68. How I Fixed My Podcast Audio for $90 (And Reclaimed My Confidence as a Podcaster)

This week’s episode of Podcasting Up an Octave is a little different, a little more personal, and honestly, one of the most honest episodes I’ve recorded in a minute.

After a couple weeks of RSV tearing through my house (hi, toddler germs) I’m finally coming back up for air. And today, I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes tech problem that has been driving me up a wall for way too long, and how I finally fixed it with a $90 solution that completely changed my audio quality.

If you’ve been frustrated with your podcast sound, not sure what’s wrong, or wondering how to love your show again… this episode is for you. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The exact tech setup I’m using now and how it solved my audio woes
• My honest Zoom PodTrak P4 review (spoiler alert: I'm in love, and it can level up your podcast production, especially for multiple mic setups or on-the-go recording)
• A deep dive into the mindset spiral of audio issues, perfectionism, and podcast imposter syndrome
• Why your podcast deserves to be something you’re proud of, and how to get there without burning out
• How SONIVIA is giving back: 10% of all profits now go to the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR)

For my fellow audio nerds (or frustrated podcasters ready to throw your mic out the window), I’m now using:

• Mic: Audio-Technica ATR2100x (XLR input)
• Recorder: Zoom PodTrak P4

 I break down the why, how, and what to know if you’re thinking about upgradingor if you’re just trying to make peace with your setup.

You Deserve to Love Your Podcast
This episode isn’t just about gear. It’s about how easy it is to lose sight of your magic when things don’t sound the way you want them to. It’s about:

• The way burnout sneaks in when tech isn’t working
• Why creating a podcast you're proud of is worth the energy
• What to do when imposter syndrome whispers, “Why are you even doing this?”

Updates from SONIVIA HQ

• Rebrand incoming! New photos, new vibe, same heart. I’m aligning all the pieces of my life and business to feel like a full-body yes—finally.
• 10% of profits now go to the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) to support trans military members and LGBTQ+ legal advocacy. Learn more at nclrights.org 

Loved This Episode?
If your podcast has been feeling off… or you’ve been in the thick of a creative dry spell… or you're sick of Googling “why does my podcast sound fuzzy??” This is your sign to pause, reset, and recommit to creating something you actually love.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going:

• Instagram & Threads: @soniviastudios
• Email me: [e-mail]
• Visit SONIVIA: www.sonivia.com (rebrand coming soon!)

If you loved this episode or want to try the PodTrak P4 for yourself, shoot me a DM, I’m always down to nerd out about podcast gear or talk mindset shifts.

Thanks for being here. For real. And thank you for helping me take podcasting up an octave.

Music Credit: Up An Octave Theme by Rue Spence with additional vocals provided by Darnell Spence

Up An Octave is hosted by Rue Spence of Sonivia. Up An Octave is a podcast for women and nonbinary people who are ready to take up space in podcasting to share their voices with the world.