When you are looking to make your own podcast at home, then you’ll be wanting to make sure that you have the very best equipment at your disposal. This is why researching the right microphones is really important for your needs.
One of the main things you’ll want from a podcast microphone is decent sound quality. There have been many podcasts ruined by a very poor-quality microphone.
You might also want one that comes with a stand or a clamp that will allow you to attach it to the table.
So where can you find the best podcast microphone for your needs? How much will one of these things cost you? What are the best materials for a podcast microphone to be made from?
Well, if you want these answers to this and a lot more, then we would suggest that you keep reading.
Update: Currently testing out the SMDB7 dynamic vocal mic, check back to see where it ranks.
If you are looking for a specific Microphone, check out these guides:
- Best Dynamic Microphones
- Best USB Podcasting Mics
- Best Condenser Mic
- Best XLR Podcasting Mics
- Best Microphone For Streaming
- Best Dynamic Microphone For Vocals
- Best Mobile Podcasting Microphone
- Best Microphone For iPhone
- Best Headset Microphone For Recording Audio
- Best Android Microphones
- Best Wireless Mic For DSLR
- Best Shotgun Mic For Podcasting
- Best Cheap Microphones For Podcasting
#1 Shure MV7 USB Podcast Microphone
When it comes to podcast microphones, this is one of the best ones that you can find on the market. It comes with thousands of positive reviews, which is a testament to its quality.
Shure do their best to make sure that its microphones are up to industrial-grade standards. They have a direct-to-computer connection, which is great if you only have USB ports.
This Shure will also function with both XLR and USB mic at the same time. This is one of the most versatile microphones that you can get on the market.
You can use this as a portable microphone or you can have it on your home computer system. This will come in handy if you need to use it on a home recording system.
This comes with an app that you can get on your phone, which makes recording in real-time very possible. This is great if you are thinking about adding instruments to a vocal track.
This microphone is also made from very durable materials, which again makes it one of the best for taking out and about with you. If you are traveling with a microphone, we all know how you can run the risk of dropping it on the floor and breaking it.
This is great when it comes to recording quality and functionality. You can be sure that you’ll get everything that you need in terms of build quality and robustness. This is one of the sturdiest mics that you can buy.
Obviously, it goes without saying that the recording quality of this microphone is simply amazing. This is great for studio of field recordings.
Pros
- Versatile – this is one of the best microphones that you can get for both studio and outdoor recording. You can use it at home and also travel with it.
- High-quality – This comes with some great features which allow you to shape your sound and get some results that will be professional quality.
- Touch controls – this comes with intuitive touch controls that include volume monitoring and headphone mix monitoring.
Cons
- Expensive – this microphone doesn’t come cheap, although you will get some amazing features with it.
#2 Blue Yeti USB Microphone
Here we have a microphone that is synonymous with many different applications including Twitch gaming, Youtube tutorials and various other types of podcasting.
This is one of the most recognizable USB mic and you will probably already have seen ones in use on your favorite podcast streaming services.
The first thing that you’ll notice about this microphone is the shape and the build quality. This microphone is as sturdy as it looks, allowing you to take it from one side of the room to the other.
This comes with a multiple selection pattern that will allow you to mix the sound directly from the source or you can pick up the audio from the surrounding area.
This is a great microphone for podcasting, especially if you want to record more than one person at a time.
This is also a microphone with superior sound quality. When it comes to picking up the right mic levels as well as those smaller details, then you can’t go wrong with this one.
Pros
- Great value – if you are looking for a high-end podcast versatile microphone for very little money, then you really can’t go wrong with this model.
- Versatile – you can use this for single-person or group podcast recordings. If you are singing and playing guitar at the same time, then this mic will let you record vocals clean.
- Tough – this microphone is extremely resilient, so you won’t have to worry about knocking it or banging it on the floor.
Cons
- USB-only connection – if you find USB connections limiting, then we would suggest that you get something with more options when it comes to ports.
Blue Yeti USB Microphone – Complete Review.
#3 Rode Procaster Podcasting Mic
This next microphone will allow you to record a number of things, whether it is podcasts or music. If you want versatility and a great design, then this is the one that you should pick.
This is one of the industry standards for recording TV or radio broadcasts. This will allow your sound to be incredibly focused and clear, making it another invaluable asset for podcasting.
This microphone has a great weight to it, which is often very important when you are recording, as you’ll want it to remain fixed in place.
