If you are a podcast fan, then you have probably considered recording your own podcast. People all over the world are now recording and broadcasting their own regular podcasts on their favorite topics, or simply using them as a way to keep social media followers updated on events.
Getting the right microphone to record with is an important element of podcasting, and many people make the mistake of buying the wrong kind of mic for their setup, or by buying a low-quality product that doesn’t give them a high-quality recording. Here is our guide to the six best microphones for podcasters, so you can find the right one for you.
1 – Audio-Technica AT2035 Large Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone
Pay close attention to the name and you already know this excellent microphone’s main feature, a large diaphragm that gives the sound recorded through this microphone amazing clarity and detail without any hum or distortion on low-frequency sounds.
The microphone can be connected by USB or XLR, adding to its versatility, and a Cardioid patterned foam head reduces the pickup of sounds at the rear and side of the recording head, increasing the isolation of the sound of your recording. This mic is good for recording musical instruments as well as voice, with a high SPL (Sound Pressure Level) and a wide dynamic range. If you think you need to step up a bit with your podcasting experience, then you can also check out the popular Neuman U78 Ai condenser microphone on https://musiccritic.com/
2 – Blue Yeti USB Condenser Microphone
This microphone is probably one of the most popular amongst podcasters, especially when they are just starting out. Blue Yeti has worked hard to make a microphone that is perfect for podcasts, and their USB Condenser Mic is the result of all their efforts.
This classic-style mic can be connected by XLR, not just USB, and it also comes with a built-in headphone amplifier and headphone jack. This is perfect for hearing your recording in real-time, with no delay. The mic gives a lot of value for money, as well as quality sound recordings, and is a great choice for a first-time podcaster.
3 – The Blue Encore 100i
This mic has a high Sound Pressure Level (SPL) and is capable of excelling in a number of different setups, and if you are planning on podcasting with guests, then this microphone has the versatility you need to record lots of different types of voices and sound.
This mic was designed to be used for live performances and has become popular with podcasters that want to record live music or songs. If you are planning on using a microphone this way, then check out this post on musicauthority.org about pop filters. Using these helps reduce unwanted popping and crackling when recording vocals, particularly singing.
4 – The Rode Procaster
This mic is literally made for podcasting. The growth in podcasts has led Rode to grow as a company, and they have built and designed this mic specifically for the job. It has been designed from the ground up to reduce ambient noise and record broadcast quality sound.
This mic is strong too, and capable of withstanding the knocks and scrapes that can happen whether recording in a studio or on the road. Though this piece of equipment is usually a little more expensive than its competition, it is well worth the extra investment. Many podcasters sing this mic’s praises.
5 – Behringer Ultravoice Xm8500 Dynamic Vocal Microphone
This is another high-quality mic that is great for a first-time podcaster. This budget mic can often be found for $20 or less, but has been tailor-made for recording speech; perfect for podcasts.
As with any mic at that kind of price, it has its drawbacks. It is not very robust and should be handled with extra care if you are going to get your money’s worth. It does record high-quality sound though and can compete with much more expensive products for dynamic range and frequency response. This is great as a first mic – look after it, and it can be a good backup to have if you invest in something more expensive later.
For a beginner or an experienced podcaster, there is plenty of choice out there. You don’t have to break the bank to get a great microphone, but you will have to spend a little to get a mic that will last your whole podcasting career.
Rode and Yeti are my best products, any day any time. Others are great but those are favorites