Podcast FAQ

affordable podcast mics

by Amelie Lynch Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Looking at all the available mics on the market, the best budget microphone for podcasting for under $80 is Samson Q2U. If you can spend $100, then you should pick Rode PodMic. The best mic under $150 is definitely AT 2020+. If your budget can handle up to $200, you should choose Samson Q9U.

Full Answer

What are the best podcast microphones for beginners?

The Joby Wavo Pod uses USB-C, and Joby includes both USB-C to USB-A and USB-C to USB-C cables. That means it’s a plug-and-play, dongle-free setup for pretty much every PC out there.

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 is the best microphone 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 the best USB mic for podcasting?

What Is the Best USB Mic for Podcasting?

  • Blue Yeti. Blue has created one of the most popular USB microphones with the Yeti and arguably set the precedent that USB mics can provide high quality.
  • Shure MV7. Shure wanted to create a versatile microphone that could provide great sound quality in a compact format.
  • AKG Lyra. ...
  • Earthworks Icon. ...
  • HyperX QuadCast. ...

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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)

Which mics are best for podcasts?

Maybe even two or three, if you're inviting guests and co-hosts....The best podcasting microphones you can buy right nowRode PodMic. ... Blue Yeti. ... JLab Talk. ... Blue Yeti X. ... Elgato Wave: 3. ... Movo UM700. ... HyperX QuadCast S. ... EPOS B20.

How much do microphones for podcasts cost?

For $20 you're able to buy a microphone tailored for speech recordings and great for podcasts.

Are Rode mics good for podcasts?

The Rode PodMic is my favorite XLR podcasting mic under $100 (see the review). This dynamic cardioid mic has an internal pop filter and shockmount to help get the best audio quality in a simple and small package. You'll want to get a boom arm for the best results.

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.

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.

Are expensive mics worth it?

Less expensive mics often sound great on some things but terrible on others, often needing a lot of EQ to extract a reasonable sound within a mix. Often they're less well manufactured, which reduces their working life expectancy and, once broken, can rarely be repaired.

What mic does Logan Paul use for podcast?

Logan Paul uses the Shure SM7B, pictured here, for Impaulsive. The Shure SM7B is the holy grail of podcasting microphones, used by Joe Rogan, Russell Brand, Rich Roll and many more. Shure know what they're doing when it comes to creating microphones and the SM7B is designed for recording and broadcasting spoken voice.

Is a dynamic or condenser mic better for podcasting?

0:414:46Dynamic vs Condenser Microphones For Podcasting - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn the simplest. Terms dynamic microphones are much more forgiving. And will give you a more boomyMoreIn the simplest. Terms dynamic microphones are much more forgiving. And will give you a more boomy radio. Voice also doing a good job of rejecting background noises most podcasters use dynamic

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.

Can I use condenser mic for podcast?

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 is the best microphone for podcasts?

The EVs are certainly amongst the best microphones in podcasting, or the world of audio in general! Those who love the EV speak fondly of the rich tones, the depth, the resonance. If it suits your voice, then there's a body to the recordings that's as memorable as it is undefinable. You'll pay for it, of course.

Why are condenser microphones so noisy?

The problem is, because of their sensitivity, condenser microphones tend to pick up a lot of background noise. This means you need a nice quiet recording environment to take advantage of the quality they offer. They also tend to be a lot more fragile, so they're no good for carrying around in your bag.

Do condenser microphones need external power?

They also tend to be a lot more fragile, so they're no good for carrying around in your bag. The other disadvantage is that condenser microphones need external power. This normally comes through a phantom power supply, provided by either a mixer, audio interface, or digital recorder.

Do Blue Yeti mics come with stand?

Lastly, the Blue Yeti comes with its own stand, so it’s a good first step if you want to jump in at the high-end and not have to worry about additional kit.

Do you need a condenser microphone for podcasts?

If you want that extra level of depth to your podcast, it could be worth going for a condenser microphone, but with some caveats. Condenser microphones work in an entirely different, unfathomable way, but suffice to say, they introduce a higher level of quality to your recordings.

Is Heil PR40 a good microphone?

The Heil PR40 is touted by many high-level showrunners as the go-to podcast mic for anyone who wants the best sound they can get. I won't deny it's a good microphone, but I will say it's a bit overhyped.

Is a podcast recorded on a headset microphone good?

However you record, there’s no denying, though, that a podcast recorded on a decent quality microphone is massively more professional than someone blabbering away on a tinny headset mic. After all, it’s the mic that captures your voice and translates it from physical sound waves into digital bits and bytes.

Why use a mic for podcasts?

Review: Though typically used for stage and live performances, this mic has risen in popularity among podcasters due to the relatively low price point and decent quality for capturing voice recordings.

What kind of microphone hook up do you need for podcasting?

What kind of microphone hook-up are you looking for, USB or XML? If you’re new to podcasting, I recommend sticking with a USB microphone. USB mics are extremely easy to get started on your computer, with little or no software required.

What is a NT USB mic?

The NT-USB is essentially Rode’s equivalent of the incredibly popular Blue Yeti. Both are mid-range priced USB mics with built-in desk-stands that create high quality recording with a small footprint. One nice difference is that the NT-USB comes with a pop shield, which is helpful as they can sometimes be hard to find for unusually shaped mics like this. On the side of the mic, you will find a direct mix control to adjust both mic input and source output, as well as a 3.4mm stereo headphone jack for zero-latency monitoring.

Why is there a zero tolerance policy for podcasts?

There’s essentially a zero tolerance policy for podcasts that don’t meet or surpass expectations, you often only get one chance.

What is Pyle mic?

Pyle makes high quality audio equipment and has been in the industry for over fifty years, This kit does not take details lightly, and is designed to be easily set up and ready to connect to a computer to record with the USB connection and then easily stored in the included case. The metal iron base is a nice touch for a desktop mic because it will be studier than the plastic legs that some other mics have.

