Interview Podcast Equipment Setup: The Complete Guide

TL;DR: You can start an interview podcast with equipment costing under $200. The Rode PodMic ($99) or Audio-Technica ATR2100x ($79) with basic headphones produces professional results. Upgrade when your content justifies the investment, not before. Your room acoustics matter more than your microphone price.

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Table of Contents

• What Interview Podcasts Actually Require
• Starter Setup ($150-250)
• Intermediate Setup ($400-700)
• Professional Setup ($1000+)
• Recording Software and Platforms
• Room Treatment Basics
• Guest Equipment Requirements
• FAQ

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What Interview Podcasts Actually Require

Interview podcasts have different equipment needs than solo shows or in-studio recordings with multiple people in the same room.

Here's the thing: most interview podcasts record remotely. This changes everything about your equipment decisions.

Remote vs. In-Person Considerations

Remote interviews (most common):

• You need quality equipment for yourself
• Guests use their own equipment
• Recording platform handles the technical connection
• Each person records locally (the key to good audio)

In-person interviews:

• You need equipment for both parties
• Multiple microphones, one audio interface
• Same-room acoustic considerations
• More complex setup and editing

Start with remote capability. Add in-person later if your format requires it.

The Equipment Priority Stack

Where your money makes the most difference:

1. Recording platform (determines audio quality floor)
2. Microphone (your voice quality)
3. Headphones (monitoring and preventing echo)
4. Acoustic environment (room treatment)
5. Audio interface (only needed for XLR microphones)
6. Accessories (boom arm, pop filter, cables)

Notice that interface and accessories—where many podcasters overspend—rank lowest. A $70 USB microphone in a treated closet beats a $400 XLR setup in a reverberant room.

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Starter Setup ($150-250)

This setup produces professional-quality audio adequate for any interview podcast.

Core Components

Microphone: USB Dynamic

Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB ($79)

• USB and XLR connections (upgrade path built in)
• Cardioid pattern rejects background noise
• Built-in headphone jack for zero-latency monitoring
• Durable metal construction

Samson Q2U ($70)

• Similar dual-connection design
• Slightly warmer sound profile
• Includes desktop stand and cables
• Excellent value for new podcasters

Both microphones connect directly to your computer via USB—no interface required.

Headphones: Closed-Back

Audio-Technica ATH-M20x ($49)

• Closed-back design prevents audio bleeding into microphone
• Comfortable for extended recording sessions
• Accurate sound reproduction
• Standard 3.5mm jack (adapter included for 6.3mm)

Sony MDR-7506 ($79)

• Industry standard for decades
• Foldable for portability
• Replaceable cable and ear pads
• More detailed high frequencies

Closed-back design is essential. Open-back headphones leak audio that your microphone picks up, creating feedback loops and muddying your guest's audio when they speak.

Accessories

• Pop filter ($10-15): Basic mesh filter prevents plosive sounds
• Desktop stand: Often included with USB microphones
• USB cable: Usually included; get a backup

Total Starter Investment

This setup will carry you through your first 50+ episodes. The limiting factor won't be equipment—it'll be your recording environment and interviewing skills.

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Intermediate Setup ($400-700)

When you're committed to podcasting and want noticeably better sound, upgrade strategically.

XLR Microphone Upgrade

Moving to XLR microphones provides:

• More microphone options at every price point
• Better noise rejection
• More control over gain and tone
• Longer cable runs without quality loss

Rode PodMic ($99)

• Purpose-built for podcasting
• Excellent voice clarity
• Internal pop filter
• Robust all-metal construction
• Integrated swing mount

Shure SM58 ($99)

• The most widely used microphone in live performance
• Nearly indestructible
• Works well for speech despite music-focused design
• Handles proximity effect well

Shure MV7 ($249)

• USB and XLR hybrid (ultimate flexibility)
• Built-in DSP with voice optimization
• Touch panel for gain control
• Popular choice for streamers and podcasters

Audio Interface

XLR microphones require an interface to connect to your computer:

Focusrite Scarlett Solo ($120)

• Single XLR input (perfect for solo recording)
• 48V phantom power (for condenser mics, though dynamic mics don't need it)
• High-quality preamps
• USB-C connection

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 ($180)

• Two XLR inputs (for in-person interviews)
• Same quality preamps as Solo
• Direct monitoring with zero latency
• Industry standard for home studios

Microphone Support

Getting your microphone off the desk improves sound and ergonomics:

Rode PSA1 ($99)

• The standard recommendation
• Smooth movement, holds position
• Desk clamp with multiple mounting options
• Lifetime warranty

Budget alternative: Amazon Basics or generic ($25-40)

• Functional for lighter microphones
• Less smooth movement
• May require tightening over time

Intermediate Setup Totals

Option A: Quality USB (simpler)

Option B: XLR Path (more flexible)

Both options produce excellent results. The XLR path provides more upgrade options later; the USB path is simpler to set up.

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Professional Setup ($1000+)

These setups represent the equipment used by top interview podcasters—the point of diminishing returns for audio quality.

The Industry Standard Microphone

Shure SM7B ($399)

• Used by Joe Rogan, countless radio stations, and professional podcasters worldwide
• Exceptional voice reproduction
• Built-in air suspension for vibration isolation
• Switchable bass rolloff and presence boost
• Requires significant gain (addressed below)

The SM7B's reputation is earned. It makes voices sound polished and professional. However, it's "gain-hungry"—it needs more amplification than most interfaces provide alone.

