Innovation makes technology accessible. The camera used to once be too big to carry – it’s now the size of your thumbnail. Telephones used to be bound by wires – they now fit in your pockets, and a video production setup used to occupy an entire room – but RØDE puts it in a 6-inch X 6-inch device that sits on your tabletop. As impressive as that may sound, it’s also the audio company’s first-ever foray into video production… and it’s set to change how gamers, streamers, podcasters, and online event organizers work.
The RØDE Streamer -X combines a professional 4K video capture card, audio interface, and control surface into one simple, small, streamlined device that gives you complete control over your content creation setup. Building on the company’s line of podcasting equipment, along with its dominance in the audio industry in general, the Streamer-X aims at channeling a new demographic of content creators, for whom video is just as important as audio. The Streamer-X lets you capture 4K video and even switch between video sources, while managing audio inputs. MIDI controller-like buttons on the device let you cue effects or music, and two intuitive knobs let you control mic and headphone volume, condensing an entire range of production equipment into something that occupies about the same amount of desktop real-estate as Apple’s Magic Trackpad.
The Streamer X forms a crucial interface between your recording equipment and your computer, allowing you to easily manage production thanks to its small, intuitive design. The rear lets you hook up HDMI sources, supporting 4K30 video and up to 4K60 pass-through, along with studio-grade audio inputs for XLR microphones and instruments, headsets, etc. (and even connectivity for wireless mics) with an ultra-low-noise, high-gain Revolution Preamp built-in. In short, all your expensive professional-grade equipment plugs right into the Streamer X, which then hooks to your workstation to connect to your production software.
While most video production decks are inundated with knobs, buttons, sliders, and controls that seem daunting to the beginner, the Streamer X boasts a simplified interface that lets you configure and control your setup. Large, backlit keys let you easily control audio and video even in low-light settings, with dedicated controls for mic and headphones levels, and large audio and video mute buttons. The Streamer X also boasts four SMART pads that can be tailored to your preferences, with the option to access up to 64 through bank switching. These pads can be programmed to initiate audio playback, apply voice FX, and send MIDI messages to your computer. This means that you can execute any keyboard shortcut with a single press of a pad, making it incredibly convenient for tasks such as changing slides during a presentation or switching scenes in your streaming software.
The rear offers a look at all the input and output ports on the Streamer X
Simply put, the $399 Streamer X helps you differentiate between an amateur and a professional video setup. RØDE designed this product for YouTubers, Twitch-streamers, gamers, deejays, podcasters, vloggers, independent media, cinematographers, and online presenters, giving them all a quick, professional way to manage all their recording equipment. The Streamer X lets you connect to 2 computers or mobile device simultaneously with the dual USB-C interfaces, and compatibility with the free UNIFY software lets you perform advanced audio routing, mixing, and configuration. At its price point, it doesn’t break the bank either, which means you can splurge on expensive recording equipment instead, vastly enhancing the quality of your output. The Streamer X also makes for a perfect tool for amateurs looking to get their grasp on professional-grade video/audio production.
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.
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Without getting into the deep end, audio equipment can be a tricky business. The usual problem with audio gear is that its price tag is almost indicative of its quality. The higher the price, usually the better the quality, and the lower the cost, the larger the compromise on your end result. The RØDE NT-USB Mini is changing that notion. With a price tag that’s nearly half as expensive as a pair of Airpods, the NT-USB Mini is a small, powerful, studio-quality condenser microphone that’s easy on the ears, eyes, and the wallet.
There are a lot of things the NT-USB Mini gets right just off the bat. With a USB interface, the microphone becomes instantly compatible with laptops, and doesn’t require any mixers or additional equipment like phantom power sources. Just plug the mic in and you’re ready to go. An in-built Pop Filter helps cut down on any sudden popping sounds (known as plosives), keeping your recording sharp and clear, while a volume knob built right into the mic’s design lets you work the mic’s amplifier levels. Designed for studio as well as out-of-studio use, the mic comes with a threaded base that attaches to studio mic-stands, but has its own dedicated desk-stand inside the box for podcasting and indie recording purposes. The desk stand features 2-axis swiveling to help position the mic exactly how you want it, and right at the bottom is a flat, magnetic base that allows the microphone to hold its place, preventing it from accidentally being knocked over. Pretty neat, huh?
Made for streamers, gamers, musicians, podcasters, professionals, and basically everyone who wants to create audio content, the NT-USB Mini is the perfect piece of gear to turn that small space you call a desk into a literal recording booth. Pop an adapter on and you could even connect the NT-USB Mini to a tablet too!
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built-in. In short, all your expensive professional-grade equipment plugs right into the Streamer X, which then hooks to your workstation to connect to your production software.
Staples' latest ploy to get people into its retail stores is podcast recording booths. This week, the podcasting company Speaker announced that it's bringing recording spaces to six Staples stores in the Boston area. The booths are part of a new Stap...
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 bes...