1). Unfortunately, I don't know if I have the link to the original podcast anymore, since it was only done once before they went their separate ways. And in order to get all of my material from the school, I'd have to go through them for distribution, and I'm not sure how easily they'd allow that.

2). My available time each week is truly dependent on the week itself. I work a part time job which is not always consistent. Usually I work late afternoons Thursday-Sunday, but the rest of the days are truly just up to where I'm needed that specific day. However, I can always take a specific day off that everyone can be free on in order to ensure I am available consistently on that weekly basis. All I'd need to know is when everyone else is free.

3). When I worked on my radio show back at the school, it was a live two-hour format with a break every twelve minutes. Often times, we would take a few things throughout the week, from general entertainment news, and compile everything together the day of before the show. Not all of the show was improved by any means, but being in a live format where there are no edits definitely makes you think about what you can say and how long you can do so.

With that being said, I do edit, both videos and audio, and I'm actually working on an audio drama in my spare time from time to time (fun fact). So, I can edit and distribute with ease for sure, that's not a problem. And as stated before, I was the main lead co-host on my show, so I have no worries being heard in a hosting format. And obviously gathering content and the like go hand in hand with everything I've already said.

4). Excuse me if I'm sounding silly here, but I'm not exactly sure what you mean, but I have been up all night dealing with some family emergencies. What it appears to be is you asking me if I'd like to be on an already existing show as a "field expert" on a specific topic. In which case, absolutely. As I said, I'm not souly looking to start my own podcast from the ground up. If someone comes along and asks to take me under their wing, I'd be very interested in doing so. And of course, guests often turn into regular occurrences, so I have no quarrels with that.

5). Yes, I do. The microphone of choice I have is a Blue Yeti, which I know may be a major turn off for many people, but it's always done me well. Obviously with any mic, the environment is important, and the only main thing that hinders my sound quality is my graphics card's fan, which when in intensive use can get loud, but can easily be edited out with some simple editing in Adobe Audition, which is what I personally use for my audio editing. Otherwise, I am not set up in a sound stage or anything, but I find that my audio quality is rarely irreversible, and as long as my graphics card isn't in intense use, it shouldn't be a problem at all.

With that being said, I am considering getting this soon, but the main problem is having the money to spend on that when I'm going on vacation with my family for a week in just a few days. With that next paycheck being a little light, it may have to wait for a month or so. But it is a future investment I do have on my mind.

6). I kind of already touched on this earlier, but I mainly work weekends in the afternoon (4-10 PM Central Time), and the rest of the week is really dependent on the day, but it tends to be about the same. As previously noted, I will be going on a vacation in the next few days, which means I won't really have my recording equipment to do any recordings, obviously. However, I will remain active in whatever forum used to communicate (Personally, I find Discord to be a good communication device, if only for text). And as also previously noted, once I know everyone's availability, I can work around it with my work schedule with relative ease.

Thanks for asking these questions. I try not to shove every detail of information into my post at once, and overwhelm any onlookers. So it's good to know that there is some interest in the post.

It can be done, but it takes some pretty hefty effort.

Now... I know I said avoid any and all hardware mixers, before, and I stand with that statement. But a great budget solution for this particular scenario is to grab one of these

NOW BE AWARE.

Yes, it will record all of you at the same time, HOWEVER, it will record you all on a single channel. Meaning individual EQ, edits, and adjustments will be impossible. You can get 2 channels, by mixing one input all the way to the left, and one to the right, then splitting them and making them mono, but that still leaves 2 odd men out.

The very best solution for the home podcaster is to find a 4 input interface like this one. This will split your channels nicely, and do everything you need it to do. If you're on a tight budget, but need full interface capability, you can use this guy. I used one at the start of my podcast, and loved it. It looks AMAZING, and it worked great for me, but unfortunately, it's pretty obviously not as good as a Focusrite, thanks to their absolutely stellar preamps.

