Our Favorite Cheap USB Mics for Podcasting
- FIFINE USB Microphone, Plug &Play Home Studio USB Condenser Microphone. Starting our list is a great, moderately priced beginner mic! ...
- Blue Yeti USB Microphone. Number two on our list, this mic is a bit more professional. ...
- FIFINE Metal Condenser Recording Microphone. ...
- Blue Snowball iCE Condenser Microphone. ...
- TONOR PC Microphone USB Computer Condenser Studio. ...
Full Answer
What is the best microphone for podcasts?
Our Picks
- Rode Podmic Best Overall
- Shure SM7B High-End
- Audio-Technica AT2020 Fan Favorite
- Electro-Voice RE20 High-End
- Blue Yeti USB Powered
- Audio-Technica AT2005 USB Powered, Affordable
- Samson Go Portable, Affordable
- Elgato Wave:3 USB + Good Software
- Rode Procaster Superior Version Of Rode PodMic
Which microphone should I buy for podcasting?
Shure SM7B Vocal Dynamic Microphone, Cardioid
- State of the art electromagnetic hum reduction (computer monitors etc)
- Yoke mounting with captive stand nut for easy mounting and position control
- Detachable windscreen for extra warm “close talking” vocals
What is the best podcast mic?
The best podcast microphones
- The Vocal Sure Shot. Pros and average folks alike pamper their voice with the stalwart Shure SM7B broadcast mic. ...
- X Marks All Spots. An upgrade to a classic, the well-rounded Yeti X sports cool looks, sweet sound, and unique features.
- Mic to Mouth Resuscitation. ...
- Music to Listener’s Ears. ...
- Modern Tech, Vintage Looks. ...
- Package Deal. ...
What kind of microphone do I need for a podcast?
Top 9 Best Microphones for Podcasting
- Shure SM7B – Our Choice
- PR-40 by Heil – Best large-diaphragm dynamic
- Blue Ember – Cardioid XLR condenser mic
- Rode Procaster – Internal pop filter
- Audio-Technica AT2035 – Wide dynamic range
- Blue Yeti – Four recording modes
- Samson Go – Portable & cheap
- HyperX Quadcast – Full-featured condenser mic
- Razer Seiren Elite – High pass filter
What is a good cheap podcast mic?
Budget Level Podcast Microphones for Under $100Samson Q2U (Dynamic: XLR & USB) The microphone that I often recommend people start off with is the Samson Q2U. ... ATR2100 (Dynamic: XLR & USB) An alternative, and very similar mic, is the ATR2100. ... Rode Smartlav+ (Condenser: 3.5mm)
What microphone should I use for a podcast?
As long as you can accommodate an XLR connection, the Rode PodMic is our top pick of the best podcasting microphones. You'll also need to provide your own stand, but otherwise the downsides the minimal. This is an excellent-sounding podcaster's mic with an easily affordable price tag.
How much does a microphone cost for a podcast?
It's one of the most preferred microphones used by many podcasters. The basic one, with only the microphone costs $79 on Amazon. If you are willing to spend a bit more, you can get professional studio equipment which can take you back around $150 or more, depending on the brand and model.
Do you need a special microphone for a podcast?
Microphone(s) In fact, you'll need one for every person who's going to be speaking on your show. Unfortunately, your computer's inbuilt microphone isn't going to cut it unless you want it to sound like you're broadcasting from a toilet.
What mic does Joe Rogan use?
Shure SM7BThe microphones used in the Joe Rogan Experience podcast are multiple models of the Shure SM7B. The Shure SM7B is a dynamic moving coil microphone with a cardioid polar pattern. The Shure SM7B (link to check the price on Amazon) is a popular mic in the broadcasting world for a good reason!
Is Blue Yeti good for podcasting?
A standard in podcasting as far as USB microphones go, the Blue Yeti is versatile, readily available in most consumer electronic stores, and easy to use. Because of its ability to record in stereo, the Yeti is used a lot in the ASMR Youtube community as well as podcasting and streaming.
