If radio killed the video star, then podcasts finished the job. Audio renderings of a wide variety of topics have become one of the most coveted sources of entertainment from the vantage point of both listeners and creators. From true crime and history to beauty and politics, there are podcasts out there on just about everything. The broadness of topics is as vast as the variety of creators who create these audio works, and now it seems like everyone and their mother has a podcast or, at the very least, knows someone who does.

Thanks to advancements in accessibility in technology, people are able to record, produce and manage a podcast on their own from the comfort of their homes. However, this does not mean all at-home podcasts are created equally. In fact, the standards for audio are a bit more rigorous than visual standards since distorted audio is virtually impossible to ignore. That is to say, if you are looking to avoid crunchy-sounding audio or otherwise unintelligible quality in your at-home podcast, the gear you get matters. But don’t worry; with the right equipment and a little know-how, you can easily achieve the sound quality you desire. Here are five products to get you started.

Our Top Picks

• Cayman L-Shape Rotating Desk
• Echo Eliminator
• Modern Track Easy Care Rug
• Ace Series ACE-PRO
• Steinberg UR12B Podcast Starter Pack

What are the benefits of setting up a studio at home?

Setting up an at-home studio means you don’t need to rent out local studios (although those do seem to be growing in prominence as podcasting grows as a career aspiration). With a few key purchases and a bit of intentionality, you can transform any space into a makeshift podcast studio that not only enhances your sound quality but also gives you a sense of accomplishment in creating your own professional setup.

So, whether this is your first gander into the world of podcasting or you’re a seasoned audio vet interested in stepping up your audio game, we have a list of ways to amp up the quality of your podcast. Read on for the must-have podcast gear you need in your home setup right now.

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