Honest Review: Why NearStream Is a Great Starter Podcast Setup?

According to Edison Research’s The Infinite Dial 2025, over 140 million people in the U.S. listen to podcasts monthly, accounting for more than 40% of the total population, with steady growth over the past five years. So, if you’re thinking about starting a podcast now, it’s definitely a great time.

However, for beginners, choosing the right equipment is crucial to ensure professional audio quality that attracts listeners. Let’s hear the recommendations from @REDtone Studio!

They reviewed the following equipment:

What Does a Beginner Need to Start a High-Quality Podcast?

Microphone: The Cornerstone of Podcast Audio Quality

In podcasting, your voice is the primary connection between you and your audience. If your sound is harsh, noisy, or inconsistent, listeners may quickly tune out. Using a dedicated XLR/USB microphone for podcasting or other types of microphones for podcasts delivers clearer, fuller, and more natural-sounding audio than built-in mics on phones or laptops.

Why you need a good microphone:

Improved listening experience: A high-quality USB microphone for podcast or similar device reduces background noise and accurately captures your voice tone.
Professional impression: Clean, consistent audio makes you sound more credible and trustworthy.
Easier editing: Starting with a clean recording saves time and effort in post-production.

Whether you're running a solo show or a multi-host discussion, choosing the right microphone for podcasts is the first step toward a professional-sounding podcast.

Audio Mixer: The Control Center of Your Setup

If the microphone determines "what your audio sounds like," the audio mixer for podcast or podcast mixing board determines "how that sound is managed and refined."

Why do you need a audio mixer:

Volume and clarity control: An effective mixer podcast lets you adjust input levels in real time to avoid distortion or overly quiet recordings.
Multi-mic support: For group shows or interviews, a podcast mixing board allows seamless integration of multiple microphones.
More flexibility in post-production: Some devices enable multi-track recording, allowing individual voice tracks to be edited separately.
Live monitoring: By plugging in headphones, you can monitor your sound as you record, spotting and fixing issues before they become problems.

For podcasters who value recording stability and workflow efficiency, using an audio mixer for podcasting or interface is essential, especially for remote interviews, multi-host setups, or shows with music integration.

Real-World Test: Why NearStream Might Be the Best Starter Podcast Kit

Content creator Redtone from Red Tone Studio went hands-on with the NearStream PodPro Solo Audio Setup, offering an in-depth and objective review of the three essential pieces in the kit: the AMIX40U audio mixer, the AM25X USB microphone, and the microphone boom stand. So, what did he discover? Let’s dive in.

AMIX40U in Action: Is This the Easiest Mixer for Beginner Podcasters?

The first thing Redtone noticed about the AMIX40U audio mixer for podcast was its compact size paired with surprisingly powerful features. “It’s small enough not to clutter your desk—great for creators working in tight spaces,” he remarked.

“It comes with ultra-low noise preamps and 48V phantom power, which makes it fully compatible with condenser microphones for podcasts.”This means the mixer podcast unit can reliably power high-quality condenser microphones while minimizing unwanted electrical noise. The result? A cleaner, more detailed, and more professional sound. Whether you're streaming live or recording a podcast, having this kind of hardware can significantly reduce interference and ensure your audio sounds true to life.

“It also has a gain knob that ranges from 0 to 100, plus sound modes like Original, Deep, and Bright,” Redtone said. “And the D-Noise feature is a nice touch. It really helps you get clean, balanced sound. If you’re looking for a portable podcast mixing board, this one’s worth a look.”

Redtone tested the EQ presets in his studio environment. Here’s how he described the difference:

Original Mode delivers a natural, uncolored tone—perfect for interview-style or documentary-style podcasts where transparency matters most.
Deep Mode adds warmth and richness to the voice, ideal for storytelling or emotionally-driven podcasts that aim for intimacy and resonance.
Bright Mode enhances the clarity and crispness of consonants, making it great for educational or technical podcasts where articulation is key.

The three sound modes provide quick, flexible control over vocal tone—no software required. They allow podcasters to tailor their sound to both their content and their acoustic environment, making a big difference in perceived quality.

