If you’re starting a podcast, choosing the best microphones for podcasting is essential for creating a high-quality, engaging recording. Whether you’re on a budget and looking for a cheap podcast microphone or scouring the web for the greatest microphone of all time, we’ve got you covered.
There’s no denying that sound quality is everything in podcasting. Without clear, pristine audio, listeners won’t understand what you’re talking about - which defeats the entire purpose of podcasting! When you listen to podcasts, it’s clear who has used a professional set-up and conducted a stellar interview and who has recorded using their dusty phone mic.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Podcasting Mic
Microphone Types
When choosing the best microphones for podcasting, you’ll need to know the different microphone types and polar patterns. There are two main types of microphones in audio recording: condenser and dynamic.
Condenser microphones – generally, condenser mics are more sensitive and pick up more sound, which is excellent for speech recording but requires phantom power.
Dynamic microphones – low-sensitivity microphones that are great for loud instruments or vocals. They’re simple to use and great for beginners, so it’s a good option if you’re about to start a podcast from scratch. However, they don’t pick up the quieter or more intricate aspects of speech recording like condenser microphones.
Polar Patterns
Microphones use polar patterns, which show a map of the microphone's ability to capture the surrounding sound. For example, some microphones capture sound from all directions, while others only capture the sound directly in front of them. When podcasting, you’ll want to use a cardioid or supercardioid pickup pattern to capture only the speaker's voice and not background noise.
Cardioid — Cardioid microphones offer a focus polar pattern that allows direct audio to be captured crisply. Cardioid patterns are most sensitive at 0° and least sensitive at 180°, meaning that it’s easy to get a dry signal as the pattern blends out a noisy environment, like background fans or traffic noise.
Supercardioid –– Supercardioid microphones have a direct signal and are great for live recordings, which suits podcasting. The polar pattern captures sound from the direct signal (your voice) and eliminates all background noise.
Connection and Compatibility
When shopping for your next podcast microphone, keep connectivity in mind. Think about your ideal recording setup. If you’re recording remotely or hosting a solo podcast, you might want to try a USB mic. However, if you’re recording interview-style, you’ll need to use an XLR mics connection with an audio interface.
Budget Constraints and Value for Money
Budget is always about balance. You’ll need to consider your podcasting budget and allocate some of that cash to investing in one of the best microphones for podcasting. Whether you need a cheap podcasting mic at an affordable price or have money to spend, plenty of options will give you excellent sound quality for your needs.
Best Microphones by Type
Dynamic Microphones
A dynamic microphone is a podcast mic that converts sound into an electrical signal using electromagnetism. In simple terms, these microphones use a magnet to turn the sound waves into an electrical signal. Dynamic mics are typically used for loud inputs like drums because of their low sensitivity and higher gain threshold. However, they’re a great all-purpose use mic that can be used for almost any audio recording project.
Read More: What is a dynamic microphone? Learn more about dynamic microphones and expand your knowledge on this type of podcasting microphone.
Benefits of using dynamic microphones for podcasting
Dynamic microphones are some of the best budget podcast microphones, so they are a fantastic choice for beginners. They’re also some of the most straightforward microphones to use; you have to connect to your audio interface and adjust the gain, and you’re good to go. Unlike condenser microphones with the added step of phantom power (more on that later.)
In a few words, dynamic mics are the best choice for a portable cheap podcast mic that works well for loud voices.
Shure SM7DB - $499
You can’t get much better than a Shure microphone. The SM7dB is industry-leading for a reason: Shure repeatedly creates the most durable, stylish, and technically capable audio products that enhance the audio experience for both users and listeners. The SM7dB is designed with a built-in preamp providing up to +28 dB of low-noise, flat, transparent gain, which is great for use with almost any interface, creating a simple audio experience for new and experienced podcasters.
It’s one of the most reliable vocal microphones, guaranteed to give you a clean recording with natural reproduction of speech with very low background noise. It even has a pop filter to eliminate mouth noises like breathing or explosive consonants. With a classic cardioid polar pattern, it gives maximum rejection of off-axis sounds, focusing on your voice and your voice only.
Universal Audio SD-1 Standard Dynamic Microphone - $299
Premium-quality, stylish, aesthetically pleasing. These are just a few words that describe the outstanding Universal Audio SD-1 microphone. Featuring the signature sound quality associated with universal audio, the SD-1 provides unparalleled clarity and frequency response, ideal for vocal recording.
With a customisable high-pass filter and high-mid boost, this microphone's accuracy and definition unlock new possibilities for podcasters and vocalists alike. Its modern look features a rear-mounted XLR connector for simple cable management, which is a bonus if you’re recording a video podcast and want to keep the setup simple.
Rode PodMic - $99
PodMic does precisely what it says. Explicitly designed for podcasting, Rode created the ultimate microphone ideal for interview-style podcasts. The PodMic is broadcast-quality, giving an incredible performance for podcasting, live streaming, video audio recording and more. The internal pop filter minimises plosives, the internal shock mount reduces vibration, and the swing mount swivels for easy positioning.
Meticulously crafted with podcasting in mind, this mic has everything you need to begin your podcast journey. It’s also an affordable option for podcasters on a budget.