Is it expensive to start a podcast?
In fact, if you already have a computer and you're operating on a shoestring budget, you can record, edit, and launch a podcast for less than $200. On the other hand, if you want to use higher-end equipment, starting a podcast can cost a few thousand dollars.
Do podcasters make money?
Sponsorships are the most common way podcasters make money. This is when the podcast promotes the sponsor during the show. You probably hear your favorite shows plug their advertisers a few times in every episode. How much you earn from a sponsor depends on the number of downloads your episodes earn.
Do podcasts cost money to make?
Expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $15,000+ for an episode depending on the type of podcast you are producing (interview-based, narrative or story-driven, or a mixture of the two). Agencies and teams functioning in this space are experts and have the experience and evidence to prove it.
Should I use a condenser microphone for podcasting?
Condenser mics have better response to high frequencies than dynamic mics. This gives condensers a crisp, detailed sound; however, it can be a problem for podcasters who record at home. When you use a condenser mic, you risk picking up too much of the shhh sound from air vents or extra noises from the lips and tongue.
Why do podcasters wear headphones?
Wearing headphones improves your mic technique If you can hear you're off-mic, too loud or that you're popping every time you say a word starting with a hard consonant ('p', 'b', 'k'), wearing headphones will help you adjust the way you're using the microphone in the moment.
Is a condenser mic good for podcasting?
Condenser mics are good for podcasts. These microphones are particularly good at picking up small sounds with subtle changes in tone. Many voice recording studios use condenser mics as their standard because of their ability to capture clear vocal work.
The Best Podcast Microphones Summary
1. Entry Level: Samson Q2U 2. High Level: Rode Procaster / Podcaster 3. High Level: MXL990 4. High Level: Shure SM58 5. High Level: Blue Yeti 6. PR...
Entry Level Podcasting Microphones
The microphone that I often recommend people start off with is the Samson Q2U. This is a really versatile little beast, being both XLR and USB, and...
High Quality Podcasting Microphones
When I say high quality, I’m talking as good as anyone would need for podcasting up to six or seven figure audiences. The microphones in this secti...
Professional Level Podcast Microphones
At this level, we’re starting to look at some serious cash. These are microphones that wouldn’t look out of place in a pro recording studio after a...
Do I Need A Condenser Microphone For Podcasting?
Ok, I’ve talked a lot about dynamic microphones and condenser microphones above – so what’s the difference? If you want that extra level of depth t...
Conclusion – How to Choose Your Mic
The two factors that determine what microphone you should go for are: 1. Your recording environment 2. Your BudgetBuy as expensive a podcasting mic...
A Question For You on Podcast Microphones
What podcast microphones do you use and like? I’d love to hear your feedback – Tweet me and let me know what mic you use. Look forward to hearing f...
What are the different types of podcast microphones?
Primarily, there are two categories of podcasting microphones to choose from. They are:
What frequency does the AT2020 microphone pick up?
So if you’re really looking for a microphone that looks and feels like a million bucks, the AT2020 does the trick! The AT2020 is also able to pick up on a broad frequency range of 20 to 20,000 Hertz. Check Price on Amazon. 3.
What is an XLR microphone?
It’s a podcast microphone that keeps your options wide —so you won’t have to spend any more money for a new microphone should you decide to switch from USB to XLR or vice versa.
When did the AKG Lyra microphone come out?
Okay, so full disclosure, the AKG Lyra is a pretty new product on the podcasting microphone market. It just launched in November 2019! But beat this. The AKG Lyra is an ultra-HD recording microphone, which includes 4 capture modes perfect for recording diverse environments.
How much does a Samson C01U cost?
On Amazon, the C01U retails for almost $80 and comes with a mini tripod stand and swivel mount to fix on your desktop. Check Price on Amazon. 11.
Can you listen to recordings directly from a condenser microphone?
This condenser microphone is also fully loaded with a headphone amplifier. This allows you to even listen to your recordings directly from the microphone, or connect them to speakers via the output. We should probably mention, however, that this is isn’t an ideal one-stop solution.
