As a rule, podcast mics are used by beginners, bloggers and podcasters. If you belong to one of these groups, I have compiled the list of the best mics for podcasting that feature various sound sensitivity and, depending on the location of the source, differ in rated impedance and frequency range. The budget is from $40 to $399.
Our choice
Connection: XLR | Type: Dynamic | Polar Pattern: Cardioid | Frequency response: 50 Hz to 20 kHz | Impedance: 150 ohms
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Rating
⊕ Natural sound with decent lows and smooth highs
⊕ High and low cut booster filters
⊕ Functions without external shock mount
⊕ Excellent sound isolation
⊕ Effective noise rejection
⊖ Not found
The Shure SM7B is a compact and powerful microphone that excels as the best microphone for interviews and provides a proportional recording thanks to the cardioid polar pattern. This podcast mic is equipped with a new cartridge shock mount that prevents the appearance of outside moves while recording a podcast.
You may choose one of three frequency response modes: flat ‒ a universal mode to play a raw record, bass roll-off – a choice of users who don’t want to spend time on editing proximity effect, and presence boost ‒ for those who need more vocals. Durable construction of SM7B makes it an ideal choice for podcasters interested in the longevity of their product.
Large-diaphragm dynamic for live use
Connection: XLR | Type: Dynamic | Polar Pattern: Cardioid | Frequency response: 28Hz to 18kHz | Impedance: 600 ohms balanced
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Rating
⊕ A natural mid-range and a smooth response
⊕ Lightweight
⊕ The steel internal humbucking coil shield and body
⊕ Big size of the microphone element
⊕ Inside bracing to lower the noise
⊖ Poor pop filter
PR 40 is a large-diaphragm, front-address model that can be called the best microphone for podcasting at home. The output level is enough to record vocal and podcasts, and the lower part of the mic looks like a condenser model.
While testing the microphone, “P” popping was almost absent ‒ the sound was smoothly fading. It should be also mentioned that the microphone is a durable one and may be easily used to record live videos and podcasts.
Premium cardioid XLR condenser microphone
Connection: XLR | Type: Condenser | Polar Pattern: Cardioid | Frequency response: 38 Hz to 20 kHz | Impedance: 40 ohms
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Rating
⊕ Perfect clarity
⊕ Excellent off-axis rejection
⊕ XLR-portable mic
⊕ Top-notch audio quality
⊕ Integrated pop filter
⊖ Complicated setup
⊖ Requires multiple additional accessories
Blue Ember is a studio condenser XLR podcasting microphone to record live videos. It is developed to reject an off-axis noise and simplify the process of clear voice recording. The cardioid record scheme of Blue Ember effectively lowers the off-axis noise. It produces a clearer recording, therefore, shortening the time on further audio post-production.
Speaking into the microphone, hold a capsule parallel to the face, with a logo towards you, since it catches the sound directly in front of a grid but not above it, like with Shure SM58. Proper positioning will maximize noise suppression outside the axis, improving clarity.
Best microphone for podcasting YouTube videos
Connection: XLR | Type: Dynamic | Polar Pattern: Cardioid | Frequency response: 75 Hz to 18 kHz | Impedance: 320 ohms
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Rating
⊕ A broadcast quality sound
⊕ Zero-latency headphone jack
⊕ Internal pop filter
⊕ Shock mount for a capsule
⊕ Great at rejecting unwanted background noise
⊖ No gain knob
⊖ Absence of an included microphone stand
Rode Procaster is a dynamic model designed to record vocals professionally, which makes it the best microphone for podcasting and postscoring. The microphone captures small details of the recorded audio and perfectly rejects unwanted noise around it.
To set up this podcast mic, you need a bar or microphone stand. Rode Procaster is not the model you should hold with your hands. During the recording, the microphone performs a sound similar to that of a DJ mic recording, with a professional, controlled and quite a rich signal.
Created for natural sound and low noise
Connection: XLR | Type: Condenser | Polar Pattern: Cardioid | Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz | Impedance: 120 ohms
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Rating
⊕ Clear and balanced sound
⊕ Comes with a pop filter and shockmount
⊕ A wide dynamic range
⊕ Provides decent isolation
⊕ A big diaphragm to reproduce a natural sound
⊖ Absence of a hard case
Audio-Technica AT2035 by a German manufacturer is frequently used to record podcasts thanks to the detailed sound representation. With a switchable 80Hz high pass filter, you may freely regulate the voice sound.
If you compare this podcasting microphone with a previous model of this brand – AT2024, AT2035 is more sensitive and produces less background noise. Sound characteristics of the microphone show a warm and pleasant compressed sounding mid-range and a very smooth high-end frequency response.
