
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 |
- Rode PodMic. The best podcasting microphone overall. ...
- Blue Yeti. The best podcasting mic with multiple recording modes. ...
- JLab Talk. The best cheap microphone for podcasting. ...
- Blue Yeti X. ...
- Elgato Wave: 3. ...
- Movo UM700. ...
- HyperX QuadCast S. ...
- EPOS B20.
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. ...
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 type of microphone is best for podcasts?
The MV5 is an all-in-one mic for plug-and-play podcasting that connects directly to your Mac, PC, iOS or Android device. It has a high-quality condenser mic element with a cardioid pattern for great sound quality and noise rejection.
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.
Are vocal mics good for podcasts?
Dynamic mics are excellent for recording vocals – everything from podcasting to voiceovers to singing – and work especially well when you're recording multiple people in the same room.
Is a USB mic good for podcasting?
Easy to use with a variety of devices, USB mics are great for any level podcaster, especially those who sometimes record on the go. You don't need any additional equipment to start recording using a USB mic. You can invest less in your overall setup and spend more of your podcast budget on a quality microphone.
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.
What microphone 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.
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.
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.
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.
What 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...
Do you need two microphones for a podcast?
In-Person Podcast Recording Microphones For in-person interview recording, you'll need at least one extra mic, depending on how many people you're interviewing at once.
How much does a podcast microphone cost?
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.
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.
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.
What is the problem with the SM7B?
The problem with the SM7B is that it needs a really professional environment. It picks up a LOT of background noise, and it totally unforgiving with bad mic technique. This will pick up all of your lip smacks, breathing, pops and sibilants, and so you need to know how to deal with them all.
What is a rode smartlav?
Rode Smartlav+. The Rode Smartlav+ is a lavalier or tie-clip mic, specifically built for smartphones, so it works like a dream on any modern phone with a 3.5mm input (or a 3.5mm > lightning adapter for new iPhones). I love this little mic for two main reasons:
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.
Is the Shure SM7B a good mic?
The Shure SM7b is a legendary mic in the industry. This is one that discerning audiophiles hold in great esteem, one of the best of the breed. And yes, it does indeed live up to the hype – it's an amazing microphone.
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.
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 blue emerald?
Blue Ember is a studio condenser XLR podcasting microphone to record live videos. It is developed to reject an off-axis noise and simplify the process of clear voice recording. The cardioid record scheme of Blue Ember effectively lowers the off-axis noise.
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 is frequency response?
Frequency response is a frequency range at which a microphone may detect and perceive sounds. Before you choose a podcasting microphone, decide what you are going to record. For vocals and guitar, choose a mic with a medium or low frequency, and for bass ‒ a low-frequency variant. Ann Young.
What is Razer Seiren Elite?
Razer Seiren Elite is distinguished by a laconic design: it is improved only with a volume switch on/off and a small LCD screen. The display shows the information on the volume and the pattern chosen. There are also handles to control the sound volume and gain.
Why does my microphone flash red?
The microphone features a LED indicator that informs the users whether it is on or off. It flashes red when the noise is too loud. Although this cheap podcast microphone will not give you a professional recording quality, it is quite enough for beginners. It is also convenient to record podcasts on the go.
What is the Samson Q2U?
The Samson Q2U is compatible with both Mac and Windows computers and works with any podcast recording software.
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.
What is polar pattern?
Polar pattern - also known as "pickup pattern" - refers to a microphone's directionality. Common patterns include bi-directional, omnidirectional, and cardioid. A cardioid pickup pattern is the preferred recording orientation for podcasting applications.
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 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.
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.
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.
Why You Need a Good Microphone for Podcasting
If you want to have a chance of succeeding in your podcasting journey, you are going to need a good microphone. A good microphone plays an important role in the sound quality of your podcast. The better the quality of the mic the more professional your podcast sounds. No one will listen to your podcast if the sound quality is poor.
What to Look for in a Microphone
To buy the best podcast microphone, you need to understand what qualities a good microphone needs to have. You need to understand what is needed in a microphone to make your recording sound awesome.
Dynamic Microphones vs. Condenser Mics for Podcasting
Dynamic and condenser microphones are designed for different uses and functions. Both types have pros and cons, but dynamic mics tend to be more durable and can endure daily use without any distortion. Condensers on the other hand are often able to record crisper and more detailed audio.
Basic Set Up of Microphones to Start Recording
You can have a basic set up of a microphone to get started with the following simple items:
Shure MV7
This is mic is known for being the best USB option for those taking podcasting with all seriousness. It is a true powerhouse in the world of the podcast and worthy of all the plaudits it gets.
Blue Yeti USB Microphone
The Blue Yeti is another great USB microphone to consider purchasing as it is designed for podcasting.
Rode Procaster
This USB mic is designed with speech in mind. It is part of the collection of mics from the manufacturer aimed at broadcast and podcast creators.