You’ll certainly want a desktop stand with this one as it will help you get your microphone at just the level that you want. There’s nothing more awkward than trying to record a microphone at an angle lower than yourself.
This really comes with peerless surround sound, which is exactly what you want when you are recording groups. And when it comes to recording groups, this microphone is one of the best.
This also comes with a shock mounting, which will help reduce the vibrations coming through whatever surface that the mic is attached to.
Pros
- Sturdy design – if you are looking for something that will not rock or jolt when you are adjusting it, then this is the ideal one to have.
- Great for group recordings – with microphones surrounding the whole body, you’ll be able to get clear sound from multiple audio sources.
- Shock mounting – if you want to reduce the number of vibrations going into your mic, then you should certainly get this one.
Cons
- This podcast microphone is not that versatile, it is designed to really only pick up the sound of the human voice.
Check out our complete Rodcaster review for more info.
#4 Audio-Technica AT2020 Condenser Studio Microphone
Next up, we have a condenser microphone that will pick up sound from the front, rear and sides. This is perfect if you are recording lots of people in a group podcast.
This comes with the whole podcasting kit, with a microphone arm, a clamp that you can use to secure it to the table and a pop shield to help you muffle those Ps and Ts.
You can easily pivot this microphone in any direction that you need it to go. This is very important as during an hour-long podcast you’ll want to adjust yourself and your microphone.
This is a great microphone set that you can start with, as it comes with all the basics and is very easy to use. You can simply plug this one into your USB and your computer should recognize it straight away.
This microphone is also one of the most long-lasting. You can pretty much use this every day of the week and it will be years before you start noticing any wear and tear.
This also comes with amazing sound quality, which is great when you consider the price and all the extras that it comes with.
Pros
- Solid and versatile – this microphone is one of the best that you can have on this list, coming with some decent features and sound properties.
- Good for streaming – as well as podcasting, you can use this one for streaming, which will really come in handy if you are a gamer.
- Good for studio recording – if you are looking to record your podcast on a decent home system, then you can’t go wrong with this one.
Cons
- This comes with a singular polar pattern, which will limit the sound input when you are recording this one over a long period of time.
#5 Rode NT-USB USB Condenser Microphone
When it comes to having the right pedigree of microphone, you can’t go wrong with this Rode.
Then often make very high-grade microphones that will allow you to record premium quality sound from the comfort of your very own home.
If you are recording instruments, this is a great microphone to use too. You can record any acoustic instrument straight into this. If you want to make some demos using an acoustic guitar or saxophone, then this is a great option.
This USB mic is also another great one for beginners, allowing you to plug in and play almost straight away.
This comes with a great rounded pop shield that will give you maximum protection against sudden audio bubbles.
Pros
- Decent sound quality – if you are using this microphone to record vocals, then you can be sure it will give you precision sound.
- Proximity effect – this one allows you to get really close to the microphone without creating any audio fuzzing sounds.
- Better than entry-level – this comes with a premium-level sound that is simply great for vocal and instrumental recordings.
Cons
- Pricey – this is one of the most expensive models, so you’ll need to be sure that you want to record something before buying them.
Buyer’s Guide
When you are picking up podcasting equipment, your first podcast mic, then you’ll need to make sure that it has all the right features before you spend any money.
These are often expensive, so you’ll need to make sure that your microphone has the following:
What is the best XLR microphone for podcasters.
How Sturdy Is It?
It is important that you have something that can be fixed to the table or mounted on a stand that isn’t going to shift too radically when you bump it.
How Good Is The Sound Quality?
Having decent sound quality is obviously one of the most important things that you’ll need from your microphone.
You should want something that makes your podcast sound like one of the ones you find on the iTunes top ten list.
How Easy Is It To Use?
If you are just getting started with podcasting, then we would recommend that you get something with a simple USB setup that will allow you to plug in and record without any additional software.
What Microphone Do Professional Podcasters Use?
Shure MV7 – The Pro Podcaster Choice
Professional podcasters like to use the Shure MV7 microphone. It’s a little more expensive than the Blue Yeti, but a great choice if you’re looking for something more professional.
It’s a USB microphone, but offers you some great flexibility and professional sound quality.
In fact, it’s frequently used by some of the largest podcasts around, including the Joe Rogan Experience.
One thing that might be difficult to get used to with the Shure MV7 is its Boom Arm which allows you to get the perfect position for recording your voice.
It does however mean that you won’t have to worry about keeping it close to your mouth for recording and speak freely.
