Top 5 Best Podcast Microphones
The growth of podcasts has surely exploded over the last few years, due in part to recent events and the fact that they are entertaining (even addicting)!
Additionally, recording a podcast in today’s era is surprisingly simple as it doesn’t require elaborate audio or video set-ups making it easier than ever to host your own podcast.
However, in order to achieve high-quality audio on your podcast, you must use a great microphone, and we’re excited to share our top 5 favorite microphones for podcasting.
The Shure SM7B is easily the most iconic microphone for podcasts and is quite possibly the best selling microphone in the last 2 years. Due to the high quality capture, deep isolated sound, and extreme rejection of external noise, this microphone has become a staple in recording studios worldwide.
If you record in a space with loud noises at random intervals, the Shure SM7B is ideal as most of that sound will be rejected. While we suggest pairing this mic with a “CloudLifter”, it is still a fantastic microphone on its own and will always ensure a high-quality sound capture.
The MV7 is a recent addition to Shure’s line of microphones and was intended to solve some of the issues with their SM7B. The SM7B sounds fantastic, however, it might be a little too good for the purposes of a live stream or podcast.
Many podcasters couldn’t justify the $399 price tag of the SM7B, especially when buying multiples. Additionally, the SM7B needs to be connected to an audio interface in order to have the sound run on a computer which is just another hefty expense for someone looking to start a podcast on a tight budget.
Enter the Shure MV7, otherwise known as the “Podcast Mic”. The MV7 is intended to be a one-stop-shop for anyone looking to add their voice directly to a podcast or live-stream.
The MV7 will allow you to add your voice directly to your computer, bypassing the need for an audio interface while still achieving a stellar vocal sound. This makes the MV7 ideal for podcasts and live-streams of any kind.
Much like the MV7, the Blue Yeti is designed to bypass the need for an audio interface and runs vocals directly to your computer making it a fantastic choice for podcasting.
The Yeti is different, however, in its functionality. The Blue Yeti is a condenser microphone allowing the sound recorded by the Yeti to be much cleaner and clearer than a simple dynamic microphone without the need for too much EQ or post processing.
Additionally, the Yeti allows for switchable Polar Patterns (directions in which it can record sound) so you can use the Blue Yeti as your only microphone since it is designed to record all directions simultaneously.
The Blue Yeti is a great microphone if you’re looking for a simple and cheap solution to podcasting at a fair $109 price point.
The Rode NT-USB is another USB microphone. While it may be more expensive and have less features than the Blue Yeti, it makes up for it in its overall sound quality and ease of use.
The Rode NT-USB comes directly out of the box with everything you need to sound great. The stand, pop filter, and volume controls are all directly attached to the microphone itself, eliminating any need for additional purchases.
Additionally, the quality and its USB signal make it stand out among many other USB microphone options. Lastly, the software it uses to better control the microphone is extremely compatible with a multitude of different operating softwares leading to less overall issues with the NT-USB than other microphones.
It’s a great choice for any podcaster or streamer on a budget.
The Electro Voice RE20 is the most expensive microphone on this list, and for good reason! The EV-RE20 is a very high-quality, dynamic microphone designed for radio and internet broadcasts with an ability to capture a detailed sound that isn’t normally attributed with dynamic microphones.
Additionally, this microphone is extremely durable and rugged, meaning that it can survive well in a multitude of different scenarios including high humidity. It also has both a wind-screen and pop-filter integrated into the microphone so you won’t have to worry about any unwanted plosives interrupting your recording.
Unfortunately, you will still need an audio interface to use this mic through a computer, however, such is the case with higher-end microphones. Overall, the EV-RE20 is one of the best vocal broadcasting microphones on the market today and will work well in any podcast or streaming setting.
The market for microphones used for podcasting is constantly growing and fantastic options are being released everyday. As technology advances, it becomes cheaper and easier to get a high quality streaming microphone for any set up.
Regardless of what microphone you choose, as long as you pick the one that suits your needs, your podcasts and live-streams will sound amazing!
Ready to have your podcast professionally edited and mixed? Purchase your service online today!
