If you’re a podcaster still moving files over Google Drive, Dropbox, or a USB SSD, you’ve probably felt it:

• Multi-camera episodes take forever to copy

• Editors complain about download times

• Backups happen eventually (or not at all)

• Your “studio storage” is a pile of drives and folders

This is where 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) stops being a networking flex and starts being a production upgrade.

The Synology DS1522+ is one of the most interesting NAS options for podcasters right now—not because it’s flashy, but because it’s built to move large media files fast and reliably.

This article breaks down what podcasters actually need from a 10GbE NAS, where the DS1522+ shines, and where you need to be careful.

The Real Podcasting Problem Isn’t Recording — It’s File Movement

Modern podcasting isn’t just audio anymore:

• 4K or 6K video podcast recordings

• Multi-track audio sessions (Riverside, SquadCast, local WAVs)

• Project files moving between hosts, editors, and producers

• Redundant backups that must be trustworthy

Gigabit Ethernet caps you at ~113 MB/s.

That means:

• A 200 GB episode = ~30 minutes to copy

• Every revision compounds the delay

• Editors wait on transfers instead of editing

10GbE raises the ceiling to 1,250 MB/s, which fundamentally changes how a podcast team works.

Why the DS1522+ Is a Better Fit for Podcasters Than Older Synology Models

A CPU Chosen for Throughput, Not Transcoding

The DS1522+ uses an AMD Ryzen Embedded R1600, instead of the Intel Celeron chips found in older “media-friendly” NAS units.

For podcasters, this is actually a win.

• Better handling of large sustained file transfers

• More reliable network I/O under load

• ECC memory support for long-term archive integrity

You lose hardware video transcoding—but podcasters shouldn’t be transcoding on the NAS anyway. Your NAS should store, serve, and protect media—not process it.

This design choice makes the DS1522+ much better suited for:

• Shared project folders

• Large sequential reads/writes

• Editor pull/push workflows over 10GbE

How Podcasters Actually Get 10GbE on the DS1522+

The E10G22-T1-Mini Upgrade

10GbE on the DS1522+ is optional and unlocked via Synology’s E10G22-T1-Mini.

What matters for podcasters:

• Single 10GbE port (RJ-45)

• Works with CAT6 / CAT6a

• Supports 2.5G and 5G if you’re mid-upgrade

This isn’t a “fake” 10GbE slot—the PCIe bandwidth is sufficient to saturate the link if your storage can keep up.

Real-World Podcast File Speeds (What Editors Will Actually See)

With a properly configured setup, podcasters can expect:

• 600–800 MB/s typical large-file transfers

• 900+ MB/s reads in optimized scenarios

• 6–8× faster than 1GbE

What this means in practice:

• A 200 GB episode copies in ~4–6 minutes

• Editors can pull entire projects locally without waiting

• You stop “planning around transfer time”

This is the difference between:

“I’ll send it overnight”
and
“I’ll grab it and start cutting now.”

The Hidden Bottleneck Podcasters Miss: Drive Count

Here’s the trap: 10GbE doesn’t help if your drives are too few or too slow.

A single HDD tops out around ~250 MB/s.

That means:

• 2–3 drives → wasted 10GbE potential

• 5 drives → finally enough throughput

Best RAID Choice for Podcast Production

RAID 5 / SHR-1

• Best balance of speed + capacity

• ~700 MB/s writes with 5 drives

• Ideal for large media libraries

RAID 10

• Faster writes, better latency

• Loses 50% capacity

• Awkward in a 5-bay unit

For most podcasters:
👉 5-drive RAID 5 is the sweet spot.

NVMe Cache: Why It Helps Podcasters (and When It Doesn’t)

The DS1522+ includes two NVMe slots—but they’re not magic speed buttons.

Where NVMe does help podcasters:

• Faster browsing of large episode libraries

• Quicker project file open/save operations

• Smoother experience over the network

Where it doesn’t by default:

• Large sequential video/audio transfers

Synology skips sequential writes to protect SSD lifespan. If you want NVMe to absorb incoming episode uploads at full 10GbE speed, you must:

• Use a read-write NVMe cache (RAID 1)

• Disable “Skip Sequential I/O”

This is optional—but powerful for studios ingesting footage daily.

Reliability Matters More Than Raw Speed for Podcast Archives

This is where the DS1522+ needs honest discussion.

Heat Is the Biggest Risk

The 10GbE module uses a Marvell (Aquantia) chipset that runs hot.

Under load:

• 60–70°C idle

• 90°C+ sustained transfers

If unmanaged, this can cause:

• Speed drops

• Network disconnects

• Forced reboots

Podcaster fix:

• Set NAS fans to Cool Mode

• Keep the unit well-ventilated

• Don’t bury it in a soundproof cabinet

Best Practices for Podcast Studios Using the DS1522+

If you’re building this as your podcast “source of truth,” do these from day one:

• Use a static IP for 10GbE (avoid random dropouts)

• Fully populate the drive bays

• Use CAT6a cabling

• Enable Jumbo Frames end-to-end

• Treat the NAS as storage, not a media server

• Back it up to a second NAS or cloud

This turns the DS1522+ into:

• A shared studio vault

• An editor handoff point

• A reliable archive for years of episodes

Final Take: A 10GbE NAS That Actually Fits Podcast Production

The Synology DS1522+ isn’t trying to be a Plex box or a toy server.

For podcasters, that’s a good thing.

Configured correctly, it becomes:

• A fast, centralized episode library

• A friction-killer for editors and collaborators

• A serious upgrade from drives and cloud folders

But it demands intent:

• Enough drives

• Proper cooling

• A real network

If your podcast is growing into a media operation—not just a hobby—this is the kind of infrastructure shift that pays dividends every single episode.

Click For Shure MV88+ Details

What Is the Shure MV88+ Video Kit?

• MV88+ microphone
• Manfrotto mini tripod
• Phone clamp
• USB-C + Lightning cables
• Foam windscreen
• Carrying case

The #1 Question Podcasters Ask:

“Is the audio quality good enough for a podcast?”

