A podcast console with sound pads can make it easier to play intro music, add effects, and manage a live conversation without reaching for a separate device. The right choice depends on your setup: a full console can handle microphones and multitrack recording, while a compact sound card may suit casual streaming or mobile use. Here are three options with different levels of control and different types of sound pads.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Sound Pad Setup | Best Fit | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAONO AME2 Audio Interface Mixer | 11 customizable pads | Home podcasting and streaming | Multiple voice effects and instrument input |
| RØDE RØDECaster Pro 2 Podcast Studio Bundle | 8 programmable SMART pads | Two-host shows and interviews | Includes two microphones and boom arms |
| HICALL M01 Mixing Console Sound Card | 6 custom pads | Mobile streaming and voice chat | Built-in battery and voice effects |
Our Picks: Best Podcast Production Consoles With Sound Pads reviews
MAONO AME2: A Flexible Console for Home Podcasts and Streams
The MAONO AME2 is a podcast mixer and audio interface for creators who want sound pads, microphone controls, and voice effects in one console. Its 11 customizable pads let you add audio cues or effects to a show. Three pads can hold up to 60 seconds of audio each, while the other eight support up to 20 seconds. You can also adjust each pad’s volume.
For microphones, the AME2 has XLR inputs, adjustable gain, and 48V phantom power for compatible condenser mics. It also includes a 6.35mm instrument input for guitar or bass. The listed features include reverb modes, tone controls, pitch effects, noise reduction, and loopback options. These give you plenty to explore, though a new podcaster may need time to learn which controls matter for their setup.
The console is aimed at home recording, streaming, voice-overs, and content creation. It can connect with computers, phones, and tablets, and its listed connections include USB-C and live outputs. Compared with the RØDECaster bundle, it offers more sound pads but does not come with microphones or boom arms. Compared with the HICALL, it is a more involved studio-style option with XLR microphone and instrument support.
Pros:
- 11 customizable sound pads, with longer recording time on three pads
- XLR microphone inputs with 48V phantom power and adjustable gain
- Includes a 6.35mm input for guitar, bass, or other compatible instruments
- Offers reverb, tone, pitch, and loopback controls
Cons:
- Does not include microphones or boom arms
- Its range of controls may take time to learn
Verdict: Choose the MAONO AME2 if you want a flexible home-studio console with many sound pads and room to connect microphones or an instrument.
RØDECaster Pro 2 Bundle: A Ready-Made Two-Host Studio
This bundle pairs the RØDECaster Pro 2 console with two PodMic dynamic microphones, two PSA1 boom arms, two XLR cables, and a 32GB microSD card. That makes it a practical starting point for a co-hosted show or interview setup: the core microphone gear is included rather than left for you to assemble separately.
The console has four combo XLR inputs, nine assignable faders, and eight programmable SMART pads. Its Revolution Preamps are specified for up to 76 dB of gain, and the listed features include VoxLab compression and EQ. You can record to the included microSD card or to a computer, with multitrack recording supported up to 192 kHz. Dual USB-C, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi remote-guest options add flexibility for different show formats.
The main trade-off is that this is a larger, more involved setup than a compact streaming sound card. Its eight pads are fewer than the MAONO’s 11, but the included microphones and boom arms make it a more complete choice for two hosts. If you already own suitable microphones and stands, you may not need the bundle’s extra gear.
Pros:
- Includes two PodMic microphones, two boom arms, XLR cables, and a microSD card
- Four combo XLR inputs leave room to add more microphones
- Eight programmable pads and nine assignable faders support hands-on control
- Supports multitrack recording to microSD or a computer
Cons:
- May be more equipment than a solo creator needs
- Has fewer sound pads than the MAONO AME2
Verdict: Pick this bundle if you want a capable console and the main equipment for a two-host podcast in one package.
HICALL M01: A Compact Sound Card for Streaming and Voice Chat
The HICALL M01 is a compact sound card built around voice effects and quick audio cues. It has six custom sound pads for effects such as applause or laughter, and four voice modes: male, female, baby, and monster. That makes it a simpler fit for live streams, gaming, and online chat than a full podcast console with multiple XLR microphone inputs.
