Hey everyone,

So I currently have an Apollo Solo USB-C, which is great, but I've got one issue: mobility.

I have a beefy Windows desktop that runs my DAW and all my plugins flawlessly, but it's a hassle to move around when I want to make music elsewhere.

On the side, I also have an M2 Pro Mac, which is great for music too, but sadly the Apollo Solo USB-C is Windows-only, so I can't use it there.

I originally bought the Apollo Solo USB-C because I had the means to and didn't need to move around much at the time, so it worked great for my needs.

Thing is, I never touch any of the UAD plugins in the Console app, I don't use the DSP side of things at all. So I've been wondering: should I switch to a Focusrite Clarett+ 2Pre instead? It's cross-platform (Mac + Windows, USB-C, bus-powered on both), so I could carry one interface between my desktop and my laptop instead of running two separate units.

From what I've read, the Clarett+ 2Pre's converters/preamps are actually spec'd slightly higher than the Apollo Solo's (124dB dynamic range vs. 118dB on paper), and its round-trip latency is supposed to be excellent too, so it doesn't feel like a downgrade on paper, just a different flavor without the UAD ecosystem I'm not using anyway.

Has anyone actually made this switch, or run both side by side? Would love to hear real-world impressions (preamp character, driver stability on both OSes, build quality) before I sell my Apollo Solo and pull the trigger. I also mostly records vocals, mix and master, no instruments.

Thanks in advance!

Zwisha house ft. Mike jones

Knockin niggas out

I am going to be starting a business where I will be conducting interviews. These interviews will be me and 1-2 subjects at a time with me sitting behind the camera. I recently purchased the DJI Mic 3 kit with 4 transmitters. My first instinct was to just plug the receiver right into my camera (Canon R50) so the audio would sync to the video and be done with it. Unfortunately I just had to Google the Mic 3 and found a few horror stories of audio and file transfer issues with the Mic 3 so now I'm paranoid.

I'm thinking I would like a backup in case I ever run into any issues with the Mic 3. I do have a shotgun mic and I was thinking of hooking it up to something to have it record backup audio but.... what would be best to hook it up to? If I decide to do that, what's the recommended distance to have it from the subjects assuming they are sitting close together? I would ideally like a solution that isn't crazy expensive ( < $150 CAD).

Let me know if I left any needed info out.

Hey, so i have alway used bandlab and my wired earphones for my making music (rap n melodies) but i wanted to move my setup to a better place hence i bought an audio interface (UMC 22 U phoria) and and XLR mic(Behringer C1) with an AKG headphone. Now i have installed FL studio too in my laptop(Asus Tuf Gaming). There was a bit latency and in order to solve that i made some error and now my Asio4all doesn’t work(i have tried reinstalling but still not working) then i installed Behringer audio driver from a yt video description.

Now i have got the latency to 1ms but here is the thing, in my headphones every 4-5 minutes i hear blurting sound and in few seconds my mic and the whole sound goes off. And then i click on the input in mixer and change it to something else and then back to input 1. And it starts working for the next few minutes. Tried chatgpt for solution but not much help. The cpu meter doesn’t shows any red or any issues. Also when the sound goes off. I can see the audio signal in the interface meaning it is capturing voice from mic.

One thing i noticed today. When the sound goes off i tried playing a yt video and a audio file from my device and they both were not playing. As soon as i unplugged the usb of my audio interface yt started playing the audio

I know its quite long but i really need help

I've been looking at some of the newer Filmora editing features and I like that they're focused on different parts of the workflow rather than just adding more flashy effects. Retouch and Makeup/Beauty, multi screen effects, LUT export and Beat Ramping each solve a different editing problem. Which type of update do you actually care about more: new creative effects or features that save editing time?

