MOVO PodPro-T Podcast Equipment Bundle for On-the-Go Duos
Podcast equipment bundles make so much sense in theory, but they’ve always been hard to execute in practice.
After all, there are loads of different podcast formats and recording approaches. With a bundle, you might end up with a surplus of stuff you didn’t need or, crucially, missing out on the one piece of kit that you did.
But, the “I’ll just buy everything separately” approach isn’t without its flaws. I once got asked how to plug five (five!) Blue Yetis into a phone and record on separate channels.
So, if you’re overwhelmed by the sheer choice of podcast gear out there, there’s a great peace of mind in knowing that all the parts in a podcast bundle work harmoniously together.
All you need to do is guarantee they’ll work with your recording approach and podcast format.
Unless you haven’t already guessed, the MOVO PodPro-T is the podcast equipment bundle that’s the focus of our attention today. So let’s see if it’s the ideal one for you and your show.
A quick heads up to say that we received the MOVO PodPro-T kit free for review purposes, and we use affiliate links in this review. Affiliate links help support all of our free content, but rest assured, they never prevent us from giving our honest opinions!
Video was recorded with the aid of the MOVO iVlogger-PRO, though the audio is via the MOVO CastMic from this very podcast equipment bundle!
Who is the MOVO PodPro-T Podcast Equipment Bundle For?
Podcasters who run local co-hosted or interview shows are the obvious candidates for this setup.
By “local,” I don’t mean a show about litter and dog fouling (though if that’s your niche, have at it); I’m referring to both participants recording in the same room or space.
That isn’t to say you couldn’t record any other type of podcast with this gear – you could – but if you like to take your equipment on the go and meet up with guests or co-hosts in person, then this is where the MOVO PodPro-T podcast bundle really shines.
What’s in the Podcast Equipment Bundle?
“Bundle” is such an untidy-sounding word. It brings to mind the scene of many cables, mics, and headphones strewn across a table in a large pile.
Fortunately, the MOVO PodPro-T was nothing at all like that. Everything came neatly packed and clearly labelled, and I had it set up and ready to record in minutes. Here’s what’s what:
Two Mics
Two MOVO CastMics, to be specific. The CastMic is a Dynamic Cardioid XLR microphone with a frequency response between 40Hz and 16kHz. These cost about $90 to buy individually.
You’ll also get an XLR cable for each, as well as two additional coloured foam pop filters (orange and teal) to help settle those “my mic or yours?” arguments.
I like the sound of these mics (quite literally). I recorded them via the MDX-2 interface into an iPhone. You can hear the results in my short video overview.
Two Mic Stands
If you’re travelling to various locations to record with others, boom arms are impractical. Not only are they large and unwieldy, but there’s no guarantee you’ll have somewhere to properly attach them.
The MOVO TMC-3 adjustable table stand is a portable yet weighty and durable custodian for your CastMic (or, any other mic, to be quite honest).
As desk stands go, they’re as good as I’ve seen. One thing about desk stands, though, is that they demand good technique and mic etiquette. Try to record a serial table drummer, positional wanderer, or unbearable fidget with one of these, and you’ll know all about it. Your listeners will, too.
Bought separately, one MOVO TMC-3 will set you back around $20, though if you spend $90 on a CastMic, you’ll get one in the box along with it.
An Audio Interface
How about something to plug your mics into? The MOVO MDX-2 is a two-channel portable audio interface, and it’s just the ticket. It’ll plug into anything – anything – name a device…
The ZX Spectrum? Well, not that one, as far as I know. But owners of PCs, Android stuff, iPhones, iPads, and Macs can plug and run the MDX-2 via one of its included and corresponding cables.
What’s more, you can pop a couple of AA batteries into it if you’re off to record somewhere without electricity. Just like my house after that last bill came through.
The MDX-2 is actually a brilliant piece of standalone kit (and in this podcast equipment bundle, it doesn’t even need to stand alone). It has Phantom Power should you want to swap in a condenser mic, and two headphone jacks with independent volume control. The indie jacks are always something I look for right away in an interface. If you ever record with anyone hard of hearing, this can prevent you from going the same way.
Another nice touch I always look for (but never ever use) is the XLR jacks being “combo” ports that can take 1/4″ inputs, too. Handy if you’re a musician, I suppose.
You can also run 1/4″ line outputs into studio monitors. If you’re recording out in a field somewhere, I’d like to see pictures.
The MOVO MDX-2 on its tod costs about $150.
What’s NOT in the Box?
Alright, so if you’ve bought yourself a podcast bundle, that means you have everything you need to start recording. Right?
Well, not quite. I’d still recommend using headphones, which aren’t included. This isn’t a criticism of the kit, which is great value as it is, but it’s worth noting.
If you want a couple of pairs of headphones (along with a couple of boom arms) in your podcast equipment bundle, then MOVO has other options!
I should also stress that you’ll still need a recording device (computer, smartphone, etc) to run it all into. You can’t record directly into the MDX-2, just in case that wasn’t clear already.
Total Cost of the MOVO PodPro-T Podcast Equipment Bundle (& Savings)
The MOVO PodPro-T Podcast Bundle retails at $299.95. So if my maths are correct (and there’s a first time for everything), you’d save $30 on buying this kit separately. Remember, you’d get the mic stands with each individual mic you purchased.
$30 is a decent saving, but $300 isn’t an insignificant amount of cash to splash on podcasting, especially if you’re just starting out. I wouldn’t recommend spending that much until you know for certain you plan to stick at this.
However, having a kit like this can arguably help you stick at it because it makes it all so easy.
It’s your money, you decide. You’ll just have to, because I can’t.
Summary: The MOVO PodPro-T Podcast Equipment Bundle
So there you have it, a review of the MOVO PodPro-T. Let’s do a quick recap.
- It costs about $300
- You get two mics, two mic stands, and an audio interface
- The interface plugs into pretty much anything (PC, Mac, Android, iPhone, iPad)
- You can power the interface via USB or with two AA batteries
- It’s ideal for podcasters who record guests or co-hosts locally
- It’s super portable
- The audio sounded great in my tests
It’s always good to answer the question, “Who is this NOT for?” and the PodPro-T kit is definitely overkill for folks who want to record solo episodes or do remote interviews. If that sounds like you, be sure to check out our Podcast Equipment Guide for something more suited.
But if you record with others locally—especially on the go in various locations—then this could be the perfect podcast equipment bundle for you. I’ve certainly been impressed with the MOVO kit we’ve tested so far, and it’s worth having a look at their iVlogger-PRO kit if you want to add a video component to your podcast, too!