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.

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 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.

What microphone do I use for podcasts?

The Blue Yeti has been the top-recommended podcast microphone for years, and it’s still the #1 choice in almost every article I read. (It’s also what I use personally for many early recordings of Wit & Wire ‘s podcast.)

What is the first decision you make as a podcaster?

Choosing your podcast microphone is probably the first major decision you’ll make as a podcaster. And it’s a big one, because no matter how great your content is, if you sound like you’re on a bad Zoom call, you’re going to lose great listeners faster than you can introduce yourself 🙁. But don’t worry!

How much does a pop filter cost?

A pop filter is an inexpensive sound muffler that will make “p” sounds less harsh. (They won’t “pop” as much.) For under $20, this is a must-have accessory, no matter which microphone you choose.

Can a condenser microphone pick up background noise?

Because they’re so sensitive, they’ll pick up on a lot of background noise if you’re in a loud room. But if you’re recording in a quiet place – which is what we recommend! – then a condenser mic is right for you.

Do condenser microphones work for podcasts?

So unless you’re concerned about background noise, I tend to recommend condenser microphones for at-home podcasters. The other noteworthy consideration is the power source. Because of the way condenser microphones are built, they always have a cord that connects to an external power source (like your computer).

What is the best mic for podcasting?

If you’re looking for a solid entry-level podcast mic, the RØDE NT-USB Mini is a stellar option. It has a quick USB connector that is compatible with most computers and tablets, and its compact size makes it a convenient option for podcasters on the go!

Why do podcasts need a mic?

In short, a good mic can amplify your vocal appeal. Finally, if you don’t have access to a studio or sound-proofed area in your house, a good podcast mic will be able to help isolate your voice from other small background noises while you’re recording.

What is a condenser mic?

Condenser mics essentially provide the flipside of the coin to all of the dynamic mic attributes. They are slightly more fragile in their build, in many cases require external power, and can pick up unwanted background noise if you’re not in a very quiet recording environment.

How do different microphones pick up sound?

Different microphones pick up sounds better depending on the angle a sound arrives to the mic head. For example, an omnidirectional mic picks up sound from – you guessed it – every direction, whereas a bi-directional mic will only pick up sound from the front and rear, but ignores noises coming in from the sides of the mic.

Why do you need a dynamic mic?

Dynamic mics tend to pick up less ambient noise in the background, so while you may lose a bit of atmospheric depth, that could be a good thing if you’re not able to record in a sound-proofed studio. Finally, if you’re looking to take your show on the road, a dynamic mic is what you should be carrying.

What is PR40 mic?

The PR40 has a wide frequency range to pick up both the high and low ends and has a large, low mass diaphragm, shock mounts, and custom magnet metals, all housed within a uniquely designed microphone body. Its dual-mesh screens have different aperture sizes to control airflow.

What are the different types of mics?

While there are four core mic types out there (dynamic, condenser, tube, and ribbon), you’ll likely want to focus your research efforts on the dynamic and condenser versions only. There’s nothing wrong with using a ribbon or tube mic.

What type of mic do podcasts use?

There are an increasing number of microphones marketed as being dedicated podcast mics; underneath the buzzwords you’ll find they’re almost exclusively condensers or dynamics, and either XLR or USB connected. Condenser mics are perhaps better suited to studio locations as they bring out a richness in voices, however the trade-off is that they can be more sensitive to ambient noise. You’ll also need to factor in 48V phantom power if you’re using an XLR condenser – USB versions take care of this via the computer connection.

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.

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.

Is Blue Snowball a good podcast?

The Blue Snowball is marketed as a solution for improving the quality of voice calls, yet as a podcast solution it's also pretty solid. It's truly plug and play, so you can be recording within minutes, but the audio quality isn't going to be high enough to impress the professionals.

Do you need expensive cameras to make a podcast?

It also helps that actually making podcasts isn’t as difficult as you may think, both in terms of technical know-how and in the equipment you’ll need. You don't require expensive cameras, or exotic locations.

What does a podcast mixer do?

That means loud people are loud and quiet people are quiet. With a podcast mixer you can actually turn up those quiet folks, and turn down the shouters. Plus you can record them on different channels and have much more power in post production. Excellent!

How many inputs does a Mackie have?

The Mackie is similar to the Behringer above, but actually has one less fully controlled channel, so 5 main inputs , but still 4 of which are XLR. It has all the same inline features, except for compression – something which can easily be added in post production in very little time anyway.

What is Mix minus?

Mix-minus is a technique which allows you to do live production with a co-host while that co-host is remote, using something like Skype, or Zoom.

What does it mean to be live producing?

Live producing means that you're adding your music, your sound FX, phone calls, recorded messages, and anything else that goes into your show on the fly – it's all going in live. You're treating it like a radio show, so there's no post-production at all. You simply hit record, do the show, and then stop.

Do you need a mixer to podcast?

You don't need a mixer to podcast, but there are reason to want one! Increased control and flexibility in recording (be it locally or remotely) is one of them. A mixer can help you cut down on your editing time too. However, they do add an extra layer of complexity to your setup.

Can you record everyone on one channel?

In your early days you'll be recording everyone on one channel. That means loud people are loud and quiet people are quiet. With a podcast mixer you can actually turn up those quiet folks, and turn down the shouters. Plus you can record them on different channels and have much more power in post production.

Is Rodecaster cheaper than Podtrak?

The Rodecaster is not cheap, is not for everyone, but it could be perfect for some. It has a really strong contender in the Podtrak now, though. The Podtrak has most of the same capabilities, is much better value and a lot more flexible. Those massive light-up Rodecaster sound cart buttons do look cool, though….

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