EDIT: Fixed USB mixer link, original was NOT USB capable

I’d recommend using XLR microphones and a USB audio interface. I have the Scarlet 2i2, but you’d need one with four channels ideally. Four would give you one extra channel if you wanted to be able to record someone else, like an interview over the phone. Something like this [audio interface / mixer should work](ammoon Digital Bluetooth 4-Channel Mic Line Audio Mixer Mixing Console 2-band EQ with 48V Phantom Power USB Interface for Recording DJ Stage Karaoke Music Appreciation https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IP8ZCW4/). For microphones, I recommend the [MXL 770 Cardoid Condenser Microphone.](MXL 770 Cardioid Condenser Microphone https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007NQH98/) I’ve used a dozen different mics ranging from cheap USB mics to $300 Audio-Technicas and this $70 mic is very good for the price. Low noise, good pattern, sounds great for vocals.

You can use free software like Audacity or if you happen to have Adobe Creative Suite, Audition works really well. It’s what I’m currently using.

This setup would run you around $300 unless you found a cheaper USB interface/mixer... but this would give you pretty professional sounding results.

You could try to use USB microphones, but using more than one at a time is a bit of a hassle and depending on your computer, you may end up having issues with quality.

It depends on your recording environment. If you are just starting out and are recording in a bedroom or office I recommend a cardiod dynamic. Cardiod refers to the pattern around the mic that it picks up. Cardiod mics are most sensitive right in front of them in contrast to omidirectional mics which are sensitive to sound from any direction. A dynamic mic isn't as sensitive as a condensor mic and doesn't pick up a lot of background noise.



If you are just starting out I recommend one of the following:



One Person w/ USB mic:

Audio Technica ATR2100 -- ($69)
https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATR2100-USB-Cardioid-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B004QJOZS4/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3VSBIQQ3JBF11&keywords=audio+technica+atr2100&qid=1551358784&s=gateway&sprefix=audio+technica+atr2100%2Caps%2C156&sr=8-5



Neewar Boom Arm -- ($14)
https://www.amazon.com/Adjustable-Microphone-Suspension-Broadcasting-Voice-Over/dp/B00DY1F2CS/ref=pd_bxgy_267_3/130-3630075-7767759?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00DY1F2CS&pd_rd_r=bbd378dc-3b58-11e9-bd63-17b75475049f&pd_rd_w=hAX4Y&pd_rd_wg=0cwDw&pf_rd_p=6725dbd6-9917-451d-beba-16af7874e407&pf_rd_r=THVQ9RCXBFP8QTKXH408&psc=1&refRID=THVQ9RCXBFP8QTKXH408



On Stage Foam Wind Screen -- ($3)
https://www.amazon.com/Stage-Foam-Ball-Type-Windscreen-Black/dp/B0002GXF8Q/ref=pd_bxgy_267_2/130-3630075-7767759?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0002GXF8Q&pd_rd_r=bbd378dc-3b58-11e9-bd63-17b75475049f&pd_rd_w=hAX4Y&pd_rd_wg=0cwDw&pf_rd_p=6725dbd6-9917-451d-beba-16af7874e407&pf_rd_r=THVQ9RCXBFP8QTKXH408&psc=1&refRID=THVQ9RCXBFP8QTKXH408


(Total - $86)



_____

One Person - w/ XLR interface:

BEHRINGER UMC22 Interface -- ($60)
https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-UMC22-BEHRINGER-U-PHORIA/dp/B00FFIGZF6/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=umc22&qid=1551358965&s=musical-instruments&sr=1-1



Behringer Ultravoice Xm8500 -- ($20)
https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-Ultravoice-Dynamic-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B0002KZAKS/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2DW4EVX2PF5KX&keywords=xm8500&qid=1551358987&s=musical-instruments&sprefix=xm%2Cmi%2C192&sr=1-1


Audio-Technica ATH-M20, Can use any headphones -- ($50)
https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATH-M20x-Professional-Monitor-Headphones/dp/B00HVLUR18/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2B8B1B60ZJQ7U&keywords=ath-20x&qid=1551359014&s=musical-instruments&sprefix=ath-20%2Cmi%2C195&sr=1-1-catcorr


Knox Boom Arm -- ($50)
https://www.amazon.com/Knox-Professional-Microphone-Snowball-Microphones/dp/B07D7JTR5M/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=knox+boom+arm&qid=1551359032&s=musical-instruments&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1


On Stage Foam Wind Screen -- ($3)
https://www.amazon.com/Stage-Foam-Ball-Type-Windscreen-Black/dp/B0002GXF8Q/ref=pd_bxgy_267_2/130-3630075-7767759?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0002GXF8Q&pd_rd_r=bbd378dc-3b58-11e9-bd63-17b75475049f&pd_rd_w=hAX4Y&pd_rd_wg=0cwDw&pf_rd_p=6725dbd6-9917-451d-beba-16af7874e407&pf_rd_r=THVQ9RCXBFP8QTKXH408&psc=1&refRID=THVQ9RCXBFP8QTKXH408


(Total - $189)



The first group is "as cheap as you can get" and still get decent quality. The second group is definitely a better setup.

