If you know someone who owns a podcast, you’ll know that it’s their baby, their creative outlet, their place to vent and talk about documentaries that no one watches. Rather than gifting an elevated pine-scented candle or plaid sweater this holiday season, give them something they’ll actually want. We’ve put together a list of our 11 favorite podcast gifts, ranging from budget-friendly to super fancy for those who deserve it. Why did we pick 11? Because goes to 11.
Wallet-Friendly Podcasting Gifts
NearStream AM10X Dynamic XLR/USB Microphone
You can never have enough microphones. And especially if your little podcaster is just starting out, this particular mic is a great entry-point. Because it can function as both a USB and XLR mic, one can hook it up directly to a computer or, alternatively, connect it through an interface or mixer.
This is great news for gift givers who aren’t sure as to what kind of setup the podcaster uses. The AM10X Microphone comes with a flexible boom arm that’s perfect for desktop use. A 6-foot USB-C cable is included — just plug it in to your computer, and you’re ready to go.
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Headphones
It’s difficult to go wrong with an audio product gift made by Audio-Technica. The fact is, Audio-Technica makes great stuff at accessible prices. The ATH-M20x is a little brother to a studio classic. It’s especially suitable for podcasting because of its superior sound isolation; the M20x offers a snug fit, while remaining comfortable enough for long recording sessions.
Sound will never bleed into the mic, ensuring a clean and quiet recording. The build quality is undeniably sturdy, and the sound is more than reliable enough for accurate monitoring. So, this one is a no brainer.
RODE PodMic Dynamic Podcasting Microphone
If you’re willing to spend a little more, you can snag a classic mic from RODE, perhaps the most popular podcasting brand on the market. The RODE PodMic is especially suitable for podcasters who are recording in less than perfect acoustic spaces, like bedrooms and home offices. This is because the PodMic features a dynamic capsule with a tight polar pattern. So, it perfectly captures the speaker while minimizing unwanted sounds that are behind the speaker or off to the sides.
It has a built-in pop filter and internal shockmount to ensure clean speech without plosives or vibrations. And it’s also quite durable, promising years of good use. For those with extra holiday spirit, we recommend buying the Red, Special 50th Anniversary Edition—only available at B&H. It will give your gift that added special touch.
Zoom H1essential Recorder
Especially suited for solo podcasters who record shows on the go, this cute portable recording device allows you to capture top quality audio wherever you are. With 10 hours of battery life, simple operability, and 32-bit float recording to protect against distortion, there’s little to dislike about the Zoom H1essential, especially at this price point.
The H1essential also works great as a music recorder, allowing you to plug in an instrument or external mic via 3.5 mm input and write your podcast tune on the fly. Alternatively, you can invite your band over to record a podcast intro using the high-quality onboard mics and even use the H1essential as a portable, self-contained USB-C mic.
Middle Range Podcasting Gifts
Zoom PodTrak P4
Zoom PodTrak P4next
This buying guide wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t mention the Zoom PodtrackP4next, a best-selling portable multitrack podcast recorder. Don’t be fooled by its adorable size.
This thing can capture up to four mic channels, allowing you to have multiple podcast participants wherever you choose to record. The P4next also comes equipped with four headphone outputs, giving every person in the podcast the ability to monitor and adjust their levels. In addition, podcasters can include up to two remote guests via USB, Bluetooth, or TRRS smartphone input.
You can also hook the P4next to your computer to enable conferencing with the software of your choice. But our favorite feature is the series of assignable sound pads that lets you cue jingles, ads, sound effects and more. Or use the available presets to trigger audience laughter, applause, bada-bums and more. Finally, polish recordings with the selection of onboard effects like built-in voice compression, AI noise reduction, and tone shaping, saving you time in post-production.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
If your darling podcaster likes to stay put and record from home, a desktop-friendly audio interface might be a better option than a portable recorder. Focusrite rarely makes a bad product, and the Scarlett 2i2 is a perfect entry point into this top quality, yet accessible brand. Whether your loved one is purely a podcaster or also enjoys writing music, a unit like this is an essential component to their studio setup.
