Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Podcasters – PCI 424

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Tis the season to gift your podcast obsessed loves ones with their favorite gear.

Struggling to find the perfect gift for that podcaster who spends more time talking to a microphone than actual humans? Fear not! Blubrry has compiled the ultimate guide to help you win the title of “Best Gift Giver Ever” in your favorite podcaster’s heart (or at least their next episode shoutout).

Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell and Todd Cochrane

Take a Look at Blubrry’s Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Podcasters

1. Quality Microphone:

• Microphones are a very personal thing. We would suggest a dynamic mic. SM7B, M7, RE-320, Rode Podmic or the ATR2100X.

2. Pop Filter/Windscreen:

• Good at reducing plosive sounds (like “p” and “b” noises) that can distort audio. A simple, affordable add-on that makes a big difference in sound quality.

3. Headphones:

• A great set of wired headphones (not wireless) are a great gift!
• Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: Closed-back design provides accurate sound monitoring without audio bleed, making them ideal for editing and live recording.
• Other great options include the Sony MDR-7506, known for clarity and comfort.

4. Portable Audio Recorder:

• Zoom H5 or H6: Compact, portable recorders that are excellent for capturing high-quality audio on the go. They’re great for recording interviews, live shows, or backup audio.

5. Microphone Boom Arm:

• Rode PSA1: A versatile and sturdy boom arm that keeps the microphone stable and easy to position, reducing desk vibrations and clutter.
• Heil PL-T2 is a bit more expensive, but it’s the gold-standard for mic booms.

6. Podcast Editing Software:

Both of our suggestions are subscriptions so get a yearly subscription.

• Adobe Audition: Industry-standard editing software with powerful tools for mixing and mastering audio. Great for podcasters who want to fine-tune their episodes.
• Descript: An innovative editing software that makes audio editing simple by transcribing and allowing edits through text.

7. Acoustic Panels:

• Foam or fabric-covered panels help dampen room sound and prevent echo, making audio recordings cleaner. Perfect for podcasters with a home studio.

8. Laptop Stand:

• Helps keep the workspace ergonomic and organized, reducing neck strain and providing better airflow for the laptop. Look for options that are adjustable and portable.

9. Custom Podcast Artwork:

• Hiring a graphic designer or gifting a service like 99designs can make a podcast stand out with visually appealing artwork..

10. Gift Card for Stock Music/Effects:

• A subscription to a service like Epidemic Sound or a gift card for AudioJungle can provide access to high-quality music and sound effects for podcast intros and transitions.

11. Online Courses:

• Platforms like MasterClass or Skillshare have courses on audio editing, storytelling, and interview techniques. There are also podcast-specific courses available to help creators sharpen their skills.

12. USB Audio Interface:

• Focusrite Scarlett 2i2: A great audio interface for connecting XLR microphones to a computer. It’s known for its high-quality preamps and ease of use.
• AudioSigma – Podmoble

13. Backup Storage Solution:

• A reliable external hard drive (like the WD My Passport or Seagate Backup Plus) is crucial for storing and backing up episodes. Cloud storage subscriptions to services like Google Drive or Dropbox are also valuable for extra safety.

14. Comfortable Office Chair:

• Ergonomic chairs, like those from Herman Miller or Steelcase, provide comfort and support during long editing and recording sessions.
• Lift desk, plenty of affordable options online nowadays

15. Merchandise Design Kit:

• Tools or services like Canva Pro for designing podcast-themed merchandise, or a gift certificate to a print-on-demand service like Printful to help podcasters create and sell branded items.

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.