Want my recording setup? Affiliate links for the stuff I use:
Audio Technica AT2020 microphone:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Scarlett Solo pre-amp:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
Adobe Premiere Pro (video editing):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
Earning XP in vanilla (unmodded) Starsector isn't too difficult, but there can be times when fighting pirates or other factions gets boring.
For a change of pace, as well as for earning loads of XP and credits, there's another option. Trading. Trading food, specifically. This video shows you how to do it.