• Built-in phone mics
• Lavalier mics
• Budget USB microphones

Background Noise: The Honest Truth

What it does well

• Captures voices with excellent clarity
• Handles outdoor and mobile environments better than most podcast mics
• Includes built-in DSP (compression, EQ, limiting)

Where you need to be careful

• It will pick up room noise in untreated spaces
• It’s more sensitive than dynamic podcast mics (like the MV7 or SM7B)

How podcasters should set it up

• Use mono cardioid or Speech mode in the Shure MOTIV app
• Keep the mic close to your mouth (6–12 inches)
• Avoid wide stereo settings for spoken podcasts

Can You Use It With Podcasting Apps?

• iPhone & iPad
• Most modern Android phones
• Mac & Windows computers

• Record directly in the Shure MOTIV app
• Or use any podcasting or recording software (Audacity, GarageBand, Hindenburg, Adobe Audition, Zoom, Riverside, etc.)

Pro tip: You can set your mic settings in the MOTIV app, then record in your preferred podcast app.

Monitoring & Latency (A Big Win)

• You hear your voice in real time
• No echo
• No delay
• No guessing if your levels are right

Editing & Post-Production Workflow

What podcasters should know:

• You’ll usually want mono audio for spoken podcasts
• If you record in stereo, you can convert to mono in seconds during editing
• Files import cleanly into all major DAWs

• Flat recording (do all processing later)
• Or light processing baked in (compression/EQ)

Click For Shure MV88+ Details

Portability: Where This Mic Shines

• Entire kit fits in a small case
• No audio interface required
• No power supply needed
• Sets up in under a minute

• Record on location
• Podcast while traveling
• Combine podcasting with video

Is It Worth It for Podcasting?

The MV88+ is a great choice if you:

• Want high-quality audio on your phone
• Record podcasts on the go
• Do interviews, travel shows, or video podcasts
• Want one mic that works across multiple devices

You may want a different mic if you:

• Record exclusively at a desk
• Have a noisy, untreated room
• Want maximum vocal isolation

Final Verdict for Podcasters

As a content creator who runs multiple mini-shows, clips, ads, and more — I have a huge need for rock solid storage, and more importantly, storage I can expand. Too many times have I put everything onto a single drive, only to have it crash, delete, or lose various parts of my files. This is ultimately why I put the money into a storage device.

I put this together for the people who need cheap storage, who want something that’s good with electricity.

Just a quick rundown of the things I’ve used….

• Windows Server (at least 4 different builds)
• Linux Server(s)
• Synology 1522+ NAS

Why I Dropped Windows & Linux Boxes

There’s nothing wrong with building your own computer, shoving a bunch of drives into it, and using hardware RAID, or some kind of software RAID hybrid, but I dropped these approaches because they were annoying to maintain, and they use a lot of power considering it’s just sitting there idle 24/7.

I actually got off all of the storage-pooling stuff for a few years and just raw-dogged an external drive with extremely careful backups.

But as my needs shifted, and the scariness of losing everything in the blink of an eye….I bought a Synology 1522+ last year.

And if you’re a podcaster, video creator, of a collector of stuff…you should get one

How I Sourced My Drives

I basically used spare drives I already had to start the pool. Then I started to slowly swap in newer drives.

I had a 2tb drive manufactured in 2013, and it also was the smallest drive in the pool and it was time to swap it out.

The Drive I Bought…

Truth be told I wanted to get the 28tb drive on their Black Friday sale (it was $100 off) but it sold out before I could grab it. So I opted for the next best thing… the measily 22tb monster. It’s technically a Seagate stkp22000400 shucked if you need to know how to shuck it, watch the video at the top of the page. I show you how to do it.

Why An External Drive?

This is not always the route to take – this is just the route that I take — I like to buy external drives because you can get much more storage at a discount when you compare the prices to similar-sized drives that don’t come in an enclosure. I don’t know why the pricing works out this way, but you can look for yourself and see how prices compare. It’s usually $100 difference for the same amount of space!

I am also less particular about “which drive to get” because as long as it’s Seagate, Western Digitial, Hitachi, or some other known brand — you’re probably going to be okay. I just wouldn’t get an off-brand drive… no thanks!

Also — I’m comfortable ripping these cases open, because after the tsunami of 2011 in Thailand…. hard drive prices went through the roof because that’s where they make most of them. So at the time I needed to fill one of my servers and that’s how I discovered this little price hack 😉

Shucking The Drive

All you need is a screwdriver and a little patience. I would encourage you to watch my video because I show you how to do it simply. And you’re in luck, because most of these drives are made the same way and open the same way.

Adding The Drive To The Pool

Again…watch the video I made! But it’s very simple, you deactivate the drive, you pop the new drive in, add it to the pool, and boom you’re off to the races. I can still work while the pool adds the new drive in!

Data Protection On Steroids

This is hands down the best way to back up a small podcast, YouTube channel, graphics designer….whatever you do. I have about 30tb of storage, I can add more as I grow, and it’s super fast too.

I always advocate for the 3-2-1 back up solution…. so while this thing is fantastic, you will want to back up your stuff to another medium in another location — and the software in Synology makes that super simple to do.

Lastly, I also use CrashPlan Pro which is technically a business-level backup solution, but this is a business, and if you’re making money with your stuff you can write it off. The reason why I use these guys is because it allows for devices like this to be backed up without any restrictions, and it’s unlimited storage too!

If you’re filming a podcast this year—whether a solo talking-head, a two-person interview, a product review show, or a mobile travel podcast—your tripod plays a massive role in how professional your content looks.

A tripod isn’t just a stand. It affects:

• How stable your camera is

• How sharp your video looks

• How easy it is to frame your shots

• Whether your setup stays consistent every episode

• How quickly you can shoot, travel, and reset

And the right choice depends entirely on the kind of podcaster you are.

Below is the definitive, simplified guide that helps podcasters choose the perfect tripod based on their filming style, setup, and budget—without the confusion.

What Type of Podcaster Are You? (And Which Tripod You Need)

Tripods aren’t one-size-fits-all. Podcasters fall into a handful of distinct categories, and each category requires a different style of support.

