PODCASTING

5 Essential Accessories for Improving Your Podcast

Sure, you can get started podcasting with just a Yeti and a laptop, but eventually you’ll want to upgrade your studio. These five handy accessories will make you sound better, keep your studio organized and make your life easier.

Need a quick primer before diving in? Check out our podcasting home page for everything you need to start your podcast.

Place a pop filter between your mouth and microphone to avoid popping sounds.

POP FILTER

What is a pop filter?

A pop filter is a small, permeable shield that goes in front of your microphone to protect it from popping sounds caused by ‘p’ and ‘b’ syllables.

Why do I need a pop filter?

Short blasts of air created by certain vocal sounds (known as plosives) can hit your microphone hard, distorting your recordings. Pop filters absorb or deflect plosives for a cleaner sound.

Nady offers a line of high-quality pop filters with wire mesh grilles, sturdy metal frames and flexible gooseneck that clamps onto any mic stand. Just place the pop filter between your mouth and the diaphragm of your Blue microphone.

A shock mount cradles and protects your microphone from unwanted vibrations and accidental bumps.

SHOCK MOUNT

What is it a shock mount?

A shock mount (AKA a suspension mount) is a shock-absorbing cradle that isolates your microphone from impacts and vibrations—sort of like a car’s suspension system.

Why do I need a shock mount?

Shock mounts harmlessly absorb vibrations from accidental bumps, handling noise and nearby traffic without passing them on to your microphone. No more rumble!

Blue makes several shock mounts designed specifically for Blue microphones, including Radius III, The Ringer and the new S4.

A boom arm like Compass allows you to easily place your mic and swivel it out of the way when you’re done.

BOOM ARM

What is a boom arm?

A boom arm is an adjustable, swiveling microphone stand that clamps onto your desk to allow easy mic positioning while freeing up space.

Why do I need a boom arm?

Regular mic stands can be unwieldy and take up a lot of space. With a boom arm, you can position your mic exactly where it needs to go, then swivel it out of the way when you’re done.

Compass is a premium microphone boom arm with sturdy construction, internal springs and hidden cable management for a clean look and convenient mic positioning.

Studio headphones enable you to record your voice without feedback or bleed from your speakers.

HEADPHONES

What are headphones?

This one’s obvious—headphones go over your ears, giving you super-detailed sound without bleeding into your microphone.

Why do I need headphones?

A good set of headphones is indispensable for podcast editing, but they’re also perfect for Zoom interviews and preventing feedback or bleed from your speakers.

Mix-Fi headphones are a favorite of professional audio engineers and feature a built-in audiophile amplifier and super-comfy design. It even won an Emmy for its engineering!

An audio interface like AudioBox iTwo lets you record with multiple microphones at once.

AUDIO INTERFACE

What is an audio interface?

An audio interface is a device that allows you to connect XLR microphones, headphones and more to your computer, often featuring built-in mic preamps and power for condenser mics.

Why do I need an audio interface?

An audio interface is necessary for recording any XLR microphone. Many feature multiple mic inputs and headphone jacks for recording with multiple people simultaneously.

The Presonus Audiobox iTwo lets you plug in two Blue XLR microphones and works seamlessly with PC, Mac or iPads.

Use these podcasting accessories to improve your workflow and tap into your creative potential while recording fresh content.