Reddit reviews Zoom LiveTrak L-12 Digital Mixer & Multitrack Recorder, for Music, Podcasting, and More, 12-Input/ 14-Channel SD Recorder, 14-in/4-out USB Audio Interface, 5 Powered Headphone Outputs

Based on this picture, I will try my best. Correct me if I am wrong:

https://www.tubefilter.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/couples-therapy.jpg

Headphones:

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR7506-Professional-Diaphragm-Headphone/dp/B000AJIF4E

Microphone:

https://www.amazon.com/Shure-SM58-LC-Vocal-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B000CZ0R42

Mixer:

https://www.amazon.com/Zoom-L-12-LiveTrak/dp/B074G25D6Y

If interested, I can tell you the setup I use for this podcast if you like the sound (My first time, still working out the kinks). It's portable too and I wouldn't have to guess the equipment:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuoIcdQLoAE

Earlier this year I consulted to do a very similar setup with the Curiosity.com podcast. The premise was for a host and a guest or two with a Skype-in possibility. The main host also works at a Chicago WGN radio personality and was open to a higher-end solution while not totally blowing out the budget. In the end we came up with an initial office studio layout in the $2k range. One thing he mitigated was room echo/reverb and office noise through using room placement and dynamic microphones.

Here is a picture of his original setup

Here is a picture of the acoustic treatment needed

Also, his equipment purchased was for 2 main hosts and a third guest (if necessary) and ran about $2,000. To get a 3rd or 4th microphone in place would be another $750ish a piece for the microphone, shock mount, pop filter, boom arm, Microphone digital processor and headphones.

Here is his list of equipment:

(1) Mackie ProFx8v2

(1) Zoom H6

(2) DBX 286s

(2) Electro Voice re320 package from BSW Warehouse

(2) Rode PSA-1 Boom Arms

(1) 6U Audio Rack

(2) Sony MDR-7506 Headphones

(1) Behringer HA400 Headphone Amp

Plus cables.

Each additional microphone would be a re320 package, a Rode PSA-1 Boom Arm, a DBX 286s and a Sony MDR-7506.

The Mixer can output a stereo track to a Laptop / PC which you can use to record a stereo track on your recording software of choice. The Zoom H6 offers the capability to record up to 6 channels either through the mixer using inserts / aux sends / subs.

Personally I'd swap out the Rode PSA-1 for the Heil PL-2T Boom Arm but either should get the job done.

Also, if I was advising him today I would tell him to forget the Mackie ProFX8v2 mixer AND the Zoom H6 AND the Behringer HA400 and buy a Zoom L12 Livetrack Recorder instead. In fact my Better Podcast cohost recently filmed a video review of the Zoom L12 if you want to check that out.

Finally, the re320 was the microphone he was used to from Chicago WGN radio but it would have been the one I recommended anyway. There are others to choose from but the re320 is the most forgiving for all voices.

For a more mobile setup I would recommend the Sennheiser MD-46 interview microphone which you could place on a desk stand with a On-Stage MY-325 Shock Mount. If you have the Zoom H-6 or Zoom L-12 you could easily take that setup from room to room. In fact I just used a similar setup earlier this year at GenCon as I think the sound turned out pretty good.

As for editing software there are plenty of opinions on that. But since this is business based you might consider getting some Adobe licenses. It will contain audio and video editing software as well as the PhotoShop suite as well. Personally I'm transitioning from Audacity to Movie Studio Platinum 14.0 and Reaper/Hindenburg Journalist.

All of this is professional gear but if you really want a no kidding pro setup I'd contact the guys at BSW Warehouse. They will give you options in the $10k and $100k ranges.

I currently use the Zoom H5 with the EXH-6 Dual XLR/TRS Capsule, which supports up to 4 channels. My dream upgrade is the Zoom LiveTrak L-12, which has 8 XLR inputs and two stereo inputs. It's $600 on Amazon but regularly goes down to $500.