• Great audio starts with your setup! It isn’t fixed after the fact.

• One mic per speaker. If you are doing in-person interviews, you need TWO mics. SM7B users need a cloud lifter and Focusrite with two inputs plus two XLR cables. 

• Always use headphones.

• Choose a space with little echo. Find a room with carpet, furniture, bookshelves, a low ceiling… you don’t need sound-dampening equipment, just the right space.

• Standing mic stands allow you to consider more creative recording setups.

Shure MV7 USB Microphone for Podcasting

This is our plug-and-play recommendation. The SHURE MV7 easily connects to Mac or PC to record with Audacity, Garage Band, Adobe Audition, Zoom, Streamyard, or the recording program of your choice.

The SHURE MV7 is a great choice for anyone who travels or wants to easily switch between a laptop, desktop, or iPad Pro.

Extra Equipment To Consider:

• Standing mic stand. Click here to check it out.
• Headphones – you can use your AirPods or any headphones
• Mac users will need USB to USBC adapter. Click here.

Shure SM7B

The SM7B is the industry standard and our top recommendation. The SM7B has more moving parts than the MV7.

While you absolutely can travel with this mic and use it with a laptop or desktop, the setup is more complex.

Other equipment you’ll NEED:

• Cloudlifter CL-1 Mic Activator. Click here.

• Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface Bundle with Polsen Studio Monitor Headphones, Pop Filter, and XLR-XLR Cable. Click here.

• Standing mic stand. Click here to check it out.

Are you recording video too?

Check out our single-cam audio and video setup ideas. You CAN use the camera on your laptop or desktop to record video for solo episodes or virtual interviews. The button below is an upgraded camera recommendation. There are other options between our favorite recommendation (Sony Alpha 7iii) and the camera on your laptop or desktop.

Visual Setup Examples

The right space will enhance your recording. Not only should you choose a space where you are comfortable and excited to create, but the space you choose will also impact the actual sound of your show. You don’t need sound-dampening equipment on your walls or a recording booth; you can choose a space that enhances your audio. For example, a room with carpet, a couch, bookshelves, and a low ceiling will lead to little or no echo. A room with tile and high ceilings won’t enhance your audio, and sound-dampening equipment likely won’t help you either.