Solving the SM7B gain problem:

Cloudlifter CL-1 ($149): Adds 25dB of clean gain FetHead ($79): Similar function at lower cost Interface with high-gain preamps: Some interfaces (like the Focusrite ISA series) don't require additional boosters

Total SM7B setup cost: $399 (mic) + $149 (Cloudlifter) + $180 (interface) + $99 (boom arm) = $827 before cables

Alternative Professional Microphones

Electro-Voice RE20 ($449)

• Broadcast standard for decades
• Variable-D technology reduces proximity effect
• No need for additional gain boost
• Hum-bucking coil rejects electrical interference

Rode Procaster ($229)

• Similar internal shock mounting to SM7B
• Broadcast-quality sound at lower price
• Tight cardioid pattern
• Internal pop filter

Professional Audio Chain

For highest quality:

This setup matches or exceeds most professional studios for voice recording.

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Recording Software and Platforms

For interview podcasts, your recording platform often matters more than your microphone.

Remote Recording Platforms

Riverside.fm ($15-24/month)

• Records each participant locally at full quality
• Up to 4K video and 48kHz audio
• Built-in editing and transcription
• Best balance of features and usability

SquadCast ($12-24/month)

• Similar local recording architecture
• Now integrated with Descript
• Reliable connection stability
• Audio-first design philosophy

Zencastr ($18-30/month)

• Includes hosting and distribution
• All-in-one workflow
• 4K video on higher tiers
• Automatic publishing to YouTube

Why Platform Matters

When you record through Zoom, you get internet-compressed audio. When you record through Riverside or SquadCast, each person records locally at full quality—the files then sync after the call. Connection drops don't ruin your audio.

This architectural difference often produces bigger quality improvements than microphone upgrades.

Recording Software for Solo Sessions

For editing and local recording:

Audacity (Free)

• Full-featured recording and editing
• Cross-platform
• Learning curve for new users

Hindenburg Journalist ($95/year)

• Designed for spoken word
• Automatic loudness leveling
• Intuitive interface

Adobe Audition ($23/month)

• Professional-grade tools
• Excellent noise reduction
• Part of Creative Cloud

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Room Treatment Basics

Your recording environment affects quality more than most equipment upgrades.

The Problem with Untreated Rooms

Hard, flat surfaces reflect sound. Those reflections reach your microphone milliseconds after your direct voice, creating:

• Room echo and reverb
• Muddy, unclear audio
• Professional-sounding equipment producing amateur results

Simple Treatment Solutions

Record in the right space:

• Smaller rooms have less reverb
• Carpeted rooms absorb more than hardwood
• Full closets make excellent recording booths
• Rooms with books, furniture, and soft materials sound better than empty rooms

Add absorption:

• Hang blankets on walls behind and beside you
• Move to a corner with absorptive material
• Acoustic foam panels ($30-100 for starter packs)
• Moving blankets draped over furniture

Position your microphone:

• Speak toward the absorptive surface
• Back to the hard surface (your voice projects away from reflections)
• Microphone 6-12 inches from your mouth

Professional Treatment (if needed)

For permanent studios:

• Acoustic panels: 2" thick minimum for voice frequencies
• Bass traps: Corner-mounted for low-frequency control
• Diffusion panels: Optional, for larger rooms

Most interview podcasters never need professional treatment. A closet with clothes and a decent microphone outperforms an expensive microphone in an untreated room.

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Guest Equipment Requirements

Your audio quality is limited by your guest's setup. Set clear expectations.

Minimum Guest Requirements

Include in your pre-interview communication:

• Headphones or earbuds: Required to prevent echo
• Quiet environment: Minimize background noise
• Stable internet: Wired connection preferred
• Chrome browser: Most recording platforms work best in Chrome

Managing Variable Guest Quality

Accept that guest audio will vary. Your strategies:

• Provide a brief equipment guide in your booking confirmation
• Offer to ship a USB microphone to frequent or important guests
• Do an audio check before recording
• Learn basic audio cleanup for post-production

The best content with imperfect audio beats perfect audio with mediocre content. Don't let technical requirements prevent great conversations.

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FAQ

What's the best microphone for interview podcasts?

For most interview podcasters, the Rode PodMic ($99) or Shure MV7 ($249) offers the best balance of quality, price, and usability. The SM7B ($399) is technically superior but requires additional equipment and represents overkill for most shows. Start with a USB microphone under $100 and upgrade only when you're committed.

Do I need an audio interface for podcasting?

Only if you choose an XLR microphone. USB microphones connect directly to your computer without an interface. If you want the flexibility of XLR equipment, the Focusrite Scarlett Solo ($120) handles single-microphone setups excellently.

How important is room treatment for podcast recording?

Very important—often more important than your microphone choice. A $70 microphone in a treated closet sounds better than a $400 microphone in an echo-y room. Start by recording in the smallest, most furnished room available, and add absorption only if needed.

Should I get the same equipment as my favorite podcaster?

Not necessarily. Famous podcasters often have professional studios with thousands of dollars in acoustic treatment. Their microphone choice only works because of that environment. Focus on your specific situation: room acoustics, recording format, and budget.

What equipment do I need for in-person interviews?

You'll need two microphones (matched pairs work best), an interface with at least two inputs (Focusrite Scarlett 2i2), two sets of headphones, and potentially a headphone amplifier. Total cost approximately doubles compared to remote setups.

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Start With What You Have

The best podcast equipment is whatever gets you recording consistently. Many successful podcasters started with phone voice memos or basic webcam microphones.

Your equipment should match your commitment level. Entry-level gear for learning, intermediate for committed hobby, professional only when content quality matches production quality.

Once you have hours of recorded conversations, the value shifts from equipment to organization. Search your entire archive to find specific moments, prepare for follow-up interviews, and repurpose your best content.

Try PodRewind free and make your interview archive searchable.