In recent years, the podcast format has developed from a niche medium to a permanent fixture in the media landscape. A remarkable trend is emerging: more and more podcasters are bringing their shows live on stage – in front of an audience. These “podcasts live on stage” combine the intimacy of the classic podcast with the dynamics of a live event and represent an exciting new challenge for event managers, sound engineers and stage technicians. But what does this trend actually mean for the event industry? What opportunities and challenges does it present?
The evolution of the podcast market in Germany
Before we go into the specifics of live podcasts, it is worth taking a look at the general development of the podcast market in Germany. This market has developed rapidly in recent years, which can be attributed to several factors:
- Increasing Popularity of Audio Formats: Podcasts offer a vast range of content – from entertainment to education to specialized interests. This flexibility and easy access make them a preferred format for a broad audience. According to the Online Audio Monitor 2023, over 40% of the German population now listen to podcasts at least once a month, highlighting the steadily growing popularity of this format.
- Technological Advances: The proliferation of smartphones and streaming services like Spotify and Apple Podcasts has revolutionized access to podcasts and significantly increased listener numbers. The study shows that mobile usage continues to rise, with smartphones being the dominant device for podcast consumption. This has fundamentally changed the way content is consumed and paved the way for broad acceptance of podcasts.
- Growing Diversity and Professionalization: Increasingly, media companies and influencers are discovering podcasts as a platform, which has expanded the quality and range of offerings. The Online Audio Monitor 2023 highlights that not only is the number of available podcasts growing, but so is their content and technical quality. Approximately 33% of German internet users now regularly listen to podcasts, with the diversity of topics and the professionalism of productions steadily increasing.
These developments have meant that podcasts are now an integral part of the media landscape – and thus created the basis for the rise of live podcasts.
From Podcast Boom to Live Show: New Opportunities for Event Professionals
The boom of live podcasts is a natural evolution of the general podcast growth. What started as a purely digital, private listening experience has evolved into a new entertainment medium with direct interaction, thanks to the increasing professionalization of the format. For event professionals, this presents an exciting opportunity: they can not only reach new audiences through live podcasts but also create innovative event formats that stand out from traditional events.
Some successful examples demonstrate the potential of this development:
- Baywatch Berlin: The podcast by Klaas Heufer-Umlauf, Thomas Schmitt, and Jakob Lundt has held several sold-out live shows, delighting audiences with a mix of humor and current topics.
- Lanz & Precht: The podcast by Markus Lanz and Richard David Precht attracts a large audience eager to experience their deep and often provocative discussions live.
- Mordlust: This true crime podcast by Paulina Krasa and Laura Wohlers has established itself with thrilling live performances that regularly sell out quickly, highlighting the audience’s strong interest in this genre.
- Off Menu: The podcast by British comedians James Acaster and Ed Gamble, which has sold out the Royal Albert Hall in London multiple times.
- The Ringer: 88% of this podcast’s events sold out in a very short time, sometimes within just 12 minutes.
These events offer a new dimension of entertainment and require careful planning in terms of venue selection and the integration of multimedia content specifically tailored to live interaction with the audience.
Technological Challenges and Opportunities for Event Professionals
Hosting live podcast events presents significant technical demands for event professionals, particularly sound engineers and stage technicians. They must ensure that both the live audience on-site and the recordings for later releases are produced with the highest quality. Here are some of the specific challenges and how they can be overcome:
- Challenge: Perfect Sound for Two Audiences
Solution: The audio quality for live podcasts must be flawless for both the in-person audience and for later distribution as a podcast. This requires the use of specialized microphones and mixing consoles that ensure clear and distortion-free recordings. Providers like Shure and Sennheiser offer robust solutions suitable for both live and studio applications. - Challenge: Integration of Multimedia Elements
Solution: Live podcasts often use visual and interactive elements that need to be seamlessly integrated into the show. This places high demands on stage technology. Close collaboration between sound and lighting technicians is crucial to create a cohesive and impressive overall experience. - Challenge: Mobility and Flexibility
Solution: Many live podcasts take place at various venues, requiring flexible and portable equipment. Portable audio recorders and wireless systems from providers like Zoom Corporation, optimized for mobile use, come into play here, allowing for easy handling.
