You’re beginning a podcast and are questioning “what’s the perfect microphone for podcasting?”
The excellent news is that for most individuals, that reply is simple: get the ATR2100x-USB right here.
However the place issues can get somewhat difficult is when that you must report a number of individuals, or possibly you need one thing a bit extra on the professional finish.
Don’t fear although, we’ll attempt to make it straightforward (and never checklist 300 totally different choices that simply make you extra confused) so you may get what you want and get again to podcasting!
The very first thing that you must know is there are two methods to attach a podcast mic to your pc: USB and XLR.
USB is quick and straightforward to arrange and nice in case you solely have to report one microphone at your location.
Distant company are effective, however you’ll wish to keep away from USB if that you must report 2 or extra individuals regionally.
See our Greatest USB Microphones article right here.
XLR connections require further tools to attach them to your pc, however the sound high quality is healthier. You’ll additionally be capable of join a couple of mic on the similar time.
Check out this checklist of USB audio interfaces to seek out one that may suit your wants.
See our Greatest XLR Microphones article right here.
Now that we’ve got that cleared up, listed below are the perfect podcasting microphones – we’ll begin with USB after which go into XLR:
Greatest USB Podcasting Mics
These USB mics are nice for decrease budgets or those who need the best option to begin a podcast in 2023.
ATR2100x-USB
I’ve advisable the Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB in lots of different articles and now there’s a new model! The ATR2100x-USB updates the standard and now makes use of USB-C.
It performs properly above its value level, has each USB and XLR connections, and is sufficiently small to journey with if wanted.
See our ATR2100 overview for extra particulars.
Pair with Knox Shock Mount for Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB.
Samson Q2U
The Samson Q2U is mainly the identical mic as above. I’ve had experiences you can’t appear to get the ATR2100 outdoors the US, so that is what I might get if that’s the case.
It comes with a stand, windscreen, USB and XLR cables.
Rode NT-USB
The Rode NT-USB is a cardioid mic (preferrred for voice recording) that comes with a pop filter, tripod, increase mount, a 20′ USB cable, and a journey pouch.
Greatest XLR Podcasting Mics
Most individuals will need a dynamic mic, particularly if you’re recording a number of individuals in the identical studio, in order that’s what you’ll discover on this part. We do have a separate article on condenser microphones in case you’re considering studying extra about what’s obtainable.
Rode PodMic
The Rode PodMic is my favourite XLR podcasting mic below $100 (see the overview).
This dynamic cardioid mic has an inside pop filter and shockmount to assist get the perfect audio high quality in a easy and small package deal.
You’ll wish to get a increase arm for the perfect outcomes.
Rode Procaster
I even have 3 of those and love them. The Rode Procaster does have a tendency to wish somewhat additional achieve to not sound noisy.
In comparison with different mics, the frequency vary of 75Hz – 18kHz doesn’t appear to be it fairly compares however the outcomes have been nice.
Pair with:
Heil PR-40
The Heil PR-40 is utilized by many prime podcasters.
Its value level places it slightly below the higher-end mics beneath, however the sound high quality and specs greater than examine.
You’ll get a 28Hz – 18kHz frequency response, inside shockmount and pop filter, and a padded case for protected transport.
Shure SM7B
You’ll discover the Shure SM7B in Joe Rogan’s podcast studio – in addition to many others.
It is a basic broadcasting mic and performs rather well. With a built-in shockmount and pop filter, and a frequency vary of 50Hz – 20kHz, you’ll by no means have to improve or get further equipment.
You will want a Cloudlifter or preamp to energy the SM7B as it’s notoriously “gain-hungry”.
Electro-Voice RE20
The Electro-Voice RE20 is one other basic broadcasting mic. It has a characteristic referred to as Variable-D that provides you some flexibility together with your mic method, making it nice for each inexperienced persons and professionals.
Pair with:
Cell Podcasting Mics
Planning to podcast on the go? There are a number of small cell mics that sound significantly better than any built-in microphone you might need.
There are additionally some nice iPhone mics and Android mics if you wish to go that route as properly.
Samson Go Mic
The Samson Go Mic is a superb low cost podcasting mic (below $30) and is designed for journey.
It will probably clip to your laptop computer or just sit in your desk, folds up small, and might swap between cardioid and omnidirectional pickup patterns.
Comes with a journey case and USB cable.
Blue Snowflake
The Blue Snowflake is one other low cost podcasting mic (additionally below $30) designed to be used on the go.
It may be used on prime of a laptop computer or on a desktop, folds into itself for compact carrying, and comes with a USB cable.
Ultimate Suggestions
What concerning the Blue Yeti? Nicely, it’s not likely the only option for podcasting. We do checklist the Blue Yeti as a best choice for gaming and streaming mics, however on the subject of podcasting, you’ll need one thing that minimizes background noise.
Different nice podcasting microphones not highlighted above embody the Audio-Technica BP40, Telefunken M82, and MXL BCD-1 (these are all dynamic mics with XLR connections).
The perfect mic for podcasting is the one you’ve got with you, so don’t let our suggestions cease you from recording in case you don’t have precisely what we suggest.
Each podcaster has totally different wants and ranging high quality of recording area, so don’t be afraid to experiment and see what works for you!
