience, the DT 770 is the step up.
Sony MDR-7506 - is a long-time studio standard known for its clear and focused sound. Compared to the DT 770, these are lighter, more compact, and a little brighter in tone, which helps keep voices crisp but does not deliver the same low-end depth. They are foldable and widely used in studios and broadcast booths around the world, but the thinner padding makes them less comfortable for long sessions. For anyone who wants dependable headphones at a more approachable price, the MDR-7506 is an excellent choice.
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x - is a practical entry-level option for musicians and podcasters who need a dependable pair of headphones without spending much. They provide a clean, balanced sound that works well for basic tracking and monitoring. Compared to the Sony MDR-7506 and Beyerdynamic DT 770, the M20x has less detail in the highs, less depth in the low end, and a more lightweight build that may not hold up as long. Still, for anyone just starting out, they are an affordable way to get recording with headphones that are far more accurate than typical consumer models.
K&M 21090 - is a premium stand built for serious use. It has a two-piece telescoping boom arm and a folding leg base. Height adjusts from about 35.4″ to 63.2″ so it gives plenty of flexibility for different setups. I use mine constantly and it holds up beautifully over time, even with heavier mics like the SM7dB. If you want a stand that’s going to feel strong, stay steady, and last you years, this is it.
Gator RI-MIC-5020 - offers solid stability and more flexibility in mic positioning thanks to its telescoping boom arm and height range between ~36” and ~64”. It holds most podcasting and recording mics securely and adapts well to different setups. The build isn’t quite as rugged as the K&M 21090 but for most regular use it is more than enough.
Gator RI-MIC-520 - is an affordable stand good for lighter setups. It has a fixed boom arm rather than telescoping, so it’s less adjustable in reach and height. The height range is smaller than higher-tier stands and it’s lighter weight, so it won’t be as durable under heavy use or large mics. But it does the job nicely at a lower cost, especially if you’re just starting out or don’t need much boom reach.
Mogami Gold XLR Cables - are a studio standard for a reason. They deliver a clean, noise-free signal with excellent shielding and pro-grade connectors that hold up to years of use. Whether you are running long cable lengths in a music session or recording podcasts where silence matters, these cables are built to perform. They also come with a lifetime warranty, so if one ever fails, you can have it replaced without worry.
D'Addario Planet Waves XLR Cable - offers dependable cables that strike a balance between performance and price. Built with oxygen-free copper conductors and solid shielding, they provide a clear signal with less risk of noise or interference than budget options. They are not quite as refined or heavy-duty as Mogami Gold, but for most podcast and music applications they deliver reliable results at a more accessible cost. Like Mogami, Planet Waves cables are backed by a lifetime warranty, which adds peace of mind.
CableCreation XLR Cables - are a good choice for anyone starting out who wants simple, affordable reliability. They use decent shielding and connectors that work well for short runs and lighter use. They will not hold up as long or feel as solid as higher-tier options, and they do not come with the same kind of lifetime warranty offered by Mogami or Planet Waves. Still, they are a practical way to get recording without overspending.
Zoom H6 Essential - is a portable recorder designed for capturing music sessions, podcasts, or interviews outside of a studio. It records in 32-bit float, which means you do not have to worry about clipping if levels are set too high or losing detail if they are too low. With multiple inputs, swappable mic capsules, and solid preamps, it gives you flexibility when you need to record on the go. It is not a replacement for a full interface, but as a backup or travel solution it is hard to beat.
SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD - is a dependable way to back up your recordings and keep sessions safe. It is fast enough to handle large multitrack music projects, compact enough to travel with a podcast setup, and rugged enough to hold up on the go. If you are using a Zoom H6 Essential, you will also need an SD card, and having extra storage ready is just as important as the recorder itself. Whether it is an SSD for backups or an SD card for capturing audio in the first place, reliable external storage is essential for both podcasters and musicians.
Gaffer Power Gaffers Tape - isn’t audio gear, but it’s something I always keep around the studio. A good roll of gaff tape is perfect for securing cables, marking floors, or fixing little problems mid-session. One trick I use is putting a strip at the knuckle (pivot point) of a mic stand — it helps keep the boom arm from slipping down when you’re using heavier mics like the SM7dB. Unlike duct tape, gaff tape doesn’t leave sticky residue, and it’s made for pro stage and studio use.
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