That said, Redtone pointed out one limitation: “My high-impedance studio headphones didn’t get quite loud enough. I had to crank the gain just to get decent monitoring volume. And if you push the mic gain too high, it can start to distort. So for beginners, I’d recommend adjusting it slowly—don’t just max it out."

From Noisy Room to Studio Sound: Can the AM25X Keep It Clean?

Redtone praised the AM25X XLR/USB microphone for its directional accuracy and clarity. “It’s got a supercardioid pickup pattern,” he noted, “which means it captures sound from the front while minimizing background noise from the sides and rear. That’s super helpful if you’re recording in a room that’s not acoustically treated—like a bedroom or open studio space.”

Imagine this: you’re in the middle of recording and someone unexpectedly starts talking nearby. Thanks to this mic’s focused pickup pattern, your voice still cuts through clearly while background distractions stay minimal. This is a big win for creators working in real-world, imperfect recording environments.

“It also supports sound pressure levels up to 125 dB,” Redtone added, “so even if you get excited and shout during your podcast, it won’t clip.” This is especially helpful in lively discussions or dramatic storytelling moments—anytime your voice might rise in volume, the mic can keep up without losing quality or introducing distortion.

One small caveat: “The mute and volume controls on the mic only work when it’s powered via USB,” Redtone warned. “They’re non-functional when using phantom power from the mixer. But honestly, I control most things from the mixer anyway, so it’s not a deal-breaker.”

A Pleasant Surprise: The Microphone Boom Stand

Many beginner podcasters underestimate the value of a solid microphone boom stand. But Redtone emphasized its importance: “A good boom arm not only positions your mic where it needs to be, but it also minimizes desk vibration and keeps your hands free. It makes a big difference in audio quality and workflow.”

Redtone gave the ST20 boom arm high marks: “This thing is solid. It’s made of high-strength metal and can hold up to nearly 5 pounds, so most microphones for podcasts won’t be a problem.”

He also appreciated its broad compatibility: “It comes with adapters for 1/4", 3/8", and 5/8" threads, so you can use it with almost any mic on the market. If you upgrade later, this arm will still work.”

During the setup, Redtone noticed the arm’s flexibility: it allows 180° vertical movement, full 360° rotation at the base, and free rotation at the mic mount. “I could adjust it to exactly the right angle without fuss. That makes a huge difference when you’re trying to stay in the zone while recording,” he said.

Final Thoughts: Why Redtone Recommends This Setup for New Podcasters

“When you put the AMIX40U, AM25X, and ST20 together, you get a setup that looks professional, sounds clean, and is simple to use,” Redtone concluded. “It’s more than enough for streaming or podcasting, especially if you're on a budget.”

He also mentioned how quick the setup was: “I got everything plugged in and running in under 15 minutes. That’s a big plus for beginners.” If you’re just getting started in podcasting, streaming, or voice-over work, and you don’t want to spend a fortune figuring things out. It delivers the essential tools you need to sound professional without requiring a tech background!

FAQs

Can I use this setup with software like Audacity, GarageBand, or OBS?

Absolutely. The USB microphone for podcasting and the audio mixer for podcast both work seamlessly with major DAWs and streaming software like OBS, Audacity, GarageBand, Adobe Audition, and even Zoom or Discord. No special drivers are needed—just plug and play.

How portable is the entire setup? Can I travel with it?

Very portable. The mixer and mic are compact and lightweight, and the microphone boom stand is foldable. It's a solid choice for mobile podcasters, on-the-go creators, or anyone who needs to record in different locations.

Is this a good setup for recording music or vocals beyond podcasting?

For basic vocal recording or acoustic instruments, yes—it performs well. But if you're producing multi-instrument tracks or need studio-grade preamps, you might eventually outgrow this kit. As a starter podcast mixing board, though, it’s excellent.

Can I connect multiple microphones to the AMIX40U mixer?

Yes, the AMIX40U features two XLR combo inputs, allowing you to connect and mix two microphones simultaneously. This is great for interview-style podcasts or duet streams.

Can beginners easily set up this podcast kit without technical help?

Yes! One of the biggest advantages of the NearStream setup is its user-friendly design. As Redtone pointed out, it took him just about 15 minutes to have everything up and running.