Best Podcast Microphones In 2020 For All Budgets
Podcasting has become quite an important communication medium of this century. Based on research around 73 million Americans are seen as regular podcast listeners, and the number keeps growing every day. Years ago no one would believe you if you told them that this whole act of voices showing stories, conducting interviews and teaching weird and wonderful things would have become so popular. If you’re looking to record your own that’s why we’re here to help you find the best podcasting microphones one could find.
Podcasting is most of the time attributed to some communities that form around popular podcasts. In a way, podcasting is seen as a way of telling your story.
The good thing about podcasting is that it is quite easy to start. Since, you do not need expensive cameras or exotic locations. All you need is a decent podcasting microphone, a way of recording yourself and a means to edit the audio later. That’s why we’ve prepared the list of the best podcast microphones you can buy right now. You’ll be able to find the right podcast microphone here no matter if you’re a beginner or a professional.
The best podcast microphones right now
As we mentioned above we will show you the list of the best podcasting microphones, however, there is one podcasting microphone put above the rest for a few reasons. For instance, the Blue Microphones Yeti is considered to be of high quality. Ever since it was launched no one ever complained about the Blue Microphone Yeti. Another microphone that would be a great choice is Rode Procaster. Therefore, if you have a decent budget this is exactly what you need.
Buying advice
When you decide to buy a podcasting microphone there are certain things you need to take into consideration and a few questions to answer. However, microphones in general indeed carry out pretty much the same function, but there are some slight differences which put some types in higher positions when used for specific purposes.
For instance, if you want to record one person in a static location such as your bedroom or a kitchen studio then using a laptop or tablet as your hub affects the sort of mic you should look for. Whereas, if you’re recording multiple people or sound sources this means that you should check a microphone for that purpose.
A starting point could be to look at the way the microphone will connect to something in order to record. For instance, mics that use USB are mostly plug and play, and don’t require much knowledge of the sound. All you have to do is plug it into your laptop hit record in the software and all set.
Whereas, if you want to check for higher levels you might want to use mics with an XLR connector and a mixer of some kind.
The microphone type also has differences. When podcasting most likely it involves a condenser or a dynamic microphone. Condensers would be better for studio locations since they bring out the richness in voices. Whereas the trade-off is that they can be much more sensitive to ambient noise. On the contrary, dynamic mics are more lively and are specially made for outdoor recording or in places with lots of noise. Although it looks as a tough decision to make our list with the best podcast microphones will surely help you.
Below you’ll find the list of the best podcasting microphones you can buy
1. Blue Microphones Yeti USB
Pros
- Impressive value for money
- Versatile
Cons
- USB only
This microphone is one of the best and easiest options for any kind of user. It is used in many situations starting from Twitch gaming to Youtube tutorials. It is quite easy to use and sounds great since it has three condenser capsules, and it comes at a reasonable price.
Additionally, its multiple pattern selection feature is great. Therefore, you can decide to have the microphone pick up the sound being directed straight into it, which is perfect for podcasting, or you can choose to pick audio up from a wider angle which is a great choice for recording group sessions where you place the mic in the middle of the table.
To sum up, this mic is recommended for anyone.
Its features are described below:
Connection: USB | Type: Condenser | Polar pattern: Cardioid, bidirectional and omnidirectional | Includes: Microphone, stand
2. Rode Procaster
Pros
- Rugged build
- Peerless for speech
- Shock mounting built in
Cons
- Lacking in versatility
This mic is built especially for vocal recording and also for speech. Due to the fact that it is pitched as a broadcast microphone it could easily be used for TV, radio and also other high-pressure situations.
It is also built in such a way that no matter the circumstances you use it in what you record will sound crystal clear.
Its features are described below:
Connection: XLR | Type: Dynamic | Polar pattern: Cardioid | Includes: Microphone, stand mount, zip pouch
3. Audio-Technica AT2035PK
Pros
- The microphone is superb
- Kit adds value
- Long lasting
Cons
- None for the money
Audio-Technica AT2035PK is a popular name in audio production and recording, therefore one can be assured that its performance won’t disappoint. This microphone reduces pickup of sound from the sides and rear. To put it differently it totally isolates the voice. Definitely recommended for podcasting and also streaming.
With some headphones, a boom arm to connect to a desk and an XLR cable makes for a great starter package too.
Its features are described below:
Connection: XLR | Type: Condenser | Polar pattern: Cardioid | Includes: Microphone, headphones, boom arm, XLR cable
4. Rode NT-USB
Pros
- Sound a step up from entry level
- Versatile
- You can use it with iPAd
Cons
- A bit expensive for USB-only options
Rode is an Australian well-known brand in the world of microphones. That’s why we listed the Rode NT-USB. Since it is a specialist USB desktop mic, you might not want to take it out of the field often.
The package comes with everything you need, like a six-metre USB cable. Therefore, you can easily move away from the desk and into the music studio.
Its features are described below:
Connection: USB | Type: Condenser | Polar pattern: Cardioid | Includes: Microphone, pop shield, ring mount, tripod desk stand
5. Shure SM7B
Pros
- Brilliant audio performance
- Well made
- Built-in pop filter
Cons
- A product of this quality costs
If you’ve ever had the chance to go to a recording studio you’ll probably have seen Shure mics. To put it differently, their reputation lies in the fact that they are good at making the audio it records sound at a whole other level.
Shure doesn’t have a USB connection and no bundled gear except a windscreen. In other words, this microphone is designed in such a way to deliver clean and clear audio. It is also worth mentioning that this microphone is one of the only dynamic mics on the list.
Through this mic the audio sounds the same way as it was recorded. A perfect choice for podcasting.
Its features are described below:
Connection: XLR | Type: Dynamic | Polar pattern: Cardioid | Included: Microphone, windscreen
6. NEAT King Bee
Pros
- Quality sound
- Great build
- Add-on gear included
Cons
- Hard to recommend for non-voice use
The NEAT King Bee will surely look great in any recording studio. It is great for voice applications since it is an XLR-fed large diaphragm condenser. The sound quality is awesome and the package comes with a shockmount and a pop filter since your recordings will benefit too.
Its features are described below:
Connection: XLR | Type: Condenser | Polar pattern: Cardioid | Includes: Microphone, pop filter, shockmount, XLR cable
7. IK Multimedia iRig Mic HD 2
Pros
- Decent quality
- Complementary apps do have some good features
Cons
- Not the best for static studio setups
This mic made it possible to know the recording potential of their phones and tablets. This IK Multimedia iRig Mic HD 2 is an all-in-one USB-connected microphone that can be directly connected to mobile devices.
Its features are described below:
Connection: USB | Type: Condenser | Polar pattern: Cardioid | Includes: Microphone, tripod, carrying pouch
8. Blue Microphones Snowball
Pros
- Tiny footprint
- Easy to use
- Versatile
The second Blue on the list and the smallest one. The Blue Snowball is seen as a solution for improving the quality of voice calls. It is a great choice for podcasting too.
It’s plug and play so you can easily record within minutes. However, the quality of it won’t impress the professionals.
Its features are described below:
Connection: USB | Type: Condenser | Polar pattern: Cardioid | Includes: Microphone, stand
Final Suggestions
Blue Yeti? Not the best choice for podcasting. Yes, you could find Blue Yeti on the list, however, it is a great choice for gaming and streaming mics. When it comes to podcasting you might want something that minimizes background noise.
However, the best podcasting mic is the one you have with you. Do not let any suggestions stop you from recording if you do not have what we recommend.
Each podcaster has some differences, so it is not a problem to experiment and see what suits you best.
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