Ethan cohost of the Shieldwall Podcast https://shieldwallpodcast.podbean.com



EDIT: The second group is definitely a better setup in that it allows you to upgrade down the road with better gear. If you have the money an Audio Technica ATR2100 or AT2005 would sound a good bit better in the second list than the XM8500. But do these sound 4 times better considering them being 3-4x the price? Hard to say.

blue yeti

I personally do not have one of these, but have a couple friends who use this to record their acapella practices. It has an omnidirectional mode which means you can theoretically place it in the middle of the table and just talk normally. Plus its USB so you won't have to pay $100 for a pre-amp.

Also, I would do some research about EQ and Compression, especially if you use one mic for three people. The EQ will help any echo/muddiness which may show up and compression is in case one person is recorded louder than the other two.

Best of luck starting up! Let me know when it starts up and I'll give it a listen :)

Neglecting the why would you want to do this, I plugged my iPhone 7 Plus into my Zoom H6 via the Lightning to 1/8" adapter that came with it and a 1/8" TRS to 1/4" TS (this is the important end) cable and could record the playing iPhone. In this configuration, I confirmed that the iPhone's built-in microphone was still active and the default path for audio to get into the iPhone, say for a phone call or Skype.

Now, I personally use a Tascam iXZ to attach an iPhone to a mixer or interface.

Edit: This is mine though I would need the Lightning to 1/8" adapter for my 7 Plus. I usually use my spare line, instead.

http://i.imgur.com/TcXZEjy.jpg

A Rockit adapter also works

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006T65CXE/

Not all the alleged telephone adapters will work. I believe there is an iRig HD (edit: or is it the iRig 2? This is why I use the Tascam) that will also work but I don't own one.

You could also use a TRRS to three RCA video cable like this

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007V6JCK/

but be aware red is the mic and yellow is right channel. You would need RCA to 1/4" TS adapters

Also, be aware that anytime you connect a consumer device to professional gear, you want the 1/4" connection to be TS unbalanced instead of TRS.

Edit: The POTS (plain old telephone service) sucks for quality, btw. FaceTime Audio is great and if you call a supported VoLTE or HD Audio cell phone, that can sound great as well. POTS is something like 3.5 to 5 kHz maximum on the frequency response.

!

Take a look at this mixer:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ATAK938/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I2BR4I7RNDFL6P&colid=308EUVC8V7ROA

I made the mistake of buying a Behringer 1204 USB and while it is good and I like it, the Allen & Heath will allow you to record the mics on SEPARATE tracks which is a great perk to have when editing. Slightly more than the $150 I spent, but a good value.

Also, if your budget allows, I might try recording to a standalone portable recorder and not a laptop. Eliminates potential noise (fans, drives, etc) and offers more flexibility. I have a Zoom H4nPro and it is good enough.

But if you go with a Zoom H6, you might not find the need for a mixer as it has a ton of mic inputs and a pseudo mixer built in.

I am unclear of the application you want to use this for - if you just want to have two people participate in a podcast - and I presume here the podcast is just two people talking - and your aim is to record it (for later upload).

Then all you need to do is have two mics combined - which your special dual microphone set already does.

What you can do is plug this microphone jack into the mic port of a Y-splitter (of the type I mentioned above) - then plug in a headphone splitter into the earphones port of the same Y-splitter.

Then plug the Y-splitter into your Android device.

Now you just record as usual.using our app or other audio recorder app.

