Welcome to the
GEAR GUIDE of
“5 Ways to Record Podcast Interviews with an iPhone”
by Shawn Smith
Shawn Smith, The Mobile Pro
Click on the links below to go directly to each SetUp, then click the links below each SetUp Photo, to order gear from Amazon.
Whenever possible, I chose products that are eligible for Amazon Prime w/free 2nd day shipping. If you don’t have an account, you can click here to sign-up for a free trial of Amazon Prime. It’s truly an awesome service.
The Mobile Pro Podcast Mic SetUps
Click Here for SetUp 1a - Featuring the Zoom iQ7 - For Quick One-On-One Interviews
Click Here for SetUp 1b - Featuring the Zoom iQ7 - For Round-Table Discussions
Click Here for SetUp 2 - Featuring the Rode SmartLav+ - For One-On-One Video Interviews
Click Here for SetUp 3a- Featuring the ATR2100 - For Solo and One-On-One Interviews - Budget
Click Here for SetUp 3b- Featuring the ATR2100 - For One-On-One Sit-Down Interviews - Budget
Click Here for SetUp 4 - Featuring the Shure SM58 - For One-On-One Sit-Down Interviews - Pro
Click Here for SetUp 5 - Featuring the Shure SM7B - For One-On-One Sit-Down Interviews - Studio
Click Here for Bonus SetUp 1 - Android Option - Featuring the ATR2100 - For One-On-One Sit-Down Interviews - Budget
SetUp 1a - Featuring the Zoom iQ7
For Quick One-On-One Interviews, Round-Table Discussions, Vlogging
SetUp 1a is Best For:
Quick, moderately-noisy hallway, Reporter-style interviews of Keynote Speakers, Niche Leaders, and Colleagues at conferences
Round-table discussions and group interviews (moderately quiet space)
Podcasting on-the-road when you are traveling SUPER-light (fits in your pocket or purse; you can even record in your hotel rm or car!)
Vlogging on-the-road (The Zoom iQ5 works with most video apps and sounds awesome!)
No headphone monitoring necessary
SetUp 1a Gear - ($158 Total - pictured; $119 w/o bags or charger)
A - 1 - Eagle Creek Travel Gear Pack-It Sac - X-Small - $7; 1 - Medium Pack-It Sac - $11
B - Zoom iQ7 Condenser Microphone - $99 (The Zoom iQ5 as pictured is discontinued. However, the iQ7 has the same features and audio quality as the iQ5, and operates very similarly)
C - Apple iOS device running iOS7 to record with (iPod Touch 5 pictured - $231)
D - iStabilizer Flex Smartphone Flexible Leg Tripod - $20
E - Jackery Mini Premium Phone Charger 3200mAh - $20 (full battery re-charge for iPhone 5)
iOS Pro Podcast Apps for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch
BossJock Jr - Free - Similar to BossJock Studio with fewer bells and whistles
BossJock Studio - $10 - #1 for Podcast Recording - (Currently Unavailable, for now I recommend using BossJock Jr.)
MultiTrack DAW - $10 - #1 for Basic Podcast Editing
SetUp 1b - Featuring the Zoom iQ7
For Sit-Down Interviews or Round-Table Discussions
SetUp 1b is Best For:
Sit-down interviews of Keynote Speakers, Niche Leaders, and Colleagues at Conferences and Events
Live headphone monitoring
Round-table discussions - Plug up to 5 ear buds or headphones (Warning: Only KRK has volume control)
Podcasting on-the-road (Record in your hotel room, airport, or even car!)
