This checklist is for reporters and newsroom teams recording interviews in offices, on location, or at events. The picks cover the core recording chain, from capturing voices to monitoring audio and positioning a microphone.
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Each section focuses on one equipment slot and the listed product pick, followed by practical guidance for choosing and using that kind of gear. The sound blanket section offers advice only, since no product was specified.
Use the checklist to match each item to your interview setup. Before choosing, consider where you’ll record, how many people need microphones, what connections your recorder supports, and how easily you can carry and position the equipment.
Portable audio recorder
A portable recorder is the central capture point when an interview needs its own audio recording. The Zoom H2 Handy Portable Stereo Recorder is the pick for this slot. Before settling on any recorder, map out how you expect to use it: on a desk, carried between locations, or placed near a subject while you ask questions. That use affects how much importance to give to controls, monitoring access, and the recorder’s physical footprint.
A common mistake is assuming that a recorder will work seamlessly with every microphone in the kit. Check the microphone’s connector and output against the recorder’s inputs, and confirm that the setup supports the number of sources you plan to record. If you expect to record a journalist and a guest separately, verify the required input arrangement rather than relying on a single built-in capture option. Also check how headphones connect so you can monitor the signal during the interview.
Think about placement before the session: the recorder needs to be close enough for the intended setup and stable on the surface available. Consider whether the recorder’s size and controls suit your carry case and working style. A short compatibility check and a practice recording help you catch setup mismatches before an important conversation.
What to look for:
- Inputs and connectors that match the microphones in your kit
- A monitoring connection compatible with your headphones
- Controls you can operate confidently during an interview
- A form factor that suits your travel and placement needs
- A setup that supports the number of sources you intend to record
Zoom H2 Handy Portable Stereo Recorder
The Zoom H2 is a portable digital recorder with four built-in microphones for stereo and 360-degree recording. It records WAV and MP3 audio, supports SD cards up to 32 GB, and includes USB connectivity for transferring files or using it as a USB microphone.
Pros:
- Four microphones provide flexible stereo and 360-degree recording
- Records in WAV and MP3 formats with multiple quality settings
- USB connectivity supports file transfer and USB microphone use
- Supports SD cards up to 32 GB
Cons:
- Requires two AA batteries
- The description has inconsistent storage capacity details
Best for: Reporters who want a dedicated portable recorder in the interview kit
Not ideal for: Teams that have not checked microphone and headphone compatibility
Bottom line: Choose the recorder after confirming it fits the microphones, monitoring setup, and interview format you plan to use.
Lavalier microphone
A lavalier microphone clips near the speaker, which can keep the mic position consistent as a person moves naturally. The listed pick is the Shure BLX14/CVL Wireless Lavalier System, H9 Band (512–542 MHz). Consider who will wear it, how the cable or wireless components will be managed, and whether the interview location gives you a practical place to set up the system.
One frequent mistake is choosing a microphone without checking its complete connection path. Confirm how the system’s receiver connects to your recorder or camera, and make sure the recording device has a compatible input. For a wireless setup, check that the system’s frequency band is appropriate for where you plan to use it, and review local requirements before relying on that band in a particular location. Do a test recording with the actual recorder and headphones you’ll use.
Fit matters for both sound consistency and comfort. Check that the clip can attach securely to the subject’s clothing and that its position can remain stable without obstructing movement. Clothing materials and placement can affect handling noise, so rehearse with a similar outfit when possible. For interviews with several speakers, plan a separate mic and connection path for each person or confirm how the selected setup will cover them.
What to look for:
- Receiver output and recorder input compatibility
- Frequency-band suitability for the intended location
- A clip that attaches securely to the subject’s clothing
- A placement that stays comfortable and unobtrusive
- A test setup that includes the recorder and monitoring headphones
Shure BLX14/CVL Wireless Lavalier System, H9 Band (512–542 MHz)
This wireless lavalier system includes a BLX4 single-channel receiver, BLX1 bodypack transmitter, and CVL cardioid microphone with clip and windscreen. It offers up to 14 hours of operation on two AA batteries and a line-of-sight range of up to 300 ft (100 m).
