Overview
The Shure Podcast Audio KIT from Photogear offers a Shure MV7 USB/XLR Dynamic Podcasting Microphone (x4), Rode PSA1 Studio Boom Arm for Broadcast Microphones (x4), and Zoom PodTrak P8 Portable Multitrack Podcast Recorder.
Shure MV7 USB/XLR Dynamic Podcasting Microphone Overview
Get a professional podcast sound with audio interfaces, hard disk recorders, or direct to computers and mobile devices with the Shure MV7 Podcast Mic, styled here in black. This is a high-quality, broadcast-style dynamic microphone, one that has both a conventional XLR connection and a USB port.
The Shure MV7 fulfils the needs of anyone who demands broadcast-quality sound from their podcast microphone, no matter the setup: whether you work with an audio interface, or prefer to record directly into your computer over USB, this microphone will do the job. The mic offers a clear and present sound, extensive controls, rugged accessories, and seamless integration with the free ShurePlus MOTIV Desktop App for convenient effects right out of the gate.
Note:
Please be aware that as of right now, this product does not support iPad USB-C connectivity.
Legendary Broadcast Sound
The mic takes its design and sonic cues from the Shure SM7B, a classic used on countless podcasts and radio broadcasts. Use the mic in close proximity to your voice and you'll find it exhibits a clear, intelligible, and high-quality sound. Optimised frequency response for rich and natural vocal reproduction
Works with Your Analog or Digital Setup
Thanks to its multiple outputs, you can use this mic with nearly any podcasting setup. The mic works with your audio interface, field recorder, mixer, or computer (over USB Mini-B) as well as select Android and iOS devices.
Rugged Appointments for Sound and Use
Like the SM7B, the MV7 has a built-in pop filter to protect against plosives and p-pops, greatly simplifying your editing process. With its built-in ready-to-mount yoke, the mic offers a build quality that is rugged, with an all-metal construction for reliability in mission-critical circumstances.
Unidirectional Polar Pattern for the Untreated Room
The mic features a unidirectional cardioid polar pattern, which is the best natural defence against room noise: since the capsule mostly captures what's directly in front of it, you won't pick up as much room noise as you would with another polar pattern. Depending on your particular room, you may still need a little room treatment, or some noise-reduction software, to address issues such as your computer's hum or your air conditioner—but the chances of that are markedly lower with a cardioid polar pattern.
Integrated Controls & High-Quality USB Audio
On the USB side, the mic provides broadcast-quality specs and intuitive functionality. Capture audio at sample rates and resolutions up to 48 kHz / 24-bit, which is the standard for editing and mixing broadcast audio. Use the integrated touch-panel interface on the mic itself to control levels, headphone volumes, monitor mix, and mic-mute.
Built-In 3.5mm Headphone Monitoring with Mix Control
The mic offers a headphone jack for monitoring. Just plug a pair of headphones into the MV7's 3.5mm jack, and you'll be able to listen to your high-quality audio in all its glory. In addition to its touch-panel control surface, the mic gives you a blend knob, which comes in handy for recording music: you can use it to adjust the balance between your mic's pickup and any pre-recorded audio.
USB Connection Right Out of the Box
Two cables are included: a USB Mini Type-B to USB Type-A and a USB Mini Type-B to USB Type-C.
Included Software to Make Recording Easier
The free ShurePlus MOTIV Desktop Application will let you save your own presets, enable auto-level, add compression, EQ the signal, and more.
Rode PSA1 Studio Boom Arm for Broadcast Microphones Overview
The Rode PSA1 Studio Boom Arm is a two-section, spring-loaded broadcast microphone arm designed for quiet and flexible microphone positioning in broadcast radio studios, voice-over studios, etc. The PSA1 rotates 360 degrees and features a maximum reach of 820mm horizontally.
- Includes 3/8" adapter
- 820mm (32") Horizontal Reach
- 840mm (33") Vertical Reach
- Holds up to 1.1kg (2.4 lbs)
- Includes two desk-mounting options
- Dual-axis swivel mount for accurate positioning
Rode PSA1 Studio Boom Arm for Broadcast Microphones Overview
Purpose-built for recording, editing, and producing polished multi-person podcasts anywhere you go without the need for a computer, the Zoom PodTrak P8 is a portable multitrack podcast recorder that lets you quickly record up to six mics, handle 2 echo-free remote call-ins simultaneously, trigger sound samples, and provide separate headphone feeds for all your guests, all at the same time and with refreshing simplicity, thanks to the large full-colour LCD touchscreen.