SetUp 1b Gear - ($597 Total pictured; $297 w/o Bose headphones)
A - 1 - Eagle Creek Travel Gear Pack-It Sac - X-Small - $7; 1 - Small - $8; 1 - Medium Pack-It Sac - $11
B - Zoom iQ7 Condenser Microphone - $99 (The Zoom iQ5 as pictured is discontinued. However, the iQ7 has the same features and audio quality as the iQ5, and operates very similarly)
C - Apple iOS device running iOS7 to record with (iPod Touch 5 pictured - $231)
D - Belkin Rockstar Multi-Headphone Splitter - $12
E - Stellar Labs In Line Headphone Volume Control - $8
F - Bose QuietComfort 20i Acoustic Noise Canceling Headphones - $269
G - KRK KNS8400 Studio Headphones w/Volume control - $158; OR Less Expensive KNS6400 Studio Headphones w/o Volume Con- $85
H - iStabilizer Flex Smartphone Flexible Leg Tripod - $20
I - Jackery Mini Premium Phone Charger 3200mAh - $20 (full battery re-charge for iPhone 5)
iOS Pro Podcast Apps for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch
BossJock Jr - Free - Similar to BossJock Studio with fewer bells and whistles
BossJock Studio - $10 - #1 for Podcast Recording - (Currently Unavailable, for now I recommend using BossJock Jr.)
MultiTrack DAW - $10 - #1 for Basic Podcast Editing
SetUp 2 - Featuring the Rode SmartLav+
For One-On-One Video Interviews
SetUp 2 is Best For:
QUIET Environments ONLY
VIDEO interviews of Keynote Speakers, Niche Leaders, and Colleagues at Conferences and Events
CAN be used for audio-only recordings, but Set-Ups #3-#5 are higher-quality solutions that can be used in noisy spaces
Working with all iOS video and audio apps
SetUp 2 Gear: ($549 as pictured; $250 w/o headphones)
A - Eagle Creek Travel Gear Pack-It Sac - Medium - $11
B - 2 Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Microphone for iPhone and Smartphones - $79/ea (only “+” model!)
C - 1 Rode SC6 Breakout Box for Smartphones - $20
D - Apple iOS device running iOS7 to record with (iPod Touch 5 pictured - $231)
E - Belkin Rockstar Multi-Headphone Splitter - $12
F - Bose QuietComfort 20i Acoustic Noise Canceling Headphones - $269
G - Apple EarPods with Remote and Mic - $30
H - iStabilizer Flex Smartphone Flexible Leg Tripod - $20
*Not pictured, but recommended for Standing Interviews: 2 StarTech TRRS 6ft extension cable - $7/each (An extension for each mic to connect between the Rode SmartLav+ and the Rode SC6. The stock Smartlav+ cable is only 4.5 ft - a little short for interviews in the standing position)
iOS Pro Podcast and Video Apps
Video Recording:
Camera - Free, already installed on iPhone/iPod Touch,
Pro Camera - $4
FilMic Pro - $10 - #1 for High-rez Video
Audio Recording
VoiceMemo - Free, already installed on iPhone/iPod Touch
BossJock Jr - Free - Similar to BossJock Studio with fewer bells and whistles
BossJock Studio - $10 - #1 for Podcast Recording - (Currently Unavailable, for now I recommend using BossJock Jr.)
MultiTrack DAW - $10 - #1 for Basic Podcast Editing
SetUp 3a - Featuring the ATR2100
For Solo or One-On-One Standing Interviews - Budget Option
SetUp 3a is Best For:
Standing “Man-on-the-street” style interviews (but both hands will be occupied)
Pro-quality, streamlined solo podcast set-up
Noisy or Quiet Environments
Helps if your guest has practice with a mic (need to stay less than 3” from center of mic)
Low-cost option for pro-quality sound. For a backpack or very large purse.
SetUp 3a - ($125 as pictured, $95 w/o Apple EarPods)
A - 1 - Medium Pack-It Sac - $11
B - Apple iOS device running iOS7 to record with (iPod Touch 5 pictured - $231)
C - Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter - $30
D - Audio-Technica ATR2100 USB/XLR Microphone - $74
E - On Stage Foam Ball Mic Windscreen - $2
F - USB Mic Cable (included w/ATR2100)
G - Apple EarPods with Remote and Mic - $30 (Must plug into bottom of ATR mic NOT into iPhone)
H - Mic Clip and Mic Stand (included w/ATR2100)*
***Mic stands and clips included with ATR2100 are plastic, not super tough, and do not reach mouth for comfortable close-mic, table-top speaking. For upgrading mic stands & clips, see SetUp 4 below.
iOS Pro Podcast Apps for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch
BossJock Jr - Free - Similar to BossJock Studio with fewer bells and whistles
BossJock Studio - $10 - #1 for Podcast Recording - (Currently Unavailable, for now I recommend using BossJock Jr.)