Here’s how to match your tripod to your podcast.

Solo Desk Podcasters (Talking-Head at a Desk)

If you film seated at a desk, with the camera 1–3 feet away, you want something compact, stable, and height-adjustable.

Best tripod type:

Desktop Tripod

Why:

• Perfect for eye-level framing

• Doesn’t take up floor space

• Simple, stable, and fast to adjust

• Ideal for podcasters who rarely reposition the camera

Top choices:

• Ulanzi MT-44

• Manfrotto PIXI Evo

• SmallRig Tabletop Tripod

Perfect for: teachers, coaches, solo YouTube podcasters, creators filming in small rooms.

Two-Person Podcasts & Interview Setups

If you podcast with a co-host or guests, you need a wider shot and more distance between the camera and set.

Best tripod type:

Full-Size Floor Tripod

Why:

• Reaches eye level from 4–8 feet away

• More stable than tabletop solutions

• Great for seated or standing episodes

• Works well in living rooms, studios, or rented spaces

Top choices:

• Amazon Basics 60” (budget)

• Ulanzi Zero Y

• Manfrotto Befree Advanced

Great for: interview shows, multi-host podcasts, coaching duos.

Podcasters Who Shoot Product Reviews or Overhead Shots

If you film podcast episodes that include unboxings, tabletop demos, B-roll, or top-down overhead shots, you need more flexibility than a standard tripod offers.

Best tripod type:

Multi-Angle Center-Column Tripod

Why:

• Lets you swing the camera out horizontally

• Allows true overhead shots

• Perfect for tech reviews, cooking, hand demos, or gear showcases

• More stable than makeshift overhead rigs

Top choices:

• Vanguard Alta Pro 2+

• Manfrotto 055 XPRO

• SmallRig FreeBlazer with center column

Ideal for: reviewers, educators, hybrid podcasters who mix video + podcasting.

Podcasters Who Travel or Film On Location

If you shoot in hotels, Airbnbs, events, conferences, coworking spaces, or outdoors, you need something extremely portable but strong enough to hold real cameras.

Best tripod type:

Lightweight Travel Tripod (preferably carbon fiber)

Why:

• Packs small into backpacks

• Lighter for travel days

• Strong enough for mirrorless cameras

• Fast setup and teardown

Top choices:

• Peak Design Travel Tripod

• Manfrotto Befree Live

• Ulanzi Zero F/Y

Perfect for: vlog pods, journalists, digital nomads, multi-location creators.

Studio Podcasters With Permanent Setups

If your camera doesn’t move much—or you run multiple angles—you want long-term durability, repeatability, and stability.

Best tripod type:

Heavy-Duty Studio Tripod or Fluid Head

Why:

• Ultra-stable foundation

• Supports heavier lenses, teleprompters, and monitors

• Smooth movement if you pan or tilt

• Built to last for years of episodes

Top choices:

• Manfrotto 190 / 290

• SmallRig Heavy-Duty

• Sachtler Ace M / flowtech 75

Great for: dedicated podcast studios, 2–4 camera setups, high-quality video pods.

Smartphone-Only Podcasters

If you’re filming on an iPhone or Android, you don’t need a full-size tripod unless you plan to upgrade your camera soon.

Best tripod type:

Mini Tripod + Phone Clamp

Why:

• Simple

• Affordable

• Incredibly portable

• Works for both horizontal and vertical content

Top choices:

• Joby GripTight One

• Ulanzi MT-08

• Manfrotto PIXI (with phone clamp)

Perfect for: beginner podcasters, coaches, creators filming social-friendly podcasts.

Top Tripod Picks for Podcasters in 2026

Here are the best overall tripods across all categories.

⭐ Best Overall Tripod for Podcasters: Peak Design Travel Tripod

(Lightweight, stable, excellent for travel and studio use)

Why creators love it:

• Packs smaller than almost anything else

• Very sturdy for mirrorless cameras

• ARCA-Swiss compatibility

• Lifetime warranty

• Works for desk, floor, and travel setups

⭐ Best Budget Tripod for Podcasters: Ulanzi MT-44

(The perfect affordable desk pod tripod)

Why it’s great:

• Taller than most desktop tripods

• Strong enough for phones + lightweight cameras

• Great for beginners and small spaces

• Under $40

⭐ Best Tripod for Two-Person Podcasts: Manfrotto Befree Advanced

Why it’s great:

• Eye-level height

• Quality leg locks

• Durable + travel-friendly

• Available with fluid head version for movement

⭐ Best Tripod for Overhead & Review Pods: Vanguard Alta Pro 2+

Why it’s great:

• Multi-angle center column

• Easy overhead shots

• Great rigidity and height

• Strong value for the price

⭐ Best Professional Studio Tripod: Sachtler Ace M / flowtech 75

Why it’s great:

• Industry-standard broadcast stability

• Smoothest pan/tilt in this category

• Can handle heavy lens setups

• Built for daily studio use

Should You Mount Your Microphone on Your Tripod? (No.)

Podcasters often ask if they can mount their main microphone on the same tripod as the camera.

The answer: Never.

Here’s why:

• Touch the tripod → vibration → ruined audio

• Pan the camera → vibration → ruined audio

• Adjust height → vibration → ruined audio

Always use:

• A boom arm (for desk setups)

• A floor mic stand (for larger studios)

• A C-stand (for shotgun mics)

Your tripod should be camera-only.

Tripod Buying Checklist for Podcasters

Before clicking buy, make sure your tripod checks these boxes:

Payload:
Choose a model that can handle 1.5× your camera setup’s weight.

Height:

• Desk podcasters: 6–20 inches

• Seated/interview podcasters: 55–65 inches

• Standing podcasters: 65–72 inches

Material:

• Aluminum = cheaper but heavier

• Carbon fiber = lighter + better vibration dampening

Head type:

• Fluid head = best for movement

• Ball head = easiest & fastest for static framing

• Pan-tilt = most precise

Quick Release:
Choose ARCA-Swiss for compatibility across brands.

