What I’m currently using in 2022 for my Podcast: https://www.stagroar.co.nz/

The C01U USB Studio Condenser Microphone from Samson allows you to make high-quality audio recordings to your computer without the need of any additional gear or cabling. The C01U is USB compatible with any Mac or PC, as well as most DAW software programs, including GarageBand. It comes with Cakewalk’s Sonar LE digital audio workstation software so you can get started recording right away. The C01U’s large, 19mm shock-mounted diaphragm with hypercardioid pickup pattern provides a smooth, flat frequency response. Capturing audio at 16-bit and up to a 48 kHz sampling rate, the C01U offers accurate, high-quality audio reproduction. The mic comes with a desktop mic stand, mic clip, USB cable and carry pouch.

The ATH-M50x features the same coveted sonic signature as its predecessor, the ATH-M50, with the addition of three interchangable cables. Proprietary 45 mm large-aperture drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils ensure a pure listening experience. Isolating earcups swivel 90°.Collapsible design and included carrying pouch make for easy storage. Also available in white (ATH-M50xWH $369.99) and Limited Edition MATTE GREY (ATH-M50x-MG $449.99). Critically acclaimed M-Series professional monitor headphones deliver accurate audio and outstanding comfort, perfect for long sessions in the studio and on the go. Contoured earcups seal tight for excellent sound isolation, with minimal bleed. And the pro-grade materials are durable, yet comfortable. Find out why online reviewers, top audio engineers, and cult followers agree, M-Series is an unmatched combination of audio and build-quality that gets the job done. Hour after hour, year after year.

The AT2020: the new standard for affordable side-address studio condensers. Audio-Technica’s stringent quality and consistency standards set the AT2020 apart from other microphones in this class. Its low-mass diaphragm is custom-engineered for extended frequency response and superior transient response. With rugged construction for durable performance, the microphone offers a wide dynamic range and handles high SPLs with ease.

Created for use with intercom systems, the Audio-Technica BPHS1-XF4 is a rugged communications headset that offers natural, highly intelligible and focused vocal reproduction, closed-back circumaural (around-the-ear) ear cups to seal out background noise, and a high-output dynamic microphone mounted on a flexible gooseneck boom. The headset’s microphone has a cardioid polar pattern tailored for pickup of speech with maximum voice intelligibility over a wide range of frequencies. It is more sensitive to sound originating directly in front of the element, making it useful in reducing pickup of unwanted sounds. The flexible gooseneck boom swivels for easy positioning on either the right or left side.

The new Tascam US-4X4HR 4In/4Out High-Resolution USB Audio/MIDI Interface has 4 XLR mic inputs and 4 TRS line inputs (IN 1-2 guitar input support) audio interface with implemented MIDI IN/OUT ports. Equipped loopback function and OBS support makes this interface an excellent choice for podcasts and live streaming. The new US-4x4HR offers simple and intuitive operation, sophisticated looks, a rich assortment of software bundles, and improved audio performance with 192 kHz support, thanks to the newly enhanced audio circuit.

My wish list may include one of these but the above audio interface already does everything I need from an Audio perspective except record the audio file without my laptop. Mixcast 4 makes professional content creation easy. For Podcast creation, live streaming, event production, or voice over, Mixcast 4 will mix and record mic inputs, internal sounds and music via the trigger pads, and external audio input from your phone or PC. Together with the TASCAM Podcast Editor software, a complete solution – including both waveform editing and sound pad control – is provided from pre-production to completion. The Mixcast 4 is a one-stop workstation that allows for the recording and mixing of sound sources without complicated settings. It provides all audio-related operation and workflow needed for live-streaming, events, podcasts, and other applications. The bundled TASCAM Podcast Editor software will expand the ability to assign content and sound effects to the internal touchpads, and will allow for smooth and easy remote track arming, effects assignment, audio editing and more without the need for expertise and complexity.

What I’d Love to add in 2023

Designed for multicamera live streaming to the internet or broadcast applications, the compact ATEM Mini from Blackmagic Design provides gaming consoles, corporate computer streams, or HD cameras a four-input live production switcher with an integrated control panel. The four HDMI inputs are available on the rear of the chassis and they input up to 1080p60 video. There is also an HDMI output for a projector or external monitor, a USB Type-C output for streaming up to 1080p60 video to a computer, and an RJ45 10/100 Ethernet port for system management, remote control, and upgrades.

The control surface features easy-to-view, backlit control buttons to enable selecting camera inputs, controlling transitions, keyers, settings, and the DVE. The ATEM Mini features upstream and downstream keyers, an advanced chroma keyer, two linear/luma keyers, a DVE transition keyer, a pattern generator, and two colour generators. There is also media player support for fill and key images, which supports up to 20 stills in PNG, TGA, BMP, JPEG, and TIFF formats. The HDMI output supports a minimum of 1366 x 768 resolution for monitoring your stream. It also supports the ATEM Software Control Panel via Ethernet, and it supports control and configuration using the ATEM Mini.

And run three of The Alpha a7 III Mirrorless Digital Camera from Sony is a well-rounded camera suitable for both photo and video applications in a variety of working situations. Refined for improved speed and low-light performance, the full-frame 24.2MP Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processor pair to realise an impressive 10 fps continuous shooting rate and improved autofocus performance for faster, more reliable subject tracking along with wide frame coverage. This updated Fast Hybrid AF System employs a combination of 693 phase-detection points and 425 contrast-detection areas for quicker acquirement of focus in a variety of lighting conditions, and also maintains focus on subjects more effectively. In addition to speed and AF, the processing improvements also help to realise greater image clarity and reduced noise throughout the sensitivity range from ISO 100-51200, which can further be expanded to ISO 50-204800. Video recording capabilities have also been extended for enhanced quality when recording UHD 4K video with the full width of the full-frame sensor to minimise moiré and aliasing. Additionally, benefitting both stills and video operation, the a7 III utilises a 5-axis SteadyShot INSIDE sensor-shift image stabilisation, which is now effective to minimise the appearance of camera shake by up to 5 stops.

Beyond just updates to the imaging system, the a7 III’s body design has also been revised to include a rear 3.0″ 922k-dot touchscreen LCD, which has a tilting design to better support working from high and low angles. A 2.36m-dot Tru-Finder OLED EVF is also featured for bright and clear eye-level monitoring. For greater shooting flexibility, dual SD memory card slots are now featured, and a larger NP-FZ100 battery is also employed to achieve up to approximately 710 shots per charge. Suiting the camera’s use in trying conditions, the magnesium-alloy chassis and weather-sealing also render the a7 III dust- and moisture-resistant.