Do podcasts need a microphone?
However you look at it, settling on a microphone is a huge deal for your podcast. Whether or not you’re wet behind the ears or a total guru, there’s no denying that you need a solid microphone to count on.
Choosing a budget podcasting microphone for you
When you’re looking for a budget podcasting microphone, there are some things you’ll want to consider. Microphones come in all shapes and sizes, and for a variety of purposes, but not all of them are ideally suited for podcasting.
Microphone pickup patterns
Typically, you’ll find certain functions are ideally suited to podcasting. Look specifically for the mic’s pickup pattern - sometimes called its polar pattern - as this dictates the area around the front (or side) of the mic where it actually captures the sound.
Microphone connectivity
Connectivity is important with microphones. Higher-end studios and recording facilities will usually employ mics that connect via XLR, allowing the mic to feed into a mixing desk or audio interface, however USB connections are increasingly common, particularly at the entry-level end.
Microphone placement
Finally, give some thought to how the mic will be placed. Most, but not all, will come with some kind of desk tripod, however, the smart money is on using a more robust mic stand or - better still - a boom arm so make sure the mic you choose is compatible with your chosen method of holder.
How many cardioid mics are needed for podcasts?
If you’ve got a podcast with multiple hosts, this budget option provides you with three dynamic cardioid mics (as well as cables and clips) for recording crisp and clear audio.
Which is better: a condenser mic or a dynamic mic?
Condenser mics are great for picking up deep details in your voice, but are super sensitive, and they’ll also pick up any audible activity going on around you. If you’re in a studio with properly padded and sound-treated walls, this won’t be a big deal, but for the average person recording at home, a dynamic mic might be a better option.
What is dynamic mic?
Dynamic mics are designed to handle high-pressure sound levels, like performances that are live and loud. This makes them a top choice for podcasting, especially if you’ll have multiple people conversing and recording together, and cut down significantly on distracting noise in the background, or even outside.
Do dynamic mics need power?
Another advantage of dynamic mics is that they don’t need an external power supply, unlike condenser mics, which often require a charged battery or phantom power. In rare cases, an “active” dynamic mic would require a power supply, but these aren’t necessary for the needs of a podcast, and will be more expensive anyway.
Is Audio Technica a good company?
Audio-Technica’s one of the most trusted companies for audio gear, and has been crafting reliable studio products for years. Microphones are just one of its many specialties, and this is a solid choice for getting a podcast up and running.
Do you need an XLR for a mic?
A mic with only an XLR connection will require an audio interface (as well as cables, if you don’ t already own them) before you can plug in to your laptop. But don’t write off XLR completely, as it’s good to have the option in case you want to upgrade your audio setup in the future. Plus they’re extremely durable, able to handle drops and dents, making it ideal for traveling.
What is the best mic for podcasting?
Comes with a travel case and USB cable. Blue Snowflake. The Blue Snowflake is another cheap podcasting mic (also under $30) designed for use on-the-go. It can be used on top of a laptop or on a desktop, folds into itself for compact carrying, and comes with a USB cable.
What is the frequency range of a broadcast mic?
This is a classic broadcasting mic and performs really well. With a built-in shockmount and pop filter, and a frequency range of 50Hz – 20kHz, you’ll never need to upgrade or get additional accessories.
What is a rode NT USB?
The Rode NT-USB is a cardioid mic (ideal for voice recording) that comes with a pop filter, tripod, boom mount, a 20′ USB cable, and a travel pouch. Most people will want a dynamic mic, especially if you are recording multiple people in the same studio, so that’s what you’ll find in this section.
How much does a Samson mic cost?
The Samson Go Mic is a great cheap podcasting mic (under $30) and is designed for travel.
What USB does Audio Technica use?
I’ve recommended the Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB in many other articles and now there is a new version! The ATR2100 x -USB updates the quality and now uses USB-C.
What is the RE20 mic?
The Electro-Voice RE20 is another classic broadcasting mic. It has a feature called Variable-D that gives you some flexibility with your mic technique, making it great for both beginners and pros.