Through the targeted selection and use of the right technologies, event professionals can successfully master the high demands of live podcast events and thus establish a new, exciting form of entertainment.
The Right Equipment for Perfect Sound
A central aspect of live podcasts with an audience is audio quality. The technical requirements differ significantly from traditional events, as both the live audience on-site and the recordings for later streaming or podcast episodes demand exceptional sound quality. To meet these demands, event professionals rely on specialized audio equipment providers that offer high-quality solutions for various scenarios.
Here are some of the leading companies offering audio equipment specifically suited for live podcasts and stage productions:
- Shure:
Products: Microphones (SM7B, Beta 58A), Wireless Microphone Systems (Shure ULX-D, Axient Digital)
Specialization: Shure is known for robust and reliable microphones and wireless systems suitable for both studio and live applications. Their durable and powerful microphones are especially popular in live environments. - RØDE Microphones:
Products: Microphones (RØDE PodMic, RØDE NT1), Wireless Go II System
Specialization: RØDE offers affordable and high-quality solutions for live and studio environments. Their microphones and wireless lavalier systems are specifically designed for podcasting and live events. - Sennheiser:
Products: Microphones (Sennheiser e835, e965), Wireless Microphone Systems (Evolution Wireless G4)
Specialization: Sennheiser is renowned for crystal-clear sound and reliable wireless connections, ideal for professional live stage and broadcast applications. - Electro-Voice:
Products: RE20, RE320 Microphones, Wireless Systems (RE3)
Specialization: Electro-Voice microphones are known for their clarity and versatility, especially in loud environments like live performances and broadcast applications. - Zoom Corporation:
Products: Zoom PodTrak P8, H6, H8
Specialization: Zoom offers portable audio recorders and audio interfaces, ideal for live podcasts and mobile applications. These devices are particularly useful for easy and accessible recording of live performances. - Behringer:
Products: Xenyx X2222USB Mixer, UMC404HD Audio Interface
Specialization: Behringer offers a wide range of audio equipment, particularly attractive to beginners and semi-professional users. Their affordable mixers and interfaces are suitable for both live and studio setups. - Mackie:
Products: ProFXv3 Series Mixer, DL Series Digital Mixer
Specialization: Mackie mixers are known for their durability and user-friendliness. They offer both analog and digital solutions for live performances and recordings.
These providers enable event professionals to lay the technical foundation for successful live podcast events. Choosing the right equipment is crucial to meeting the high demands of audio quality and creating an unforgettable experience for the audience.
Interactive and Immersive Experiences for the Live Audience
Podcasts on stage also offer the opportunity to integrate interactive and immersive elements into the event, specifically tailored to the live audience. These range from Q&A sessions and live polls to creative uses of Augmented Reality (AR). Event planners must work closely with stage technicians to ensure a seamless experience.
Interactive elements in live podcasts actively engage the audience, creating a stronger connection to the brand or podcast. The use of innovative technologies like AR and VR also allows for the creation of creative and unforgettable experiences that enhance the live event and simultaneously promote long-term brand loyalty.
Save the Date
April 8 – 11, 2025
Prolight + Sound: Future of the Event Industry in Focus – Live Podcasts as a New Trend
The Prolight + Sound trade show is the central hub for anyone working in the event industry who wants to stay informed about the latest technologies and trends – and the boom of live podcasts is a particularly current topic. At the trade show, not only will the latest products and solutions be showcased, but numerous workshops, lectures, and networking opportunities will also be offered, specifically addressing the current challenges and opportunities in the industry.
For professionals preparing for the growing demands of live podcast events and stage productions, these events offer valuable opportunities. By exchanging ideas with other experts, learning best practices, and participating in practical demonstrations, attendees can gain deeper insights into the technical implementation and innovative use of audio and stage technology.
We are already looking forward to seeing what our exhibitors have to offer in the realm of live podcast equipment at Prolight + Sound 2025!