Pros:
- Hands-free, discreet microphone for speech
- Up to 14 hours of battery operation
- Includes receiver, transmitter, microphone, and accessories
- Supports up to 12 compatible systems per band
Cons:
- H9 frequency band availability depends on local regulations
- Stated range is line-of-sight and may vary in typical use
Best for: One-on-one interviews where a clipped mic suits the speaker and setup
Not ideal for: Recording plans that need multiple independently miked speakers without additional equipment
Bottom line: Check the receiver connection, band suitability, and clothing fit before using the wireless lavalier on assignment.
Shotgun microphone
A shotgun microphone can be useful when a close, clipped mic is impractical and you can position a microphone toward the speaker. The pick is the Audio-Technica AT897 Line/Gradient Shotgun Condenser Microphone. Its role in your kit depends on how you will mount and aim it, whether an interviewer or operator can hold it, and how the microphone connects to your recorder.
Do not assume the microphone can be used effectively without planning its support and placement. Check its connector and power requirements against the recording device and any accessories in your setup. Decide whether a stand, boom, or another mounting solution is needed, then confirm that the mounting hardware fits. For interviews with multiple people, consider how the mic will be repositioned or whether the recording plan calls for a microphone for each speaker.
Positioning is central to this slot: plan where the microphone will sit relative to the subject and how it can remain aimed during the conversation. A stand that is too short, unstable, or incompatible with the mic can make the setup awkward. Rehearse the placement in the actual room when possible, and listen through headphones for changes when the speaker turns or shifts. Keep the microphone placement unobtrusive and avoid blocking the interviewer’s view or the subject’s movement.
What to look for:
- A connector and power arrangement compatible with your recorder
- Mounting hardware that fits the microphone
- A stand or boom suited to the intended interview position
- A placement plan that keeps the mic aimed toward the speaker
- A monitoring check for speaker movement and repositioning
Audio-Technica AT897 Line/Gradient Shotgun Condenser Microphone
The Audio-Technica AT897 is a shotgun condenser microphone designed for video production and broadcast audio. Its short length (11 inches) keeps it out of the shot, and it offers smooth, natural sound with a narrow acceptance angle for long-distance pickup, operating on battery or phantom power.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight design
- Provides natural, clear audio quality
- Flexible power options (battery or phantom)
Cons:
- Limited to professional audio environments
- Requires external power source
- May be more expensive than basic microphones
Best for: Interview setups where a microphone can be positioned toward the speaker
Not ideal for: Run-and-gun conversations with no workable way to mount or aim the microphone
Bottom line: Confirm the connection, support hardware, and placement plan before building this shotgun mic into your recording chain.
Closed-back headphones
Headphones let the recording team monitor what the microphone and recorder are capturing during an interview. The listed pick is the Focal Lensys Professional Closed-Back Headphones. Before choosing headphones, check that their connector works with the recorder and that the cable can reach where you expect to monitor from.
A common mistake is to treat headphones as an accessory that can be selected independently of the rest of the kit. Verify the connection and any adapter needs in advance, and test the headphone output at the listening position. Consider whether you’ll wear them for the full interview or use them for brief checks. A fit that becomes uncomfortable can make extended monitoring harder, while a loose fit may distract from listening.
Plan for how the headphones will be used in the room. Closed-back headphones can help keep monitoring sound from spilling toward a nearby microphone, but the actual fit and isolation are personal and should be checked in practice. Listen for dropouts, unwanted handling sounds, and changes in level while the subject speaks and moves. If several people need to monitor, work out whether you need additional headphones or a compatible distribution arrangement before the session.
What to look for:
- A headphone plug compatible with the recorder’s monitoring output
- Any needed adapter or extension cable
- A comfortable fit for the expected monitoring duration
- A listening check in the actual interview environment
- A plan for additional listeners who need to monitor
Focal Lensys Professional Closed-Back Headphones
Focal’s Lensys Professional headphones feature dual aluminum/magnesium drivers and sound isolation design, providing detailed monitoring and authentic playback. They are designed for studio use, monitoring, and casual listening, with soft memory foam earpads and a sturdy headband for comfort.
