Portable Podcast Setup: The Essential Gear List

Last Modified on March 16, 2025
How to set up a portable podcast studio.

If you’re planning on recording outside your podcast studio, you’ll need to construct a portable podcast setup. This is sometimes referred to as a mobile or field recording setup since it’s easy to set up and tear down on a whim.

However, designing a portable podcast setup isn’t always intuitive. Plus, finding the right hardware can feel overwhelming at best.

That’s why we put together this guide to portable podcast setups: so you can evaluate your options and make an informed decision for yourself. We explain all the gear you need to get started, plus how to record the best audio in the field.

But first, let’s take a look at the benefits of mobile podcasting, including why you should build one even with a traditional podcast room setup.  

Benefits of a Portable Podcast Setup

You don’t have to always be on the road to reap the benefits of a portable podcast setup.

For example:

  • Portable podcast setups help you stay flexible. It will be much easier to accommodate your guests’ needs with portable equipment, especially when dealing with last-minute changes.
  • Portable podcast setups can double as backup equipment. It’s excellent insurance against unexpected equipment failures, battery outages, and more.
  • Portable podcast setups can help you take advantage of new opportunities. Is a high-profile guest suddenly open for an interview tomorrow morning? With a portable podcast setup on hand, you can confidently show up for the spot.

As you can see, having portable podcast equipment on hand is never a bad idea.

But what kind of equipment should you actually purchase?

Keep reading for a breakdown of all essential equipment.

Master the art of hosting engaging podcast interviews.

Essential Gear for a Portable Podcast Setup

The cost of a portable podcast setup can range from ~$1,980 USD to $2,280 USD.

Let’s take a look at all the essential components, starting with the most obvious tool:

Podcast Microphone

  • General price range: ~$100 USD

Not all podcast microphones are built alike. Some are lightweight, portable, and power efficient, while others are decidedly the reverse.

However, there are a few other features to consider before zeroing in on portability. You’ll have to think about polar patterns, for example, which changes how you capture sound for recordings. You also have to worry about durability. Can your mic withstand the bumpiness of travel?

Perhaps your biggest consideration will be the mic’s connector type. Do you want a USB mic, or an XLR? While the quality of an XLR is typically higher than a USB, the former requires more cables and equipment (and the latter does not).

To get started in the right direction, consider one of the following recommendations:

We cover more in our guide to podcast microphones.

Recording Interface

  • General price range: ~$280 USD

There are two major types of podcast recording tools: the podcast mixer, and the audio interface. Each comes with its own unique set of benefits depending on your setup and recording needs.

You may want to consider a podcast mixer if you’re looking to mix three or more audio inputs (plus capture, adjust, and edit the raw audio).

In contrast, you may want to use an audio interface if you’re just capturing a few audio sources and don’t need background music, sound pads, or live streaming capabilities.

You can compare the pros and cons of each option in this helpful chart:

Podcast MixerAudio Interface
Average weight7 – 10 lbs1 – 5 lbs
Power sourceOften outletsOften batteries
Phantom powerUsuallyUsually not
SD cardSometimesRarely
Audio mixingTypically built-inRequires DAW
Inputs~2 – 4~ 1 – 2
Pricing$$ – $$$$ -$$

We typically recommend choosing something light and portable — preferably with high-quality preamps — you can take on the go.

For podcast mixers, this includes:

We also recommend the following audio interfaces:

Keep in mind you don’t have to purchase a mixer or interface to capture podcast audio. You could also use your mobile phone, a tablet or 2-in-1, or a podcast laptop. 

This leads to our next point:

Podcast Laptop

  • General price range: ~$1,300 USD

The podcast laptop combines the mobility of a phone with the utility of a tablet. It may not be as robust as a desktop computer, but it’s a quick and easy option for the road.

Of course, not all podcast laptops are built alike. Some are lighter and easier to transport, while others come with dual-purpose features and built-in software for recording.

We recommend a few options for portable podcast setups:

You can read about all these and more in our guide to podcast laptops. 

Headphones

  • General price range: ~$300 USD

Podcast headphones can make or break your recording experience, so it pays to invest in a quality pair. Some podcast equipment kits come with bundled in-ear models, while companies like RØDE sell more expensive pairs.

There are many different types of podcast headphones:

  • Open-back or closed-back
  • Over-ear or on-ear
  • Wired or wireless Bluetooth
  • With mic or without mic

The audio engineers at The Podcast Consultant recommend starting with closed-back headphones. Over-ear models may be more comfortable during long recording sessions, and a mic-less, wired option is more likely to give you the best audio.

Want some suggestions for portable podcasting headphones? We recommend:

You can explore more options in our guide to podcasting headphones.

Optional Gear

This is the optional gear you need for a portable podcast setup.
  • General price range: ~$300 USD

Optional gear refers to podcast accessories you may or may not need to record your show. 