Now the problem is with your requirement that you also hear yourself and the other person speaking (i.e. whatever is being recorded - you also want to hear). On Android this will always have audio latency (i.e. delay). If this was an Apple device (iOS) it will have much less delay - but there will be some delay but it won't confuse you. I can't think of an app off the top of my head - I think RobVox is also available on iOS - so perhaps if you have an iOS device you could try RobVox and if it allows recording and it already has the Headphone mirroring feature - then it may work better on iOS - check them out on iOS:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/robovox-voice-changer/id584847250
RobVox Voice Changer

Other than this - if you are willing to forgo the listening-to-yourself part - i.e. are willing to just leave your headphones off so you can listen to the other person just over the air, then you can use the Android solution - since you will then not have to listen to yourself. With our app you can turn off the headset mirroring feature - click Settings - Output Settings - Listen to Record (Headset) - and turn if Off.

But if you want to hear the recording also - then go with the iOS (test an iOS device first with RobVox if you can).

Other than that there maybe dedicated audio recorder devices which allow two mics, and have audio mirroring - these will have very low latency I think. But these would be expensive also.

You will need one which has a separate port for the audio output for headphones for audio mirroring (basically you need devices which have a field recorder feature).

I know some of the very expensive such devices have that:

https://www.amazon.com/Tascam-DR-40X-Four-Track-Recorder-Interface/dp/B07N3FDT3M/
Tascam DR-40X Four-Track Digital Audio Recorder and USB Audio Interface
$179

https://www.amazon.com/Tascam-Stereo-Portable-Digital-Recorder/dp/B004OU2IQG/
TASCAM DR-05 Portable Digital Recorder (Version 2)
$90

https://www.amazon.com/Zoom-H5-Four-Track-Portable-Recorder/dp/B00KCXMBES/
Zoom H5 Four-Track Portable Recorder
$279

I can't off the top of my head recall which have the audio mirroring feature, but I think some devices like these have the audio mirroring to headphone - and have a separate headphone port. And possibly even two ports for two microphones (?)

For these types of solutions, the folks on r/podcasting may have better solutions.

I'm actually happy with most of our set up now:

I own an iPad, so:

• Alesis iO Mix - $200
  
• x4 MXL V250 - $200, though they seem to often show up fro $50 apiece.
  
• x4 shockmounts - $40
  
• x4 XLR cables - $36
  
• x4 stands - $60-$80 for whatever stands worked
  
• x4 pop filters - $28
  
  $600, just to round up.
  
  I could invest in costlier mics, but the V250 I just bought worked great for the latest episode of the podcast.
  
  Maybe I'd buy better pop filters, nicer stands, and some headphones.
  

Hey, I know I'm hitting this late. I'm looking to start a DnD play podcast with a few friends of mine. I'm totally new to audio recording though and would love some advice on getting recording gear. I was looking at mics and equipment and found a really good deal on some very cheap mic sets, and also know I'll probably need Phantom power and a mixer.
Do you think I could get away with starting with this stuff I've picked out (I've gone cheap because I'm very new at this) or is there other stuff you would recommend? Also ,is there anything I'm missing or should I be able to plug this stuff into a PC and record? OH! I almost forgot, I'm getting 3 mics to record 5 people, do you think that's enough or should I plan on one mic per person? Thank you for taking the time to read this!
Stuff I'm planning on buying:
Mixer: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QDN6Z83/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=ALJSAJJCN3221&psc=1
Mic Set : https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0756V2B6R/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=AVM8BIH53RWJ1&psc=1
Phantom Power : https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KAPGLQC/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A2HC58KVPP5OOH&psc=1

If you are serious about this I'd get a one ear broadcast headset like this one. A broadcast headset will have a dynamic cardioid microphone that sportscasters use to eliminate as much background noise as they can. A lavaliere microphone is basically a condenser microphone and will pick up a lot of the background noise.

Since you'll need a recorder with an XLR connection in order to connect that broadcast headset I'd recommend either the Zoom H4n Pro or the Zoom H5 instead of that Tascam DR-05.

Good luck with whatever you try! Starting to podcast is great no matter how you do it!

I use this mic. It's crazy cheap and actually sounds amazing, and comes with the scissor arm, pop filter, and shock mount. You might be tempted to avoid it because it's a no-name brand on Amazon, but I can assure you the sound is on par with any other condenser mic you can find. If you want to listen to what I sound like let me know and I'll DM you a link to my latest episode (to avoid the whole self-promotion type stuff).

