best podcast microphones

List of the Best Microphones for Podcasting

Name	Features
Shure SM7B OUR CHOICE	Dynamic podcast mic Cardioid polar patte ...
PR-40 by Heil LIVE USE	Dynamic podcast mic Cardioid polar patte ...
Blue Yeti 4 MODES	Condenser microphone Four recording mode ...

Jun 9 2022

Full Answer

What are the best microphones for podcasting?

Best budget podcasting microphones: Product guide

• Versatile entry-level podcasting mic. Designed specifically for podcasting, the AKG Lyra is one of the more visually interesting mics in the list.
• Perfect for podcasters who record on location. ...
• Solid entry-level mic with unique functionality. ...
• Best all-rounder for podcasting and more. ...
• Superb value podcasting mic for beginners. ...

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

More items...

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. ...

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 mic do most podcasters use?

Shure MV7. The best USB option for those taking podcasting seriously. ... Blue Microphones Yeti USB. The best and easiest podcast mic option for any user. ... Rode Procaster. Specialist vocal mic that's built for work. ... Audio-Technica AT2035PK. ... Rode NT-USB. ... Sontronics Podcast Pro. ... Shure SM7B. ... IK Multimedia iRig Mic HD 2.More items...

What microphone do podcasts use?

The Blue Yeti is one of the most popular USB podcast microphones in the world, and it comes in at around $115. The Blue Yeti offers great quality audio thanks to its condenser capsules. It's also amazingly easy to use with a plug and play USB connection.

What mics does Joe Rogan use?

The 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!

What is the best budget microphone for podcast?

TOP 15 Best Budget Microphones for PodcastingSamson Go – most portable budget microphone for podcasting. ... Samson Q2U – overall best budget microphone for podcasting. ... MXL 990 – the best budget condenser mic for podcasting. ... Rode NT-USB Mini. ... Blue Yeti. ... Rode PodMic – the best value for money budget mic for podcasting.More items...

Is a dynamic or condenser mic better 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.

How do I choose a microphone for my podcast?

How To Choose The Podcast Microphone That's Right For YouHow you'll connect the microphone: USB (plug 'n play) or XLR (requires additional hardware)The difference in sensitivity between condenser and dynamic microphones.The space you usually record in.The number of people you'll usually be recording.

What mic did Michael Jackson use?

Over the course of past 30 years, the SM7 found its way into the recording studio. Case in Point: Michael Jackson's groundbreaking album Thriller. Quincy Jones and recording engineer Bruce Swedien used an SM7 for most of Michael's vocals and, according to legend, all of Vincent Price's. It was a brave choice.

What mic does Drake use?

Singers, Rappers Drake has been reported using Neumann TLM 103 Condenser Microphone (Condenser Microphones).

What mic does Rich Roll use?

The Shure SM7B is the gold standard for podcast microphones. It's specifically designed for vocals and is used by the likes of Joe Rogan and Rich Roll.

Are condenser mics good for podcasts?

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.

Is the 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.

How Many mics do you need for a podcast?

With a 2 or more person podcast, you'll each need an XLR microphone – and studio headphones are highly recommended. Because you can't easily record more than 1 USB microphone into one computer, you'll need a USB audio interface or mixer with at least as many XLR microphone inputs as you have hosts.

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 quality for a podcast mic?

Audio quality. Recording quality is a vital quality for any type of microphone, but it’s easily the most important attribute of any podcasting mic. You could probably get away with a bit of fuzziness or gain imbalance for the odd gaming session, but in a voice-only medium like podcasting, you should only demand the best.

Why should I avoid Podmic?

While serious podcasters should always fine-tune their recordings before publishing, one of the best things about the PodMic is that it doesn’t take much setup to get it sounding crisp and clear in the first place.

What is the best microphone for podcasting?

Rode Procaster is a dynamic model designed to record vocals professionally, which makes it the best microphone for podcasting and postscoring. The microphone captures small details of the recorded audio and perfectly rejects unwanted noise around it. To set up this podcast mic, you need a bar or microphone stand.

What mic do podcasters use?

Podcasters also choose cardioid mics that capture sounds only from the front. Impedance. To record podcasts, choose a microphone with a nominal impedance of 600 Ohm and lower. Such models are better in capturing sound, so you'll have to make fewer adjustments in podcast recording software. Durability.

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.

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 is the best mic for podcasting?

The best podcasting mic is the Blue Yeti X. Blue’s mission is to make your recording experience as efficient and streamlined as possible with their USB microphones. Specifically, the Yeti X offers four-capsule technology which allows for quality a cut above your average USB mic.

Which is better for podcasts: Cardioid or Stereo?

Additionally, there are four pattern modes with this mic allowing you to choose which one best suits your given situation. Cardioid is ideal for podcasts, as it allows you to record sound which is immediately in front of the mic. Stereo mode acts as one would expect: recording sound from the left and right channels simultaneously to provide a better illusion the listener is in the room with you. Omnidirectional mode will record 360-degree sound, and bidirectional will record sound from the front and rear regions of the microphone.