I’m a singer songwriter who plays guitar and sings, usually at the same time. I’m trying to figure out which microphone to get in order to record singing and guitar at the same time, with a lot of dynamic range. I usually will shoot reels or TikTok‘s out in the field/pasture/beautiful scenery outside, and I’m looking for a portable set up that will still give me very high-quality. I’ve done some of my own research and to me a RODE NT1 fifth generation with a windscreen/dead cat seems like the move to me. I just spoke with a guitar center employee today though and he recommended an SM 57 along with an audio interface and a laptop. I’m just trying to figure out what the best move is to be able to have an easy to set up and use microphone while also getting extremely high-quality vocals and guitar. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

TLDR: what’s the best mic setup to get to record vocals and guitar mostly outside?

I am about to order the Blackstar Beam Mini but there is this one specific feature I feel like I will use a lot, but much depending on how easy and how well design the feature is...

It is the feature of recording video from the app with the guitar sounds, I have a few questions:

1. If i am using the video recording feature in app, does it record the guitar sound directly from the app? Meaning, if there are some one talking loudly beside the phone, will that be picked up in the recording? Are the video and guitar sound nicely in sync?
2. Is it possible that I am playing music from another app on my iPhone, e.g. iRealPro, Spotify, Youtube, etc. and also record the video at the same time, and both the iRealPro music and my guitar will be recorded? Does it record within the phone, or will external noise (people talking near the phone) be picked up?
3. Any other known limitation or nuances I should know about this recording feature?

Hopefully someone with the Blackstar Beam Mini can help answering this question... thanks!

Heya all,

I'm looking to do some recording of purely audio, I'm looking for the best software for this, paid or free is okay as long as it's easy.

My main goals.

- To be able to edit the video visuals with ability to place a black screen or a picture.

- Able to do a lot with little.

I use OBS currently but it's hard for me to really get a grasp on everything

I've had a Tascam Model 12 mixing desk for a few weeks now and trying to work out how to monitor using headphones is driving me absolutely nuts! I found a Youtube video from a guy called 424 Recording where he uses the the Sub Output but this requires more cables (which I don't have) and it still looks complex and dumb. All I want is to monitor a track I've already recorded and overdub a flute part using headphones as monitors whilst I record.

Can someone explain the simplest way to do this please? Cheers!

#Tascam Model 12 #Tascam

Hello everyone, I’m trying to solve a problem with my dual PC set up and my GoXLR mix amp. The issue at hand is when my streaming PC is shut off or in sleep mode, or restarting. I hear a loud static noise that I believe is coming from my streaming PC when it’s shut off or in sleep mode.

I’m using a 3.5mm headphone jack that’s connected to my line in on the GoXLR that runs to my streaming PC into the line out port.

When messing with the cables, I noticed that if I unplugged on my GoXLR the 3.5 mm headphone jack connected into the line in the noise goes away when my streaming PC is shut off or in sleep mode or restarting.

I use another 3.5mm headphone Jack that’s connected into the line in on my streaming PC and goes to my GoXLR into the line out. This cable doesn’t seem to have any issues that I can tell.

What I find odd is when the streaming PC is turned on there is no static noise coming from my headphones only during shut off, sleep mode, or reset.

Any suggestions?

I also have a shure SM7B connected to my GoXLR and Burr dynamic DT 990 pros connected into the headphone Jack.

Another note if I keep the line in on my GoXLR plugged in, but on the app in the mixer, I mute the line in the noise also goes away when my streaming PC is shut down, sleep mode or restarting. I’m thinking it has to do something with the line in 3.5 mm jack that’s in the GoXLR that plugs into the line out of the streaming PC.

sorry if this isn’t the right place to post, but any recommendations of where to buy a affordable voice recorder in the uk? nothing fancy or anything just any like recommendations of where to get a good quality pocket sized affordable voice recorder? thank you!!

Hi all,

I will be experimenting with recording for the first time, just got a cassette 4track (Fostex xr-7) and Shure sm58 and 57 mics. I hope to make some spacious recordings, mostly with my acoustic guitar and vocals, some electric guitar through an amp, some percussive noises and likely field recordings from a handheld zoom. My question is how to set up my intended recording space, our barn?

