There have been a lot of questions coming in from social media about what gear I’m using for the DiscoPosse Podcast. I’ve been using a variety of equipment over the course of recording and over the years doing video and audio work. The best way to share would also be to give you the links to grab this great gear yourself!
Here is the list of gear that will be shown in the video down below which is part 1 of 2 for of my studio tour. You can also check out the second video which features my guitars, amp, and effect gear.
You can get all of these from Amazon which is actually how I purchased every part of the gear list myself. If you use the links below it also helps a little as I am also an Amazon Affiliate
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Microphone: Electro Voice RE20
This is a superb microphone which gives you the dynamic range and responsiveness of a professional microphone with a long list of others who are using it for podcast, broadcast, and more.
The Electro Voice RE20 is the ultimate microphone for a few reasons including how easy it is to get great sound without the crazy clipping and noise that is common with a lot of dynamic cardoid micrphones that are rather sensitive. I have a Rode Podcaster which is a really great USB mic as well as the Rode NT-USB which definitely takes some more artful positioning to keep the sound in range and not clipping out.
One of the best parts of the RE20 is that you don’t pick up the mouth noises that are very common in sensitive mics. Have you ever heard where it sounds like someone is swallowing or you can hear their lips and tongue moving? Ugh. The RE20 totally eliminates that. Makes a huge difference in the quality of sound and cuts down on post-editing needed.
Mic Stand / Boom Arm: Yellowtec M!ka
This one is right up there on the wish list with the RE20 for me and for many other podcasters and broadcasters. While I enjoy my Rode PSA-1 which goes along with some other gear I have, the Yellowtec M!ka (or Mika depending on where your read it) is the ultimate in desk booms.
The Yellotec M!ka is so smooth to move and the pneumatic feel means you don’t have clicking and scraping as you shift mic positions and your own reach while you record. This is the most versatile desktop boom I’ve ever used but it may be a little bit expensive for some folks who are more likely to lean into the very popular (and great) Rode PSA-1.
Microphone Mount: Electro Voice 309A
I figured there is no better mount for the Electro Voice RE20 than the Electro Voice 309A. This nifty unit mounts up nicely and provides a rubberized floating shock mount system. This means your microphone is suspended and you can move around without worrying about clicking and popping coming through in the recording.
Pre-Amp: Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter CL-1
Using the RE20 requires a little bit of a signal boost according to most of the folks who review and use it. The same goes for the equally popular Shure SM7B which happens to be a podcaster’s choice in many cases.
The Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter CL-1 is what I’m using for giving that perfect little boost between the audio interface and the RE20. Luckily the Cloudlifter also has no external power required. It just uses the phantom power that comes from your mixer or audio interface.
There are a few models to choose from. I’m only using one microphone so I opted for the CL-1 which is just a one-in and one-out model. You can up your game to the CL-2 or the CL-4 if you’re aiming for more active microphones.
USB Audio Interface: Mackie Onyx 2-2 Producer
My choice for an audio interface was driven by simple criteria:
- Supports 2 inputs
- Supports TRS80 out for monitors
- No external power needed
- Works with native driver for OS X and GarageBand
I’ve used Mackie gear in the past, so this one met all my needs and I believe in the brand. My unit is the Onyx 2-2 Producer which is Mackie hardware under the Onyx brand. It supports two XLR inputs and has phantom power plus instrument support. This means I will be able to have outputs from my amp and the XLR in for my RE20 all at the same time.
It’s also handy because it takes the power from the USB interface to your computer. That means it will travel well if I need to take it mobile.
See (and Hear) Everything in Action!
Here is a video walkthrough as I unbox the latest gear that just got added to the DiscoPosse studio including a sound check for the Electro Voice RE20.
This is the next video which is a studio tour including the recording gear for the podcast.
I hope you find these links and videos helpful as you make your choice for your own gear for podcasting, recording, or just for fun! Please feel free to drop a question in the comments below or on the video pages and I’m always happy to discuss and advise on gear.