Best Condenser Microphones
A condenser mic is arguably the best microphone for podcasting because of its higher sensitivity to sound. Condenser mics use a metal diaphragm that vibrates and sends the sound to your audio interface for processing. The diaphragm is sensitive to sound, so it will vibrate with a quieter noise that a dynamic mic won’t be able to pick up. When using a condenser microphone, you’ll need to have phantom power for it to work. Almost every audio interface includes a phantom power button, so you must remember to turn it on.
Read More: What is a condenser microphone? Learn more about condenser microphones and expand your knowledge on this type of podcasting microphone.
Benefits of using condenser microphones for podcasting
There are heaps of benefits to using condenser microphones for podcasting. The most obvious one is the ASMR value. These sensitive microphones will pick up the faintest whisper, making them an excellent choice for speech recording. Whether you’re an ASMR pro or having a casual chat with your interviewee, these mics won’t let you down.
In addition to the audio quality, condenser microphones are some of the best-looking microphones on the market. We know that audio quality may be a low priority for video podcasters regarding aesthetics, but with condenser microphones, you get the best of both worlds. Check out the top condenser microphones for podcasting below.
1 PreSonus PX-1 - $129.99
You're in luck if you’re looking for a stylish but cheap podcast microphone. The PreSonus PX-1 is one of the best value-for-money microphones on the market. Designed for vocal recording, this cardioid condenser microphone is ideal for podcasting side-by-side with your interviewee. It features a gold-sputtered capsule intended to give you extraordinary clarity when recording, suitable for catching each and every word. It’s one of the best-looking and best-sounding podcasting mics out there.
Calling all newbie podcasters! The Audio-Technica AT2035 is here to save you. This impressive condenser mic includes a custom shock mount, perfect for home studio recording. This sleek mic is designed for home users like podcasters and independent musicians and has everything you need for crystal-clear audio recordings. The cardioid polar pattern reduces background noise, and the custom shock mount will create superior recordings. WOW your audience with the immense clarity provided by this stylish and affordable microphone.
3 Rode NT1 5. Generation - $249
A classic in the audio industry – Rode’s NT 1 is known for its vocal capabilities and ease of use. Including a shock mount and pop filter, this mic package gives you everything you need to record a podcast at home or on location. The microphone has a distinctly warm character and low self-noise, which is great for podcasters looking for a relaxed and friendly ambience. With ultra-low noise and a high-gain preamp, this microphone will capture your voice delicately, amplifying your vocal tones and reducing exterior noise for a silky-smooth recording.
Best USB Microphones
Overview of USB connectivity in microphones
USB mics are a pretty simple concept to get your head around. Instead of using an XLR cable and an audio interface to connect the microphone to your computer, you only need to plug straight into the computer’s USB connection. Bypassing the audio interface with the USB connection is a great way to save money when kitting out your home podcasting studio. In addition, they’re great for beginners who may not have the audio knowledge to connect to a more complicated XLR mic system.
Advantages and disadvantages of USB microphones for podcasting
One of the most significant selling points of USB microphones is the ease of use. You can plug this mic straight into your PC's USB connection, which is huge for some podcasters. It saves time, saves brain power, and saves money!
This means you can focus on more important things, like writing your interview questions. However, it’s not a great choice for in-person interviews. The best way to use these mics is remotely or for solo podcasts, as you can’t use them in tandem.
1. Rode NT-USB - $99
Rode’s mini USB microphone is one of the smallest and sweetest microphones on the market. With a simple plug-and-record setup, you can start recording straight away. The Rode NT-USB is a versatile USB microphone with a sound signature specifically tailored to give a warm and present sound, bringing your voice to the forefront of any recording.
It’s an excellent choice for more relaxed and informal podcasters looking to create a relaxing sound environment. With a built-in desktop stand and crisp, high-fidelity audio, it’s a decent budget option and a high-quality cheap podcast microphone, so you don’t need to splash out but still get great-quality recordings.
2. Blue Yeti - $129.99
Blue Yeti is a famous USB podcasting and streaming microphone. It’s popular among podcasters, streamers, YouTubers, and tech gurus. Not only is it affordable, but it’s also stylish, compact, and gives great sound quality. Featuring Blue VOICE software, your recording is elevated to broadcast-quality vocals, designed for high-impact recordings that are clear, concise, and encaptivating.
The plug-and-play setup with a built-in shock mount means you can start recording within seconds of connecting the mic, which is an excellent option for beginners. Four pickup patterns allow you to adjust the mic specifications. Choose from an omnidirectional, cardioid, bidirectional, or stereo-polar pattern to customise your setup.
Best Microphones For Podcasting: The Round-Up
Whether you’re a newbie podcaster or an experienced pro, there’s always room for improvement in the audio department. If you need speed, opt for a simple plug-and-play mic like Blue Yeti for a simple setup and fantastic recording quality. But if you’re looking for top-quality, aesthetically pleasing microphones, check out Rode’s PodMic for your next recording session. However you plan to record, be sure to have fun, use a pop shield, and ask intriguing questions.
Ready to jump into the wonderful world of podcasting? Contact us today for a FREE consultation with the Saspod team.
Comments
No comments yet!