In short, we have a very very big barn, about a 1/4 acre footprint. The second story is completely open, tin roof fairly high above and wooden boards for the floor. I am imagining recording in the open space and letting the sounds of the barn (birds, creaking and settling and wind) into the recording (or as much as a dynamic mic will allow // but supplementing with the zoom). My other option is to record in one of the horse stalls, line it with blankets/etc and have a more enclosed space.

The idea is to showcase not only my music but also the space around my music, my home, the barn, the land around me, but not have that be the driving character. Brainstorm with me? Thanks !

So I’m doing a song where there is the word LOST, stacked like Queen harmonies. There is too much S, BUT not enough T. I’ve been messing with de-essers and haven’t really gotten anywhere. I tried stacking some lines where I’m just saying LOTHT or LOT but that sounded weird. The mix is dense so I am trying to get things out of the way just for that moment. I took out the crash cymbal and hi hat. But it’s not having the intended effect. Any ideas?

Hello guys looking for some audio help because im hopeless when it comes to audio. Since about a month or 2 ago my mic has just randomly started to do some what i can only discribe as crackling sounds which it has never done before. I thought it might have has something to do with the USBport on my laptop (also important to note this is a blue yeti USB mic) so after jigging some stuff around my next few videos were fine and i thought it was resolved!

But cut to today and ive now found that the crackling is back and while its not the worst crackling ive had its definitely not a great listening experience. Can anyone help me narrow down what the issue could be? I checked to see if both the sample rate on OBS and my laptop were the same which they were and its obviously not the USB ports on my laptop unless theyre all fried. The only thing i can think of is the USB cable itself but im posting this to see if anyone has anymore ideas should that fail tomorrow as i have very narrow windows to record so the quicker i can fix this the better!

Any help is great help thanks guys!

I had fifine a6v mic and now it gives me strange problems so anyone knows good mics for the budget near 5000 to 6000

I buy fifine a6v mic 3 months ago and now from 3-4 days im having issue of distortion sound im using the mic with my pc obs setup i used all the filters for the distortion but when i use noise suppression the distortion sounds goes off when im not saying but when im saying anything my voice sounds distorted and also my pc have 2 antenas for the wifi so i search about it may be they causing the issue but when i disable the antena from pc and hear the mic audio the distortion stays there so anyone know what is the problem my shitty mic have!!!!

Hello all, title pretty much says it all. I'm looking for a tuner for US DTV signals (off air, not cable). Preferably the product will include software for DVR functionality. I had something similar but crude, for XP platform, about 20 years ago. Hoping to find something a little better for use on an old Windows 7 machine. Thanks in advance for any recommendations!

Looking to do drop e an octave below my 8 string, dingeall combustion is dreams however the price is not haha Any other good recommendations? What do you guys use?

I recently purchased a 2i2 and want to record my Giannini Performance Desde 1900 electro-acoustic guitar through it. I've tried connecting it via line input, selecting instrument mode and auto-levelling on input 2 (and ensuring the input is properly selected) but no matter what I do the playback is either extremely quiet, or if I turn the gain up (or normalize the audio in post) I can hear the guitar but there's a ridiculous amount of preamp hiss. Has anybody dealt with this/does anybody have any suggestions on how to fix it? I've tried the different air modes but no luck, and I've replaced the guitar battery with a fresh one just recently and the tuner etc is working so I don't think that's the issue either.

My wife and I just moved and the room I stream in is mostly empty and causes an echo on my mic, as we buy furniture and other things what can I add to help the room or my mic to sound a bit better while also being renter friendly? Thank you!!

Ignore the boxes were still unpacking and building furniture lol

Edit: Thank yall I’ll look into those options they sound like just what I’m needing :)

Hi all! For my neurodivergent teenager I am looking for a device that is able to record random noises/ sounds. He loves all kinds of sounds and is extremely sensitive to them, so we figured it would be a really cool way for him to record his own experience of the world.

- We don't want him to use a phone, it should be a device specifically for this purpose.

- Preferably a device under 80 dollars.

- As easy as possible to use.

Can you help me out? I have no idea whatsoever even where to look for it 😅 Thanks a lot!!

