Episode 320 | Insider Secrets to a Top 100 Podcast | Courtney Elmer

When to Upgrade Your Podcast Gear (and When You’re Wasting Money)

So, you want your podcast setup to look and sound professional—but you don’t want to waste money on podcast gear you don’t actually need? You’re in good company.

Because despite what the internet might have you believe, better podcast gear won’t make you a better podcaster.

The real key? Knowing when to upgrade.

In my previous post, we broke down why a fancy studio isn’t what earns you authority. But that doesn’t mean podcast gear is useless—it just means the right upgrade at the right time makes all the difference.

So before you drop cash on a mic that influencers swear by, let’s talk about when investing in new podcast gear actually makes sense.

I brought back home studio expert Junaid Ahmed to walk us through four stages of home studio evolution—so you know exactly when to upgrade, when to hold off, and how to make small tweaks that massively improve your sound (without blowing your budget).

Stage 1: The Novice Stage

Your Goal: Get comfortable behind the mic 

Be honest—have you ever recorded something, played it back, and immediately cringed?

Maybe your voice sounded weird. Maybe you stumbled over your words. Maybe you hated the way you said something and re-recorded it five times before giving up.

Welcome to podcasting.

That feeling? Completely normal. But the real mistake is thinking that sounding perfect is a prerequisite for starting.

Most podcasters think: I need to sound perfect before I put my podcast out into the world.
Reality: Every top podcaster has a first episode they wish they could take back.

Your first episodes will be rough—everyone’s are. But the only way to get better is by pressing record.

Joe Rogan’s first podcast? Practically unlistenable. Jordan Harbinger? Started out recording informal conversations with friends. The biggest podcasters today didn’t start because they felt “ready.” 

(In fact, when I talked to John Lee Dumas, he told me it took over 480+ episodes before he really hit his stride. Listen here.)

None of them started because they felt “ready.” They started because they knew starting was the only way to improve.

What to upgrade in Stage 1?

Nothing. Junaid’s advice? Forget about “sounding good” and focus on showing up.

Use what you have—your phone, earbuds, whatever’s available. The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is to get comfortable creating.

Stage 2: The Hobbyist Stage

Your Goal: Make Your First Mic Sound Its Best

So, you’ve recorded a few episodes. You’re getting more comfortable behind the mic. And now, you’re eyeing an upgrade. Smart move—when you do it strategically.

Because a good mic in a bad room still sounds bad. But a decent mic in a treated space? Now you’re getting somewhere.

Most podcasters think: A high-end mic will make my podcast sound better.
Reality: A $80 mic, properly placed, will sound better than a $480 mic used incorrectly.

Ever heard a podcast where the host has an expensive mic, but the audio still sounds weirdly hollow or echoey? (If I could count the number of times I’ve had to tell a guest to move their mic closer to their mouth, I’d at least have enough to buy a steamy hot cappuccino.) 

You could have the best mic money can buy, but if you’re recording in an empty room with hard floors and bare walls, you’ll still sound like you’re in a high school gym. (Except this time, you’re the one calling Bueller… Bueller…and your listeners? Nowhere to be found.)

So at this stage, sound quality does start to matter—not for credibility, but because listeners won’t stick around if your audio is distracting.

What to upgrade in Stage 2?

Junaid recommends a solid entry-level dynamic mic (even secondhand) and basic sound treatment (rugs, curtains, foam panels) to reduce background noise, minimize echo, soften hard surfaces, and improve mic placement (keep it 2–3 inches from your mouth for the best sound).

Stage 3: The Enthusiast Stage

Your Goal: Build a Stronger Visual Presence

By now, your podcast audio is solid. Your mic is dialed in, your sound treatment is working, and you’re no longer recording in an echo chamber. Naturally, the next step? Expanding your setup—not just for your podcast, but for all the ways you show up in your business.

Maybe you’re recording video clips for social media. Maybe you’re hosting live workshops or virtual events. Maybe you’re just tired of looking like a shadowy figure on Zoom calls. Whatever the case, this is when podcasters start eyeing cameras, lights, and other visual upgrades.

Whatever the case, this is where lighting—not a new camera—makes all the difference.

Most podcasters think: I need a high-end camera to look professional on video.
Reality: If your lighting is bad, even the best camera won’t help you.

