The first thing you should get when choosing to start a podcast or streaming is a quality podcast mic.
This is pivotal to whether or not people will actually listen to what you are saying. No one wants to listen to poor sound quality.
When choosing what microphone to get there are many things to consider. You need to look into how easy it is to set up, what additional equipment you need for it, what the specifications of the microphone are, and how much it is.
When first starting out you ideally want a microphone that is affordable but still of good quality.
So, we have created a comparison of the Samson Q2U and the Rode PodMic, two budget microphones on the market that will give you quality audio you are looking for.
 |  |
| 3.5 | 3.5 |
| $59.99 | $99.00 |
Samson Q2U Dynamic Microphone
When it comes to cost, you can’t get much better than the Samson Q2U. It is cheaper than the Rode PodMic while retaining brilliant quality.
The Samson microphone is ideal for podcasts, live sound, and streaming. So you can be very versatile with it and use it for any project you have in mind.
The Samson Q2U is a dynamic microphone which means it can reduce any background noise. Dynamic mics work by only picking up the sound directly in front of them and not capturing any sound from the sides or behind it.
However, it is attached by a simple mic stand so any bumps into the table it is placed on will get caught on the mic.
While most podcast microphones are only able to be hooked up through an XLR cable, the Samson Q2U is also able to be connected via USB cable.
This means that you don’t need to have an audio interface in order to use it which is great for beginners who know little about audio engineering.
You also don’t need phantom power unlike in a condenser microphone.
USB mics also make it easy to use your microphone with computers and other devices, such as gaming systems or iPads.
As well as a USB attachment, the Samson Q2U also has a headphone output. Having a headphone jack allows you to monitor audio in real-time with no delay.
This microphone only weighs about 11.2 oz and is roughly 2.2 x 7.5 inches so that means it is relatively easy to transport.
This is perfect as this microphone works well for larger groups so if there are multiple people needed in a recording then you can easily bring your equipment to wherever you are recording.
The Samson Q2U is one of the most versatile microphone options for live or studio recordings and best of all its easy to set up.
Unless you buy this microphone by itself, it also comes with a foam pop filter and mic stand. You may need to get an external pop filter as well to reduce plosives further.
You are able to buy this microphone on its own or in a bundle. You are able to get a podcaster bundle that provides you with everything you need when starting a podcast including headphones to hook up to your microphone.
It also includes a very handy microphone sanitizer so you can keep your audio station clean.
Rode PodMic
The main use for the Rode PodMic is podcasts, it is specifically designed to pick up voices and give them a brighter tonal quality. Many people believe that the Rode PodMic produces a crisper and sharper sound.
This microphone produces a dynamic sound, so that means it only picks up your voice instead of all of your background noise. This is helpful if you live on a busy street or have a loud AC.
It has a cardioid polar pattern which means it is sensitive to the audio in front of it and rejects sound from the sides. This makes this mic great for podcasting as it will reduce distracting background noise and focus more on your voice.
Additionally, the Podmic has an internal pop filter that helps you avoid those annoying ‘p’ sounds when speaking. If you are someone who has prominent ‘p’ or ‘b’ sounds then you may need to invest in an external pop filter as well.
The Rode PodMic also comes with a shock mount, this prevents any bumps to the surface it is standing on to be picked up on audio.
This is a useful feature to have if you are someone who likes to move around a lot while talking.
Similar to other podcasting microphones, the Rode PodMic is a dynamic XLR mic so you will need a mixer or interface to be able to hook it up. This should be considered in the cost of buying this microphone if you don’t already have one.
XLR microphones allow for more control and versatility while recording, so they are the preferred choice for podcasters. The PodMic includes a cable with an on/off switch that makes it easy to connect it to your mixer or interface.
Another investment you may need to make is the purchase of a microphone stand since the Rode PodMic doesn’t come with one.
The construction of this microphone is where its higher price point stands out. While it is still inexpensive when compared to other microphones of the same quality, it has a high price point than the Samson Q2U.
The Rode PodMic is very sturdy being made out of robust metal. It weighs 2.1lbs and is 4.29 x 6.77 inches. You can feel as soon as you hold it that it is a high-quality microphone.
For aesthetics, the Rode PodMic is superior giving a sleek broadcaster look and looks stylish in any audio setup.
Final Thoughts
For a beginner’s microphone at a very affordable price, the Samson Q2U is the microphone for you.
It has a super easy to use plug-and-play mechanic so you don’t need to have any special audio software to use it or an understanding of all the different cables needed for audio mixing.
The use of a USB plug-in is where this microphone is the most beginner-friendly. Not everyone knows how to use mixers and interfaces.
While they are skills that would be picked up over time when first starting out your audio recording journey you want something simple.
If you are looking for a microphone that is specifically designed for podcasting with high-end audio quality and features then you should get the Rode PodMic.
It produces a very crisp and professional sound for a fraction of the cost that other microphones are going for.
No matter which you choose, both of these microphones are brilliant choices for anyone looking for a beginner microphone.
They both give you high-quality sound for your audio recording set-up without breaking the bank.