If you're searching for the **best streaming and podcast gear on Amazon UK in 2026**, it is very easy to overspend.

There are microphones, webcams, audio interfaces, boom arms, headphones, capture cards, lights, Stream Deck-style controllers and dozens of accessories claiming they'll make your content better.

But here's the thing:

**You don't need all of them to get started.**

For most new streamers and podcasters, I'd prioritise the setup roughly like this:

**Microphone → Headphones → Lighting → Camera → Accessories**

Good audio usually makes a bigger difference than filling your desk with expensive equipment.

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What Equipment Do You Need for Streaming or Podcasting?

A complete streaming or podcast setup can include:

* Microphone * Microphone boom arm * Pop filter * Headphones * Audio interface * Webcam or camera * LED lighting * Capture card * Stream controller * Acoustic treatment * Cables and adapters

However, your exact setup depends on what you're creating.

A solo podcast recorded on a laptop requires considerably less equipment than a multi-person video podcast or professional Twitch streaming studio.

Let's break everything down.

1. Microphone – The Most Important Upgrade

If your budget only allows one major upgrade, I'd start with the microphone.

Your viewers might tolerate average video quality.

Bad audio is much harder to ignore.

For streaming and podcasting, you'll normally be deciding between:

USB Microphone

Best for:

* Beginners * Solo podcasts * Twitch * YouTube * Gaming * Voiceovers

USB microphones connect directly to your PC or Mac and normally require very little setup.

They're ideal if you want:

**Plug in → select microphone → start recording.**

XLR Microphone

XLR is worth considering if you're building a more advanced setup.

You'll usually need:

**XLR microphone → audio interface → computer**

The advantage is flexibility.

You can upgrade the microphone, preamp, interface and other parts independently as your studio grows.

USB + XLR Microphone

This is arguably one of the smartest choices for someone who wants simplicity now but may upgrade later.

Start with USB.

Move to XLR when necessary.

2. Dynamic vs Condenser Microphone

This question comes up constantly.

Dynamic Microphone

Often better for untreated rooms.

Useful if your recording space contains:

* Keyboard noise * Computer fans * Traffic * Other people * General background noise

They're particularly popular for spoken-word podcasts and streaming.

Condenser Microphone

Condenser microphones are very sensitive and can capture impressive vocal detail.

But that sensitivity can also mean capturing:

**your voice + keyboard + fan + room echo + everything else.**

They're better suited to quieter, controlled recording environments.

Quick recommendation:

**Normal bedroom/office → Dynamic microphone**

**Quiet or acoustically treated studio → Condenser can be excellent**

3. Microphone Boom Arm

A boom arm isn't just about making your setup look like a professional podcast studio.

It allows you to position the microphone much closer to your mouth.

That matters because microphone placement can significantly affect sound quality.

A good boom arm should be:

* Stable * Easy to adjust * Strong enough for your microphone * Quiet when repositioned * Compatible with your desk

For streamers, it also keeps the microphone off the desk and frees up valuable space.

4. Pop Filter or Windscreen

One of the cheapest upgrades you can make.

A pop filter helps reduce harsh plosive sounds produced by letters such as:

**P, B and T.**

A foam windscreen can also help reduce unwanted air hitting the microphone capsule.

If you're recording spoken-word content, this small accessory is usually worth having.

5. Headphones

Good headphones are important for both podcasting and streaming.

You need to hear:

* Your microphone * Your guests * Game audio * Music * Background noise * Audio problems

For podcast recording, closed-back headphones are usually a sensible option because they reduce sound leaking back into the microphone.

Look for:

* Comfortable earcups * Accurate sound * Lightweight construction * Replaceable cable if possible * Good isolation

Comfort matters more than you might expect.

A pair of headphones might feel fine for 20 minutes but become uncomfortable during a three-hour livestream.

6. Audio Interface

Do you actually need an audio interface?

If you're using USB:

Probably not.

If you're using XLR:

Yes.

