5 Ways to Improve Podcast Audio Without Breaking the Bank

Achieving professional-quality audio doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. Whether you’re producing a podcast, audiobook, or any other form of audio content, having the right tools is crucial to delivering crisp, clear sound. 

But what if you don’t have a high-budget studio setup? Do you have a dedicated sound-proofed studio at home? Well, the good news is, you don’t need one. In this article, we’ll show you five essential tools that can help you achieve pro-level audio without draining your wallet. With these must-have items, you can elevate your production quality and create standout content. Being on a budget doesn’t mean that you can’t sound like a pro!

REAPER: The Ultimate Budget-Friendly DAW for Pro Audio

When it comes to creating high-quality audio on a budget, REAPER is an absolute game-changer. This powerful DAW (digital audio workstation) is free to download and offers a wide range of features typically found in more expensive software. While it may not be the “industry standard”, it’s not uncommon to find professional audio engineers using this software. 

REAPER’s customizable interface, robust plugin support (we’ll get to this later), and flexibility make it a fantastic choice for podcasting and audiobook production alike.

Despite being free, REAPER doesn’t skimp on quality. It supports multi-track recording (useful for you podcasters out there), advanced editing, and a vast array of third-party plugins to expand your sound-shaping capabilities. 

With REAPER you can easily record, edit and mix your audio, all for free, and without much stress thanks to its usability. It’s a great all-rounder if you’re new to the game.

You can download REAPER here.

Waves Clarity Vx: Affordable Noise Removal for Cleaner Audio

If you’ve ever recorded at home, you’ve probably faced that moment when unwanted noise—whether it's a hum from the AC, outside traffic, or even the seemingly quiet fans on your computer—ruin your audio. Waves Clarity Vx is a game changer for this. At just $29.99 at time of writing (with frequent sales), it’s a cost-effective solution for eliminating background noise without compromising the clarity of your voice.

Imagine you’re recording a podcast and your phone starts vibrating or your dog starts barking. Clarity Vx uses AI to attempt to separate your voice from the background noise. It’s super easy to use, even if you’re a beginner, and saves you hours of manually fixing noise issues in post-production.

The best thing about this plug-in is that it requires almost zero input from the user, Waves provide a dial for you to adjust the intensity of the noise removal, no audio engineering skills required.

So, is it perfect? Ermm… not exactly. But it really is night and day when compared to your source audio recordings. It’s a massive step to clear, professional audio, even in home recordings.

So how do I use it? This is a plug-in, it’s third party software that you can download and very easily import into your DAW (yes, including REAPER). The whole process takes a couple of minutes and you’re away!

So, whether you’re recording at home or in a less-than-perfect space, Clarity Vx is a quick, affordable fix that can take your audio from good to great.

You can download Waves Clarity Vx here

Plug-and-Play Microphone: Blue Yeti USB

If you’re new to audio recording, the Blue Yeti USB microphone is a perfect starting point. It’s user-friendly, versatile, and doesn’t require an audio interface—just plug it into your computer and hit record. For around $129 USD, it’s a professional-grade mic without the price tag.

Whether you’re self-narrating your  audiobook at home, hosting a podcast, or even streaming, it delivers clear, professional audio. Its four recording modes—cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional, and stereo—make it adaptable for solo work or group setups.

Onboard controls for gain adjustment, mute, and headphone monitoring put everything you need at your fingertips. Combine it with simple acoustic treatments (like foam panels or a blanket fort) to uplift your recording quality without the studio price.

The Blue Yeti USB is the perfect tool for pros and beginners alike, offering great audio with zero hassle.

RX Elements: iZotope’s Audio Repair Tool

Noisy recordings happen, even with the best of setups. That’s where RX Elements by iZotope shines. Priced at $99 (and often discounted), this software is like a first-aid kit for your audio. Whether it’s a pesky click, hum, or random cough in the middle of your recording, RX Elements has the tools to help clean it up. Sure, the Elements package is the entry-level, it’s no match for the more advanced packages but if you’re on a budget, this is a great investment. 

Imagine you’ve just nailed a perfect take—only to hear faint static in the background. With RX Elements’ “De-Noise” feature, you can remove that static without compromising your voice quality. Its “De-Click” tool is a lifesaver for fixing unwanted pops and clicks, and “De-Clip” works wonders on distorted audio.

The interface is beginner-friendly, but it’s powerful enough for pros. If you’re serious about creating professional audio, this tool will save you hours of frustration in post-production. 

You can purchase RX Elements here.

5. Portable Isolation Shields

Ever record in your bedroom or living room and notice how your voice bounces off every wall? That’s where a portable isolation shield comes to the rescue. These lightweight, foldable shields attach directly to your desk or mic stand, creating a mini recording booth that reduces echoes and reflections.

One great option is the Aokeo Professional Isolation Shield, which features high-density foam and a sturdy metal frame. It’s compact yet effective, making it a popular choice for podcasters and self-recording authors. Alternatively, the Moukey Microphone Isolation Shield offers similar benefits and can even be used without a stand on a flat surface—perfect for those with minimal space.

These shields are perfect for anyone who can’t commit to permanent acoustic treatment but still wants that clean, professional sound. Whether you're recording podcasts, audiobooks, or ADR, a portable shield is a simple, effective solution to take your audio quality up a notch.

We think that investing a little money into your recording setup can go a really long way if you know where to put it. With this list, you’re well on your way to achieving professional-quality audio without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a podcaster, audiobook narrator, or content creator, the right setup can make all the difference in captivating your audience.