12 Great Gifts for Podcasters

The popularity of podcasts has exploded over the past decade or so. Podcasts entertain and inform us while we’re commuting in our cars, traveling on the bus or subway, or working out at the gym. No matter what topic you’re interested in, you can bet there’s a podcast that explores it. But let’s not forget — behind every great podcast is an excellent podcaster with good gear. If you’re lucky enough to have one of those individuals in your family or circle of friends, then you may wonder what kind of gifts they might enjoy. Wonder no more because Sweetwater is here to help out. Here are some great gift suggestions podcasters can use to ply their trade.

InterfacesMicsBoom ArmsHeadphonesRoom TreatmentNoise Reduction SoftwareSweetwater Gift Cards

Interfaces

RODE Rodecaster Pro II

Managing the content that will help you get a successful podcast off the ground can feel like running Grand Central Station — that’s why you need an interface! For studios with multiple hosts and frequent guests, the RODE Rodecaster Pro II is an easy-to-operate solution that Sweetwater pros always recommend. This interface accepts up to four microphones with connections for headphones, a Bluetooth device, and a cell-phone call. Each source gets a dedicated channel that houses a volume fader and mute control — all color coded for convenience! The 5.5-inch touchscreen also gives you access to an array of onboard effects like Laughter, Airhorn, and Reverb, which a grid of associated push pads can trigger. Now, that’s how you run a podcast!

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Focusrite Vocaster Two

The Focusrite Vocaster Two is an excellent interface for handling smaller, two-person setups. Focusrite is known for developing some of the best interfaces in the industry tailor-made to meet the needs of any studio — the Vocaster Two is no exception. This interface has two microphone channels for a host and a guest with a master gain knob and headphone volume controls for each. Its Bluetooth, TRRS, and TRS camera audio connections provide the necessary connectivity. Auto Gain makes level setting easy, and the Enhance function offers three presets to make your voice sound its best. And the included software gets you started right away!

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Mics

Shure SM7B

Mic experts at Sweetwater agree that the Shure SM7B is hands down one of the best microphones for dialogue, making it a podcaster’s dream! Engineered for a wide frequency response, including onboard switches for bass roll-off and midrange emphasis, this mic will capture voices with crystal-clear presence. Broadband interference and electric hum are not an issue, and the pop filter and detachable A7WS windscreen ensure that plosives and unwanted ambient noise are never a problem! This rugged and highly-capable mic is world-renowned for a reason. It’s an essential piece of gear that will optimize the sound of any serious podcast!

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RODE XCM-50

Gamers and streamers not looking to drop a lot of dough will love the RODE XCM-50! This USB-C mic is budget-friendly and built with a tight cardioid polar pattern for exceptional off-axis rejection (it picks up what’s important and gets rid of what’s not!). The built-in zero-latency headphone output includes mute and level controls, keeping streamers in constant control of the status of their show. But you’re not just getting the mic! Included with your order is the integrated 360-degree swing mount, an internal pop shield, a USB-C to USB-C cable, a headphone-cable extension, and a tripod desk mount to ensure that desktop operation is as streamlined as possible. Want more processing options? The XCM-50 is compatible with Unify, giving you access to Aphex audio processing for polishing your signal quality.

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sE Electronics DynaCaster

Looking for a great dialogue microphone that will also shine in multiple studio scenarios like drum and guitar-cabinet miking? Then the sE Electronics DynaCaster dynamic mic is what you need! It’s built with an in-line, Dynamite-style active preamp and a V series capsule that guarantees low noise and hot levels when you record. A triple-layer pop filter eliminates any threat of plosives and is accompanied by a durable housing that’ll keep the DynaCaster protected wherever you podcast. But the DynaCaster isn’t just catered to one voice — configure the tone-shaping switches to provide audio that’s equalized precisely how you want it! Complete with a thread adapter and an external windscreen, this podcasting mic is designed to handle it all.

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Boom Arms

On-Stage MBS9500

The On-Stage MBS9500 is a pro-grade broadcast boom arm that instantly creates a more professional atmosphere on any podcaster’s desktop workstation. Each hinge on the MBS9500 is quiet, allowing for disturbance-free movement during shows and streams. Its design keeps springs and cables hidden, creating a camera-friendly aesthetic for filmed events. And convenience is a top priority! The extra-sturdy base clamp attaches and tightens quickly while a removable headphone hanger keeps your headset within reach and out of the way during breaks.