It should also be noted that I purchased an XLR cable and I have it connected to this interface.

I have seen people blow hundreds of dollars on expensive equipment, only to record about 5 episodes, fizzle out, and never use them again.

As far as the bass in his voice goes, the Aokeo AK-70 (linked above) tends to be a brighter-sounding mic. You can also play with the EQ in your DAW to tune his voice to your liking, which you can really do with any mic. I've heard a podcast that was recorded with a $400 Shure SM7B Dynamic Mic that sounds like hot garbage because of the way they apply EQ and compression (or lack thereof).

have you ever heard of an interface?

you can get a nice one (Focusrite Scarlett) for anywhere from $110 or there’s this nicer one for $379

those will either have 1 XLR input (meaning the cheaper one can only record one microphone) or 4 XLR inputs (which means the nicer one can record 4 people on a podcast at one time.

an interface will work just like your blue snowball in the way that it will plug in through USB, and essentially give you microphone preamps that can plug ANY mic in the industry into it and be able to get you some beautiful sound. is that something you’d be interested in looking at?

Any condenser mic should work, and you can spend a lot or little and will probably end up with similar results either way.
HERE’S one for $35,
HERE’S one for $70, and
HERE’S one for $130. Any one of these mics would most likely serve your purposes. More expensive does not always mean better, so try not to overspend. I’d recommend using Amazon (unbeatable customer service IMO) and find your price point, then let the customer review section guide you to the best choice! Good luck!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CPCJI2C
That would a pretty good choice and, given your original budget, doable. There are likely cheaper options that would be fine as well, though, if you're really trying to minimize costs.

If you are recording everyone in the same room, you should definitely be looking and dynamic mics instead of condenser which are going to be much better at reducing ambient noise. I also have the MXL 770, and love it, but I only use that in my studio where it's just me. For "entry level" I would look at something like:

Shure SM58

Samson Q2u

Audio Technica ATR2100

Welcome to the world of podcasting! If someone asked for my recommendation with 4 mics and a budget, below is what i'd do:

• 4 - GLS Audio ES-58's ($29.99 Each)
  
• 1 - Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 ($309)
  
• Audacity Recording Software (Free)
  
  Now I know its hard to say budget and $300 for an interface in the same sentence, but trust me... it will be worth it in the end.
  
  I've also written some resources you can learn from if you want to read a little.
  
  
• How To Start A Podcast Blog Post
  
• My Book, Podcasting Pro Basics PDF
  
• Podcast Equipment Recommendations Blog Post
  
• Podcast Editing Tips & Tricks
  
  

Thanks for the replies - I know I said I didn't need a boom arm, but after looking at my desk and how I'd ideally like to (eventually) get things set up I bit the bullet and ordered https://www.amazon.co.uk/R%C3%98DE-Swivel-Mount-Studio-Microphone/dp/B001D7UYBO/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=rode+nt1+mic+stand&qid=1565197851&s=musical-instruments&sr=1-5

One of these two.

Monoprice
I used these for a while and for under $20 they're a miracle.


Audiotechnica Ath-20x
I haven't used this specific model but I've used others from the series and they're great, and these are well-reviewed as reference cans under $50.

I have used two Shure CVB-B/O Boundary Condenser Microphones at a table with 10 people and they picked up everyone just fine. Folks farther from the mic needed to speak a bit louder, but audio was very clear overall.

These have XLR connections, so you will need to connect them to something like a Zoom H4n digital recorder XLR Mic 1 and Mic 2 inputs on the bottom of the unit. Use a 32Gm SDHC card and you can record for hours on end.

The two mics and the H4n make for a very portable recording setup. You then transfer the .WAV or .MP3 recording files to your PC/Mac for editing and adding music and such.

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there isn't a mixer that takes USB mics, I'm pretty happy with the Behringer X1204USB I got last december. I'd also recommend the AT2005 USB mic. It has both USB and XLR and is usually around $60. It's a dynamic mic that works well and the mixer has the capacity to have 4 of them.

For an arm, I have a cheap Newwer Mic Boom that works well, but I don't think it'd hold up under a lot of stress. It's a good starter though and has a XLR cable built into it.

