The Best Podcast Microphones
The podcast boom was unprecedented and left many creators scrambling to start their own, but recording witty banter for public streaming isn’t as easy as it may seem. It requires talent, interesting topics, and the right gear. If you have the first two qualities but are struggling with the third, we’re here to help. We’ve put together a list of the best podcast microphones so you can spend less time shopping and more time creating.
What to Look For
When narrowing down the best podcast microphones, we considered price, sound quality, connectivity, and product design. For example, if you want the industry-standard microphone with the best sound quality, the Shure SM7B vocal dynamic microphone is a fast favorite for professionals. But if you want something more affordable and easier to manage for the average creator, the Fifine USB condenser recording microphone is a great option. Read on to find the mic that suits your podcast needs.
HyperX QuadCast S USB Condenser Microphone
Simple and sweet
This is a great place to start if you’re looking to hit the ground running with everything you need to podcast. This well-rounded microphone comes with a built-in vibration shock mount, making it perfect for desktop streaming without any pesky noises from your tabletop. Best of all, it features stereo, omnidirectional, cardioid, and bidirectional polar patterns to adjust the sounds you pick up with your microphone. For the price, you’d be hard-pressed to find a mic with more features than this.
Pros:
- This mic comes with eye-catching LED indicators to help your aesthetic during streams and monitor whether your mic is active.
- It has a tap-to-mute function which lets you completely cut off the audio with a simple touch.
Cons:
- The sound quality is decent, but many professionals may prefer an XLR mic over a USB mic.
Fifine USB Condenser Recording Microphone
Plug it in and begin
If your budget is tight and you’re starting from the ground up, this microphone may be the best choice for your new podcast. This super-affordable mic comes with a desk stand and is compatible with Mac, Windows, and PS4 systems. However, what this mic really has going for it is its ease of use. The USB connection makes it simple to start up since it’s essentially a plug-and-play device. Plus, the straightforward layout of the microphone makes it easy to dial in gain. For casual podcasters or frugal buyers, it’s hard to beat this bargain.
Pros:
- This mic doesn’t need phantom power since it’s powered by a USB connection.
- The simplicity of this mic makes it perfect for quick-setup recording sessions, and it’s conveniently compact for travel.
Cons:
- The sound quality may not be the absolute best, but it’s still pretty impressive for the price.
Logitech for Creators Blue Yeti Nano USB Microphone
Defining excellence
If you’re looking for a desktop mic that feels more like it belongs in a recording studio, this is the one for you. With the Blue Yeti, you get the best of both worlds. The size and simplicity make it perfect for podcasts and streaming, while the sound quality sets it above the rest in its class. It features a built-in headphone jack for latency-free monitoring so you can hear how your vocals are coming through in the mix. It also has a cardioid mode for isolated uni-directional vocals and an Omni mode to capture the room sound from all directions. Simply put, this versatile mic is fit for all your streaming needs.
Pros:
- The firmware is top-notch, and you don’t have to manually install drivers for it to work on Mac and PC devices.
- It comes with a built-in desktop mic stand, so there’s no need to buy any extra accessories.
Cons:
- The included USB cable doesn’t have the most robust jacket, so it can develop wear and tear over time. Fortunately, replacement cables are inexpensive.
Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Capture the details
There’s a whole world of condenser mics out there, and it can get pretty overwhelming for new creators. However, if you’re looking for the most versatile microphone in an affordable price range, this mic is the first one that comes to mind. Audio-Technica has an excellent reputation for building quality pro-audio gear, and this mic is no different. Its uni-cardioid polar pattern reduces noise from behind it, making it perfect for isolating vocals. With its dynamic range and extended frequency response, it can handle almost anything you throw at it.
Pros:
- This microphone is made with durable metal construction and has a solid feel to it.
- You can use this for recording music as well as podcasts.
Cons:
- You’ll need to use this with a pop filter since it doesn’t have an internal one.
Shure SM7B Vocal Dynamic Microphone
The tried and true
If you wander into any professional podcasting studio, don’t be surprised if they’re using this mic. The Shure SM7B has developed a reputation for being the best in the biz over its decades of use, and it’s now an industry standard. The reason for its renown is the crystal-clear quality it manages to capture. Its smooth frequency response naturally amplifies vocals and doesn’t result in harsh peaks. If you want lifelike recordings, you can’t go wrong with this microphone.
Pros:
- It has unmatched electromagnetic shielding to prevent unwanted buzz from electricity, computers, and radio frequencies.
- Shure microphones are built with durable, quality components, so this microphone is made to last a long time.
Cons:
- It’s pretty expensive but well worth the money if you’re serious about making a career as a podcaster or musician.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a standard vocal mic for my podcast?
Most live vocal mics are dynamic microphones. These make great live vocal mics, but they aren’t limited to the stage. They may not pick up the subtleties that condenser microphones do in a studio setting, but they’re perfectly capable of recording your podcast sessions.
What’s the difference between a dynamic and condenser mic?
Dynamic microphones use a diaphragm to convert sound waves into an electrical current which gets sent through a transformer. Condenser microphones also use a diaphragm, but the electrical signal gets amplified using phantom power. Dynamic mics are generally preferred for live music, while condenser mics are used primarily in studio settings.
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