Final Recommendations

If you’re unsure which to buy, use this simple rule:

• Filming at a desk? → Desktop tripod

• Filming with a co-host? → Full-size floor tripod

• Doing product content or overhead shots? → Multi-angle tripod

• Traveling often? → Lightweight carbon fiber travel tripod

• Running a full studio? → Heavy-duty tripod with a fluid head

Podcasters live and die by their recordings. Losing raw interviews, DAW session files, or a full season of edited episodes can set you back weeks — or permanently erase irreplaceable content.

We learned this the hard way. An older transfer drive of ours failed with live data on it, and the backup copy turned out to be corrupted. The drive would still mount, but transfers slowed to a crawl and eventually it would drop off mid-copy. Normal methods just didn’t work.

Thankfully, with the help of GNU ddrescue and some patience, we got everything back. This post shares that recovery process, the requirements for attempting it, and what podcasters should do to avoid being in this situation at all.

1. Recognizing the Signs of Drive Trouble

Our drive didn’t make the dreaded “click of death.” It mounted normally, and the file tree looked fine. But:

• Transfers slowed to near-zero.

• The drive would disconnect mid-copy.

• A “backup” we tried to fall back on turned out to be unreadable.

👉 Takeaway: Even a drive that looks fine can be failing. If you see extreme slowdowns, failed copies, or unmounting — stop using it immediately.

2. What We Did First (and What You Shouldn’t Do)

• We didn’t run Disk Utility First Aid (Mac) or chkdsk (Windows). These can write changes that make recovery harder.

• We didn’t reformat or initialize the drive.

• Instead, we disconnected it and researched recovery methods that don’t write anything back to the failing drive.

3. The Recovery Process That Worked

Here’s how we saved our podcast files:

1. Cloned the failing partition with ddrescue → created a sector-by-sector .img file. It took days to accomplish this. Be prepared!

2. Used a map file → ddrescue kept track of good vs. bad areas, so we could pause/resume without losing progress.

3. Wrote the image back to a healthy drive → this gave us a clean copy of the original.

4. Mounted the image → from there, we copied files normally at full speed.

Result: 100% of our data recovered. Thankfully, we took note of the file sizes before the transfer, so we knew exactly how much data was on the drive. Once we finished with ddrescue, we were able to verify the file sizes.

4. Our Rescue Script

This is the script we used.

What it does:

• Reads from the failing partition (/dev/disk2s2 in this example).

• Clones it into an image (drive.img).

• Uses a map file (drive.map) to track progress and retries.

⚠️ You must change DISK_NUM, SLICE, and file paths for your system.

5. Requirements (Besides a Healthy New Drive)

If a podcaster wanted to try this approach, here’s what they’d need:

• Computer: macOS or Linux with Terminal access.

• GNU ddrescue installed:

  • macOS → brew install ddrescue

  • Ubuntu/Debian → sudo apt install gddrescue

• Enough free space → as large as the entire partition (e.g., 1.5TB partition = 1.5TB free space). If you need a reliable storage solution, consider our recommended multi-use, multi-drive NAS.

• Correct partition identification → run diskutil list (macOS) or lsblk (Linux).

• Sudo privileges → raw disk access requires admin rights.

• Time & patience → recovery can take hours or days.

Optional but helpful: a good USB/SATA dock, smartctl for health checks, and a UPS to avoid power cuts mid-run.

6. When This Works (and When It Doesn’t)

This method is best if:

• The drive still spins and mounts.

• File copies fail, but the partition is visible.

• You need everything cloned, not just a few cherry-picked files.

It won’t help if:

• The drive is clicking, grinding, or not recognized at all.

• The electronics are dead.

• The data is on an encrypted partition without the password.

Those cases require professional clean-room recovery.

7. The Lessons We Learned

• A drive can “look fine” but still be in serious trouble.

• Standard copy methods often choke on bad sectors.

• ddrescue’s mapfile-based approach was the key to full recovery.

• A bad backup is as bad as no backup — test them regularly.

• The only real protection is redundancy (3-2-1 backup rule), which is why we recommend a multi-drive setup for redundancy.

Conclusion: Recovery vs. Prevention

Recovering our failed transfer drive with ddrescue was a relief, but it also showed how fragile podcast production workflows can be. If you’re a podcaster, think of recovery as your last resort — and backups as your insurance policy.

Because when you’re in the middle of a season, the last thing you want is to be Googling “how to rescue a failed drive” at 2 a.m.

When you’re producing a podcast, audio quality isn’t just “nice to have”—it’s your brand. Listeners forgive a lot, but muffled voices, clipping, or dropouts will send them looking for another show. That’s why wireless microphone systems like DJI’s Mic series have become a go-to choice for podcasters who want professional results without a complex studio setup.

With the launch of the DJI Mic 3 in August 2025, creators are asking: how does it stack up against the already-excellent Mic 2? After reviewing multiple hands-on tests and real-world usage reports, here’s what podcasters need to know.

Audio Quality: Subtle but Meaningful Upgrades

Both the Mic 2 and Mic 3 capture pristine 24-bit/48kHz and 32-bit float audio. But the Mic 3 introduces a few features that podcasters will notice in editing and production:

• Adaptive Gain Control (AGC): The Mic 3 automatically balances levels to avoid clipping when guests suddenly raise their voice—a common headache in interview shows.

• Voice Tone Presets: Choose “warm” for a radio-style low end or “bright” for crisp detail. Podcasters who want less post-production tweaking will appreciate this.

• Dual-Stage Noise Cancellation: Instead of a simple on/off switch, the Mic 3 lets you pick between Basic and Advanced ANC, making it easier to tame room noise without sacrificing clarity.

For podcasters recording in imperfect environments (coffee shops, home offices, convention floors), these upgrades make the Mic 3 a safer bet.

Design & Ease of Use

Podcasters juggle gear, guests, and scheduling. A mic system that just works is worth its weight in gold.

• Smaller, lighter transmitters (16 g vs 28 g): Less visible on camera and more comfortable for long interviews.