Pros:
- High-quality aluminum/magnesium drivers deliver detailed sound
- Effective sound isolation for studio and casual use
- Comfortable soft memory foam earpads and sturdy headband
- Suitable for monitoring, recording, and playback
Cons:
- Wired connection may limit mobility
- Lack of foldable design for portability
- No water resistance for outdoor use
Best for: Reporters who want to listen to the recording setup during an interview
Not ideal for: Teams that have not confirmed the recorder connection or listener arrangement
Bottom line: Check the connector, fit, and monitoring position so you can listen throughout the setup.
Microphone stand
A stand gives you a place to position a microphone when it should remain aimed without someone holding it. The pick is the InnoGear Desktop Microphone Stand, Adjustable Telescopic Table Mic Sta. Think about the surface available, the distance between the speaker and microphone, and whether the stand’s adjustment range suits the intended position.
Buying a stand without checking microphone fit is an avoidable setup problem. Confirm that the stand’s attachment works with the microphone or its mount, and check whether an adapter is needed. Also consider how the stand attaches to the table or sits on it; the desk’s edge, thickness, and free space may limit placement. Make sure the stand can be positioned without obstructing notes, equipment, or the subject’s movement.
Adjustability only helps when the stand can hold the desired position in your setup. Rehearse the height and reach with the actual microphone attached, then check that the mic remains aimed where you need it. Consider whether cable routing will pull the microphone out of position, and leave enough room to adjust between speakers. If your interview location changes often, check how the stand packs and whether its parts fit your carrying arrangement.
What to look for:
- A microphone attachment or adapter that matches your mic
- Height and reach suited to your table and interview position
- A base or clamp that works with the available desk surface
- Room for cables without pulling the mic out of position
- A folded or packed size that suits your carry setup
InnoGear Desktop Microphone Stand, Adjustable Telescopic Table Mic Stand with Mi
This adjustable desktop microphone stand features an instant-lock mechanism for quick height adjustments, ranging from 11.26 to 16.14 inches. Its stable, larger base provides secure support for microphones up to 3.3 lbs, compatible with various models including Blue Yeti, Snowball, and Shure SM7B.
Pros:
- Quick and easy height adjustments with instant-lock mechanism
- Enhanced stability with a larger, heavier base
- Supports a wide range of microphones with compatible adapters
- Strong load capacity for heavier microphones
Cons:
- No mention of adjustable tilt or swivel features
- Limited to desktop use, not suitable for floor mounting
- Mic clip max diameter may not fit larger microphones
Best for: Desk interviews where a microphone needs a stable, adjustable position
Not ideal for: Locations without a suitable table or compatible microphone mount
Bottom line: Check the desk fit, mic attachment, and reach with the microphone installed before the interview.
Portable sound blanket
A portable sound blanket is an advice-only slot in this checklist; no product was specified. Consider one when your recording location has nearby noise or reflective surfaces and you have a practical way to position a blanket without interfering with the interview. First identify the room’s main sound challenges so the blanket has a clear job in the setup.
A common mistake is treating a blanket as a substitute for choosing a workable recording position. Before adding one, listen to the room and consider whether moving the interview away from a noisy source or changing the microphone position would help. If you do choose a blanket, check its dimensions, weight, and attachment method against the space and the way you travel. Make sure it can be secured safely and will not obstruct exits, equipment controls, or the people being interviewed.
Plan for fit in both the room and your kit. A blanket that is difficult to carry or hang may not suit a mobile reporting workflow. Consider how it will be stored, set up, and removed, and whether its placement will affect microphone access or the reporter’s line of sight. Test the room with the blanket in position and monitor through headphones to decide whether it helps your particular setup.
What to look for:
- Dimensions that suit the room and intended placement
- Weight and packed size that suit your carry setup
- A practical way to secure it in the interview space
- Placement that leaves people, exits, and controls unobstructed
- A listening comparison with the blanket in position
Build the kit in order of the recording chain: start with the recorder and confirm its connections, then choose microphones that suit your interview format, followed by headphones for monitoring and support equipment for placement. Consider a sound blanket after you’ve assessed the room. Check compatibility at each step so the pieces work together before you head out.
You do not need to solve every room or workflow challenge with another item. A careful placement plan, a short rehearsal, and a listening check can make the checklist more useful for the assignment in front of you. Use the setup you can operate confidently, and leave time to test it before the interview begins.