MultiTrack DAW - $10 - #1 for Basic Podcast Editing
SetUp 3b - Featuring the ATR2100
For One-On-One Sit-Down Interviews - Budget
SetUp 3b is Best For:
Sit-down 1-on-1 interviews of Keynote Speakers, Niche Leaders, and Colleagues at Conferences and Events
Noisy or Quiet Seated Environments
Helps if your guest has practice with a mic (need to stay less than 3” from center of mic)
Low-cost option for pro-quality sound. For a backpack or very large purse.
SetUp 3b Gear - ($471 as pictured, $251 - w/o headphones)
A - Eagle Creek Travel Gear Pack-It Sac - Medium - $11; 1 - Large - $11
B - Apple iOS device running iOS7 to record with (iPod Touch 5 pictured - $231)
C - Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter - $30
D - Tripp Lite USB Cable with Ferrite Chokes 3 foot -$5, 6 foot version - $8
E - ART USB Dual Pre - $79 (note: NOT ART USB Dual TUBE Pre)
F - 2 - Mic Cables (included w/ATR2100)
G - 2 - Audio-Technica ATR2100 USB/XLR Microphone - $74
H - 2 - On Stage Foam Ball Mic Windscreen - $2/each
I - 2 - Mic Clip and Mic Stand (included w/ATR2100)
J - 1 - Belkin Rockstar Multi-Headphone Splitter - $12
K - 2 - KRK KNS8400 Studio Headphones w/Volume control - $158; OR Less Expensive KNS6400 Studio Headphones w/o Volume Con- $84
***Mic stands and clips included with ATR2100 are plastic, not super tough, and do not reach mouth for comfortable close-mic, table-top speaking. For upgrading mic stands & clips, see SetUp 4 below.
iOS Pro Podcast Apps for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch
BossJock Jr - Free - Similar to BossJock Studio with fewer bells and whistles
BossJock Studio - $10 - #1 for Podcast Recording - (Currently Unavailable, for now I recommend using BossJock Jr.)
MultiTrack DAW - $10 - #1 for Basic Podcast Editing
SetUp 4 - Featuring the Shure SM58
For One-On-One Sit-Down Interviews - Pro-Quality
SetUp 4 is Best For:
Sit-down interviews of Keynote Speakers, Niche Leaders, and Colleagues at Conferences and Events
Noisy or Quiet Seated Environments
Super noisy conditions - can’t be beat
Rough travel - this gear is super tough
Mono, or 2 Channel Dual-Mono, or Stereo Recording
Best Option IF your guest has practice with a mic (need to stay less than 1” from center of this mic)
For a backpack or very large purse.
SetUp 4 Gear - ($625 - as pictured; $405 - w/o headphones)
A - 1 - Eagle Creek Travel Gear Pack-It Sac - Medium - $11; 1 - Large - $11
B - 2 - Shure SM58LC Microphone - $99/each
C - 2 - Mic Clip (included w/SM7B Mic)
D - 2 - On Stage Microphone Clip Quick Release - $11/each**
E - 2 - On Stage Tripod Desk Mic Stand - $17/each
F - 2 - Hosa 5' Microphone Cable - $9/each
G - 1 - Apple iOS device running iOS7 to record with (iPod Touch 5 pictured - $231)
H - 1 - Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter - $30
I - 1 - Tripp Lite USB Cable with Ferrite Chokes 3 foot -$5, 6 foot version - $8
J - 1 - ART USB Dual Pre - $79 (note: NOT ART USB Dual TUBE Pre)
K - 1 - Belkin Rockstar Multi-Headphone Splitter - $12
L - 2 - KRK KNS8400 Studio Headphones w/Volume control - $158; OR Less Expensive KNS6400 Studio Headphones w/o Volume Con- $84
**Extends mics on table stands high enough to reach mouth when seated at table. Highly recommend.
iOS Pro Podcast Apps for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch
BossJock Jr - Free - Similar to BossJock Studio with fewer bells and whistles
BossJock Studio - $10 - #1 for Podcast Recording - (Currently Unavailable, for now I recommend using BossJock Jr.)
