Bad audio is one of the fastest ways to lose an audience, no matter how great your content is. But sounding better doesn’t have to mean buying piles of gear or learning how to mix audio like a pro. This week, I’m joined by Laura Clapp Davidson, musician, content creator, and market development manager at Shure, who knows exactly how to make creators sound their best.

Laura explains how to simplify your setup, fix common mistakes, and pick the right mic for your space and budget. We talk about everything from the basics of guest audio prep to the myths around shotgun mics, boom arms, and USB vs. XLR setups. Laura also shares her approach to starting a podcast, managing sound on the go, and what she’s most excited about in the future of creator audio. If you’ve been putting off upgrading your setup, this episode might just convince you it’s time.

Key Takeaways

• Your mic doesn’t need to break the bank: Great sound is about positioning and setup, not price tags.
• Headphones matter: Always use wired headphones to avoid echo and delay (sorry, AirPods fans).
• Mic placement beats editing: Get close to the mic; fixing bad audio later only goes so far.
• Prep your guests: A quick checklist for mics, headphones, and background noise saves hours of editing later.
• Invest in you: Good audio is a long-term asset. Buy gear that will last, not one you’ll replace next year.

Resources

• Laura Clapp Davidson: lauraclapp.com
• Podcast: Song 43 and TMI (The Music Industry) — tmiwithlaura.com
• Shure Microphones: shure.com

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JeffSieh.com - Unlock the power of authentic storytelling with me! With over 20 years of marketing experience, I'm here to elevate your brand's narrative in an ever-competitive market. My expertise spans consulting, visual marketing, and producing podcasts and live videos.

Additionally, as a seasoned speaker, I'm not just about sharing knowledge--I believe in entertaining audiences and injecting humor into every presentation. I'm available to enlighten and engage audiences at your events, conferences, or institutions. My talks cover a diverse range of subjects, from purposeful repurposing and captivating storytelling to podcast promotion, social media strategies, visual marketing insights, the art of live video, and much more.