• Magnetic clips with rotatable design: Lets you aim the capsule directly toward your mouth, improving vocal pickup.

• Redesigned charging case: Finally, the furry windshields and cables fit inside. No more forgetting wind muffs at home.

Trade-off: The Mic 3 removed the 3.5 mm input jack for lavalier mics. If you rely on plugging in an external lav, the Mic 2 may still have an edge.

Battery Life & Reliability

Nothing kills a podcast faster than a dead battery mid-recording. Here, the Mic 3 shines:

• Battery Life: ~8 hours per transmitter, ~10 hours per receiver, and up to 28 hours total with the charging case (vs 18 hours total for the Mic 2). That’s an extra 10 hours of confidence on remote days.

• Wireless Range: 400 m line-of-sight compared to 250 m on the Mic 2. You won’t need that much range in a podcast studio, but in event coverage or outdoor interviews, it means fewer dropouts.

Storage & On-Board Recording

Backups are non-negotiable in podcasting. The Mic 3 quadruples onboard memory:

• 32 GB per transmitter (vs 8 GB on the Mic 2).

• Dual-File Recording: Save both a processed and raw safety track.

That means you’ll have peace of mind knowing your podcast episode won’t be lost to interference or a recorder glitch.

Compatibility & Workflow Features

Podcasters are increasingly recording across platforms: video podcasts, livestreams, or hybrid events.

• Multi-Device Support: Works with cameras, phones, laptops, and even streams directly via Bluetooth.

• Timecode & Multi-Channel Support: Up to 4 transmitters and 8 receivers with built-in sync—a huge advantage for panel shows or multi-guest formats.

• DJI Ecosystem Integration: If you already use DJI cameras (like the Osmo Action 5 Pro), the Mic 3 slots right in.

Quick Comparison: Mic 3 vs Mic 2

Which One Should Podcasters Buy?

• Choose the Mic 3 if: you want the best possible all-in-one system for podcasting, especially if you record outside a studio or need backups, long battery life, and advanced noise handling.

• Choose the Mic 2 if: you need an analog lavalier input or want to save some money while still getting excellent audio quality.

For most podcasters, the Mic 3 is the safer long-term investment. It combines reliability, flexibility, and audio enhancements that reduce post-production work—a critical factor when you’re publishing episodes on a tight schedule.

Final Thoughts

Podcasters don’t need more complexity—they need tools that make recording easier and audio more reliable. DJI’s Mic 3 delivers that in spades. While the Mic 2 remains a solid option, especially for lav mic users, the Mic 3’s improvements in battery life, noise control, onboard recording, and ergonomics make it the standout choice for most creators.

In real-world use, the Mic 3 feels like the system that podcasters asked for: compact, dependable, and tuned for modern content creation.

Podcasters are everywhere these days — but only a fraction of shows ever stand out. Why? Because great podcasting takes more than just hitting record. You need to master storytelling, sharpen your interview skills, grow an audience, and yes, even learn how to monetize your hard work.

The problem? Most lists of “best podcast books” are just random dumps. This one is different. I’ve organized the best podcasting books by what you want to learn, so you can grab the resource that actually solves your biggest challenge right now.

What Podcasters Usually Need to Learn

• Fundamentals — how to start, what gear you need, and how distribution works.
• Technical & Production — improving sound quality, editing, and workflows.
• Storytelling — creating episodes that people can’t stop listening to.
• Interviewing — asking better questions and connecting with guests.
• Growth & Marketing — attracting and keeping listeners.
• Monetization — turning your podcast into a revenue stream.
• Creative Confidence — developing your voice, presence, and style.

Best Books for Each Learning Goal

🎙️ Fundamentals of Podcasting

• Podcast Launch (John Lee Dumas) — A step-by-step beginner’s guide from one of podcasting’s most recognized names.
• Podcasting for Dummies (Evo Terra, et al.) — Accessible, broad coverage of everything you need to start.

🛠️ Technical & Production Skills

• Sound Reporting (Jonathan Kern) — NPR’s guide to audio journalism and production. A must for anyone serious about professional sound.
• Podcast Solutions (Michael Geoghegan & Dan Klass) — Hands-on workflows and setups to simplify the tech.

🎧 Storytelling & Content Creation

• Out on the Wire (Jessica Abel) — Learn storytelling secrets from Ira Glass and other audio legends.
• Make Noise (Eric Nuzum) — Find your creative voice and craft shows that connect deeply.
• Reality Radio (John Biewen, ed.) — Essays from veteran audio storytellers who shaped the medium.

🗣️ Interviewing

• The Art of the Interview (Lawrence Grobel) — Classic strategies for building trust and drawing out meaningful stories.
• Sound Reporting — Includes practical interviewing insights for journalists and podcasters alike.

📢 Growth & Marketing

• The Audience Is Listening (Tom Webster) — Research-backed strategies for finding and keeping listeners.
• Earn It (Steve Pratt) — Bold, creative approaches to marketing your podcast.

💵 Monetization

• Profit from Your Podcast (Dave Jackson) — Practical monetization tips from one of podcasting’s earliest educators.
• Podcasting for Promotion, Positioning & Profit (Kris Gilbertson) — A more entrepreneurial spin on how to leverage a podcast into authority and income.

🎭 Creative Voice & Confidence

• Permission to Speak (Samara Bay) — Helps you unlock authenticity and power behind the mic.
• Make Noise (Eric Nuzum) — Not just storytelling, but the courage to create your own lane.

Quick Comparison Table

How to Choose the Right Book for You

• If you’re brand new: Start with Podcast Launch or Podcasting for Dummies.
• If your audio sounds rough: Dive into Sound Reporting and Podcast Solutions.
• If you want to hook listeners: Out on the Wire and Make Noise are non-negotiable.
• If your format is interviews: The Art of the Interview will transform your approach.
• If you’re stuck on growth: Go with The Audience Is Listening or Earn It.
• If you’re ready to monetize: Grab Profit from Your Podcast.

Remember: don’t just read these — apply them episode by episode. Podcasting is a craft you build over time.

