The BEACN Mix Sound Controller — a basic hardware mixer which provides convenient control over up to four audio inputs/outputs on a connected PC — showed up in August 2021 to critical streamer and podcaster acclaim alongside its slightly bigger, yet far more advanced sibling, the BEACN Mix Create. MMORPG’s Joseph Bradford noted its ease of use and great-feeling controls, though it’s broadly disagreed upon whether or not the baseline BEACN Mix controller is worth its $149 MSRP when placed so close to the Mix Create (which has a $199 MSRP). Meanwhile, both controllers compete against the Elgato Stream Deck ($199.99) in both functionality and price, albeit with a few key design differences; potentially making the BEACN Mix the better choice for regular use.
And now, for those who’ve remained on the fence about buying one or the other, the tables are turning. Drop is currently offering the BEACN Mix Sound Controller at a 33.5% markdown ($99, down from $149). Of course, there’s also the far more comprehensive Razer Stream Controller, but its $269.99 MSRP pushes it outside of the same ballpark while its $149.99 macro-only counterpart, the Razer Stream Controller X, is in a category of its own. For the limited time this offer is active, the BEACN Mix is one of the best — if not the best — dedicated streaming audio mixers you can buy, and its major design advantages over the premium-priced Elgato Stream Deck are significant where accessibility is concerned.
BEACN’s design features two colorways: Dark Blue and White, and they’re both attractive yet functional thanks to the mixer’s four large (and evidently, quite comfortable) knobs and 5-inch full-color display. These are a departure from the Elgato Stream Deck’s much tinier display, function buttons, and knobs, and that’s all possible due to its larger dimensions. Comparing the two side-by-side, the BEACN Mix Sound Controller measures in at 7.4 x 14.3 x 14.2 inches, whereas the Stream Deck is 4.6 x 3.3 x 0.8 inches. Despite the BEACN’s added comfort making it a shoo-in for someone who needs a bigger display and bigger controls, that size difference may be worth considering when determining whether your desk has enough space to fit it.
Still, it’s a plug-and-play mixer with plenty of portability, using USB-C to connect to the streaming PC via a single connection. Once that’s set up, the software seems equally easy to get rolling. Critics are less in love with the mixer’s lack of sophisticated features, however. For example, it lacks the ability to create and control submixes of similar audio signals. That’s not too important when you need something simple in a pinch, and the BEACN Mix is just that — a simple, yet durable and easy-to-configure solution for podcasting and streaming with limited space resources. If that’s you, you’ll want to grab it at its current price before the deal ends, though it’s unclear when that’ll be. Drop’s estimated ship date is December 29, 2023.
The audio tech company’s heavily known for making products that democratize music production by letting you use software and hardware along with readily available devices like iPhones and iPads. The iRig Stream Mic Pro opens yet another avenue for budding podcasters to record crystal-clear audio for everything from podcasts to streams, videos, and even professional music production. The condenser microphone comes with 4 switchable polar patterns for all sorts of recording settings, a hi-pass filter that lets you instantly cut out rumbling sounds and other noises, and an audio interface that supports connecting a host of devices like keyboards, mixers, turntables, soundboards, etc. The microphone can be hooked to anything from a studio setup to a laptop, iPad, or iPhone, giving you the freedom to either scale up or scale down your setup, depending on the need.
Designer: IK Multimedia
The iRig Stream Mic Pro comes with a gold-sputtered ½” electret condenser diaphragm that allows it to record in pristine quality, but even supports the ability to choose between four polar patterns – cardioid, omnidirectional, figure-eight, and stereo, based on the space you’re recording in and the elements around you. A central knob forms the most noticeable element of the microphone’s design, doing multiple things from letting you cycle between patterns to controlling gain, headphone level, monitor mix, and even the high pass filter.
The iRig Stream Mic Pro is a little more than your average microphone. Sure, it matches up to some high-grade condenser mics in its capabilities, but what really sets it apart is the fact that it’s practically an entire studio inside a microphone. You can connect it right to your smartphone and begin recording, but if you’ve got more on your mind, the Stream Mic Pro lets you push boundaries. An aux input lets you hook your mic up to audio input devices like a keyboard, turntable, soundboard, or smartphone, and have the audio mix right into your recording. A headphone out lets you play with the levels too, allowing you to tune up your vocals or the audio playing from the input device. The Stream Mic Pro’s built-in audio interface gives it the ability to connect various devices to the mic without requiring any additional gear. The final recording then can be sent to your DAW on your phone, tablet, or laptop, saving you the trouble of requiring expensive gear and a technician.