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RODE PSA1+

The RODE PSA1+ boom arm is a compatible, versatile, and affordable choice for studio mic support, handling broadcast-style microphones up to 2.4 pounds. It features 360-degree rotation and a maximum reach of 32 inches vertically and 33 inches horizontally to cover as much ground as possible. The included desktop attachment keeps the PSA1+ ready to clamp to just about any desktop surface up to 2.16 inches in thickness. Its hook and groove design keeps your workstation tidy and free of messy mic cables, and it boasts black neoprene arm covers for a flawless and professional look that will suit any studio!

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Headphones

AKG K92

A good set of headphones is imperative for monitoring your podcast’s sound quality and eliminating distractions while working. AKG K92 headphones are a quality, inexpensive place to start! The closed-back design makes them an excellent choice with wide-range 40mm drivers for effortless listening. The K92 includes a 1/4-inch screw-on adapter for its 1/8-inch gold plug, perfect for use with any interface. And the attractive price makes them a great choice for guest headsets and hosts on a budget! The K92 also features an adaptable headband and replaceable earcups.

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Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

Few headphones pack as much value and critical acclaim into one package as the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x studio monitoring set. The ATH-M50x headphone set is a favorite among studio producers for many reasons, the most notable being their impeccable audio quality and comfortable, convenient design. The 45mm drivers deliver rich and full sound quality with an expertly engineered full-frequency range. This closed-back pair boasts 90-degree swiveling earcups that allow you to instantly switch to single-ear monitoring, keeping you in touch with your surroundings in the studio. Additionally, with ear contours, professional-grade padding and headband material, detachable cables, a 1/4-inch adapter, and an easily collapsible design, you can rest assured that the comfort and convenience factors of these headphones are well taken care of!

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Shure SRH440A

You can’t go wrong with Shure SRH440A headphones. They are a mid-priced, stylish, lightweight choice perfect for podcasting! Closed-back cups keep distractions to a minimum while this set’s sound transparency is balanced and impressively vivid. And low-distortion neodymium drivers deliver crystal-clear sound! This makes them a great universal set — a good choice for guests and hosts and for editing, mixing, and mastering audio. Not sure whether to lean novice or pro? The SRH440A headphones are a safe and satisfying selection!

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Room Treatment

Primacoustic London 10

It’s time to get your podcasting studio underway. Like any serious studio, you need to ensure the purest sonic atmosphere to capture clean recordings of your dialogue. A Primacoustic London 10 acoustic treatment kit will get you there! Ideal for smaller rooms up to 120 square feet, this kit consists of eight 48-inch control columns, a dozen 12-inch blocks, and 28 surface impalers to expertly combat lingering ambient impurities. Despite their unobtrusive thicknesses, their material is denser than foam to allow for more absorption with a smaller footprint — the best of both worlds! All mounting hardware comes bundled with this set so you can get set up as soon as possible. That includes anchors, screws, and even a 1/4-inch drill bit. Say goodbye to flutter echo and pesky acoustic anomalies and start recording your podcasts like a pro!

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Noise Reduction Software

iZotope RX 10 Standard

Once you finish recording, you might realize that your audio needs help — restoration, enhancement, equalization, and more. That’s why industry pros at Sweetwater recommend having iZotope RX 10 Standard software ready on your computer. With iZotope RX 10 Standard, you can effortlessly rid your recorded audio of unwanted buzzes, clicks, and other unwelcome annoyances. Electromagnetic hum? Gone! Wireless interference? See ya! And, if audio repair is a new and somewhat overwhelming concept, then the upgraded Repair Assistant AI is designed to help make fixing damaged audio a painless procedure. Take the First Time User Experience interactive software tour to help get your bearings even faster. Sweetwater experts know that RX 10 Standard is the industry standard and perfect for podcasting!

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Sweetwater Gift Cards

If you prefer a stocking stuffer in hand, then you can also purchase a physical gift card that we will mail to you or your special musician. Whether you choose a digital gift card or a physical gift card, we are confident that the convenience of either will make this holiday season less stressful all around! These cards are the gift you can give others (or yourself) to make the season a little brighter.

Sweetwater Gift CardsChoosing the perfect gift has never been easier than instant digital delivery and the freedom to choose from over 63,000 music products. A Sweetwater e-Gift is the fastest way to get the giving going. You choose the dollar amount, and the music maker in your life — or maybe even you — gets exactly what they want. The perfect gift is just a few clicks away!

Well, there you have it — a great list of Sweetwater-approved gift ideas for podcasters. If you have questions about any of these items or other podcasting or pro audio gear, then give your Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700. We’re always happy to help you pick out the perfect gear for your loved one!
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