What microphones work with iPhone?

The Shure MV88 iOS is a great podcasting microphone for iPhone. It plugs in directly to the iPhone via Lightning adapter and includes five DSP presets (speech, singing, flat, acoustic instrument, and loud) for users to choose from depending on the project.

What is blue emerald mic?

The Blue Ember is a spartan XLR microphone in the sense that it provides few—if any—frivolous features. This doesn’t detract from the Ember’s value, however; in fact, it’s likely why it’s such a great mic for the $100 price. The side-address design means you speak directly into the front, not the top, of the microphone. That coupled with the slim form factor make this a great option for content creators working in tight spaces or for those who don’t want to worry about obscuring a microphone from view in videos.

What are the different types of microphones?

Different microphone types. There are four major microphone categories: dynamic, condenser, ribbon, and tube. The first two versions are the most popular, while the latter have garnered a loyal following. Most of the microphones you’ll happen across in the consumer space are dynamic.

What is stereo mode?

Stereo mode acts as one would expect: recording sound from the left and right channels simultaneously to provide a better illusion the listener is in the room with you. Omnidirectional mode will record 360-degree sound, and bidirectional will record sound from the front and rear regions of the microphone.

Can you record podcasts with a quadcast?

HyperX Quadcast. Despite its technical limitations, the Quadcast can credibly record a podcast, stream, or other vocal-centric application short of professional recording. Podcasting seems to have exploded in the past few years; even Google’s cashed in by developing its own podcasting app.

Why do podcasts need a microphone?

A microphone that records high-quality audio benefits every other aspect of your podcast. Not only will your episodes sound better, but your listeners will connect with you on a deeper level, and you'll spend less time editing each episode to make up for sub-par sound quality.

What is USB microphone?

USB microphones are less expensive and plug directly into your computer, eliminating the need to purchase a mixer or USB interface. USB microphones are "plug and play," working with both Mac and Windows computers seamlessly to make recording new podcast episodes straightforward — without having to be an audio engineer.

Which is better, Rode Procaster or Heil PR40?

The Rode Procaster is an arguably better microphone at a cheaper price point, and the Heil PR40 isn't nearly as versatile as the next microphone on our list. You'll also find building out your podcast setup is more expensive with the PR40. For example, most microphone shock mounts cost between $20-$40.

How much does a Samson mic cost?

The Samson Go Mic ($49.99) is even more budget-friendly but does require a laptop for a hookup. It can clip onto the top of your screen or sit on a desk and has both cardioid and omnidirectional pickup options making it a set above most portable mics on the market.

What is the difference between a condenser and a dynamic microphone?

Condenser microphones also require external power, known as "phantom power," to record audio signals, so you'll need a mixer or interface that can supply power to your microphone. Dynamic microphones are passive listening devices that convert sound waves to an electronic signal.

What is the effect of a dynamic microphone?

It has to do with something called the "proximity effect.". Dynamic microphones are known for generating a "proximity effect," where your voice sounds fuller and deeper the closer you position the microphone to your mouth.

Can you use an XLR microphone with a mixer?

However, once you invest in a mixer or audio interface and some XLR cables , you'll be able to use virtually any microphone.

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.

Best Podcast Headphones: Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO

The Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO are the best headphones for podcasting that we've tested. These over-ears have a premium design with a durable metal frame and coiled audio cable, making them feel very well-built. Thanks to their plush microfiber padding, they're comfortable enough to wear while recording or mixing.

Alternative With Lower Leakage: Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

If you want to reduce the risk of audio seeping into your recording, you may prefer the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. While they trap more heat against your ears than the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO, their much better leakage performance means far less audio escapes from the earcups, even if you're listening at a high volume.

Best Podcast Headphones For Recording: Sony MDR-7506

The Sony MDR-7506 are the best headphones for streaming and recording that we've tested. These over-ear headphones have a retro look that's sure to please some listeners. They have a lightweight design with spacious earcups, so they shouldn't cause too much discomfort during long recording sessions.

In-Ear Monitor Alternative: TIN Audio T3

If you don't like to wear over-ear headphones while you're recording, take a look at the TIN Audio T3. These aren't as comfortable as the Sony MDR-7506 for most people, but they're more portable, and some may find them more pleasant to wear because of their in-ear fit.

Best Podcast Headphones For Mixing: Superlux HD 681

The Superlux HD 681 are the best podcast headphones for mixing that we've tested. Unlike other headphones on this list, these over-ears have a semi-open enclosure.

Best Budget Podcast Headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-M20x

The best headset for streaming at the budget level is the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x. These over-ear headphones have a very accurate mid-range, which ensures the accurate reproduction of vocals. They also have a decently comfortable fit that doesn't apply too much pressure on your head.

Notable Mentions

Sennheiser HD 280 Pro 2016: The Sennheiser HD 280 Pro 2016 are over-ears with a very neutral mid-range and a coiled audio cable design. While they have large, well-padded ear cups, the padding is thin. Since the headband also has a tight fit, some users may find them fatiguing when used during long recording sessions. See our review