
Mics above $200 can’t really be considered budget options, as this category includes mics like:
The Best Microphone Use Case | Recommended Type | Recommended Microphone | Average retail price |
Streaming / Online gaming | USB mic | Shure MV7 | $250 |
Podcasting | dynamic mic | Shure SM7B | $500 |
YouTube videos (stationary) | dynamic mic | Rode Procaster | $230 |
YouTube videos (moving subject) | lavalier mic | Tascam DR-10L | $200 |
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
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. ...
How to choose a microphone for podcasting?
What are the different kinds of microphones?
- Dynamic. Read up on how to read microphone polar patterns. The first kind of microphone is a dynamic microphone.
- Condenser. The other type of popular microphone type is a condenser. This works slightly differently and uses capacitor plates instead of a coil and magnets.
- Ribbon microphones. Less common types of microphones include ribbon mics. ...

What type of mic is best for podcasting?
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.
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 type of 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!
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...
How do I pick a podcast microphone?
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.
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.
What mic does Drake use?
Singers, Rappers Drake has been reported using Neumann TLM 103 Condenser Microphone (Condenser Microphones).
What is the mic all podcasters 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.
Why do podcasters wear headsets?
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 condenser mic good 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.
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.
What do I need to start a podcast?
Steps to Start a PodcastDecide why you want to start a podcast.Choose a podcast topic, theme, and name.Select a podcast format and structure.Create podcast branding.Set up your podcast equipment.Find the best podcast recording software.Prepare for your first few podcast episodes.More items...•
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 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 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 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.
Choosing a Microphone for Podcasting
Many podcasters only focus on developing compelling content or booking quality guests. One of the most overlooked aspects of having a good podcast is the audio quality. It is critical to find the best mic for your podcast. Low-quality microphones impact your podcast’s audio and drive away listeners.
Best Type of Mic for Podcasting: Dynamic Mics vs. Condenser Mics
Purchasing a mic is similar to buying a pair of shoes; it’s all about the application. Just as you would look to buy nice shoes for a formal occasion, you should purchase the right mic based on how you plan to use it. There are two main types of mics to consider when choosing a microphone for podcasting: dynamic and condenser.
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.