Is USB fast?
USB is fast and easy to set up and great if you only need to record one microphone at your location.
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Best Affordable Podcast Microphone
While the XLR mic is the industry standard, the USB is gaining in popularity as an excellent alternative for podcasting. The USB is also convenient for podcasting as it can be attached to your laptop or smartphone. Lastly, USB microphones do not need a third-party interface. The USB version also comes with a detachable windscreen.
What is the best microphone for podcasting?
There's one microphone on our best podcasting microphones list that stands out over the others, and for a number of clear reasons. The Shure MV7 is one of the newer names on the block, but it has certainly made an impression on us. By combining the dual benefits of USB and XLR recording – and allowing them to be used at the same time should you need it – Shure has made one of the best podcasting microphones you can lay your hands on right now.
When will the Sontronics Podcast Pro be released?
Launched in early 2020, the Sontronics Podcast Pro is a dynamic microphone which has, as you may have worked out from the name, the world of speech recording in mind. This unique-looking broadcast mic is designed and built in the UK, and is geared entirely towards the spoken word.
How does a microphone affect recording?
Each microphone has a pickup pattern , which dictates where it receives audio from. A cardioid pickup pattern, for example, will receive audio from a specific location, i.e. at the front of the mic, and reject noise which does not come from that axis. This is really useful for speech as it means the mic works with you to reject unwanted ambient noise like computer fans or doors closing.
What is a blue yeti mic?
The Blue Yeti has become synonymous with a number of different applications. From Twitch gaming to YouTube tutorials, this mic is perhaps the best known out there, and for good reason. It's easy to use, sounds superb thanks to its three condenser capsules, and doesn't cost the earth to buy.
How to remove unwanted frequencies from mic?
Many modern mics also allow you to remove unwanted frequencies directly on the microphone, via a high-pass filter. This is useful to remove low-level rumbling or humming from the recorded sound, giving you cleaner audio to process in post-production.
What is the most important medium of communication in the 21st century?
The simple act of voices telling stories, conducting interviews or teaching weird and wonderful things has made it one of the most important communications mediums of the 21st century. There are podcasts about pretty much anything you can think of, including some pretty amazing music podcasts.
Does the Audio Technica AT2035PK work?
As a well-respected name in audio production and recording, you can reasonably expect the Audio Technica AT2035PK to perform well in the podcast arena. Thankfully, it does not disappoint. This cardioid patterned condenser reduces pickup of sound from the sides and rear, making for superb isolation of the voice. Perfect for podcasting or streaming.
How much does a plug and play microphone cost?
At $21.99, this plug and play microphone is a great option for beginners looking to get into podcasting, let’s plays, or even just enjoy some quality Skype calls. It has an easy to use tripod stand with a rotating neck and pop filter, meaning you’re getting a lot of fun and useful extras for the price.
What is the difference between a USB mic and a studio mic?
In fact, modern USB mics use the same mic elements as their studio XLR brother and sisters; the only difference is that the signal is converted immediately from analog to digital in a USB mic, instead of later on in your computer.
How much does the Blue Yeti mic cost?
Number two on our list, this mic is a bit more professional. At $129.00, the Blue Yeti is known for its quality, and its hefty price tag. However, you get what you pay for with this one. It has three settings; omnidirectional, bidirectional, or cardioid, making it a versatile tool for any situation. Best of all, it has an easy mute button for podcasters who may be using multiple mics for different people.
Do USB mics have the same quality?
Today, with the right budget, USB mics can achieve the same quality as any others on the market, while coming in a variety of styles and price ranges for your different needs.
Do Discover pods get commissions?
Discover Pods may receive a commission for items purchased, however, neither the reviews nor the rankings have been influenced.
Is a USB microphone better than an XLR?
Of course, many people look down on USB microphones, claiming their analog XLR counterparts are superior. Fortunately, this simply isn’t true! Over the years, USB condenser microphones have become more rugged, durable, and available, along with boasting better sound quality.