From the intuitive, tactile controls to the powerful audio processing and editing functions, the PodTrak P8 is well-equipped to help you record, stream, and export pristine audio for complex panel podcasts. Dynamic and condenser mics, customisable sound pads, call-ins via your smartphone or computer, and independent headphone outs; the PodTrak P8 can manage everything you need a podcast production station to do.
Extra touches including per-channel tone controls, compression/de-essing, limiters, low-cut filters, and noise reduction—all stellar tools for achieving professional-sounding tracks, an integrated mix-minus function to prevent echo and feedback for remote guests, and multiple powering methods make the PodTrak P8 a truly powerful all-in-one solution for podcasting.
PodTrack P8 vs P4
How does the PodTrak P8 differ from the smaller PodTrak P4? The P8 is made to handle even more complex podcasts with even more people. The P8 packs in more mic preamps, more headphone outputs (plus speaker outputs), more sound pads, more ways to sweeten your signal, a set of fluid editing functions, and a large 11cm (4.3") full-colour touchscreen for intuitive access to all tweak-able settings. Plus, with the P8, you can edit and export full podcasts without ever touching a computer.
Six High-Gain Mic Inputs
Whether you rely on announcer-style dynamic microphones such as the Zoom ZDM-1 (available separately) or prefer the sheen of crisp condenser mics, the PodTrak P8's six mic preamps are up to the task. Each features a balanced XLR input jack, selectable +48V phantom power, and up to 70 dB of gain, plenty of boost to ensure optimal recording levels with all kinds of mics, such as the venerable Shure SM7B.
Headphone Mixes for You and All Your Guests
Outfitted with six 3.5mm stereo headphone outputs, the PodTrak P8 can provide you and your guests with independent headphone mixes, each with its own colour-coded level control below the colour-matched headphone jack. No matter the scenario—an exclusive interview or a raucous panel podcast, everyone will be able to clearly hear what's going on.
For optimal configuration in your home studio, the PodTrak P8 also has two balanced 1/4" speaker outputs with a dedicated volume control; just plug them into a pair of active monitors, turn up the volume, and listen away.
For optimal configuration in your home studio, the PodTrak P8 also has two balanced 1/4" speaker outputs with a dedicated volume control; just plug them into a pair of active monitors, turn up the volume, and listen away.
Echo-Free Remote Call-Ins
Knowing how frequently podcasters collaborate with remote guests, Zoom integrated two ways to accommodate call-ins through physical connections—plug your smartphone directly into the 3.5mm TRRS phone port (on channel 7), connect a computer via USB to bring in the audio from your conferencing software of choice to channel 6, or do both at the same time to feature two remote guests.
Whether you use TRRS, USB, or both, the PodTrak P8 automatically prevents echo and feedback with its built-in mix-minus feature; your remote guests will never be distracted by hearing their own voice echo back to them.
Whether you use TRRS, USB, or both, the PodTrak P8 automatically prevents echo and feedback with its built-in mix-minus feature; your remote guests will never be distracted by hearing their own voice echo back to them.
Supports BTA-2 for Wireless Remote Guests
If you prefer to go wire-free for call-ins, connect the Zoom BTA-2 Bluetooth receiver (available separately) to the PodTrak P8 and use your smartphone to wirelessly pipe in your call audio via Bluetooth.
Assignable Sound Pads with Preset Sounds
The PodTrack P8 is equipped with nine sound pads next to the LCD touchscreen, perfect for elevating your podcast production quality with music, jingles, ads, sound effects, or pre-recorded interviews triggered at the push of a button. Use the 13 preset sounds or load up to 36 of your own samples (organised in four banks) for even more versatility. Plus, a dedicated fader allows easy adjustment of the sound pad output volume.
Instant Access to Volume, On-Air, and Mute for Each Input
Each channel on the PodTrak P8 has its own volume slider, mute, and on-air button. So not only can you quickly adjust volume and mute/unmute guests without having to navigate through menus, but a simple deselection of a channel's on-air button routes it only to the headphones, but not to the speakers, USB output, or recording—an ideal setup for conversing on the side or prepping your guests before the next segment.
Record up to 13 Tracks Simultaneously
With the PodTrak P8, you can simultaneously record up to 13 tracks to an SD card—six or seven tracks from the mic input channels (channel 6 can record stereo in USB mode), two tracks from the smartphone input, two tracks from the sound pads, and two tracks from the overall stereo mix.
