The best podcast setup for in studio or guests and cohosts in two locations. This setup will work whether you want to record in a studio on your own, or if you have remote guests and cohosts in different locations. I break everything down here to help even the beginner podcaster. A remote cohost and/or guest setup to record in two locations can be a challenge, but not with this gear. Jump to 6:30 if you're here for the remote guests/cohosts setup.

The AudioTechnica ATR2100 and the Zoom H6 handheld recorder is going to be able to handle just about all your needs.

Podcasting equipment:

Zoom H6: https://geni.us/vpG6L (Amazon)
Zoom H5: https://geni.us/DtIA92 (Amazon)
SD Card for H6: https://geni.us/xC6ZP (Amazon)
SD Card for H5 (32GB max): https://geni.us/w5rSw (Amazon)
ATR 2100: https://geni.us/yrUB (Amazon)
Samson Mic (Alternative): https://geni.us/oBOB2Bd (Amazon)
Boom Stand: https://geni.us/guw9E0r (Amazon)
Mic, Boom Arm and pop filter combo: https://amzn.to/2YXLhIe
Studio Headphones I Recommend: https://amzn.to/2zVQ2co
Studio Headphones (more budget friendly): https://amzn.to/2X3FS6p
Audio Cable 3.5mm to ¼ inch: https://amzn.to/2O1qJhr
Another Audio Cable 3.5mm to 1/4 inch: https://amzn.to/2y3RF97
Headphone Splitter for the Zoom (for multiple local guests): https://amzn.to/2IZz4hO
Pop filter: https://amzn.to/2J96iKa
USB A to TypeC for Mac: https://amzn.to/2DUTJTn

Equipment for virtual guests or hosts:
ATR 2100
XLR cable
3.5mm audio jack to ¼ inch TS
Zoom H6 or H5
Computer
Skype (or similar software)

Audacity if you're looking for a software based recording/editing setup: https://www.audacityteam.org/

Steps for recording with guests and cohosts in two different locations:
1. Plug XLR female into ATR 2100
2. Plug XLR male into channel 1 of Zoom
3. Plug 3.5mm audio jack into headphone input of ATR 2100
4. Plug ¼ inch TS audio jack into channel 2 of Zoom
5. Make certain you’ve pushed channel 1 and 2 buttons on Zoom until they’re illuminated
6. Plug mini USB cable into ATR 2100
7. Plug the other end of the USB (Type A) into the computer
8. Plug in a pair of headphones on the headphone jack of the Zoom (There’s a volume button next to it to increase/decrease the audio out. Mine is set at about 80)
9. Open up audio settings in computer as well as Skype
10. In the drop down menus on your computer make certain to toggle down to ATR as the audio source both in and out
11. Test to make certain that audio levels are going up and down when speaking into the ATR 2100
12. Call your guest or cohost on Skype. The guest/cohost should be able to hear you through the ATR, and you should be able to hear them via channel 2 on the Zoom. Make sure channel 2 is on.
13. Dial in the levels of the Zoom between 12dB and 6dB. Make certain the levels are not clipping (in the red).

You may also have to adjust volume out on your computer to make sure you’re not too loud for your guest/cohost. Your computer may adjust this, but this shouldn’t impact the levels going into track 1 of your Zoom.
14. Hit the records button when ready
15. When recording is completed, remove the SD for post production. There should be a folder labeled Zoom 00001 (some like this). Open that folder and it will contain additional folders that will have your tracks in there. Each track should be a separate file.

TRS:
TRS is the abbreviation for “Tip, Ring, Sleeve.” It looks like a standard 1/4″ or 1/8″ plug but with an extra “ring” on its shaft. TRS cables have two conductors plus a ground (shield). They are commonly used to connect balanced equipment or for running both left and right mono signals to stereo headphones. You will also find TRS connectors on the stem of Y cables. These are used for mixer insert jacks where the signal is sent out through one wire and comes back in through the other.

XLR:
XLR connectors are 3pin connectors: positive, negative, and ground. They are usually used for transmitting microphone or balanced linelevel signals. In audio, you will typically see XLR cables connecting microphones to mixers and connecting various outputs to powered speakers.

TS:
TS is the abbreviation for “Tip, Sleeve” and refers to a specific type of 1/4″ or 1/8″ connector that is set up for 2conductor, unbalanced operation. One insulator ring separates the tip and sleeve. The tip is generally considered the “hot,” or the carrier of the signal, while the sleeve is where the ground or shield is connected. TS cables are best known as guitar or linelevel instrument cables.

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Kevin Ross
4845 Pearl E. Cir. STE 101
Boulder, CO 80301

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