With two mic preamps and two line/instrument inputs, this interface will work with either a PC or Mac using any DAW (digital audio workstation) you choose. There’s virtually no learning curve here. Just plug in and go.
Podcasting Kit Gifts
Focusrite Vocaster One USB-C Audio Interface with One-Person Podcasting Kit
Perhaps you’re looking to buy a complete podcasting package. This Podcasting Kit has been put together by B&H to provide a quality yet cost-effective, all-in-one solution to getting one’s podcast up and rolling. It includes a high-performance XLR microphone from RODE, a Focusrite audio interface, a tabletop stand, headphones, a pop filter, a USB-C to USB-A adapter, and an XLR cable to connect the mic to the interface. So, your up-and-coming podcaster will have all the essential tools they need to get started right away.
If you’re in need of a two person kit, we also have a version with the Vocaster Two, the same thing but with two mic inputs.
TASCAM Mixcast Podcast Kit with Mixer-Recorder, Microphone, Stand with Boom, and Cable
If you’re willing to throw down some extra cash, you can get a more advanced podcasting bundle that can support two or more participants. The TASCAM Mixcast Podcast Kit is another bundle that has been put together by B&H to offer a convenient way to get a high-quality podcast started. The TASCAM tabletop mixer allows one to record up to four people and includes sound effects, independent headphone outputs, as well as stereo line and Bluetooth inputs with mix-minus functionality to accommodate remote guests.
You can record straight to an SD card or straight to a USB feed for immediate streaming over your preferred platform. Finally, you’ll get two Audio-Technica microphones and headphones in addition to two boom arms with integrated XLR cables. In short, this kit is the ultimate all-in-one podcasting package.
Premium Podcasting Gifts
RODE RODECaster Pro II Integrated Audio Production Studio
This is the latest iteration of one of the most beloved podcast production studios on the market. The RODECaster Pro II is not only perfect for serious podcasters but also ideal for podcasters who moonlight as musicians or other types of content creators. The all-in-one solution features a large touchscreen, tactile controls, studio-quality onboard processing, multitrack recording and mixing, assignable sound pads and more. Accommodating up to four microphones (including two wireless), as well as instrument compatibility, this fancy unit is the quickest way to get from thought to top quality content creation of all kinds. To put it simply, your podcaster will be thrilled.
Yamaha URX44V 6x4 Audio/Video Interface
If you’ve got the cash and your podcaster wants to get into video broadcasting, the Yamaha URX44V is a powerful little machine that controls both audio and video workflow in a single handy device.
On the audio side, the URX44V handles up to four mic inputs and two stereo outputs for different monitoring solutions, two headphone jacks, a headset jack, and an auxiliary port for connection to smartphones. The machine outputs audio up to a 32-bit/192kHz resolution and comes with creative tools like noise gate, compression, EQ, reverb, amp sims, and a voice changer.
Video wise, the URX44V comes equipped with an HDMI In/Thru with an HDMI-USB video interface that lets you record and pass through video, supporting 4K/60FPS or 1080/240FPS video. The interface comes with modern assistive tools like auto-gain and clip-safe, and is capable of quick setup and perfect scene recall with its intuitive UI and integrated touchscreen LCD panel.
Forecast Consoles Inverse Triangle-Shaped Podcast Console
If you’re about to propose marriage to a podcaster and diamonds aren’t their thing, consider this Mercedes of podcasting desks. In fact, let’s not call it a desk. Because it’s a console. Designed for three-person shows or two users with a video setup, the Forecast Console sports a pleasing blonde echo laminate finish with sound panel inserts at each mic position. It has pre-drilled holes to support the mount mic arms (available separately). And thanks to the under-cover routing, everything will look clean and tidy.
There’s also an integrated Power Distribution Unit that incorporates eight outlets, while a tabletop power outlet lets you charge your personal devices. Since you’re already spending this much money, you might as well get the mic booms while you’re at it. A serious podcaster needs a serious setup, and the Forecast Console certainly sets the stage.
For more information about the products listed, including additional features, specs, and highlights, be sure to check out the detailed product pages—and don’t hesitate to reach out to our pro audio experts via phone, online chat, or visit us in-store and try out some of these products yourself!