User-Friendly Editing
Built-in edit functions let you trim, split, combine, and fade audio clips to produce a finished episode without ever leaving the P8, meaning you can edit and export full podcasts without ever touching a computer. All this is done intuitively through the P8's colour touchscreen.
SD Card Recording and Audio Interface Functionality
Designed for truly convenient portability, the PodTrack P8 can record directly to an SDHC card (up to 32GB capacity) or an SDXC card (up to 512GB capacity). A 4GB card will yield over three hours of 16-bit / 44.1 kHz 4-channel recording time using the BWF-compliant WAV format for uncompressed audio quality and industry-standard file compatibility. Note that media cards are available separately, and larger capacity cards may increase startup times.
Alternatively, use the PodTrak P8 as a 2-in/2-out USB 2.0 audio interface (at 16-bit / 44.1 kHz) with your Mac/Windows computer or iOS/Android mobile device (separately available Apple Camera Connection Kit is required for use with iOS devices).
Alternatively, use the PodTrak P8 as a 2-in/2-out USB 2.0 audio interface (at 16-bit / 44.1 kHz) with your Mac/Windows computer or iOS/Android mobile device (separately available Apple Camera Connection Kit is required for use with iOS devices).
Powered via AA Batteries, AC Adapter, or USB
Power the PodTrak P8 via four AA batteries (available separately), plug it into a wall outlet with the included AD-14 AC adapter, or use an external USB battery. Alkaline batteries can keep the P8 running for up to two hours of continuous recording. When using the P8 in the stereo USB audio interface mode, USB bus powering is also possible.
Powerful Signal Processing Adds Sonic Polish
The PodTrak P8's onboard effects allow you to add professional polish to your recordings without resorting to postproduction processing on a computer. Via the touchscreen, you can access each channel's easy-to-use settings.
- Mic Preamp Gain: A simple slider adjusts the mic preamp gain while the meter is divided into Low, Good, and Over sections to help you set the level properly
- Limiter: Prevents distortion from sudden spikes in level
- Low-Cut Filter: Reduces wind noise, blowing, and other kinds of low-frequency rumble
- Tone: Drag the slider to make the sound brighter or warmer
- Compressor/DeEsser: Provides more presence and impact
Plus, a selectable Noise Reduction setting automatically lowers the volume of silent mic tracks to reduce overall background noise.
Extra Enhancements
- Ideal for international use, the PodTrak P8’s touchscreen can be set to one of six languages—English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, or Japanese
- Colour-coded inputs, outputs, and controls make on-the-fly adjustments a breeze and keep you focused on the discussion
- Transfer track files to your computer to do a final mix in your favourite DAW software
Shure MV7 USB/XLR Dynamic Podcasting Microphone Specs
Microphone
| Form Factor | Desktop |
| Sound Field | Mono |
| Capsule | 1 x Dynamic |
| Polar Pattern | Unidirectional |
| Orientation | End Address |
| Circuitry | Solid-State |
| High-Pass Filter | None |
| On-Board Controls | Gain, Headphone Volume, Mic Mute |
| Windscreen | Built-In |
Performance
| Frequency Range | 50 Hz to 16 kHz |
| Maximum SPL | Unidirectional: 132 dB SPL |
| Impedance | Unidirectional: 314 Ohms at 1 kHz |
| Sensitivity | Unidirectional: -55 dBV at 1 kHz Unidirectional: -47 dBFS/Pa at 1 kHz |
Connectivity
| Output Connectors (Analog) | 1 x XLR 3-Pin Male (on Mic) |
| Output Connectors (Digital) | 1 x USB Type-B Female (on Mic) |
| Headphone Connector | 1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm |
| Cable Length | 10' / 3.0 m (Straight) |