Conclusion

The difference between a podcast that fades out and one that builds a loyal audience often comes down to learning faster and applying smarter. These books give you direct access to the wisdom of podcasting pros who’ve already figured it out.

👉 Pick the book that matches your current challenge and put it into practice this week. You’ll be amazed how quickly your podcast levels up.

If you want even more guidance, check out my free resource: How to Make Money With a Podcast — video training that takes you beyond learning and into earning.

Best Way To Record a Podcast Remotely

Click For My Our Favorite Remote Podcast Recording Software

This video demonstrates how to record a podcast remotely using StreamYard, my preferred remote podcasting software, which enables high-quality video and audio recording – even when not in the same physical space. One of the strongest features is that it can record locally on each person’s computer for optimal quality, and then automatically upload the files to the host at the end of the recording. It makes it insanely simple to record at the highest quality, and because it automatically hands the files to the host, there’s no waiting for the remote person to process or upload the files — if you’ve ever chased someone for files, then you know what I mean! Makes it convenient for editing right away, and alleviates many of the headaches associated with recording a podcast remotely. Check it out.

What You Need Before Recording Remotely

Make sure you and your guests have the basics covered:

• Stable Internet Connection — A wired connection is best for stability.
• Headphones for Everyone — This prevents echo and feedback.
• External Microphones — USB mics like the ATR2100x or XLR setups sound significantly better than built-in mics. Explore mic options here.
• Quiet Recording Space — Carpeted rooms with soft surfaces are ideal.

Want an all-in-one setup? Check out podcast equipment bundles.

Best Remote Podcast Recording Software (2025 Comparison)

When choosing software, look for tools that support:

• Local recording (records to each participant’s device)
• Separate audio tracks
• Ease of guest access (no tech headaches)

Here’s a quick comparison:

Need help choosing? See this full comparison guide.

Best All-in-One Recording Software: StreamYard

Setting Up Your Remote Recording Session

Here’s how to prep for a clean, hiccup-free session:

• Do a Test Call — Check internet speed, latency, and mic levels.
• Use Quiet Rooms — Remove background noise and ask guests to do the same.
• Record Backups — Have each person record their own audio using QuickTime or Audacity.
• Use Wired Headphones — Always.

Learn more about mic positioning and gain control.

Audio Best Practices for Remote Guests

To get studio-quality sound remotely:

• Ask guests to stay close to the mic—3–6 inches.
• Use pop filters or foam windscreens.
• Record separate tracks when possible.
• Turn off noisy appliances, fans, and phones.

If you hear echo, here’s how to fix it.

Editing & Post-Production Tips

Once the files are in, polish them like a pro:

• Use tools like Descript, Auphonic, or Audacity.
• Normalize audio to consistent LUFS levels.
• Sync separate tracks manually in your DAW if needed.
• Remove awkward silence automatically. Here’s how.

Want software picks? Check out this roundup.

Going Beyond Audio: Video Podcasting Tips

If you’re also recording video:

• Use a quality webcam or camera (see our picks)
• Set up good lighting — soft front-facing light is ideal
• Record in 1080p or 4K

Don’t forget your background and framing—it matters!

Final Checklist Before You Hit Record

Make sure every episode starts strong:

• ✅ All participants have headphones and mics
• ✅ Internet is stable
• ✅ Quiet recording spaces
• ✅ Backup recorders are running
• ✅ Soundcheck complete

Print this or save it as your pre-recording ritual.

Conclusion

Remote podcasting doesn’t need to sound remote. With the right software, solid prep, and a few pro tips, you can record studio-quality shows from anywhere.

Recommended next steps:

• Try StreamYard or Riverside.fm for pro-level results – if you’re curious about StreamYard’s pricing click here.
• Browse the full Podcast Equipment Guide to level up your setup

FAQs

Can I record a podcast remotely for free?
Yes! Free options like Zoom or Anchor exist, but quality and features are limited.

How do I record remote guests with separate tracks?
Use Riverside, StreamYard, Zencastr, or SquadCast. These platforms record each person’s audio independently.

What if my guest has bad internet?
Choose a tool that supports local recording. Riverside and Zencastr are great options.

What’s the best mic for remote podcasting?
A USB mic like the ATR2100x or the Shure MV7 is a solid starting point.

For podcast videographers and content creators, the journey doesn’t end when you hit export. Archiving your project properly ensures that your work remains protected, accessible, and usable for years to come. Whether you’re working solo or managing a large production studio, this guide walks you through the best long-term storage options, comparing cost, reliability, and usability—plus, it gives you actionable workflows tailored to your needs.

🧠 Start Here: The 3-2-1 Video Backup Strategy

Before we talk hardware or cloud providers, you need a rock-solid backup philosophy. Enter the 3-2-1 backup rule—an industry-standard approach popularized by photographer Peter Krogh.

Here’s the breakdown:

• 3 copies of your data
  Your original file + two separate backups.

• 2 different types of storage media
  Example: a hard drive and a cloud service, to reduce risk from hardware-specific failures.

• 1 off-site backup
  This protects your data from local disasters like fire, flood, or theft.

A modern take for video professionals might look like:

• Copy 1 (Active Work): Your fast SSD or NAS for editing.

• Copy 2 (Local Backup): An external hard drive or second NAS, preferably stored in a different building.

• Copy 3 (Off-Site): Cloud storage (like Backblaze, Crashplan Pro) or an LTO tape stored at a remote location.

💾 Compare Your Options: Storage Types Breakdown

Here’s how the most common storage solutions stack up:

☁️ Option 1: Cloud Backup Services (Simple, Set-and-Forget)

These are designed for ease of use and automated protection, not daily collaboration or asset delivery. Ideal for archiving projects once they’re complete.