The microphone with four distinct pattern modes
Connection: USB | Type: Condenser | Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Stereo, Omnidirectional and Bidirectional | Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz | Impedance: 16 ohms
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Rating
⊕ Yeti's THX-certified sound quality
⊕ Integrated gain control
⊕ Four recording modes
⊕ Durable metal construction
⊕ Supported by all kinds of Windows platforms
⊖ Inconvenient due to its large size
⊖ Shaky plastic handles to control sound
Blue Yeti impresses with its size ‒ one foot in height and a weight of 3.4 pounds. When it comes to sound quality, the microphone produces deep and detailed sound. In terms of capabilities, Yeti offers the headphones monitoring with zero latency, headphone volume control and a convenient small mute button. There is also a handle on the back panel to control microphone gain. You may choose one of four recording modes and switch to the necessary one using a multiposition selection switch.
The cheapest microphone for podcasting
Connection: USB | Type: Condenser | Polar Pattern: Cardioid and Omnidirectional | Frequency response: 20 Hz to 18 kHz | Impedance: n/a
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Rating
⊕ Lightweight and compact
⊕ Plug and play
⊕ Sturdy
⊕ Crisp sound
⊕ Nice carrying bag and case
⊖ Ball-joint looks fragile
⊖ Picks up ambient noise
The first thing you pay attention to while getting acquainted with Samson Go is an assembling quality. A cast zinked base is equipped with a cushion assembly to isolate capsules from recording minimal vibrations. The microphone features a LED indicator that informs the users whether it is on or off. It flashes red when the noise is too loud. Although this cheap podcast microphone will not give you a professional recording quality, it is quite enough for beginners. It is also convenient to record podcasts on the go. The set includes an armored cable that should be connected to get started.
Full-featured mic for content creators
Connection: USB | Type: Condenser | Polar Pattern: Stereo, Omnidirectional, Cardioid, Bidirectional | Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz | Impedance: 32 ohms
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Rating
⊕ Wide range of functions
⊕ Excellent response
⊕ User-friendly
⊕ Obvious when it's muted
⊕ Works smoothly with PC, Mac and PlayStation 4
⊖ You have to tinker with settings before the recording
Together with HyperX Quadcast your voice will be deep and clear for recording. This podcast mic perfectly isolates noise in the room, especially when your PC operates noisily or you record a podcast with an open window.
QuadCast lights up with red LED lights when it is active. In order to switch on/off the microphone, you have to press a sensor button on the top. What I like about the sensor button is that while recording, there won’t be any loud switcher clicks.
Microphone with the built in High Pass Filter
Connection: USB | Type: Dynamic | Polar Pattern: Cardioid | Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz | Impedance: ≥ 16 ohms
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Rating
⊕ Clear signal with adjustable gain
⊕ Features a high-pass filter button
⊕ Zero-latency headphone monitoring
⊕ Suitable for travels
⊕ LED peaking indicator
⊖ Audible hiss at mid-to-high gain levels
⊖ DSP doesn’t provide a pure signal
Razer Seiren Elite is distinguished by a laconic design: it is improved only with a volume switch on/off and a small LCD screen. The display shows the information on the volume and the pattern chosen. There are also handles to control the sound volume and gain.
The sound quality is quite good. The model perfectly captures a clear sound, and a zero-latency headphone monitoring is very pleasing. Seiren works great while recording podcasts, catching sound with higher quality than that offered by a simple microphone embedded in a headset.
Image | Name | Features | |
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Shure SM7B
OUR CHOICE |
Check PRICE → | ||
PR-40 by Heil
LIVE USE |
Check PRICE → | ||
Blue Yeti
4 MODES |
Check PRICE → |
Directional Capability. This microphone feature explains how it captures sounds in any direction. Omni-directional podcast microphones capture sounds from all directions and easily perceive unwanted noise. Such mics are best suitable for reportages and broadcastings.
Bi-directional ones capture sounds from two different sides. That is why they are suitable for recording podcasts. Podcasters also choose cardioid mics that capture sounds only from the front.
Impedance. To record podcasts, choose a microphone with a nominal impedance of 600 Ohm and lower. Such models are better in capturing sound, so you'll have to make fewer adjustments in podcast recording software.
Durability. Frequency response is a frequency range at which a microphone may detect and perceive sounds. Before you choose a podcasting microphone, decide what you are going to record. For vocals and guitar, choose a mic with a medium or low frequency, and for bass ‒ a low-frequency variant.
For podcasting beginners, USB microphones are a popular and convenient choice. They are easy to set up, affordable, and offer decent audio quality, making them a great starting point for aspiring podcasters.
Both dynamic and condenser microphones can be used for podcasting. Dynamic microphones are ideal for recording in noisy environments, while condenser microphones offer greater sensitivity and detail for capturing studio-quality audio.
Microphones with multiple polar patterns, such as cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional, offer versatility for podcasters. They allow you to adapt to different recording scenarios, such as solo podcasts, interviews, and roundtable discussions.
A pop filter is essential for podcasting microphones to reduce plosives (popping sounds caused by airflow) during speech. It improves audio clarity and ensures a smoother listening experience for your audience.
While smartphone microphones have improved over the years, dedicated podcasting microphones generally offer better sound quality and features for professional podcasting. However, for casual recordings or on-the-go interviews, smartphone microphones can be sufficient.
Ann Young
Hi there, I'm Ann Young - a professional blogger, read more