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Selecting the best microphone for your needs is an important decision for any podcaster. The goal isn't just to find the best price or features-packed choice, but rather understanding the requirements of your listeners and selecting an appropriate microphone for your voice, budget and recording space.
We at the company understand that it's important to select the best podcasting microphone for your business. After all, we run as a podcast, too! In this comprehensive guide, we unveil the top contenders to ensure that you're delivering the top quality podcast for your audience. We'll take a look!
Condenser Vs. dynamic: Deciphering the difference
Before diving into our picks for the best It's important to know the distinction between condenser and dynamic microphones.
Condenser mics are well-known for their precision and sensitivity when it comes to recording nuanced sound which makes them perfect for studio setups. They are ideal when your podcast is focused on conversations between two or more people.
However, dynamic microphones excel at handling loud pressure levels. This makes ideal for recording live and versatile environments. The best way to do this is if your podcast reports about live occasions.
Considerations to make when deciding on a selection of a
Below are some things to bear in mind while searching for the ideal microphone for your podcast:
1. Polar pattern
The polar pattern of a microphone is what determines the way it is able to capture the sound. The most popular patterns are:
- Cardioid: Picks up sound primarily from the front, minimizing background noise.
- Omnidirectional Recording sounds from any direction and is suitable to record ambient or group sounds.
- Bidirectional (Figure-8): Records from the front and back which is ideal for conducting interviews.
3. Budget constraints
Consider your budget, but be aware that a larger cost does not necessarily translate to higher quality. There are excellent microphones at various price points.
Decent mid-range podcast mics range in price from around $50 to $1,000 although certain high-end microphones could be around $3000, and the most expensive microphones could cost over $10,000! It is important to establish a budget before you start shopping, so that you don't spend too much.
4. Connectivity
Choose between USB and XLR microphones depending the recording configuration you have. USB microphones are plug-and-play, while XLR microphones are more versatile and are commonly employed in professional settings.
The top contenders for microphones that can be used in podcasting
Prices as of the date of publication
Picking the right microphone for podcasting will depend on several factors, including your environment for recording, budget and your personal preferences. If possible, experiment with different choices or talk to your fellow podcasters to find out the best microphone for your podcasting goals.
1. Rode PodMic for $99
Rode PodMic Rode PodMic is a high-quality, dynamic microphone with a cardioid pickup pattern. It was specifically designed to be used for broadcasting and podcasting as well as providing high-quality sound at a very affordable price.
The PodMic is extremely long-lasting and simple to use and is a good choice for beginners and experienced podcasters alike. For more information go to https://rode.com/en/microphones/broadcast/podmic
2. Shure MV7 $349
The Shure MV7 hybrid microphone that functions as a dynamic microphone or a condenser microphone. It features a cardioid pickup pattern that is able to provide excellent sound quality for both types of use.
The MV7 is also equipped with a audio amp as well as a headphone interface. This makes it a breeze to record directly to your personal computer. This is the microphone we use here at ! For more information go to https://www.shure.com/products/microphones/mv7
3. Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ - $165
Its model Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ is a condenser mic featuring a cardioid-shaped pickup pattern. It is a favorite choice among podcasters due to its top-quality audio quality for affordable prices.
The AT2020USB+ is very versatile and can be utilized to record vocals, instruments, and various audio source. For more information go to https://www.audio-technica.com/en-gb/at2020usb
4.Logitech Blue Yeti - $159
The Blue Yeti is a condenser microphone with four pickup patterns including cardioid, omnidirectional tridirectional and stereo. It's a versatile microphone that can be utilized for various tasks such as podcasting, streaming, and voice acting.
The Yeti also has a built-in gain control as well as the headphone output. It makes easy recording and listen to your music. For more information go to https://www.logitechg.com/en-gb/products/streaming-gear/yeti-premium-usb-microphone.html
5. Electro-Voice RE20 - $269
The Electro-Voice RE20 is a dynamic microphone with a cardioid pickup pattern. It's a professional-grade microphone that's recognized for its exceptional audio quality and long-lasting.
It is also very good at removing background noise. RE20 is also very good in blocking background noises, making it a good option for those who want to record podcasts in noisy settings. For more information go to https://products.electrovoice.com/ap/en/re20/
6. Neumann U87 Ai - $3299
It is the Neumann U87 Ai is a condenser microphone, which is thought to be among the best microphones worldwide. It is known for its rich, warm sound, and ability to capture all the subtleties of an event.
It also has a pad switch that can be used to reduce the input sensitivity. U87 Ai also has a pad switch which can be utilized to decrease the input sensitivity as well as the low-cut filter is used to cut down on low-frequency noise. For more information go to https://www.neumann.com/en-en/products/microphones/u-87-ai/
7. Sennheiser MK 4 Digital - $375
The Sennheiser MK4 Digital is a high-quality condenser microphone that features a cardioid-shaped pickup pattern. It comes with a true 1-inch condenser capsule for an incredibly rich, warm sound with excellent detail and clarity.
The MK 4 Digital is a USB microphone. This means that it can be connected directly to a computer with no needing an audio interface. For more information go to https://en-uk.sennheiser.com/condenser-microphone-studio-recordings-professional-mk-4
FAQs about the best microphone for podcasting.
How can I setup a microphone for use in podcasting?
The process of setting up a microphone is joining it with your recording device, changing the level, as well as placing it in the correct position. Make sure you're in a quiet environment and check the levels of recording before beginning.
Can I use a smartphone to be a recording microphone?
Although smartphones come with built-in microphones, they may not provide the high-quality audio needed for professional podcasting. Consider investing in an external microphone to achieve greater results.
What should I do to get items for my microphone?
Additions like pop filters shock mounts, and foam windscreens can improve quality of recording by decreasing background noise and plosives.
How do I maintain and clean my microphone?
Use a gentle brush or compressed air for removing dust and debris from the microphone grille. Be careful not to blow directly into the microphone as humidity can cause damage to the internal parts.
Do I need an audio microphone to conduct remote interviews or co-hosting?
You can use a microphone that has an omnidirectional pattern for group recordings or consider investing in the mixer needed to handle multiple microphones.
Conclusion: Best microphone for podcasting
The selection of the right microphone for podcasting is a crucial stage in creating high-quality content. Consider your specific needs in terms of recording location, environment and budget before deciding on the ideal fit. The choices presented here are not only industry leaders but also cater to various desires and budgets.
If you have the perfect microphone at hand and the right microphone, you'll be in the process of producing professional, engaging podcasts that are sure to captivate your viewers. Happy podcasting!