Digital Audio
| A/D Conversion | 16 / 24-Bit |
| Sample Rate | 44.1 / 48 kHz |
| Operating System Support | Android, Windows, iOS, macOS/OS X |
| Mobile Device Compatibility | iPad or Later iPhone 6th Gen. or Later iPod |
| RAM Requirement | 2 GB Minimum |
Power
| Bus Power | USB / Lightning |
Physical
| Colour | Black |
| Mounting | 5/8"-27 Female |
| Construction Material | Metal |
| Dimensions | ø: 2.6 x L: 2.1" / ø: 66.5 x L: 53.6 mm (Microphone) H: 6.5 x W: 3.6 x L: 6" / H: 164 x W: 90.2 x L: 153.6 mm (Microphone, with Mount) |
| Weight | 1.21 lb / 0.55 kg |
Rode PSA1 Studio Boom Arm for Broadcast Microphones Specs
| Horizontal Reach | 820mm / 32" |
| Vertical Reach | 840mm / 33" |
| Load Capacity | 1.1kg / 2.4lbs |
- Includes two desk-mounting options
- Includes 3/8" adapter
Zoom PodTrak P8 Portable Multitrack Podcast Recorder Specs
Zoom PodTrak P8 Specs
| Form Factor | Tabletop |
| Channels of I/O | Analog: 8 Inputs / 2 Outputs at 44.1 kHz |
| Max Sample Rate/Resolution | 44.1 kHz / 16-Bit |
| Number of Mic Preamps | 6 |
| Input Level Adjustment | 6 x via Touchscreen |
| Number of Headphone Mixes | 1 x Master 5 x Guest |
| Solo/Mute | Mute per Input Channel |
| Pad | None |
| Sample Pads | 9 x Assignable |
| Display and Indicators | 1 x Touchscreen (Menu Navigation, Metering, Multifunction) 8 x LEDs (Mute) |
Connectivity
| Host Connection | 1 x USB Type-C (Class-Compliant USB 2.0) |
| Analog I/O | 6 x XLR 3-Pin Balanced Mic Input 6 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Unbalanced Headphone Output 2 x 1/4" TRS Balanced Monitor Output 1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRRS Unbalanced Aux In/Out |
| Phantom Power | +48 V, Selectable On/Off (Selectable on Individual Inputs) |
| Digital I/O | None |
| Memory Card Slot | 1 x SDXC |
Performance
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz to 20 kHz ±1 dB (at 44.1 kHz) |
| Gain/Trim Range | Mic Inputs: 0 dB to +70 dB |
| Max Input Level | XLR Mic Inputs: +5 dBu (at 0 dBFS) 1/8" / 3.5 mm Aux Inputs: +2.5 dBu |
| Max Output Level | Monitor Outputs: +5.5 dBu |
| Headphone Output Power | 20 mW per Channel into 32 Ohms |
| Impedance | XLR Mic Inputs: 3 Kilohms 1/8" / 3.5 mm Aux Inputs: 3 Kilohms 1/4" Monitor Outputs: 320 Ohms 1/8" / 3.5 mm Headphone Outputs: 27 Ohms |
| EIN | -124 dBu (150-Ohm Source, +70 dB Gain) |
Digital Audio
| Sample Rates | 44.1 kHz |
| Bit Depths | 16-Bit |
Compatibility
| OS Compatibility | macOS Windows iOS |
| Compatible Software (Not Included) | Any Core Audio Compliant Software |
| Included Software | None |
| Required Hardware | Available USB 2.0 Port USB Cable (Not Included) |
Power
| Power Requirements | AC/DC Power Adapter (Included), Battery, or USB Bus Power |
| AC/DC Power Adapter | 5 VDC at 1 A |
| Power Consumption | 5 W |
| Battery Type | 4 x AA |
| Approximate Battery Life | 2 Hours (AA Alkaline, Phantom Off, Recording, with Headphones) 3.5 Hours (AA NiMH, Phantom Off, Recording, with Headphones) 6.5 Hours (AA Lithium, Phantom Off, Recording, with Headphones) |
Physical
| Anti-Theft Features | Kensington Security Slot |
| Dimensions | 11.6 x 9.8 x 2.4" / 29.5 x 24.8 x 6.1 cm |
| Weight | 3.1 lb / 1.4 kg |
Shure MV7 USB/XLR Dynamic Podcasting Microphone
- Shure MV7 Podcast Microphone (Black)
- Micro-USB Type-B to USB Type-C Cable
- Micro-USB Type-B to USB Type-A Cable
Rode PSA1 Studio Boom Arm for Broadcast Microphones
Rode PSA1 Studio Boom Arm for Broadcast Microphones3/8" Adapter
Touch-Fastener Straps
Desk-Clamp Attachment
Desk-Insert Hardware
Zoom PodTrak P8 Portable Multitrack Podcast Recorder
- Zoom PodTrak P8 Portable Multitrack Podcast Recorder
- Zoom AD-14 AC Adapter
- Barcode: 54614
- Supplier Code: MV7-K(PTG-4-KIT)