Not a bare-bones budget, but I think if I could spend less than $500, that would be good. I'm starting to eye this Behringer mixer with four XLR channels because I would like the option to record up to four people in person at some point in the future. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0039PPW60/?coliid=I1U6WT72X04TT2&colid=CO55CD5WF43M&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

According to Amazon, the mic is only ~$70 and the headphones are $60 - pop filters and a mic stand are easy purchases, Amazon actually showed a "frequently bought together" with the mic, a pop filter, and a stand for $95.

With that bundle you posted, that means you have about $200 you could use to spend on an interface. If I was you, I would absolutely get the Scarlett 2i2 for $150. Its ease of use and mic pre-amps are second to none I think.

Sweet~~
The boom arms I bought are Rode PSA1. From the research I did prior to buying, it seems that you get what you pay for for booms. Though getting other boom recommendations from r/podcasting might be worth it, especially if you are on a budget.

As for the SM7B's I do not recommend buying them unless you have podcasted for awhile or have deep pockets. I upgraded to the SM7B's after podcasting for 8 years. (If you find out podcasting isn't your thing it is better to be out a fraction of the cost.)

Check out our page on how to make a podcast. We have video reviews of different setups for different price points.

I like the Audio-Technica ATH-M20X Headset as a good starter headset.

Wondering if something like this might be better suited? Claims to be "low noise"

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CTKI45M/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=iscoveods-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00CTKI45M&linkId=e4f4c660a73227e59e686886093d5117

You bet!

Interface is: https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Audio-Interface-Tools/dp/B01E6T56EA

Mics are: https://www.amazon.com/Shure-SM58-LC-Vocal-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B000CZ0R42/ref=sr_1_4?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1536266509&sr=1-4&keywords=shure+sm58&dpID=4106gE2DYWL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch (but they are definitely cheaper ones)

> Will an interface plug directly into my computer…

Yes! Most audio interfaces use USB. I also often use mine on iOS devices via the Apple Lightning to USB connector.

well the this is my go too cable then

The Allen & Heath ZEDi-10 is around $200 and does 4x4 over USB.

example

As an example... is this ok to start with?

I've used two of these with my TASCAM DR-40 to get four of those Behringer mics going at once.

Hosa YXF-119 Y Cable, XLR3M to Dual XLR3F

Behringer XENYX X1204USB Would prolly work for you. I use it. It runs for about 150$ Its vary similar to the Behringer UFX1204 BangsNaughtyBits linked above but less then half the price.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0039PPW60?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00

Check out the RØDE PSA 1

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001D7UYBO?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Neewer NW(B-3) 6 inch Studio Microphone Mic Round Shape Wind Pop Filter Mask Shield with Stand Clip (Black Filter) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ACFAULC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_mH48ybFCFFSP6

I was thinking about this, but then I read that USB mics aren't recommended.

If you don't care anything about audio quality you can get an omni mic and stick it in the middle of the table. Attach that to a cheap audio device to get the signal into your computer. Record into Garageband. If you want to get everyone on their own mic you're looking at something in the +$500 range for 6 people even with cheap condenser mics. The expensive part is getting all of those mics into your computer. And 6 analog mics + cable + audio device won't be super mobile.

The budget can be fluid, so it's a tough question to answer. This podcast is a pool of media tools for a higher ED institution so it can be flexible. That said, I doubt I'd want to spend more than a few thousand.

For equipment, MXL 990 mics, Auray RF-C12 Isolation Filters, and I record either directly onto a Zoom H6 or use that to passthrough to my Mac.

I really appreciate that! I'm not a techie but take pains to read stuff and understand things. Have you ever checked out Cast? Re SimpleCast, I think it costs more than Buzzsprout though.

What mic did you buy? I am looking at either one of these:

Blue Yeti pro with boom arm: https://www.amazon.ca/Blue-Microphones-Yeticaster-Professional-Microphone/dp/B078MHS3SC

Audio Technica, would get arm and pop filter too: https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT2020USB-PLUS-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B00B5ZX9FM/

It's a -10 dB roll off switch. The mic comes in a hard plastic case, and yes, it does have a shock mount with it, but it's kind of a crappy one (small, too). I just used my own, and didn't bother with the one that came with the mic. I've had no trouble with it at all.

https://www.amazon.com/MXL-770-Cardioid-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B0007NQH98/