A $2,000 camera won’t fix bad lighting. But good lighting can make a basic webcam or smartphone look crisp, clear, and professional. (Ever seen someone with a top-tier camera, but their lighting makes them look like they’re telling ghost stories with a flashlight under their chin?)

What to upgrade in Stage 3?

Junaid suggests upgrading your lighting first—before even thinking about a camera. And if you don’t have a dedicated camera yet? Your smartphone is already better than most built-in laptop webcams. Enhance your setup for content creation—whether that’s recording, live streaming, or just looking polished on video calls. Invest in a simple softbox light (before spending money on a camera).

Because great lighting and sound can make any setup look high-end—but bad lighting will make even the best gear look amateur.

Stage 4: The Semi-Pro Stage

Your Goal: Create a Home Studio That Enhances Your Content

By now, your setup is solid. Your audio is good quality, your lighting is dialed in, and you’re more confident showing up on camera.

Now, the focus shifts from just looking and sounding good to optimizing your space for efficiency and flexibility.

Maybe you’re recording different types of content—solo podcast episodes, guest interviews, social media clips, live workshops. Maybe you want a more professional-looking background that reflects your brand. Or maybe you’re just tired of rearranging your space every time you record.

At this stage, your studio should work for you—not the other way around.

Most podcasters think: A good setup is just about looking professional.
Reality: A great studio makes recording easier, more efficient, and more flexible for different types of content.

If you’ve optimized your lighting and want even better video quality, upgrading to a crop sensor mirrorless camera is your next smart move.

Why? Because now it actually makes a difference. A crop sensor mirrorless camera will give you sharper image quality, better depth, and more control over your visuals.

And if you’ve been using an entry-level mic? This is the time to upgrade.

A high-quality dynamic mic will give you richer, more professional sound, making your voice clearer and more immersive for your listeners. The key is choosing one that complements your recording environment and voice.

Once your core upgrades are in place, Junaid suggests expanding your setup for more flexibility.

At this stage, a second camera angle can add variety to your content—whether for live streams, guest interviews, or product demos. But only if it actually serves a purpose.

Beyond that, creating visually distinct areas in your studio makes it easier to record different types of content without constantly rearranging your space:

• A clean, well-lit backdrop for live workshops or guest interviews.
• A relaxed setup for casual social media clips or behind-the-scenes content.
• A standing desk or alternate setup so you can switch things up seamlessly.

What to upgrade in Stage 4?

• A mirrorless camera (recommended) for sharper video quality.
• A pro-level mic (recommended) for richer, more immersive sound.
• A second camera angle (optional) if it adds variety to your content.
• Visually distinct areas (optional) to make recording different types of content easier—without constantly rearranging your space.
  
  

The Truth About Upgrading Your Podcast Gear

The biggest mistake podcasters make? Upgrading too soon. 

New podcast gear won’t fix a podcast that lacks clarity, confidence, or strategy. 

So before you drop money on another mic, camera, or gadget, here’s what to consider:

• You’ve maxed out your current setup. You’ve done everything possible to improve your sound/visuals, but limitations in your gear are holding you back.
  
• Your content is strong enough that an upgrade would enhance it. If your episodes are already converting listeners into loyal fans, better podcast gear can support that growth.
  
• You have a strategic reason for upgrading. Not because you want it—but because you actually need it.

If you can check all three boxes—upgrade with intention. If not? Keep creating with what you have.

Because a pro-level podcast isn’t about expensive podcast gear. It’s about making your content so good that listeners don’t care what you recorded it on. 

PS: If you’re ready to take your setup beyond Semi-Pro, there are still three more stages to go. Check out Junaid’s full framework here

And if you want expert help building a podcast that gets real results?  Book a free strategy call with our team to find out if you’re a fit for PodLaunch®. It might be the most strategic conversation you have about your podcast all year.

Or, if you want weekly insights on making your podcast bingeworthy, hit Follow on Insider Secrets to a Top 100 Podcast so you never miss an episode.

Up Next:

If your podcast isn’t getting listeners to hit “next episode” the moment one ends, there’s a reason. In the next episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the key shifts that took my show from “just another podcast” to a bingeworthy experience that keeps listeners coming back. If you want a podcast that hooks your audience and makes them need to hear what’s next, head to the next episode and let’s dive in.