You’re Wasting Money on Useless Audio Gear

Let’s get something straight: you don’t need a suitcase full of fancy gear to create amazing audio.

But if you’ve been browsing online or watching influencer unboxings, you might think you need to blow your entire paycheck on equipment you don’t even know how to use.

Spoiler: you don’t.

Let’s talk about the gear traps you should avoid.

1. Fancy microphones won’t fix bad acoustics.

You could own the same mic as your favorite celebrity podcaster, but if you’re recording in a cavernous room with hardwood floors, it’ll still sound terrible.

Fix it: Focus on your recording environment first. Soundproofing doesn’t have to cost a fortune - blankets, rugs, and foam panels are your new best friends.

Once your space is ready, then think about upgrading your mic.

2. Overhyped plugins add unnecessary complexity.

Yes, plugins can be cool. But do you really need that $200 software that makes your voice sound like it’s underwater in outer space?

Fix it: Stick to the basics - EQ, compression, and noise reduction. Master those, and you’ll already be ahead of the game.

If you want to explore plugins later, go for it—but don’t let them distract you from the fundamentals.

3. Music headphones lead to bad mixes.

Here’s the thing about headphones made for listening to music: they lie to you. They enhance certain parts of the listening experience that makes music sound better, but isn't always an accurate representation of how your audio actually sounds. That’s a recipe for disaster when your listeners hear it on different headphones or through a speaker.

Fix it: Find a pair of headphones or a good speaker that was made for audio editing or radio studio monitoring. Edit your audio with this equipment for a more accurate representation of your sound, not through headphones made for music.

Great audio doesn’t come from the gear; it comes from you. So go make something awesome with what you already have. (and maybe return that $3000 mic you don’t need).