Need a gift idea for the podcaster(s) in your life? Then look no further. I’ve got you covered in the 2022 edition of Gear for the Holidays. In this series of blogs (with videos coming soon) we’ll cover the hardware, software, and online services that any podcaster would be excited to see under the tree (or inside their inbox).

Every good podcaster needs a good mic, and for those who plan to record directly into their DAW (digital audio workstation… apps like GarageBand, Audacity, ProTools, etc.), they also need a way to connect that mic to a computer. There a couple of ways to do that depending on the type of microphone used. 

Many podcasters opt for USB mics for the sake of cost and ease of connectivity. USB mics are usually plug and play (or record), meaning that once they are plugged in to the USB port on a computer, they will automatically be recognized as the new input source. No additional gear is needed. While there are some great USB mics out there, higher quality, more professional options are still limited. However, choosing to go with a more traditional XLR mic opens up all sorts of possibilities as far as mic choices but presents some challenges when it comes to connectivity. That’s where a USB interface/mixer comes in to play.

A USB interface accepts the input signal from the XLR mic and sends it via USB to the DAW of choice. There are a variety of interfaces available all with different options to suit any podcaster’s needs. Here are three I plan to pick up and try out in the new year.

Zoom Podtrak 

Zoom (think field recorders, not video conferencing) has a great reputation for creating high quality recording devices for a variety of uses, including podcasting. They have two interfaces (that double as mixers) available with some great features at an affordable price point — the Podtrak P4 and the Podtrak P8. Both offer multiple input options from XLR to TRRS to USB that are handy for podcasts that involve multiple people who may or may not be in the same room. Each version also includes individual headphone outputs that coincide with each XLR input so that each person has control of their own listening level.

Other features of these handy and lightweight interfaces include visual monitoring via the built-in LCD screen, programmable sound pads useful for intros, outros and sound effects, and the ability to record through the interface to a computer or onto an onboard SD card (sold separately).

Costs: The Podtrak P4 typically sells for $219 but is currently listed at $149 for Black Friday while the Podtrack P8 sells for $549 on a normal day but is currently listed at $379 for Black Friday.

Focusrite Vocaster

Focusrite is another trusted name in world of vocal recording and podcasting with the Scarlet 2i2 interface serving as an unofficial standard in professional and consumer audio recording solutions. Recently Focusrite introduced a couple of new contenders for that top spot with the Vocaster One and Vocaster Two that offer additional functionality for podcasting.

The Vocaster line of interfaces are simple, stylish and powerful. The Vocaster One offers simplicity for the lone rangers out there in need of a single XLR input and a single headphone output, while the Vocaster Two expands those options for up to two XLR inputs and two individual headphone outs. Both offer individual gain control and built in vocal presets to bring out the best in each voice with just the press of a button.

Costs: The Vocaster One retails for $199 but is listed at just $159 for Black Friday, while the Vocaster Two retails for $299 but is listed at just $229 for Black Friday.

Rødecaster Pro II

Røde was the first to create an all-in-one podcast studio/mixer/interface and now they’ve done it again. But the Rødecaster Pro II is more than just the same old Rødecaster Pro with a fresh new look. It comes with some new and more powerful features and in a smaller form factor than its predecessor.

The Rødecaster Pro II unlocks additional functionality with its nine individually assigned channels (four of which are XLR inputs), dual USB interfaces, and punchy preamps. Even the colorful RGB lights can be programmed to match the vibe in the room. But it’s the customizable SMART pads that truly allow this new model to be used as a full on control center for podcasters and streamers alike.

Cost (USD): The Rødecaster Pro II retails for $699 but is currently listed at $664.

With the introduction of the Rødecaster Pro II, the price of the original has dropped significantly. So if you are looking for something with a little more power and functionality than the Vocaster but don’t need the additional bells and whistles of the Rødecaster Pro II, be sure to check out the original Rødecaster Pro that you can pick up for $429. It has been and still remains my go-to interface and mixer.

Let me know in the comments which interface you prefer and what features you need.