Replying to the latest IG Questions. Submit your questions/topics to me at @paulmaxwellco on IG, or in the Contact form at PaulMaxwell.co.

Mentioned Resources

• Jack Reacher (Amazon Prime, 2021).

• Arcane (Netflix, 2021). (Check out Fortiche, the brilliant French studio that oversaw its animation)

Recording Process

I use Logic Pro X to record on Desktop, and use Ryan Freeman's EQ approach to edit podcast vocal dynamics for optimal loudness and crispness.

1. Slim high/low passes on the ends [reduce room noise (low end) and sibilance (high end).

2. Light mid-sub elevation (adds thickness to voice).

3. Moderate mid-frequency reduction (removes "radio quality").

4. Light mid-high elevation (accentuates vocal character without clipping sibilance).

My Stationary Podcast Setup

[$399] Microphone: Shure SM7B

But if you get the [$249] Shure MV7, it's straight USB and you don't need an audio interface or amplifier or anything. I started out on the [$149] AT2020+ USB Microphone, and it really cannot be beaten. I only use the Shure SM7B because it's a popular sound, and it also works for music production in non-ideal spaces well.

If I had a very limited budget, I would get the [$229] Tula Mics USB C Microphone, because it is (1) a fully dynamic mic, (2) works as a USB mic for your computer, and most impressively (3) works as a stand-alone voice recorder! And it looks super cool. The [$39] Samson AGOMIC is a great cost-effective alternative to this that, I believe, only lacks the computer USB-mic feature.

This would be my recommendation; or, for a SUPER budget-friendly mic, honestly I would get the [$79] Audio Technica AT2005USB. Below that, I can't commend much. I know I've tested the [$35] FIFINE Metal Condenser USB Mic before, and ... it truly sucked, despite being Amazon's recommended pick for "usb mic."

[$249] Amplifier: Cloudlifter CL-2

[$329] USB Audio Interface: M-Audio AIR 192|14

[$75] Headphones: Phillips SHP9500 (Over-Hear)

[$24] 2 XLR Mic Cables

[$15] Mic Stand: Innogear Microphone Arm (although I will likely get the [$99] Elgato Wave Mic Arm next, because mic arms tend to be finicky ... but I've had my Innogear for 2 years, and have abused it terribly, and it is still rock solid, stays in place, etc. Probably the cheapest and yet most durable piece of equipment I own).

My Portable Podcast Setup

[$319] Audio Interface: Zoom H6 Recorder

[$249] Recording Disk for Audio Interface: SanDisk 1TB Extreme PRO

[$39] Microphone: Amazon Basics Dynamic Vocal Microphone (Better than the Shure SM58 in my view)

[$299] Boom Mic (for capturing nature sounds): Rode NTG4+

[$29] Portable Mic Stand: StageRocker Low-Profile Desktop Mic Stand

[$24] 2 XLR Mic Cables

Tools I Use Every Day

• Audible (80% for a monthly "Great Course")

• Elementor (for all websites I build; core to my entrepreneurial stack)

• Envato Elements (unlimited commercially licensed digital assets like photos, icons, illustrations, site templates, etc. - I use EE on a daily basis and recommend it to all creatives reliant on Adobe Stock, etc.)

• ConvertKit (I used to use Mailchimp, and as someone who has used Hubspot for years, I believe ConvertKit can do 10x as much as Mailchimp and 80% of Hubspot for 10% the cost of Hubspot).

Fitness Resources I Commonly Recommend

• Onnit Kettlebell 6 (the best at-home workout program I've ever encountered, and an instant favorite of all who take me up on it).

• Protein Bars (I use these to help me hit 200g+ per day when powder doesn't cut it, or I have a low-protein dinner out)