Every year, I turn to the talented team at The Verge to uncover their favorite audio gear. This eclectic group, which spends a significant chunk of time on video and podcast production, is always buzzing about the latest music and podcasts on our Slack channels. Whether they’re working, walking, exercising, or simply chilling out, our staff has strong opinions on the best gadgets for their audio needs.
So, without further ado, let’s explore the headphones, earbuds, and other audio devices that have won the hearts of The Verge staff, both professionally and personally.
Headphones and Earbuds
RØDE NTH-100 Headphones
Andrew Marino, our senior audio producer, swears by the RØDE NTH-100 headphones, calling them the most comfortable headphones he’s ever worn. Thanks to their memory foam cushions, he can wear them all day at work without feeling any discomfort. Marino also lauds their sound quality, especially given their price point, and is particularly impressed by the optional headset microphone, which delivers one of the highest-quality audio experiences he’s encountered in consumer headsets.
Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses
Senior reviewer Victoria Song loves her Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses for sunny walks and runs. They’re a multifunctional masterpiece, combining audio quality with UV protection. Plus, the built-in mic near the nose bridge enhances call clarity. Song even uses them to capture occasional photos of cute outdoor scenes, like a random bunny or stray cat. For her, these glasses solve the dual problem of needing both audio gear and eyewear without overburdening her ears.
Sony LinkBuds
Andrew Liszewski, a senior reporter, might not reach for his Sony LinkBuds every day, but for leisurely bike rides, their open design keeps him aware of his surroundings. He appreciates the balance between sound quality and situational awareness these earbuds provide. They fit comfortably with his helmet and feature an innovative control system where tapping on the side of his head adjusts playback or volume, using vibrations as input.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
News writer Emma Roth admires her Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, her first-ever wireless earbuds. They integrate seamlessly into her Samsung ecosystem and fit comfortably. The active noise cancellation is so effective that it almost isolates her too much, whether she’s at the gym or on an airplane.
Miscellaneous and Accessories
Shure MV7 USB Microphone
Andrew Marino finds the Shure MV7 USB microphone indispensable for remote podcast interviews. Its dynamic range closely mirrors that of traditional radio mics like the Shure SM7b, offering versatility with both USB and XLR outputs for varied recording setups.
Apple’s Lightning and USB-C Headphone Adapters
Nathan Edwards, our senior reviews editor, isn’t thrilled about the necessity for headphone adapters but acknowledges their utility. Apple’s Lightning and USB-C adapters are compact, affordable, and surprisingly good at serving as digital-to-analog converters. He keeps one of each type in his backpack, ensuring he’s prepared to connect wired headphones to any device.
3D-Printed Rack Mounts
For those with cluttered workspaces, senior audio producer Andrew Marino recommends 3D-printed rack mounts. These mounts, like the one he purchased for his Motu audio interface from an Etsy store, can be attached under a desk, creating a neat and professional setup while protecting gear from potential spills.
Teenage Engineering PO-33 K.O.!
Senior reporter Andrew Liszewski may not be a professional musician, but he enjoys dabbling in music creation with the Teenage Engineering PO-33 K.O.! This compact drum machine, part of the Pocket Operators lineup, features a built-in microphone for recording sounds that can be turned into beats. While he’s not releasing an album anytime soon, he finds the PO-33 to be an engaging mix of simplicity and depth, offering endless fun and a steep learning curve.
Audio-Technica AT-HPH300 Headphone Hanger
Reviews editor Barbara Krasnoff highlights the Audio-Technica AT-HPH300 headphone hanger her partner uses. This adjustable, padded hook attaches securely to the edge of a desk and can rotate to move headphones out of the way when not in use. It’s an efficient solution for those who need quick access to their headphones without cluttering their workspace.
Spring Clamps
Finally, Nathan Edwards recommends versatile spring clamps. These inexpensive tools can be used for a variety of purposes, from holding up headphones to securing other items. He always keeps a set of four on hand, ensuring he’s ready for any situation.
In sum, The Verge’s staff offers a diverse range of audio gear preferences, each tuned to their specific needs. Whether you’re a podcast enthusiast, a musician in the making, or simply enjoy high-quality audio during your daily routines, there’s something in their recommendations for everyone.