Ready to start a podcast, or are you looking to upgrade your setup? Here are the best podcast microphones, for different levels and budget, to make your sound as pro as possible.
Podcasting has become an incredibly popular medium for content creators. News, sports, politics, music, business, history, bed time stories, and white noise, anything is possible in the world of podcasts.
You don’t need to be a seasoned producer, or sound engineer to get started, just an idea, a microphone and a commitment to publishing at least one season of content.
Podcasting is ideal for creators, brands and businesses who want to build an audience and is open to literally anyone who wants to give it a try.
Maybe, you’ll produce the next Joe Rogan Experience, Crime Junkie, or The Rest is History.
Whatever your ambitions, this guide takes you through the best podcast microphones to make your sound as good as it can be.
What is a Podcast Microphone?
A podcast microphone, or broadcast microphone, is a high-quality mic built for durability and sound quality in TV, radio, podcasting and streaming. The key features of a broadcast microphone include:
Durability. Built to withstand close-talking and consistent use in demanding studio environments, often lasting for decades.
Voice-optimisation. Designed to capture the human voice accurately and consistently, even with different speakers.
Neutral sound. Produces a flat, neutral sound, allowing for more precise editing and mixing later.
Noise reduction. Excellent at reducing background noise for clear, professional sounding audio.
Types of Microphone
Microphones typically fall into three main categories: Dynamic, Condenser, and Ribbon. Each type of microphone has it’s own unique qualities and uses:
Dynamic Microphones: Made with a coil glued to the rear of a membrane that vibrates within a magnetic gap. Dynamics are durable and capable of handling loud sounds. Perform well for loud guitars, drums, vocals, and live performances.
Condenser Microphones: Made with a thin membrane (diaphragm) in close proximity to a solid metal plate to create a capacitor. Highly sensitive and great at capturing detail. Perform well for studio vocals, acoustic instruments and overheads.
Ribbon Microphones: Made with a thin aluminium ribbon that vibrates within a magnetic gap. Produces a warm, vintage sound. Perform well in controlled studio environments for choirs, orchestras, guitar amps, etc.
Other types:
Lavalier (Lapel Mic): Small, clip-on-mics made for interviews, presentations, and hands-free use. Often hidden from view.
USB vs. XLR Microphones
In terms of connectivity (how it’s plugged in), the two most common connectors are USB and XLR. Here are the differences between the two:
XLR Microphones: An XLR microphone is an analog mic that requires an audio interface to convert it’s signal to digital. The microphone is connected to the audio interface with an XLR to XLR cable and the audio interface is connected to a computer where the audio can then be processed.
USB Microphones: A USB microphone connects directly to a computer or smartphone via USB cable, eliminating the need for an external audio interface. They are a popular choice due to their plug-and-play capability and lower price, offering great sound recording for podcasting, streaming and voice chat.
The Best Podcast Microphones by Category and Price
Now that you know the different types of microphones, as well as the differences between XLR and USB mics, let’s take a look at the best podcast microphones in each category and price range.
USB Microphones
- [£74.99] Blue Yeti: The most popular USB condenser microphone for streaming and podcasting.
- [£84.99] Audio-Technica AT2020USB+: High quality and articulate sound suitable for vocals/instruments/podcasting/streaming.
- [£109.99] Elgato Wave:3: Captures speech with clarity and detail. Has a mute button and a volume knob.
- [£134.95] Rode NT-USB+: Professional USB microphone with a studio-grade condenser capsule. Ultra-low-noise.
- [£259.00] Shure MV7+: Great sound. Live Denoiser. Rugged, all-metal construction for outstanding durability.
XLR Microphones
- [£97.95] AKG P120: Versatile microphone for vocals, strings, drums, and more with a Cardioid pickup pattern.
- [£152.17] Rode NT1-A: Industry-standard studio microphone delivering warmth, extended dynamic range, clarity and high SPL capability.
- [£153.00] Audio-Technica AT2035: Large diaphragm for smooth, natural sound and low noise.
- [£339.00] Shure SM7B: A broadcast standard that’s one of the most popular choices for podcasting.
- [£549.00] Electro-Voice RE20: Another broadcast standard that’s widely used in professional studios.
How To Set Up a Podcast Microphone
Setting up a podcast microphone involves physical set up and software configuration for clear balanced, and professional audio. The set up and recording process will vary depending on which type of microphone connection you have (USB vs. XLR). Here are two common methods:
Method 1: USB Microphone
- Unbox the mic and accessories: Take the USB Microphone and accessories out of the box. Locate the instructions and take a moment to familiarise yourself with each of the parts included.
- Mount the mic: Place the microphone on it’s stand (if included).
- Connect the Mic: Plug the USB cable into the microphone and then into a USB port on your computer.
- Check System Settings: Go to the sound settings on your computer, select input and choose your USB mic.
- Check App Settings. Open your app (Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Zoom) or DAW (Garageband, Logic Pro, Ableton Live) and locate the sound settings. Select input and choose your USB mic.
- Test & Monitor. Speak directly into the mic, 1 to 6 inches away, to check if the input meter moves. Use headphones, monitors or the built in speakers on your computer to monitor audio and adjust the volume level. Listen for any distortion or hiss.
- Record. Press record and speak for a few seconds. Listen back to your recording to hear what it sounds like and make adjustments to the mic position, or input levels.
Method 2: XLR Microphone
- Unbox the mic and accessories: Take the mic and accessories out of their boxes. Locate the instructions then take a moment to familiarise yourself with the mic, the stand, the cables and the audio interface.
- Mount the mic: Attach the microphone to a stand for stability. A good stand will reduce vibrations and a pop filter can be used to reduce to stop harsh breath sounds.
- Position the mic: Position the mic 1 to 6 inches away to get a clear signal and block off-axis noise.
- Connect the Mic: Plug the mic into your audio interface (XLR) and the audio interface into a USB port on your computer.
- Check System Settings: Go to the sound settings on your computer, select input and choose your mic as the input device.
- Check App Settings. Open your app (Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Zoom) or DAW (Garageband, Logic Pro, Ableton Live) and locate the sound settings. Select input and choose your mic as the input device.
- Test & Monitor. Use headphones or monitors connected to your audio interface to hear yourself and adjust the gain/volume. Speak directly into the mic to check if the input meter moves. Listen for any distortion or hiss. Adjust the levels.
- Record. Press record and speak for a few seconds. Listen back to your recording to hear what it sounds like and make any adjustments to the mic position, or input levels.
Conclusion
Podcasting is an incredible medium for creators, brands and businesses alike. It allows you to share your ideas clearly and concisely, reaching a large audience on platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
If you can capture and maintain attention, you increase the odds of achieving your creative and business goals.
There are many professional sounding podcast microphones available today that suit different levels and budgets. Choosing the right microphone should take your individual goals, needs, aesthetic, experience and price range into consideration – but don’t let the decision become a hurdle to your creativity.
The best plug-and-play USB microphones include the Blue Yeti, Audio-Technica AT2020USB+, Elgato Wave:3, Rode NT-USB+ and Shure MV7+.
The best pro level podcast microphones include the Audio-Technica AT2035, Shure SM7B, and Electro-Voice RE20.
Now go forth and light up the internet with your witty, entertaining and informative banter.