Want to have better control over your master recording? The iRig Stream Mic Pro offers IK Multimedia’s groundbreaking Loopback+, letting you not only add music from your phone or tablet to your recording or stream but even route the mic signal into a separate app to add reverb, EQ, or noise-reduction before sending it to apps like TikTok or Instagram, which don’t normally let you process audio or add background music. This effectively gives you studio-level control in your social media apps, setting your content miles apart.
The mic comes with an ultra-portable design that cuts your need for additional gear in half. It connects to tripods or mic stands using a threaded mounting system at the back, and hooks to your smartphone, tablet, or laptop via USB-C (or lightning for your iPhone). The mic records in 24-bit at 96kHz, and offers a choice of stereo or multi-channel mode. The microphone connects to your device, working right out of the box without any extra software, and an MFi certification means you can even charge your iPhone while using iRig Stream Mic Pro to record with the (optional) DC power supply. The iRig Stream Mic Pro starts at €169.99 ($185.4 USD) and ships with a 2-year warranty.
Starting a podcast is easy. Making one that actually sounds good is another story entirely. We can't help much with the bigger problems facing would-be podcasters — finding a good topic and getting people to listen — but we can point you to the best gear to get started. With a few smart purchases, you too can sound like a podcast pro.
Get a decent microphone
You need a good microphone. There's no arguing with this. It doesn't matter if you're starting your own show or planning to guest on someone else's podcast. A great microphone will elevate your voice to help you get the sort of depth and richness you hear on the radio and popular shows like Radiolab. While you could record with your phone or your PC's webcam mic in a pinch, nobody wants to hear that every week.
We strongly suggest starting with a solid USB microphone. They can connect easily to any computer (or even phones and tablets with a dongle), and they'll offer a huge leap in sound quality. Previously, we’ve recommended the Blue Yeti as the ideal beginner mic. It’s easy to use and sounds great for the price. But it’s also a condenser microphone, which means it’s not great for the noisy environments most newfound podcasters are recording in. So this year, we’re suggesting you jump straight to an inexpensive dynamic microphone like the Audio Technica ATR-2100X.
Dynamic microphones do a better job of isolating your voice and cutting out background noise — the only downside is that you need to speak close to it like a radio host. The ATR 2100X also has USB-C and XLR connections, which means you can easily bring it over to a more professional audio interface down the line, or drag it along to a friend’s studio.
There are cheaper USB microphones out there like Blue's Snowball ($80) and AmazonBasics' Mini Condenser ($45), but you’ll pay for going cheap with noisier recordings. If you're serious about podcasting, it's worth spending a bit more up front: There's a good chance you'll end up chucking a cheaper mic once you hear the difference.
You should actually read the instructions and make sure you know what every dial and button does. Most importantly, make sure you're speaking in the right direction! With most microphones, including the Blue Yeti, you want to aim at the side with the brand label. Some models, like the ATR2100X and other dynamic mics, need to be addressed from the top. Yes, I know this all sounds basic, but I've encountered dozens of people who end up aiming for the wrong part of their mics when they're getting started.
It's also worth picking up a few accessories to make your recordings sound great. Get a pop filter or foam cover to avoid plosives (that annoying titutal pop when you make "p" sounds). If you're going to be recording regularly, it's worth investing in a tabletop arm to hold your mic in an optimal position (and also avoid the extra noise you get from desktop stands).
You could, of course, start exploring more-expensive microphone options, but I'd suggest holding off on those until you're more committed to the podcasting life. The next big level up from USB options is the world of XLR microphones, the same interface used for professional audio gear. You'll also need a USB audio interface, like the Tascam US-2x2 or FocusRite Scarlett 2i2 ($170), to connect those mics to your computer. At that point, you can start looking at higher-end options like the Rode Procaster ($224). It sounds noticeably richer than the Yeti, and since it's a dynamic microphone, it's also better at cutting out unwanted noise.
Here's some advice: You can save quite a bit by buying all this equipment used or refurbished. I saved $100 on the excellent Shure PG42 USB microphone years ago by going through eBay.