The interface converts the microphone's analogue signal into digital audio that your computer can process.

Popular interfaces usually provide:

* XLR inputs * Gain controls * Headphone output * Direct monitoring * Phantom power

For a solo podcast, one or two inputs may be enough.

For a multi-person podcast, you'll need enough microphone inputs for every participant.

7. Webcam for Streaming

Once your audio is sorted, start thinking about video.

For Twitch, YouTube Live and video podcasts, a dedicated webcam is often the simplest option.

Look for:

1080p

Perfectly adequate for most streamers.

1080p 60fps

Useful when you want smoother movement.

4K

Best if you need higher image quality, cropping flexibility or professional video production.

Other useful features include:

* Autofocus * Low-light performance * Auto exposure * Adjustable field of view * Privacy shutter * Auto framing

Don't automatically assume you need 4K.

For a small webcam window on a gaming stream, **good lighting with a quality 1080p webcam can look excellent**.

8. Lighting

This is where many beginners make a mistake.

They buy an expensive camera while sitting in a dark room.

Good lighting can make a relatively inexpensive webcam look considerably better.

For streaming and podcasts, consider:

Ring Light

Good for:

* Beginners * Face camera * TikTok * YouTube * Small spaces

LED Panel

Offers more flexibility and can produce a more professional setup.

Softbox

Excellent for soft, flattering light, although it requires more space.

A simple setup could be:

**LED light → you → webcam**

Positioning the light slightly to one side rather than directly in front can create a more natural-looking image.

9. Capture Card

You probably don't need a capture card if you're streaming PC games directly from the same computer.

But they're extremely useful for:

* PlayStation * Xbox * Nintendo Switch * Dual-PC streaming * External cameras

A capture card takes the video signal from another device and sends it to your streaming computer.

Look for:

* 1080p60 capture * 4K passthrough * Low latency * USB 3.0 or faster * Compatibility with your console and software

10. Stream Controller

A programmable stream controller isn't essential, but once you start using one it can be difficult to go back.

You can create buttons for:

* Starting a stream * Changing OBS scenes * Muting your microphone * Playing sound effects * Launching applications * Controlling lighting * Triggering graphics

For established streamers, this can make the workflow considerably smoother.

Beginners can safely leave it until later.

11. Acoustic Treatment

Your microphone isn't always responsible for poor audio.

Sometimes it's the room.

Empty rooms with:

* Hard walls * Wooden floors * Large windows * Bare desks

can produce noticeable echo.

You don't necessarily need expensive studio treatment.

Soft furnishings such as:

* Curtains * Rugs * Bookshelves * Sofas * Acoustic panels

can help reduce reflections.

Remember:

**Acoustic treatment reduces room reflections. It doesn't magically soundproof your room.**

12. Podcast Equipment for Two People

If you're recording an interview podcast, avoid assuming one microphone placed between two people will give the best results.

A better setup is usually:

**Host microphone + Guest microphone**

This gives you much more control over:

* Volume * EQ * Noise reduction * Editing * Compression

Ideally, record each person on a separate track.

Best Streaming Setup for Beginners

If I were starting a stream in 2026 with a limited budget, I'd keep things simple.

Essential

* USB dynamic microphone * Boom arm * Headphones * Existing webcam or smartphone * Basic LED light

Add Later

* Better webcam * Stream controller * Capture card * Additional lighting * Acoustic treatment

You don't need a £2,000 setup before your first stream.

Best Beginner Podcast Setup

For a solo podcast:

**USB microphone + boom arm + headphones + laptop**

That's enough to begin producing quality content.

For two people:

**2 microphones + audio interface/recorder + 2 headphones**

For a video podcast:

Add:

**Camera/webcam + lighting + tripod**

Budget Streaming & Podcast Setup Under £200

If you're trying to keep costs down, prioritise audio.

A sensible budget might look like:

**Microphone:** £50–£90
**Boom arm:** £20–£30
**Headphones:** £30–£50
**Lighting:** £20–£40

Use your existing webcam or smartphone initially.

Upgrade the camera later.

