If you are between People as you read this, look to your left. Now look to your right. Statistically speaking, those on both sides probably have their own podcasts. Chances are, you have several people in your life who also fit the bill. The good news is that the prevalence of podcasts means that better and better tools are being produced to help hosts up their games.
A couple of months ago, I wrote a How I Podcast article showing some of the tips and tricks I’ve implemented for my own show. RiYL. At the moment it’s very much a one-man production, but I’ve been able to improve my game considerably thanks to new technology.
You’ll find a lot of what I personally use on this list. Some items are more expensive than others, but the good news is that in 2023, you won’t have to pay a ton to produce a great-sounding show. And if you’re looking for great-sounding new shows, check out our podcasts covering startups, founders, and the crypto space: Equity, Found and Chain reaction.
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RODECaster Pro II
Several years after its initial release, RODECaster Pro remains the gold standard for creating studios on the go. The system is ideal for in-person productions, especially those without a fixed location. When I go ultra-portable, nothing beats a Tascam and a pair of microphones, but if you want to recreate the feel of a four-mic studio, without the cost of a true professional soundboard, this is where you go.
It’s very easy to use out of the box and offers a wealth of controls and customization, along with features like cue toggle buttons for producing a podcast in real time. It’s a perfect gift for a seasoned hobbyist podcaster looking to take things to the next level.
Tula Microphone
Image credits: Brian Heater
I could have easily included it in the travel gift guide. As someone whose job requires me to go on the road once a month, I’ve been looking for a way to improve my hotel recording experience. The Tula Mic has it all: good looks, excellent sound quality, and a compact, foldable design that can fit comfortably in your carry-on luggage.
The microphone connects to your computer via a USB-C port and offers a variety of different configurations. You can also take it with you for field recordings, thanks to a 12-hour battery and 8 GB of internal storage. It is extremely well thought out hardware in all aspects.
After MV7
technology/dp/B0977SPN9R?crid=2E9EUZFC5DMLS&keywords=Shure+MV7&qid=1697761031&s=musical-instruments&sprefix=shure+mv7%2Cmi%2C125&sr=1-4&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.c3015c4a-46bb-44b9-81a4-dc28e6d374b3&linkCode=ll1&tag=techc08f-20&linkId=1fe057944fc20985b6de0014eef30da8&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl”>Price: $269 on Amazon
Image credits: shure
I’ve gone through a lot of USB microphones, especially during the course of the pandemic. The Shure MV7 is the first one I’ve really fallen in love with. Once I learned this, I recorded every episode of my podcast, moderated dozens of panels, and held countless meetings with him. In fact, it remains permanently connected to my desktop at all times.
Now, it’s not the pro level of Shure’s SM7B, generally considered the gold standard of podcasting microphones. But the MV7 is cheaper and, more importantly, features a USB input so you can get great sound without having to deal with separate audio interface hardware.
Insta360 Link
Image credits: Brian Heater
This webcam is another accessory for my home desk. It’s strange to say, but I get complimented on my video quality all the time during work meetings. Video goes up to 4K, but for most things, you’re more than fine relying on 1080p. However, the extra resolution comes in really handy when using the 5x digital zoom with minimal image degradation. If you tend to move around a lot, don’t worry, the built-in electronic gimbal has you covered.
Insta360’s desktop software is also foolproof, making sure things are framed correctly beforehand, so you don’t look like an amateur, adjusting things after you’ve logged in.
Razer ring light
Image credits: Razer
During the pandemic, many of us were forced to deal with poor lighting in our homes. While a good webcam can go a long way to improving the image, it is useless without a good light source. There are a lot of ring lights on the market, but I finally came across this one from gaming giant Razer.
The price is certainly right and the system can be mounted on a tripod or the back of a monitor. My advice, however, is that it is not always best to do it from the front, especially if you wear glasses. You’ll want to experiment a little with the settings, but fortunately, the mounting system gives you all kinds of options here.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Image credits: Brian Heater
My advice to all podcasters is: use headphones. And try to have your guests where they are, when possible. It will significantly facilitate your job as an editor. For most amateur podcasters, I generally recommend a pair of over-ear headphones that you also intend to use in your daily life. If you’re recording remotely, you probably don’t need a pair of high-end monitors.
I’m sticking with the QuietComfort Ultra based on their track record (they’re currently available for pre-order). Bose makes great headphones for all-day wear, so you can use them for podcasts, meetings, and take them on long flights, thanks to their ultra-comfortable design.
I also recommend looking at a pair with an auxiliary input. That’s a really useful feature for editing, not to mention those fickle video systems in the backs of airplane seats.
Subscriptions
Image credits: Riverside.fm
As a general rule, subscriptions make great gifts. This certainly applies to podcasting. I feel like every month I hear about another service I want to sign up for to take my program to the next level. These are some of my current favorites:
Riverside.fm ($15/month): I have recommended Zencastr in previous years, but in the end I felt too sorry for the platform. For $15 a month, Riverside gives you up to five hours of high-quality remote audio and video recording.
Aufonic ($10.50/month): The latest addition to my workflow saves me several hours a month. Turn up a track and Auphonic will level it and remove background noise in minutes.
ai/”>Otter ($10/month): Otter is a godsend for both transcription and editing. For the latter, the ai-based service can help you find keywords in no time.
Podcast Page ($12/month): A super easy-to-use service that generates a professional-looking site for your program. I was dealing with an injury this past weekend and spent a few hours customizing my program page. The flexibility is impressive for a visual editor.
