My 2019 Portable Podcast Rig

Just packed my portable podcast rig for the first time this year.
It's changed a lot and I thought I'd fill interested nerds in on the updates.

Case #

When I bought my Zoom H6 Portable Recorder, a Gator Titan Series case was included as a promo.
I've since sold the H6 but kept the case because it's great.
I removed the insert and it holds everything that I need for 1:1 interview.

I like this case because it fits easily inside one half of my carry-on sized rolling bag.

Recorder #

I use the Sound Devices MixPre as my portable recorder.
It's also the recorder I use for my remote interviews.
It's my favorite piece of electronic equipment.

I upgraded because I needed a better backup system for remote interviews.
The SoundDevices — when used as a desktop interface — allows me to record an isolated backup of the guest track.
This has saved many episodes that might have been otherwise lost.

As a portable system, it's not markedly more impressive than the Zoom H6 I used last year — when paired with the right mic.
And I still recommend it for most.
It's a great portable recorder for the price.

Microphones #

I travel with two Rode M2 handheld condeser microphones.

I also use this mic for my side of React Podcast episodes Egghead videos.

These mics handle non-ideal situations better than any other I've used.

The Rode M2 has a tight hyper-cardiod polar pattern — which is very good at supressing background noise.
And it's a condensor — which means it's pretty easy for all recorders to drive without noise.
The built-in windscreen is also pretty good.

Don't buy this mic from Amazon.
They aren't a trusted reseller.
So you won't get support from Rode.
I bought mine from B&H.

Backup and Alternative Microphones #

I also bring a pair of the impressively cheap, Pyle-Pro PDMIC58 microphones as a backup.
Or as additional mics for more people.

These are a great sub-$20 starter mics.
You can hear them on [Episode 52 of React Podcast with Sophia Shoemaker].

For just a few bucks more, pickup the Behringer Ultravoice Xm8500.
I wasn't aware of this mic when I got my cheap backups.
If I had been, I'd have bought it over the Pyle Pro.

Of course you can use the versitility winner — Samson Q2U — with this setup.
A mic that can be used directly with USB.

Accessories #

A list of all teh accessories I use

Windscreen #

I use these cheap windscreens to cut down on wind and reduce plosives.
They work exceptionally well — even up close — if I pull them an inch off of the grill of the microphone.

Again, what I use for my side of React Podcast.

Stand #

These foldable tabletop stands by ammoon are great for travel.

They take up very little space and are wicked stable.

I use the Audio-Technica AT8415 Microphone Shock Mount because it's small, effective, and the rubberbands are easily replaced.

Cable #

Thes tiny XLR cables by Cable Matters are great for travel and have been reliable for me.
Bring at least one backup.

Battery #

I use the Sound Devices MX-LMount Battery Sled and RAVPower NPF5500 batteries.

I like the LMount sled because it mounts two batteries.
If one fails during a recording, there's a backup.

I like the RAVPower batteries because the charger uses USB — which I always have wall adapters for.

As an alternative — or additional backup — I can use my Anker PowerCore+ 20100 notebook battery bank as a power source.

Disclosure #

Most of these links are Amazon Affiliate links.
So I'll get a tiny little bit of money if you click on a link and then buy something.
The Rode M2 links to B&H because Amazan is not an approved retailer.