The 5 Top Microphones for Podcasting in 2022
One of the things that listeners notice most, in addition to the content, is the quality of the audio. Your content may be super valuable, but, if it is heard with a lot of background noise interference, chances are you will soon lose the listener’s attention and may not even get past a couple of minutes into the episode you worked so hard to record. Sad but true. Has this happened to you? Well, never forget it again: people will tolerate lower quality video but they won’t tolerate poor audio.
Today, we have seen how digital tools have become pivotal when it comes to managing new communication strategies. To reinvent into better communicators, we must have effective equipment. So, what is the first thing you should know before buying a microphone to record a podcast? There are plenty of them on the market and many can offer high quality and fidelity when it comes to audio. Even though they are not designed to produce music, they are ideal for podcast recording — those are the ones you should look for.
First of all, you must understand that there are varieties created for different needs. Therefore, to know which microphone is best for you, you will need a general knowledge of the different types of microphones, and when to use them (by the way, in this article, you can get a little more information about it).
For now, let’s just consider that the most popular ones are cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional mics. An omnidirectional microphone picks up audio from all directions. If you need a little more control, for example, for an interview, in which you’re sitting across from someone, the bidirectional is the best choice. A cardioid polarizes the audio in one area of the microphone, and it is perfect for vocals, such as a singer at a concert. Knowledge is power here.
With that in mind, let’s get down to business. Let’s take a look at the top 5 of the best podcast microphones this year.
Shure SM7B
The Shure SM7B is used by podcasters with millions of followers and has become a popular option. It is the microphone of choice for many professionals for true broadcast quality audio, even outside of a professional recording studio. It is an XLR one, meaning, it needs power: you will need an audio interface or audio mixer, and a special cable for this type of device. That’s the one inconvenient for some but the rest is gold. The microphone by itself sells for about four hundred dollars on Amazon, it’s unidirectional, so it is precise and clean. You would absolutely need multiple microphones in case you’re interviewing someone for a podcast, though, but, if it’s only you speaking, go for it. You won’t regret it at all.
Blue Yeti
It is available in different colors, and, in all its presentations it has a sick cool look. Its retro aesthetics immediately catches the eye. In addition, it offers the best build quality, you can appreciate how its manufacturer has taken meticulous care of every detail, and when holding it you can perceive a solid and robust construction. You take care of it, and it will last for ages.
Like other models in its class, the structure rests on an adjustable stand, although it is also prepared for use with a folding arm. The physical controls are distributed between the front and rear. The most striking is the polar patterns, as it expands its audio options with these three other modes: stereo, bidirectional, and omnidirectional. This feature alone makes this microphone a versatile and wonderful tool.
For all these reasons, it is the best-selling USB microphone this year. It has unique features, for example, a 3,5 mm jack input for use with headphones to listen to what is being recorded, which, by all accounts, is an important detail that can save you a lot of time. Of course, because it is a side-address microphone and not a front-address microphone, it must remain completely upright.
RØDE
This brand specializing in microphones is already legendary. Let’s look at three spectacular mics:
NT-USB
This is a cardioid one, ideal for voice recording. It comes with a pop filter, a tripod, a boom stand, a twenty inches cable and a travel bag. If you must move from place to place (e.g., for freelance journalism), this is a splendid choice.
PodMic
The PodMic is a high-rated podcasting microphone for under a hundred bucks. Price is no excuse for having a quality tool. This dynamic cardioid microphone has an internal pop filter and shock mount to help get the best audio quality in a simple, small package. It is important to note that you need to have a boom arm to get the best results.
Procaster
The RodeProcaster tends to need a little extra gain to keep from sounding noisy, and perhaps that’s the only downside this mic may have. Also, when compared to others, you’ll notice that the 75Hz — 18kHz frequency range doesn’t seem superior, but the results have been excellent and the reviews (and Amazon purchases) confirm this.
Hopefully, you now know which is the best choice of a microphone to record your podcast. In case you still don’t have a clear idea, and you need advice — not only about this topic -, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are experts in the audio industry and we can help you