Now that you have the hardware, you need some software to put your show together. There's no avoiding this part: You need to learn the basics of audio editing. Luckily, there's Audacity, a free, open-source audio editor that works across every computing platform. Its UI is ugly and a bit archaic, but it's also pretty powerful once you get a handle on it. I've edited all of my shows with Audacity, and aside from a few annoying crashes and quirks, it suits my needs well.
If you're looking for something more robust or you grow tired of Audacity, the free version of AVID's Pro Tools is worth a look, and there's Reaper by Winamp creator Justin Frankel. They're both full-fledged digital audio workstations (DAW), and Reaper also has the bonus of working with plenty of tools and plug-ins. At the high end of the spectrum, there's Adobe Audition, but at $21 per month, or $240 for the year, it's not worth considering until podcasting has become your life.
Get good headphones
Headphones are the best way to monitor your recordings — that is, to hear yourself as you're recording — as well as to make sure they sound great once completed. You'll definitely want something better than the earbuds that came with your phones. We recommend starting with something like Sony's MDR-7506 ($98), a pair of over-the-ear headphones that have been studio mainstays for decades. They offer a neutral sound and a light fit, exactly what you'll need for hours of editing. If you've already picked up a pair of great headphones, those will work fine. (Be sure to turn off any noise-canceling features, though, as they can color what you're hearing while monitoring recordings.)
We're not going to go down the rabbit hole of recommending large speakers like you'd find in a real studio. They're not worth it for podcast editing, and most people will be listening to your show with headphones anyway. Of course, if you make something that sounds great on headphones, it'll probably be fine on speakers.
You can't just set up your fancy new microphone anywhere! You'll want to find a room that's as quiet as possible, or even a small closet. If both of those options are out, carve out some space in the corner or along a wall of a larger room. Wherever you set up, you'll need to treat your space a bit with some foam wedges or other sound-absorbing objects. You can always go the simple route: Drape a curtain or blanket over your desk to create an isolated sound-dampened spot.
Learn how to record with friends
So now you're all set to record a podcast on your own. But how do you bring in a co-host or guest? That's where things get a bit complicated. You could chat with a friend over Skype and record their audio using something like Total Recorder on Windows or Soundflower on Mac. You'll want to make sure the other person is also aiming for the best audio quality with a high-quality mic. In a pinch, you can have a guest record a voice memo on their phone (but be sure to follow NPR's phone-recording guidelines).
To simplify remote group recordings, you could consider web-based services like Zencastr and Cast, which automatically capture high-quality local audio. They’ll get you better quality than a Skype recording, since you’re not dealing with compressed audio from your guests. These services let you quickly edit and process recordings online as well. While they may sound like podcasting heaven, there are issues to watch out for. Network interruptions could easily render a session useless, and they’re demanding on systems with minimal RAM. If you go this route, be sure to have backup recordings.
For the most control, your co-host can record their side of the conversation on their end and send it to you afterward. This obviously introduces additional layers of complexity, like making sure your audio stays synchronized throughout the whole recording. It's also tougher to edit, since you're juggling multiple files on a timeline instead of one. But honestly, the quality bump is worth it. If you're looking to hone your audio-editing skills, there are online tutorials like this Udemy course or YouTube instructional videos.
Recording with another person physically near you is a bit tougher. Some mics like the Blue Yeti have modes for shared recording. Otherwise, you'll need to get a USB audio interface to plug multiple XLR mics into your computer. If you're going that route, you'll have to be extra careful about avoiding crossover recordings on those mics. If you're looking to record interviews on the go, nab a digital audio recorder like the Zoom H1n ($120) and a few mics like Rode's Lavalier Go ($79). Since it won't sound nearly as good as a home setup, I wouldn't recommend this as your main recording method (unless you invest in a powerful recorder with support for pro-grade XLR mics).
Once you've locked in an episode or two, it's time to start exploring podcast hosts. These will host your files, give you a feed you can subscribe to in any podcast app and usually help you list your show on iTunes, Spotify and other services. Most important, you can get some detailed analytics from hosts, and if you get popular enough, they can also help you nab some sponsorships. You can get started for free with Acast, $5 per month with Libsyn, or $10 per month with Audioboom.
