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What is the best microphone for podcasting?
Podcasts have become a fixture in our everyday lives, like that first cup of coffee or catching up on our favorite shows on Netflix or Hulu. If you are thinking of starting a recording or already have one, the first thing you should do is select from this list of the best microphones on the market.
Now if the first image that comes to mind is a bulky wired mic, where have you been? Today’s microphones are smaller, lighter, and much easier to set up and use. The biggest problem many podcasters have now is choosing the right one.
We’re glad you asked and with our top 20 list best microphones to podcasts For amazing audio, you can be sure that we will help you choose the one that suits your needs.
However, before we get started, let’s start by taking a look at the different types of microphones and what to consider before purchasing a microphone for your podcast.
Types of podcast microphones
You may find yourself looking for different types of microphone options when you start shopping for a podcast microphone. Each one can be quite confusing unless you know what each one is and how to use them. Let’s look at each type you can come across.
- USB – If you already connect things to a USB port on your computer, you will get a general idea of how a USB microphone works. Just take the mic out of the box and plug it in. However, to record audio, you will need recording software such as Audition or Audacity.
- XLR – If you’ve ever been to a concert or worked in the radio, you may be familiar with an XLR microphone. These use an XLR cable to connect to audio interfaces that connect to your computer via USB. These types of connectors are often used by professionals or audiophiles looking for superior sound quality.
The 20 Best Podcast Mics for Amazing Audio 2021
There are over 1,000 different options if you are looking for a podcasting microphone. It can be an overwhelming process to go through all the options out there, but that is why we are here. We believe that our selections will satisfy what you are looking for.
Things to consider before buying a microphone
Recording environment
Where you record can be an important factor in determining which podcast microphone to buy. If you are lucky enough to record your podcast in a quiet space, using a condenser microphone may be the best option for you, even if it is not the most portable option. However, if you plan to record on the go or in spaces where there may be ambient noise, you may want to choose a shotgun microphone, which is best for areas where there may be a lot of background noise.
Directional ability
Directional ability is the way a microphone picks up sounds from any direction. This means that the microphone can pick up any unwanted sound that you don’t want to appear in the middle of your podcast. Some microphones can pick up sound from any direction, while others pick up audio only from certain directions. To help explain this better, let’s take a closer look at the different types.
- Omnidirectional – Omnidirectional microphones can pick up sound from virtually any direction and unwanted noise can be easily picked up. While these aren’t the best choice for your podcast, they can make a great microphone for reporting or even broadcasting.
- Bidirectional: Two-way podcast microphones can pick up sounds from different sides. These types of microphones are great for podcasts, especially if you are doing interviews, although they are not good if you are recording music. A very expensive option, two-way microphones can cost hundreds of dollars.
- Cardioid – Heart-shaped and only picks up sounds from the front, the cardioids pick up some sound from the sides as well. One of the most popular options for recording music, this type of microphone is usually a USB condenser microphone.
- Shotgun – These types of microphones come with a cardioid polar pattern that can be highly directional and reduce noise on the sides of the microphone while maximizing any sound that is captured from the front. This type of microphone tends to be used by videographers and is mounted on DSLR cameras. With the best signal-to-noise ratio, shotgun microphones also produce the most accurate sound.
Microphone impedance
The ability of a microphone to be receptive to sound is known as impedance. This is especially true when it comes to a sound or even AC signal. This impedance is measured in ohms and an ohm rating of 600 or less is what you want to look for in a podcast microphone. The ohm rating means that the microphone will be able to retain audio better. Be sure to pay attention because a higher rating could mean that other materials on the microphone could be of lower quality.
Frequent response
The frequency response will likely appear on the packaging of the podcast microphone you are considering. This is the range of frequencies that the microphone can detect and pick up audio sounds. While it is important to know what the frequency response is, it does not compare to knowing what frequency the sounds will pick up with the microphone. Consider what you are recording when you buy a microphone. If you are recording vocals or guitars, choose a medium or high frequency response. Bass recording? Choose a low frequency response.
Durability
Regardless of the type of product you are buying, you need to make sure that it is durable. USB microphones are designed to withstand bumps and drops that can damage them. While we can all be clumsy if you tend to be a bit prone to dropping things, choosing a dynamic mic is a good idea because they are designed to be more durable.
Price
The price you pay for a podcast microphone is the last thing to consider when purchasing a microphone. While dynamic microphones can provide you with great value and a robust construction that can help them last for several years, finding replacement parts for them can be difficult. USB condenser microphones, on the other hand, can be an affordable option, but also fragile and prone to damage, but some stores have replacement parts, which can save you money and prevent you from having to buy a new one.
The 20 best podcast microphones for incredible audio
Samson G-Track Pro Microphone (editor’s choice)
The best microphone for podcasting
Connection: USB | Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional, Cardioid, Bidirectional | Includes: microphone, stand
A solidly built microphone, Samson’s G-Track Pro combines functionality and design that few other microphones on our list can offer. With a ¼ inch audio input, the G-Track Pro does not need any additional software to function. This port, which may seem nothing special, turns the microphone into a two-track audio mixer. This means that you can connect an additional microphone or a second audio source without the need for a separate mixer.
- All in one: professional USB microphone with audio interface. Record your voice and instrument at the same time.
- The right microphone – ideal for streaming, gaming, podcasting, and music recording
- At your fingertips: Front panel mixer with mic level, instrument level, and headphone volume controls. Selectable mono or 2-track recording modes and direct monitoring on / off.
- Designed for the studio: Dual 1 “(25 millimeter) condenser capsules with three selectable pickup patterns: cardioid (unidirectional), bidirectional, and omnidirectional
- High Definition Audio: 24-bit, 96 kHz resolution. Plug-and-play, no driver installation required
Shure SM58 Microphone
The best handheld microphone
Connection: XLR | Polar pattern: unidirectional | Includes: microphone, storage bag, swivel stand adapter
The Shure SM58 is a world-famous microphone and we’re pretty sure you’ve seen it in use. Pay attention to the next award show you see, they most likely use the SM58. This mic doesn’t get the attention of podcasters like it should, it’s a classic design and does an amazing job of eliminating background noise while sounding amazing. An internal shock mount can help prevent external shocks from ruining your work. The only downside is that you will need an audio interface to connect it to your PC.
- Frequency response tailored to vocals, with low-cut and bright mids to control proximity effect
- Effective integrated spherical wind and pop filter. Frequency response: 50 to 15,000 Hz
- The pneumatic damping system reduces handling noise.
- Uniform cardioid pickup pattern isolates main sound source and minimizes background noise
IRig Mic HD 2 Microphone from IK Multimedia
The best microphone for mobile podcasting
Connection: USB | Polar pattern: cardioid | Includes: microphone, tripod, carrying case
With a huge legacy of recording software and applications, IK Multimedia was one of the leaders in creating tools to help people record on their phones and tablets. The iRig Mic HD 2 from IK Multimedia continues its legacy with a …