🔹 Backblaze Personal Backup

• Use Case: Personal computers, photographers, solo editors

• Cost: ~$9/month per computer (unlimited storage)

• Pros:

  • Truly unlimited storage

  • Auto-backups of external drives

  • Easy restore via web or shipped hard drive

• Cons:

  • Can’t backup NAS devices

  • Limited control over folder-level retention

🔹 CrashPlan Pro / Small Business

• Use Case: Solo creators or small studios

• Cost: ~$10/month per device (unlimited)

• Pros:

  • Business-grade security and versioning

  • Works on Windows, Mac, Linux

• Cons:

  • Not ideal for high-speed restoration of huge files

  • Less common in video workflows compared to Backblaze

🔹 iDrive / Acronis / Carbonite

• Similar to the above: All-in-one backup services with interfaces that prioritize simplicity over deep configurability.

• Good for off-site copies but less ideal for direct archive access or media pipelines.

✅ Best For:
Automated off-site backups with minimal setup.

💾 2. Cloud Object Storage (Advanced, Pay-as-You-Go)

These are enterprise-grade platforms built for developers, media professionals, and IT teams who want granular control over their storage architecture. They offer:

• APIs for automation

• Scalability into petabytes

• Different storage tiers (standard vs archive)

• Fine-grained pricing (storage, egress, PUT/GET requests)

🔹 Amazon S3 (Simple Storage Service)

• Use Case: High-reliability storage for web delivery, archiving, or backup

• Cost:

  • ~$0.023/GB/month (Standard)

  • ~$0.004/GB/month (Glacier Deep Archive)

  • Egress fees: ~$0.09/GB out

  • Requests: Charged per API call (can add up)

• Pros:

  • Battle-tested infrastructure

  • Lifecycle policies (automatically move files to archive)

  • Integrates with AWS ecosystem

• Cons:

  • Confusing pricing

  • Costly if you need frequent access or restores

  • Requires knowledge of buckets, policies, IAM roles

🔹 Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage

• Use Case: Budget-friendly alternative to Amazon S3

• Cost:

  • ~$0.005/GB/month (storage)

  • $0.01/GB (download)

  • Minimal API call charges

• Pros:

  • Clear pricing

  • Compatible with many S3 tools

  • Excellent for archive-style use cases

• Cons:

  • Slower feature rollout compared to AWS

  • Not optimized for hot storage or web delivery at scale

🔹 Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage

• Use Case: Low-cost S3-compatible storage with no egress fees

• Cost:

  • ~$5.99/TB/month

  • No egress or API call fees

• Pros:

  • Flat-rate pricing (no surprises)

  • S3-compatible

  • Good for video archival and access

• Cons:

  • 90-day minimum storage duration

  • Occasional lag in feature parity with AWS

🔹 Google Cloud Storage

• Use Case: Media storage with advanced access control and global redundancy

• Cost:

  • ~$0.02/GB/month (Standard)

  • ~$0.004/GB/month (Coldline/Archive)

  • Egress and request costs similar to AWS

• Pros:

  • Powerful analytics and ML integration

  • Globally distributed

• Cons:

  • Complicated billing

  • Egress can kill your budget if misconfigured

🔹 Microsoft Azure Blob Storage

• Similar use cases to Amazon S3 and Google Cloud.

• Offers Archive tier ($0.00099/GB) and Hot tier ($0.018/GB)

• Complex lifecycle management but enterprise-grade features.

🧠 TL;DR – Which Should You Use?

💡 Bonus Tip: Mixing Storage Tiers

If you’re using something like S3 or Google Cloud, you can configure lifecycle policies to automatically move old video files to cheaper archive tiers after X days:

• 0–30 days: Hot/Standard (for frequent access)

• 30–90 days: Nearline

• 90+ days: Archive / Glacier

This ensures you only pay premium rates for the files you’re actively using.

💾 Option 2: Network Attached Storage (NAS)

A NAS is your local file powerhouse, ideal for ongoing projects and team access.

Pros:

• Fast Local Access – Edit straight from the NAS.

• Redundancy – RAID protects from drive failure.

• Control – You own your storage environment.

Cons:

• Cost – Initial setup can be pricey.

• Upkeep – You’ll need to handle security, drive replacements, etc.

Popular Picks:

• Synology DS923+ or DS1522+

• QNAP TVS-h674 for high-end 10GbE performance

📼 Option 3: LTO Tape Storage

The gold standard in Hollywood. LTO is unmatched for ultra-long-term archiving.

Pros:

• Archival Lifespan – 30+ years is standard.

• Low Cost per TB – Perfect for massive libraries.

• Offline Protection – Immune to ransomware.

Cons:

• Expensive Hardware – LTO drives start around $4,000.

• Slower Access – Tapes are sequential, not random-access.

• Tech Lock-In – New LTO drives may not support old tape formats.

🛠 Recommended Workflows

🧑‍💻 For Solo Creators / Small Studios

• Working Files: Fast SSD or 4-bay NAS

• Local Backup: External HDD

• Off-Site: Backblaze B2 or Wasabi for peace-of-mind cloud storage

🏢 For Production Studios / Large Teams

• Active Projects: High-speed NAS with RAID and 10GbE

• Recent Projects: Slower NAS or high-capacity external drive

• Long-Term Archive: LTO system with 2 copies – one on-site, one stored off-site

🔐 Final Thoughts: Protect Your Legacy

Archiving isn’t just about saving space—it’s about preserving your creative legacy. With the right mix of speed, redundancy, and cost-efficiency, your content will remain safe and accessible long after the final cut.

Podcasting is no longer limited to audio-only content released once a week. Not only that, but in 2025, more creators are using video and live streaming to connect with listeners in real time, to expand their reach, and create repurposable content across multiple platforms.

Whether you want to interact with your audience mid-show, broadcast a behind-the-scenes look at your recording process, or simulcast to YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn all at once — the right live streaming platform can help you do it with ease.

In this guide, we’ll explore why live streaming matters for podcasters, what features to look for, and review the top live streaming platforms — from beginner-friendly options like StreamYard to advanced tools like OBS.

Why Podcasters Should Consider Live Streaming

Live streaming offers unique advantages over traditional podcast production:

• Immediate audience feedback – See what resonates with your audience as it happens.
• Multistreaming reach – Broadcast to multiple platforms simultaneously for maximum visibility.
• Content repurposing – Turn a single live broadcast into an edited podcast episode, YouTube highlights, and social clips.
• Monetization opportunities – Enable tips, super chats, memberships, or even ticketed live events. Live streamed events also work as a fantastic way to bring in new audience members, who might be interested in behind the scenes, bonus content.
• Community building – Live interaction helps deepen listener loyalty and engagement.

