The type of podcast mic your select has a direct impression on the standard of your recording. However, there are quite a lot of choices available on the market, and it may be complicated to know which is greatest on your setup.
To get the correct mic for you, it is vital to grasp which key options you want. Let’s evaluation some fundamental mic data earlier than we listing our prime suggestions!
Options to think about in a podcast mic
#1. Kind of connection: USB or XLR
Mics both have a USB or XLR connector. Neither sort is healthier than the opposite. Which one is best for you will depend on funds, setup, and preferences.
Issues to think about about XLR mics:
- XLR microphones are the audio business customary. Most audio gear is designed for mics with an XLR connection. Maintain this in thoughts if you wish to broaden your podcast setup.
- Require a mixer or interface to make use of. XLR mics seize high-quality audio, however they’re dearer and require a phantom energy supply like an audio interface to make use of.
Issues to think about about USB mics:
- Price range pleasant and ship related audio high quality as an XLR. USB mics have the identical condenser capsules as an XLR however are inexpensive and do not require an interface. You possibly can plug in USB mics instantly into your laptop’s USB port.
- Fewer choices available on the market. USB mics are newer than XLRs, so there’s much less to select from. They’re additionally suitable with much less audio gear. However they’re excellent for solo podcasters or you probably have an interview type podcast.
#2. Dynamic vs. condensor
Microphones file audio by way of both energetic or passive listening. Condenser mics use energetic listening and choose up a wider vary of frequencies with nice accuracy and sensitivity. This sensitivity makes condenser mics higher for recording music than spoken phrase.
Condenser microphones additionally require an exterior phantom energy supply like a mixer or interface.
Dynamic microphones use passive listening and choose up a smaller vary of frequencies. These mics are much less delicate and higher at ignoring ambient noise.
Observe: All of the mics beneficial on this publish are dynamic mics with a cardioid pickup sample.
#3. Polar sample
Polar patter or “pickup sample” refers to a mics directionality. A polar sample will be bi-directional, omnidirectional, or cardioid.
A cardioid pickup sample is nice for podcasting as a result of it emphasizes the sound from the entrance of the mic and ignores sound from the rear and sides.
Some podcasters need to use an omnidirectional or bidirectional mic (just like the Blue Yeti) to file a number of individuals on one mic. However, the mic has low legs, so every visitor must bend right down to get a top quality recording.
Greatest funds podcast mics
Disclosure: A few of these product hyperlinks are affiliate hyperlinks, which implies Buzzsprout may obtain a small fee when you resolve to buy them.
Samson Q2U (Buzzsprout’s prime choose)
Worth: $59
Hookup: USB and XLR
The Samson Q2U is our prime choose for newbie podcasters due to its value level, performance, and resonant, full sound. Regardless of it’s value level, it’s a stable possibility for even pro-level podcasters.
The Samson Q2U options each XLR and USB connections and has a built-in headphone jack for zero-latency monitoring (no delay).
The Q2U comes with an XLR cable, a USB cable, a mic stand, and a foam pop filter to reduce plosives.
Audio-Technica ATR2100x
Worth: $99
Hookup: USB and XLR
The ATR2100x is dearer than the Samson and delivers comparable outcomes. It has wonderful sound high quality akin to high-end mics.
The ATR2100x has a built-in headphone jack so you’ll be able to monitor your audio from the mic. You may as well regulate the headset quantity with controls on the underside of the microphone.
The mic comes with a stand, and all obligatory cables. It’s suitable with Mac and Home windows and works effectively when you use recording software program like Zoom.
Rode PodMic
Worth: $92.69
Hookup: XLR
This entry-level XLR mic is designed particularly for podcasting with a number of high-end options.
The PodMic has a built-in shock mount to forestall bumps and vibrations from affecting your audio. And the built-in pop filter cuts down on pesky plosives.
The PodMic has a brighter tonal high quality in comparison with the earlier two mics, which some podcasters suppose makes for a crisper, sharper recording.
Greatest mid-range podcast mics
Rode Procaster
Worth: $229
Hookup: XLR
The Procaster is an expert broadcast microhpone that contains a tailored-for-voice frequency response making it ideally suited for voice recording.
It has an inner pop filter nevertheless it isn’t implausible. We advocate selecting up an exterior windscreen or foam cowl to cut back plosives.
If you would like an XLR mic, we predict this is likely one of the greatest values on your cash.
Rode Podcaster
Worth: $179
Hookup: USB and XLR
The Podcaster is taken into account the Procaster’s brother, and is likely one of the higher-end USB microphones available on the market.
The Podcaster options the identical inner compoennts and frequency response because the Procaster with the simplicity of a USB connection.