What Makes A Good Microphone For A Podcaster?
Because Podcasting is primarily an audio medium, you’ve probably already worked out that sound quality is everything.
Some of the more popular podcasts with high budgets will spend a lot to make sure that their sound quality is top-quality.
We know this isn’t possible for smaller and/or beginner podcasters, but there are a few things you can do to make sure your microphone is good off the bat.
In the sections below, we’re going to outline some of the most important things to keep in mind when you’re searching for the best microphone.
It can be difficult to understand some of the technical jargon if you’re not familiar with microphones, so we’ve done our best to explain these to you in simple terms.
The Most Important Aspects Of A Microphone
XLR VS USB
So this is one of the most important things to consider when looking for a microphone for podcasting.
Let’s first take a look at what these two abbreviations mean:
XLR
An XLR microphone is a term we use to describe different types of analog microphones.
XLR’s are considered by some to be the more professional choice, but they require additional equipment to connect them to your laptop/desktop or whatever device you’re recording with.
You’ll need to connect and XLR mic to a recording device or mixing desk.
They’re called XLRs because they use an XLR connection cable—which most PCs/Laptops do not have a jack for.
USB
A USB mic, in contrast, is one that uses only a USB connection.
These are generally much cheaper and simple to operate, but they are generally considered less reliable and often offer inferior sound quality.
That said, recent leaps in technology have created some impressive USB mics, so you should know there are some you can buy that will give you reliable sound quality.
Dynamic VS Condenser Microphone
The argument between Dynamic VS Condenser Microphones is one you’ll need to consider when searching for the perfect mic.
Dynamic Microphones
This refers to dynamic mics that have been built to deal with larger ranges of sound.
This is probably a better choice if you’re recording a podcast that has more complex voice acting, or if you expect to have loud guests.
Condenser Microphones
Condenser mics are better for capturing clear, subtle sounds.
Let’s say you’re making a podcast where it’s only your voice and you want your listeners to hear the small nuances of your voice recording.
In this case, a Condenser is going to be the superior option.
Durability
The durability of your microphone might not be that important to you, especially if it’s only ever going to be in one fixed position—for example in a studio setup.
However, if you’re making your podcast on the go you will want something that is durable and portable.
Generally, durability comes at the cost of size and sometimes quality, so make sure to weight this up before you make a decision.
Final Thoughts
So that’s about it! You can really get a great microphone without paying a lot, and we would heavily suggest getting one of the two products we listed above if you’re new to podcasting.
These will give you everything you’ll need at a low price. If you want to branch out and get something more elaborate, or something that’s a better fit for you, then you can always invest in the future!
Getting good sound quality can be a difficult process but you’ll be able to do it if you consider your options and what’s important to make your podcast the best it can be.
We hope that this article on the best podcast microphones has given you some insight into the basics of podcasting mics and that you’re now a lot more confident about where to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which microphone is best for podcast?
The Shure MV7 is the most recommended microphone for podcasting making it the best for our readers. It’s a dynamic microphone that’s designed to provide a broadcast-quality sound.
Which are the best podcasting microphone brands?
op podcasting microphone brands include Audio-Technica, Shure, Rode, Heil Sound, and Blue Yeti.
How Much Should I Pay For My Podcast Microphone?
You should ideally have to pay no more than $200 for a decent podcast microphone. A lot of the time these will come with package deals with accessories such as a mic stand, a clamp and a pop shield.
What mics do professional podcasters use?
Professional podcasters often use microphones like the Shure SM7B, Heil PR-40, Electro-Voice RE20, Rode Procaster, Audio-Technica AT2020, Neumann U87, and Shure MV7. The best choice depends on budget, recording environment, and technical expertise.
Should I use a condenser or dynamic microphone for podcast?
If you could only pick one, a dynamic microphone is generally a safer bet for podcasting, especially if you’re just starting out or if you’re recording in a less controlled environment. Dynamic microphones like the Shure SM7B or the Heil PR-40 are robust, good at rejecting background noise, and less sensitive to the acoustics of the room, making them ideal for Podcasters.
What is the difference between XLR and USB mic for podcast?
XLR microphones offer superior audio quality but require an audio interface and more setup. USB microphones are easier to use and more portable, but may have slightly lower audio quality.
Conclusion – Which Is The Best Podcasting Microphone
We hope that this article on some of the best podcast mics on the market has given you a better idea of what to look for when you are next shopping for one.