The product information lists compatibility with iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac, along with a rechargeable 600mAh battery rated for up to 12 hours of use. It also describes AI noise cancellation with dual DSP processors and claims it can filter out 90% of background noise. Treat that figure as a manufacturer claim rather than a guarantee; real results can depend on your room and setup.
Unlike the MAONO and RØDE options, the HICALL is not presented as a complete multi-microphone podcast studio. It does not list XLR inputs or multitrack recording features, so it is less suited to a formal two-host recording workflow. Its smaller size and built-in battery may be appealing if your priority is adding effects to a mobile or computer-based stream.
Pros:
- Six custom sound pads for effects and uploaded audio
- Four built-in voice effects
- Rechargeable battery with a listed runtime of up to 12 hours
- Designed to work with phones, tablets, and computers
Cons:
- Does not list XLR microphone inputs or multitrack recording
- More focused on streaming effects than full podcast production
Verdict: Consider the HICALL M01 if you want a portable sound-effects tool for streams and voice chat, rather than a full studio console.
How to Choose a Podcast Console With Sound Pads
Match the console to your recording setup
Start with the number and type of microphones you plan to use. If you need XLR inputs, phantom power, or a way to connect an instrument, look for those features in the specifications. A compact sound card may be enough for a solo stream, but it may not provide the connections needed for a multi-microphone podcast.
Think about how you will use the sound pads
Consider what you want to trigger during a recording, such as an intro, transition, applause, or a short sound effect. Compare the number of pads, how much audio each can hold, and whether you can adjust pad volume. More pads can offer more options, but useful pad controls matter more than a high count if you only need a few cues.
Check recording and connection options
Decide whether you plan to record to a computer, a memory card, a phone, or more than one device. Check the listed connection types and make sure they fit your workflow. If you expect to record separate tracks, look for explicit multitrack support rather than assuming every mixer or sound card has it.
Choose the right level of control
Faders, gain controls, effects, and routing options can help you shape a show as it happens. They can also add a learning curve. If you prefer simple voice effects and quick sound cues, a compact unit may feel more direct. If you want control over several microphones and audio sources, a larger console may be worth the extra setup time.
Account for microphones and other included gear
Some packages include microphones, boom arms, cables, or recording media, while others focus on the console itself. Check the included items against what you already own. A bundle can save you from sourcing compatible gear, but it may be less useful if you already have a complete microphone setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a sound pad do on a podcast console?
A sound pad lets you trigger stored audio during a show. Depending on the console, you might use one for a theme, a transition, a short effect, or a recurring segment cue.
Do I need a console with XLR inputs?
You need XLR inputs if your microphone uses an XLR connection. If you plan to connect more than one XLR microphone, check how many inputs the console has and whether it provides phantom power if your microphones require it.
Which option is best for a two-host podcast?
The RØDECaster Pro 2 bundle is the most ready-to-use two-host option here because it includes two microphones, two boom arms, and XLR cables. Its four combo XLR inputs also leave room for additional microphones.
Which console has the most customizable sound pads?
The MAONO AME2 lists 11 customizable pads. Three support up to 60 seconds of audio each, and the other eight support up to 20 seconds each.
Can I use these products for live streaming?
All three are described for streaming or content creation in some form. The MAONO and HICALL are aimed at streaming use, while the RØDECaster bundle is designed for podcasting and streaming. Check the listed connections against your phone, computer, and streaming software before choosing.
Is the HICALL M01 a replacement for a full podcast mixer?
Not for every setup. It offers sound pads, voice effects, and noise reduction features, but its listed specifications do not include XLR inputs or multitrack recording. It is better suited to simpler streaming and voice-chat use than a multi-microphone podcast studio.
Final Recommendation
For the most complete two-host setup, the RØDECaster Pro 2 bundle stands out because it includes microphones and boom arms alongside a feature-rich console. The MAONO AME2 is a strong fit if you want more customizable pads, instrument input, and microphone controls without needing a bundle. Choose the HICALL M01 for compact streaming effects and voice chat, rather than for a full podcast recording workflow.