If you’re looking for recording equipment to power your new podcast, you must find a reliable company with your best interests at heart.
We often recommend our audience choose a Shure product. They are one of the most popular microphone companies used for several reasons, such as live concerts, radio interviews, and even presidential addresses.
Founded in 1925, this company has won multiple Editors Choice Awards for its microphones, and its catalog of equipment might just be the special sauce that you need to take your podcast from amateur to professional.
Here are the best Shure microphones (see also our review of the Heil PR-40 Mic), which contain different models and designs that will suit different needs and types of the recording studio. Whilst you are here for podcasting advice, these microphones are also suitable for other aspects of audio.
Shure SMDB7 – The Latest Microphone
Shure SM7dB dynamic Mic with built-in Preamp.
- Built-in preamp for easy gain control.
- Dual gain settings for recording flexibility.
- Studio-quality sound maintained.
Shure SM58
If you are looking to record some vocals from home, then you might want to consider the SM58, which is the perfect option for live performances as it can produce high sound pressure levels without the audio distorting.
It’s also fairly priced and isn’t complicated to use.
The cardioid polar pattern will enable it to reject any external sources, such as an audience cheering, which means that only the audio from the person seen speaking will be able to be heard and amplified.
For around $100, you can’t go wrong with this versatile microphone that is ideal for podcasters that like to perform and sing.
Shure SM7B
If we had to pick one of the best overall microphones, then the Shure SM7B probably takes that pic as one of the most dynamic options on our list.
This is the gold standard in vocal microphones, and becoming increasingly popular now that the podcast industry has exploded, as well as the video medium as a whole, i.e. social media and YouTube.
It looks professional and comes equipped with a lot of handy features to make this a strong competitor as the go-to microphone.
There are a number of on-board frequency response filters, as well as internal noise rejection, which is down to the suspension shock apparatus that is located internally.
You won’t need to worry about any software with this microphone, as it is an XLR microphone, and another bonus is that you won’t need to worry about phantom power to use it. You will only need an external audio interface or a mixer.
However one downside to this microphone is that it is not cheap, and we would probably suggest that beginners go for a cheaper option before taking the financial plan to this model.
However, for more established broadcasters or for those that do not have to worry about budgets, you should probably consider purchasing this microphone.
Shure 55SH Series II
If you’re going to be using a speaking application, or even doing some vocals, the 55SH Series II isn’t a historic microphone that has the old-school vibe to it, where you would see the old car grill-style microphone being used at events and on the radio.
You’ll instantly recognize it as soon as you see it, and it gives off a professional vibe that may enhance your recording session.
You won’t need to worry about phantom power with this microphone, as it has a robust die-cast build, which means that it is quite durable and you can fling it around without the worry of it breaking.
It also comes with a swivel mount which means that it can be moved up close to your mouth, with its 125-degree motion.
The one obvious downside is this microphone is not a great traveling companion, as it weighs up to 662 grams, and should be dedicated to those that have a home studio, or a permanent recording location.
Shure MV88+ Video Kit
Video podcasts are becoming more and more popular. For those that are going to be incorporating YouTube videos for their episodes, then you might want to get the Shure MV88+ Video Kit.
What makes this ideal for videographers is that it is one of those items that you can carry with you all the time, just in case you need to film something on the fly, this video kit has your back.
It’s a compact solution that can fit in your pocket when you need to film at a moment’s notice. You could even take it on vacation with you.
It will plug into your phone using a connector such as Lightning or USB-C, and Can record high-resolution stereo audio that covers anything from 16-bit to 25-bit.
There’s plenty to like about this and with this range, there is plenty of leeway when it comes to editing your audio.
We find this microphone to be incredibly sturdy for something so easy to handle, and its all-metal build is a welcome addition that can easily fit in a carrier pouch for transport.
We also recommended that you download the ShurePlus Motiv app, and companion video app. This will enable you to control the video quality as well as the frame rate, but also it can change audio settings such as gain, as well as bit-depth/sample rate.
Although we wouldn’t recommend this for home studio use, it’s the perfect option for when you need a portable device that won’t let you down.
Shure MV7
We love a versatile mic, and the Shure MV7 takes goals for its usability and the fact that it is a USB and XLR output that can be used simultaneously.
This is ideal, and for anyone that knows when they have either messed up a recording or have simply lost a recording file, being able to have a backup has never been easier.
If you download the ShurePlus Motiv app, it allows you to have full control over the frequency seen, even though the microphone only has a cardioid polar pattern.
What we love about this microphone is that it can easily record vocals that are clear and concise. And in terms of look, It has a professional finish and is one of the more modern-looking microphones that would be suitable for a recording studio.
One drawback is that the touchpad controls on the microphone are not easy to use and feel a little inconvenient.
Shure Super 55 Deluxe
We have to give an honorable mention to the Shure Super 55 Deluxe, which is another one of those retro microphones that look awesome, which is supported by the anonymous reviews given to his microphone.
The SM58 is much more popular, but we still think that the Super 55 Deluxe holds up as a top performer, with a high-quality sound, and comes with a shock-mounted cartridge that would minimize any handling noise and guarantee you a quiet recording operation.
We also like that this microphone comes with a 45-degree swivel mount, it is also able to go 80 degrees backward. And a bonus is the stand mount is included so you won’t have to pay any extra.
We would say that this microphone is a little on the expensive side for what you are getting, but for those that are looking for a cool-looking microphone but decent quality, then you can’t go wrong with this model.
Final Thoughts
Those are our favorite Shure microphones, that will cover a lot of needs and a lot of preferences for your podcasting ventures.
We recommend that you consider your needs for a new microphone, and your budget, and take into consideration all of our advice, as this will save you a lot of headaches, and likely a lot of money as well.