Key Features to Look for in a Live Streaming Platform

Before you choose a tool, consider:

• Multi-platform streaming (YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitch, etc.) – Where is your audience, and what is the best way to connect with them. It may be YouTube, Facebook, IG, TikTok, or all the above.
• Guest management (number of guests, ease of joining, backstage areas, moderation)
• Branding & customization (logos, overlays, backgrounds, custom layouts)
• Audience engagement (chat integration, polls, Q&A, on-screen comments)
• Recording quality (1080p+, separate audio/video tracks)
• Ease of use (learning curve, tech requirements)
• Pricing & free trial options
• Integrations (podcast hosts, editing software, CRM tools, monetization platforms)

The Top Live Streaming Platforms for Podcasters

1. StreamYard – Best for Beginners Who Want Ease & Reliability

Why podcasters love it: StreamYard is entirely browser-based and incredibly easy to use. Invite guests with a simple link, brand your stream with overlays and backgrounds, and stream to multiple destinations without technical headaches. This is a one-stop shop in a lot of ways because it bakes commonly needed tools right into the tool. For instance, it will record separate tracks, video files for optimum quality. It can also do transcriptions on the fly, and can reduce the amount of extra tools needed to get a podcast out.

• Strengths: Simple interface, up to 10 guests, unified chat, solid branding.
• Weaknesses: No built-in polls/Q&A, higher starting price than some competitors. We have Streamyard pricing here.
• Best for: Podcasters who want a plug-and-play streaming experience.

2. Restream – Best for Broad Audience Reach

Why podcasters love it: Restream supports streaming to 30+ platforms at once, plus unified chat from all destinations. It’s a powerhouse for reach and engagement.

• Strengths: Massive platform compatibility, unified chat, branding profiles, engagement tools.
• Weaknesses: Slightly more complex interface, prerecorded clip length limits on lower plans.
• Best for: Creators who want to stream everywhere at once and manage all chats in one place.

3. Riverside.fm – Best for High-Quality Recording & Post-Production

Why podcasters love it: Riverside records each guest locally in up to 4K video and lossless audio, ensuring top-tier quality for post-production while also streaming live.

• Strengths: Pristine local recording, integrated editing tools, audience call-ins.
• Weaknesses: More expensive for high recording hours, branding tools still maturing.
• Best for: Professional podcasters who want broadcast-quality source material.

4. Streamlabs Talk Studio (Melon) – Best Budget-Friendly Option

Why podcasters love it: Melon offers a StreamYard-like experience at a lower cost, with solid branding features and integration into the Streamlabs ecosystem (including donation alerts).

• Strengths: Affordable, up to 25 participants, built-in monetization alerts.
• Weaknesses: No separate audio tracks, fewer overlay themes.
• Best for: Podcasters on a budget who still want multi-streaming and branding.

5. EvMux – Best for Customization & Advanced Layouts

Why podcasters love it: EvMux gives you OBS-level layout control in the browser, letting you create multiple scenes and switch between them mid-show.

• Strengths: Full layout customization, scene transitions, split-track audio on Pro plan.
• Weaknesses: Higher learning curve, newer platform with evolving features.
• Best for: Tech-savvy podcasters who want a unique, TV-style live production.

6. Crowdcast – Best for Interactive, Community-Driven Shows

Why podcasters love it: Crowdcast is built for webinars and live events, with Q&A upvoting, polls, and attendee management built in.

• Strengths: Excellent audience interaction tools, event registration, private streaming options.
• Weaknesses: Higher price, limited multi-destination options on lower tiers.
• Best for: Podcasters who run interactive shows, workshops, or ticketed live events.

7. OBS Studio – Best Free, Advanced Option for Complete Control

Why podcasters love it: OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is a free, open-source tool for streaming and recording. It offers complete flexibility in scene design, multi-camera setups, and advanced audio routing.

• Strengths: 100% free, unlimited customization, integrates with any platform via RTMP (most notably YouTube Live).
• Weaknesses: Steep learning curve, manual setup for guests (needs plugins like VDO.Ninja for remote interviews).
• Best for: Experienced podcasters or those willing to learn who want full creative and technical control without recurring software costs.

Quick Comparison Table

How to Choose the Right Platform for Your Podcast

Ask yourself:

• Do I value ease of use or advanced control?
• Is multi-streaming reach or recording quality my bigger priority?
• Will my live shows be interactive events or broadcast-style episodes?
• What’s my budget for live streaming tools?

Our best advice: See which platforms have a free trial and give them a chance. The best thing you can do is make a private example episode of your podcast and see how everything works / doesn’t work – and to flesh out any workflow issues that may arise. For instance, you might realize you don’t like the chat interface of a specific platform because you can’t remove bad-faith users then decide if that’s okay with you or if it’s a deal breaker.

Tips for a Successful Live Podcast

• Promote your live event early via email and social media – a mailing list is a fantastic way to get people to come check out the livestream. This is especially true if the livestream is the same time every week, or on some kind of schedule because people will naturally check it out without needing an email blast to remember. But having the shoutout on social media is great too!
• Test your tech (mic, camera, internet) before going live.
• Use branding elements (logo, overlays) for a professional look.
• Actively engage with the chat and address viewers by name.
• Record at the highest possible quality for future editing and repurposing.
• Know that there will be bugs and that it’s part of the process. All you can do is try to fix it, and try to prevent issues for the next one.

Conclusion

Live streaming can transform a podcast from a one-way conversation into a real-time, interactive experience. It is also a fantastic way to grow your audience with new people, and a great way to keep a content schedule too. Whether you want the plug-and-play simplicity of StreamYard, the far-reaching power of Restream, the production quality of Riverside, or the complete control of OBS — there’s a platform to fit your needs.

Start with the one that matches your current skill level and goals, then expand your toolkit as your live streaming game grows. Hope this helps.