Shure MV7
Worth: $249
Hookup: USB and XLR
We expect this versitile mic is probably the most full USB podcast mic on the market. It has distinctive options, nice sound, and appears nice on a increase arm or mic stand when you file video.
It has a contact panel on the physique of the mic that permits you to regulate the acquire of the mic and the amount of your headphone output. Nevertheless, this characteristic solely works when you use a USB cable.
Greatest pro-level podcast mics
Heil PR40
Worth: $329
Hookup: XLR
The Heil PR40 is likely one of the most beneficial skilled podcast mics. It’s compact, exceptionally sturdy, and is available in a variety of shade choices to match your podcast’s branding.
This can be a dearer possibility, although, and doesn’t have as a lot versatility as different XLR choices.
The mic is dear by itself, requires an interface, and is barely suitable with a Heil-specific shock mount that prices $100. We expect the Procaster is a greater mic at a less expensive value level with extra versatility.
Shure SM7B
Worth: $399
Hookup: XLR
If you would like probably the most skilled mic cash can purchase, go along with the SM7B. It’s some of the common podcast mics on the planet, popularized by podcast hosts like Joe Rogan.
The SM7B tends to choose up extra background noise that different skilled mics, so that you’ll must spend money on high quality sound panels in your podcast studio to get the very best outcomes.
That is additionally a quieter mic, so you may want a preamp just like the Cloudlifter for the very best outcomes.
Electro-Voice RE20
Worth: $449
Hookup: XLR
The RE20 is a well-liked broadcasting mic and will get excessive rankings for its versatility in each music and spoken phrase. It has a easy, managed tone and works nice for podcasting and voiceover work.
The RE20 options an inner shock mount to cut back vibration-related noise and a considerable inner pop filter to reduce the proximity impact.
Some individuals choose this mic to the SM7B for its brighter tone and total sound high quality. Just like the SM7B, the RE20 is a quiet mic and requires a preamp.
Different varieties of podcast microphones
Don’t have a standard podcast setup? These mics is perhaps an excellent possibility when you reside stream, file on the go, or file utilizing your smartphone.
Why we don’t advocate the Blue Yeti or Blue Microphone’s Snowball iCE
Each of those mics are common suggestions. They every have handy USB connections and the Blue Yeti has numerous polar sample choices and a built-in headphone jack.
Each are condenser mics, in order that they’ll choose up extra background noise and require a extra managed recording surroundings.
Why we don’t advocate the Blue Yeti USB:
- You must communicate intently into the mic. Technically, the mic’s bi-directional and omnidirectional polar patterns allow you to file a number of individuals directly. However, it’s important to get near the mic to get an excellent end result. You’ll get a greater recording when you give every visitor their very own mic.
- Hole, nasal tone. The tone of this mic leaves loads to be desired, in comparison with different mics on our listing.
Why we don’t advocate the Snowball iCE:
- Subpar sound high quality. Along with quite a lot of background noise, the Snowball struggles to seize high quality audio. The Samson Q2U is vastly superior.
- Poor ergonomics. Just like the Blue Yeti, this mic has a built-in, desk stand. However despite the fact that it’s adjustable, it has low legs, and also you’ll should bend right down to get near it whereas talking or maintain it in your hand.
Which mic is best for you?
Your podcast mic is a crucial a part of your podcast setup, however do not stress. All of the mics on this weblog provides you with high quality audio paired with good mic method and the correct surroundings.
If you happen to’re simply getting began and are on a funds, we recommend going with the Samson Q2U. If you would like a better high quality setup that can final for years to return, spring for the Rode Procaster or Shure SM7B.
Alban Brooke
Alban Brooke is the Head of Advertising at Buzzsprout and the co-host of Buzzcast. Have any questions on this information? Attain out on Twitter.
FAQ
What podcast mic do most podcasters use?
XLR mics are the most well-liked type of microphone available on the market, however quite a lot of podcasters additionally use USB mics. USB mics have wonderful audio high quality as effectively and don’t require an audio interface to make use of.
What microphone does Joe Rogan use?
Joe Rogan makes use of the Shure SM7B. This can be a dynamic XLR mic with a cardioid polar sample and some of the common mics within the broadcasting area.
Is a dynamic or condenser mic higher for podcasting?
Dynamic mics are higher for podcasting as a result of they choose up a smaller vary of frequencies which helps remove background noise. Condenser mics choose a broader vary of frequencies and are higher for recording music.
Which Blue Yeti microphone is the very best for podcasting?
We don’t advocate the Blue Yeti for podcasting as a result of it’s a condenser mic, so it picks up quite a lot of background noise and requires a well-controlled surroundings. You additionally want to talk very near the mic if you wish to file multiple particular person at a time.