MultiTrack DAW - $10 - #1 for Basic Podcast Editing
SetUp 5 - Featuring the Shure SM7B
For One-On-One Sit-Down Interview - Studio Quality
SetUp 5 is Best For:
Sit-down interviews of Keynote Speakers, Niche Leaders, and Colleagues at Conferences and Events
Highest Studio-Quality Audio
Highest Visual Appearance of Professionalism
Noisy or Quiet Seated Environments
Rough travel - this gear is super tough
Mono, or 2 Channel Dual-Mono, or Stereo Recording
Best Option if your guest has NO practice with a mic (guest can wander around mic w/little audible change)
For a backpack or very large purse.
SetUp 5 Gear - ($1,125 - pictured; $1,374 w/Cloudlifter CL-2***)
A - 1 - Eagle Creek Travel Gear Pack-It Sac - Medium - $11;; 1 - Large - $11
B - 2- Shure SM7B Microphone - $399/each
C - 2 - Mic Clip (included w/SM7B Mic)
D - 2 - On Stage Microphone Clip Quick Release - $11/each**
E - 2 - On Stage Tripod Desk Mic Stand - $17/each
F - 1 - Apple iOS device running iOS7 to record with (iPod Touch 5 pictured - $231)
G - 1 - Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter - $30
H - 1 - Tripp Lite USB Cable with Ferrite Chokes 3 foot -$5, 6 foot version - $8
I - 1 - ART USB Dual Pre - $79 (note: NOT ART USB Dual TUBE Pre)
J - 2 - Hosa 5' Microphone Cable - $9/each
K - 1 - Belkin Rockstar Multi-Headphone Splitter - $12
L - 2 - KRK KNS8400 Studio Headphones w/Volume control - $158; OR Less Expensive KNS6400 Studio Headphones w/o Volume Con- $84
**Extends mics on table stands high enough to reach mouth when seated at table. Highly recommend.
***For best gain & sound, add a Cloudlifter CL-2 ($249) - HOWEVER - it REQUIRES a 9v battery in your ART USB Dual Pre AND it will reduce your iOS battery life SIGNIFICANTLY (i.e. iPhone 5 battery life = 1 hr instead of 5 hrs)
iOS Pro Podcast Apps for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch
BossJock Jr - Free - Similar to BossJock Studio with fewer bells and whistles
BossJock Studio - $10 - #1 for Podcast Recording - (Currently Unavailable, for now I recommend using BossJock Jr.)
MultiTrack DAW - $10 - #1 for Basic Podcast Editing
Bonus SetUp 1 - The Android Option
For One-On-One Sit-Down Interview for Android Devices (lower quality than others)
Bonus SetUp 1 is Best For:
Sit-down interviews of Keynote Speakers, Niche Leaders, and Colleagues at Conferences and Events
Noisy Environments IF your guest has practice with a mic (need to stay less than 3” from center of mic)
Low-cost option for pro-quality sound. #3-#5 is much better. For a backpack or very large purse.
Can be used with Android devices, although I have never personally tested this set-up; may not work with EVERY Android device
Bonus SetUp 1 Gear - ($471 as pictured, $251 - w/o headphones)
A - 2 - Eagle Creek Travel Gear Pack-It Sac - Medium - $11
B - 2 - Audio-Technica ATR2100 USB/XLR Microphone - $74
C - 2 - On Stage Foam Ball Mic Windscreen - $2/each
D - 2 - Mic Clip and Mic Stand (included w/ATR2100)
E - 2 - Mic Cables (included w/ATR2100)
F - 1 - GLS XLR Male to Dual XLR Female Y splitter - $18
G - 1 - IK Multimedia iRig Pre - $39 (note: NOT iRig PRO)
H - 1 - Apple iOS device running iOS7 to record with (iPod Touch 5 pictured - $231)
I - 1 - Belkin Rockstar Multi-Headphone Splitter - $12
J - 1 - Apple EarPods with Remote and Mic - $29
iOS Pro Podcast Apps for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch:
BossJock Jr - Free - Recording
BossJock Studio - $10 - Recording
MultiTrack DAW - $10 - Editing
Android Apps You Can Record With:
Auphonic Edit - Free - (Again, I have never tested this myself, but I’m told from reliable sources that it works well)