Designed so you can set up your podcasting studio practically anywhere without an array of expensive equipment in mere minutes, the TALK microphone concept is a form exploration exercise that seeks to make the studio-grade condenser microphone sleek and portable. The design features a foldable base with 3 individually adjustable legs, effectively combining the mic and tripod all into one form. When closed, the TALK microphone is the shape and size of a deodorant can, and when opened, is an easily adjustable tabletop microphone that connects to your smartphone, tablet, or laptop directly via USB-C.
The podcasting boom post-2018-19 has really created a major market for ‘podcasting microphones’. Microphones recommended for podcasts are no different from the ones used in recording studios (condenser mics), although their interface has been simplified because not everyone has the luxury of being able to set up a studio space just for podcasts. For people who don’t want to invest in studio equipment, and don’t believe in recording episodes on crummy earphone mics, podcasting microphones offer the perfect balance between the two by being compact and uncomplicated, yet versatile and high-end enough to capture high-quality audio recordings.
The TALK mic is perfect for people who don’t podcast from a dedicated space. Designed clearly to be carried around, the microphone folds right up into a slim cylinder, slipping easily into backpacks, while the mic’s USB-C interface eliminates the need for those thick audio cables. The microphone sets up in mere seconds, unfolding open while the legs fan out to create a neat tripod. The microphone’s angle can easily be adjusted too, and a simple gain knob on the front lets the host quickly control the input volume directly from the mic itself.
What’s wonderful about the TALK concept is that it doesn’t just physically uncomplicate the act of podcasting (by being compact and easy to use), it removes the veneer of studio equipment being serious too, with its incredibly fun color-ways. Unlike most studio-grade audio gear that comes in either black or metallic finishes, the TALK explores a variety of colors that absolutely pop… almost like they were DESIGNED to be paired along with Apple’s latest iMacs! The microphones look to ‘speak’ to their users, allowing them to reflect the attitude of the people speaking into them, while still offering black and white color variants for those who just want to stick to the classics.
The TALK microphones are the pet project of Italy-based designer Andrea Gallarini. Wanting to simplify the recording process into 3 steps – open, connect, record, Gallarini created a microphone that hopes to do for professional recording what the iPhone did for photography. Obviously, the TALK isn’t limited to just podcasts. The fact that it still is, on the inside, a condenser microphone makes it perfect for recording music, streaming, presenting/hosting, or doing voiceovers or Foley work. The mic’s just a concept for now, and is more of a form and design exercise than a proof of concept. The biggest caveat with condenser microphones remains the fact that they’re incredibly delicate pieces of hardware that need to be handled with care… so the idea of a microphone that’s designed to fold up and fit in a backpack seems like a real-world logistical challenge that the TALK doesn’t quite address… although maybe a padded soft-shell carrying case would really seal the deal!
Designed so you can set up your podcasting studio practically anywhere without an array of expensive equipment in mere minutes, the TALK microphone concept is a form exploration exercise that seeks to make the studio-grade condenser microphone sleek and portable. The design features a foldable base with 3 individually adjustable legs, effectively combining the mic and tripod all into one form. When closed, the TALK microphone is the shape and size of a deodorant can, and when opened, is an easily adjustable tabletop microphone that connects to your smartphone, tablet, or laptop directly via USB-C.
The podcasting boom post-2018-19 has really created a major market for ‘podcasting microphones’. Microphones recommended for podcasts are no different from the ones used in recording studios (condenser mics), although their interface has been simplified because not everyone has the luxury of being able to set up a studio space just for podcasts. For people who don’t want to invest in studio equipment, and don’t believe in recording episodes on crummy earphone mics, podcasting microphones offer the perfect balance between the two by being compact and uncomplicated, yet versatile and high-end enough to capture high-quality audio recordings.
The TALK mic is perfect for people who don’t podcast from a dedicated space. Designed clearly to be carried around, the microphone folds right up into a slim cylinder, slipping easily into backpacks, while the mic’s USB-C interface eliminates the need for those thick audio cables. The microphone sets up in mere seconds, unfolding open while the legs fan out to create a neat tripod. The microphone’s angle can easily be adjusted too, and a simple gain knob on the front lets the host quickly control the input volume directly from the mic itself.