This might include:

  • A podcast camera: This is important if you plan to record video. Learn more about why now is the best time to upgrade your audio to video.
  • Microphone stand: This could be a desk stand, boom, or tripod, depending on your needs.
  • Mic accessories: Before taking a mic into the great outdoors, you should consider windscreens, carry cases, and similar tools.
  • Podcast lighting: This is particularly useful in dark or corner environments. If you’re recording outside, however, you may need umbrellas or sun-shielding tarps.
  • Background: If you’re also recording podcast video, you might consider some ways to boost your background aesthetic. This could be a whiteboard, blanket, or green screen depending on your budget and filming location.
  • Backup tools: Unless you’re recording with a professional crew, you might consider bringing extra power cords and batteries.

Feeling overwhelmed by all this equipment?

You may wish to purchase them all at once in a podcast equipment bundle.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your Portable Podcast Studio

So, you’ve purchased the right podcasting equipment and have a recording location in mind. All that’s left is to set up your portable studio, which should take around 75 minutes or less.

It takes 10 steps to set up a portable podcast studio:

  1. Set up flat surfaces to hold your podcast equipment. There should be at least one for your podcast laptop (as well as additional surfaces if you don’t have mic stands).
  2. Unpacking one piece of equipment at a time, set up your microphones, mic stands, mixer/interface, and laptop.
  3. Connect all necessary cables and wires. Just be sure to KISS — or ‘keep your setup simple.’ Avoid unnecessary connections as often as possible and opt for minimalism and efficiency where you can.
  4. Seat your podcast host(s) and guest(s) around your microphones. Now is the time to set up your background, camera, and lighting (if applicable).
  5. Plug in your headphones and adjust your audio levels. 
  6. Turn on your recording device. It may be wise to perform mic checks either by yourself or with Adobe Podcast tools.
  7. When you’re sure everything looks and sounds the way you want, you can begin recording your podcast. You can capture your footage and audio either on your mixer, cloud recording tool, or podcast editing software. 
  8. Once you’re finished, tear down your audio setup. Start with your most sensitive tools first, including your microphone and laptop.
  9. Either on-site or in your podcast studio, begin editing your podcast. You can refer to our guide to podcast editing software for more information about options for your show. 
  10. Publish your episode to a podcast hosting platform. You’re ready to start promoting your podcast on LinkedIn and other platforms.

Curious about what this might look like in real-time?

Check out this timelapse of a portable podcast setup:

Tips for Recording High-Quality Audio on the Go

Recording your podcast outside a traditional studio could make it trickier to capture high-quality audio.

You may want to keep these basic tips in mind:

  • If you’re recording outside, be sure you have the right equipment to mitigate noise. Wind muffs, for example, are effective in open or windy areas. 
  • If you own multiple microphone types, do your best to pick the best type for your specific podcasting environment. Condenser mics aren’t a good fit for loud traffic, for example. You may also want to avoid handheld mics and opt for a shotgun or lavalier instead. 
  • Minimize unnecessary noise as much as possible. Instruct your guests to mute their notifications, close windows and doors, and move away from loud noise sources (think highways and busier parts of the office).

Looking for more specific recording suggestions?

Here are some suggestions from our audio engineers:

“Many people throw mic control out the window if they’re not in a studio. ”

— Easton, Production Manager
  • “Choose your recording location carefully, even if you are a journalist in the field make sure to find the quietest place on the scene to ensure the best quality recording. Make sure to listen with headphones before recording to see what ambient sound your microphone is picking up. ” — Robert, Head of Podcast Launches 
  • “Many people throw mic control out the window if they’re not in a studio. Make sure to use mono-directional dynamic mics and keep them close to the speakers’ mouths to minimize background noise and maximize vocal clarity/directness.” — Easton, Production Manager
  • “Watch your levels! A quick check to make sure your microphone is not clipping will ensure your recording comes out as clean as possible.” — Caleb, Producer
What professional podcast editors care about when editing shows.

Portable Podcast Setup vs Podcast Room Setup

How different is a portable podcast setup from a traditional podcast room setup?

This mostly depends on your equipment and needs.

In general, portable podcast setups are smaller and more lightweight than traditional podcast setups. They’re typically easier to set up and tear down and can easily record audio without outlets or internet connections. 

In contrast, traditional podcast setups are stationary rooms in a soundproofed environment. They’re not typically built to be moved or adjusted and may require hardwired outlets, recording devices, and WiFi connections.

We’ve summarized the most important differences in this chart below:

Portable Podcast SetupTraditoinal Podcast Setup
WiFi required❌✔️
Designed for portability✔️❌
Soundproofed room❌✔️
Mostly battery powered✔️❌
Starting cost$ – $$$$ – $$$

The Bottom Line on Portable Podcast Setups

Whether you’re recording on the road or planning on traveling for interviews, having a portable podcast setup will help you maximize efficiency. They may not be cheap if you’re aiming for top quality — and it may take some time to research your options — but when it comes to recording quality audio, you’ll reap the benefits in spades.

Struggling to decide on the right equipment? The Podcast Consultant would be happy to help. Our audio engineers have decades of experience helping clients bring their podcasts to life. 

Learn more about buying hardware for a portable podcast setup by booking a free consultation.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Once a month we publish a newsletter to keep you informed about important events in the podcasting industry. We share free resources and guides and invite you to our webinars.

Join us today and subscribe now!