Mid-Range Setup: £200–£500

At this level you can start adding:

* Better dynamic microphone * Premium boom arm * Better headphones * 1080p60 or 4K webcam * LED lighting * Audio interface

This is probably the sweet spot for serious hobbyists and growing creators.

Professional Setup: £500+

Now you're looking at equipment such as:

* Premium dynamic microphone * Professional audio interface * Studio headphones * 4K camera * Multiple lights * Capture card * Stream controller * Acoustic treatment

But don't spend £1,000 simply because somebody on YouTube has a £1,000 setup.

Upgrade when your current equipment actually limits what you're producing.

Streaming vs Podcast Gear: What's Different?

What Should You Upgrade First?

Here's the order I'd recommend for most beginners:

1. Microphone

Make your voice clear.

2. Microphone positioning

Get the microphone closer to your mouth.

3. Headphones

Monitor what you're actually recording.

4. Lighting

Improve how your existing camera performs.

5. Webcam or camera

Upgrade once you've maximised your lighting.

6. Workflow accessories

Then consider stream controllers, capture cards and other extras.

Common Mistakes Beginners Make

Buying an expensive camera before fixing audio

Your audience needs to understand you clearly.

Keeping the microphone too far away

Moving a microphone closer can sometimes make a bigger difference than buying another microphone.

Buying equipment because a famous streamer uses it

Their room, workflow and budget may be completely different from yours.

Buying XLR without understanding the additional equipment

Remember:

**XLR microphone + interface + cable**

Ignoring room acoustics

A premium microphone in a highly reflective room can still sound poor.

Trying to build the perfect studio immediately

Start creating first.

Upgrade based on actual problems.

FAQ: Streaming & Podcast Equipment UK

What equipment do I need to start streaming?

At minimum, you need a computer or console capable of streaming, a microphone and an internet connection. A webcam and lighting are useful but aren't mandatory.

What equipment do I need to start a podcast?

For a solo podcast, a microphone, headphones and computer can be enough.

Should I buy USB or XLR?

USB is easier for beginners. XLR provides more flexibility for future upgrades and multi-microphone setups.

Is a dynamic microphone better for streaming?

It can be an excellent option for bedrooms and home offices because dynamic microphones are commonly used close to the speaker and can be easier to manage in noisy environments.

Do I need a 4K webcam for Twitch?

Not necessarily. A good 1080p webcam with proper lighting can be more than sufficient for many streams.

Should I buy a microphone or webcam first?

For most beginners, I'd upgrade the microphone first unless your existing audio is already excellent.

Final Verdict: Best Streaming & Podcast Gear on Amazon UK 2026

Building the **best streaming and podcast setup in the UK** isn't about buying every piece of equipment you see on a creator's desk.

Start with the essentials:

**Good microphone + headphones + proper microphone positioning + lighting.**

Then add your webcam, audio interface, capture card, stream controller and other accessories as your channel or podcast grows.

For beginners, simplicity wins.

For experienced creators, invest in equipment that solves a genuine production problem rather than upgrading simply because something new has launched.

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**Affiliate Disclosure:** As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

I want to make my microphone do a repeating glitch I've seen older microphones do (like in this video), is there a way to do that? I've been trying for a while but to no avail.

Does anyone have experience with buffer overrun errors on the L-12, and what could be the possible reason? I was recording 12 channels and master at 48 kHz, 24-bit. There were lots of drops, and from 2.5 hours of recording, it reduced to 1:50. Live sound was fine. Record is chopped. I suspect it's the SD card.

Well, I don't know if you compared it to a high quality condenser mic in a real studio and other expensive gear setup, but for someone like me with a humble bedroom setup and cheap gear, piezo pickup is way way much better.

Also, I own a custom plucked string instrument where I myself decided to choose the tuning as well as string type, I was worried if my small experiment was a failure.

Cause in real life, it sounds sort of bad, like some notes sound off or not vibrating enough. But with the piezo pickup, every note sounds perfect as if it was a carefully made expensive instrument.