Adam Curry's Podcast Equipment List

Often referred to as the "Podfather," Adam Curry is a well-known name in podcasting. He’s even credited with co-founding the medium alongside Dave Winer in 2001. His own podcasting host career began with the launch of Daily Source Code in 2004, which quickly gained popularity. 

Today he hosts Curry and The Keeper, Podcasting 2.0 and co-hosts the No Agenda podcast with John C. Dvorak.

Mic:

Model: ElectroVoice RE320 Microphone

Price: $299

Pros

• Excellent sound quality with a rich, detailed, and natural tone

• Dual-voicing switch provides two tailored frequency responses

• Integrated humbucking coil and pop filter for low-noise performance

• Affordable price point compared to similar high-end dynamic mics

Cons

• Lacks certain features like different polar patterns or frequency response controls

• Requires a good shock mount and stand due to its large size and weight

• It can pick up background noise easily in untreated spaces

• Proximity effect can cause low-end buildup if used too close to the source

Every podcaster will have their own requirements for a microphone, so we can’t say one is right for everyone. Adam Curry has chosen the  Electro-Voice RE320 for his podcasts, this is just a quick look at what we consider the pros and cons of this particular mic.

The EV RE320 is a professional-grade dynamic microphone that, in our opinion offers great sound quality. Its dual-voicing switch, integrated humbucking coil, and pop filter provide great tone and performance, while the durability and good price make it a compelling choice for creators’ home studios and professional podcast setups alike. However, the RE320 performs best in a quiet room set up for ideal acoustics and requires proper mic technique to avoid proximity effect issues. 

Headphones:

Model: Sony MDR7506 Studio

Price: $99

Pros:

• Offer a neutral yet warm sound, with good detail in both high and low frequencies.

• Lightweight design allows for extended use without discomfort, fitting snug.

• Built with robust materials, designed for extensive use. Parts are easily replaceable, enhancing longevity.

Cons: 

• Sound Issues: The upper mids can be overly emphasized, leading to a perception of brightness that may mislead mixing decisions.

• Bass Performance: The low end rolls off at around 50Hz, which may not satisfy those looking for deep bass response.

• Non-detachable cable: While we recommend connected headphones for podcast recording, this can be seen as a con if you want to use these headphones for any on-the-go reasons.

• Channel Imbalance: Some users report inconsistencies in channel balance, particularly in the lower frequencies, which can affect monitoring accuracy

For his own podcasting equipment, Adam Curry uses the  Sony MDR7506 Studio Headphones. These are a reliable choice for those working in audio, offering a combination of sound quality, comfort, and durability at a reasonable price. 

These headphones do have a few drawbacks, it’s up to each creator to see what they are looking for. These headphones tend to have a bright sound signature and the non-detachable cable can be tedious if you are looking to move around. However, Sony’s long-standing reputation in the industry speaks to their effectiveness for podcast studio use. These are still a solid investment for anyone involved in audio production or mixing.

Audio Mixer and Interface:

Model: MOTU Ultralite MK4

Price: About $595

Pros

• High I/O Capability: Offers 18 inputs and 22 outputs, allowing for extensive connectivity options for various audio sources and devices.

• Low Latency: Optimized drivers provide impressively low latency, making it suitable for real-time audio processing and recording.

• High Audio Quality: Supports 24-bit/192kHz audio quality, ensuring high-fidelity recordings.

• Flexible Routing Options: The matrix routing allows for quick and complex routing of inputs to outputs, which is beneficial for advanced setups.

• Wireless Control: Can be controlled wirelessly via smart devices, enhancing mobility and convenience for live mixing.

• Compact and Lightweight: Its small size makes it easy to transport, ideal for mobile setups

Cons

• Driver Stability Issues: Some users have reported stability problems, particularly with Mac systems, where the interface may not be consistently detected.

• Limited Mic Preamps: With only two mic preamps, it may not meet the needs of users requiring multiple simultaneous microphone inputs.

• Web-Based Configuration Limitations: The web-based control interface can be slow to load and may not be as efficient as a dedicated desktop application.

• Noise Issues: There have been reports of electrical noise when using certain inputs, which can affect recording quality.

As an interface for his podcasts, Adam Curry uses the MOTU UltraLite MK4.

The MOTU UltraLite MK4 excels in connectivity, audio quality, and flexibility, making it a good choice for both studio and mobile recording setups. However, there are a few limitations, and negative notes that you should be aware of. Take note of the driver stability and mic preamp availability, as well as some operational quirks related to its web-based control system. However,  overall it’s an interface well-suited for those who require a compact and powerful interface on the go.

Additional Equipment

Mute Pedal: Rolls MM11 Pro Microphone Mute/Talk Switch

Price: $59

The Rolls MM11 Pro Microphone Mute/Talk Switch is a tool that helps podcasters switch the microphone between mute and talk. It can be useful as a “cough” pedal, for a quick mute. This saves quite a bit of time in editing later on.

To give you a better idea of this piece of equipment here are the key features:

• Push-to-Talk/Push-to-Mute Functionality: This is particularly useful for quickly silencing oneself during interruptions, such as sneezing or coughing.

• Phantom Power Compatibility: The device can pass phantom power without causing annoying popping sounds when toggling the switch.

• XLR Connectivity: It includes a 3-pin XLR female input and a 3-pin XLR male output, making it compatible with standard audio equipment.

• Mounting Options: The rear panel includes screw holes for convenient mounting, so you can use it in different environments.

Looking to equip your own podcast studio?

Every podcaster will need different equipment, depending on what they aim to do with their shows.As you can see, there’s a lot that goes into producing Adam Curry’s content.
If you need help with equipment choice, recording, production, or promotion for your brand podcast, get in touch with Lower Street.