What’s wonderful about the TALK concept is that it doesn’t just physically uncomplicate the act of podcasting (by being compact and easy to use), it removes the veneer of studio equipment being serious too, with its incredibly fun color-ways. Unlike most studio-grade audio gear that comes in either black or metallic finishes, the TALK explores a variety of colors that absolutely pop… almost like they were DESIGNED to be paired along with Apple’s latest iMacs! The microphones look to ‘speak’ to their users, allowing them to reflect the attitude of the people speaking into them, while still offering black and white color variants for those who just want to stick to the classics.
The TALK microphones are the pet project of Italy-based designer Andrea Gallarini. Wanting to simplify the recording process into 3 steps – open, connect, record, Gallarini created a microphone that hopes to do for professional recording what the iPhone did for photography. Obviously, the TALK isn’t limited to just podcasts. The fact that it still is, on the inside, a condenser microphone makes it perfect for recording music, streaming, presenting/hosting, or doing voiceovers or Foley work. The mic’s just a concept for now, and is more of a form and design exercise than a proof of concept. The biggest caveat with condenser microphones remains the fact that they’re incredibly delicate pieces of hardware that need to be handled with care… so the idea of a microphone that’s designed to fold up and fit in a backpack seems like a real-world logistical challenge that the TALK doesn’t quite address… although maybe a padded soft-shell carrying case would really seal the deal!
The smartphone is already a capable content-creating beast… Roland just makes it better by allowing it to interface with the rest of your pro-recording and production gear.
You can’t plug your electric guitar or studio mic into your smartphone. Believe me, I’ve tried. I fancy myself a bit of a musician and I’ve always wanted to be able to record directly into my smartphone without relying on my phone’s third-grade microphone, but that isn’t possible for multiple reasons – one of them being the fact that tech companies hate putting ports on phones. That’s sort of where Roland comes in with its GO:MIXER PRO-X, a hardware interface that lets you hook multiple recording and musical instruments to your phone, turning it into the ultimate studio. Perfect for mobile-based content creation and impromptu live-streams (something that’s absolutely sparked amidst the pandemic thanks how easy TikTok has made it to be an overnight star), the Roland GO:MIXER PRO-X is a handy, pocket-sized portable mixer that lets you connect your phone to practically every music/performance instrument around you.
Designed to be compatible with iOS as well as Android smartphones, the GO:MIXER PRO-X is a nifty piece of hardware for musicians, performers, presenters, and even podcasters. Just plug it to your smartphone and you suddenly have an entire variety of ports and knobs for all your recording gear. The GO:MIXER PRO-X connects to your smartphone via its USB-C or Lightning-connector interface and supplies power to it too, keeping your phone juiced during your recording/performance. It has dedicated inputs for microphones, guitars, synths, bass, and even drums, while knobs on the top let you control their gain, balancing the audio to your liking.
If you cringe at the idea of having to host a proper professional livestream with AirPods in your ears, the GO:MIXER PRO-X brings back the familiar 3.5mm headphone line-in, allowing you to connect monitoring headphones in to listen to the audio feed going into your phone. You can use it solo, controlling and balancing your sound, or you could switch on your phone’s camera and position yourself in front of it, giving the mixing duties to a fellow colleague or sound-engineer. Instead of needing to have expensive audio/video recording, monitoring, and studio equipment, all you need are your instruments, your smartphone, and the GO:MIXER PRO-X. It’s perfect for musicians, podcasters, radio hosts, DJs, interviewers, and even teachers who conduct online classes. After all, your smartphone’s more-than-capable hardware/software shouldn’t get kneecapped by its inability to connect to pro-grade recording equipment, right?
Gaming headset maker Turtle Beach is acquiring Neat Microphones. Neat, if you’re unfamiliar with them, is best known for making whimsical desktop USB microphones that combine playful hues with retro-futurist design. The company’s founders include Ski...
A year ago most of us got along just fine using our laptops’ built-in webcams and microphones. Now many of us are stuck at home, setting up new workspaces and finding that our options for standalone mics and cams are somewhat limited — and a lot of w...
Need further proof of podcasting's immense cultural value? Earlier this morning, Spotify announced a multi-year deal giving the production house Chernin Entertainment first crack at adapting its podcasts into movies and television shows.“As we contin...
Whether you stream your game sessions, run a podcast or record vocal performances, you need a decent mic. Elgato is throwing its hat into the USB mic ring with its new Wave 1 and Wave 3 units -- which shouldn’t be a shock since Corsair has been using...
