Maybe you haven’t created your own podcasts before, but no doubt you’ve probably listened to one. However, podcasts aren’t just for radio shows or news outlets. Podcasting is rapidly transforming into one of the most popular marketing tactics in just about every industry you could imagine.
Why? Well, would you rather absorb content by reading through an article or being a witness to real-life interactions and conversations? If you’re considering getting into podcasting, or perhaps enhancing your already-existing podcasts, then you’re in the right place.
While creating valuable and interesting content is obviously the most important aspect, using professional-sounding equipment is also indispensable.
After all, which podcast are you going to take more seriously; a recording that sounds like it was taken in someone’s garage on their smartphone, or a professional-level piece that sounds like it was recorded in a studio? If you don’t yet know what exactly you’re looking for in a microphone, hop on down to the buying guide and we’ll go from there.
By the end of this, we’ll have you hooked up with the best microphone for podcasting.
Top 7 Microphones For Podcasting For 2022
Our team has created an easy-to-use table detailing each microphone’s most notable features, in a way you can compare and contrast each product.
| Microphone | Included | At a Glance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Floureon BM-800 Studio | Blue mic, shock mount, power cord, anti-wind foam cap, user manual | 1 year warranty, requires 48V power supply, suppresses feedback and low self-noise, shock mount reduces handling noise, great for beginners | |
| Heil PR-40 Dynamic Studio | Mic, case, mount | Reputable brand, bright yet soft and controlled, sophisticated recording sound, produces widest frequency range on dynamic mic | |
| Pyle PDMICR42SL Retro | Mic | Cardioid polar padding for smooth sound, unique design, has some background noise/crackles, self-tensioning swivel mounts | |
| Rode Procaster | Mic, RM2 stand mount, ? inch adaptor, ZP1 zip pouch | Broadcast quality, tight polar pattern, great ambient noise rejection, high output dynamic capsule, internal shock mounting of capsule, all-metal construction, 10 year warranty | |
| Blue Yeti (Blackout Edition) -Editor's Pick! | Mic, adjustable stand, USB cable, instructions | Operate in various modes, convenient, gain control, mute button, zero-latency headphone output, unique design, plug ‘n play | |
| Shure SM7B | Mic, detachable windscreen, foam windscreen, locking yoke mount | Flat, wide frequency response, bass rolloff and mid-range emphasis, shock isolation, excellent cartridge protection | |
| MXL 990 | Mic, shock mount, protective case | Silky, high sound, blocks most ambient noise, attractive vintage design, |
Now that you have you an idea of the best microphones for podcasting across skill levels, take a took a bit further to answer any questions you may have about any of the products
Floureon BM-800 Studio – Best Beginner Product
At first glance, you’ll notice the bright blue details with the silver shock mount and mic. The housing is made of zinc alloy, and the mesh net is gold-plated steel mesh.
If you’re planning on connecting it to a desktop computer then you are able to use the microphone separately. However, if you’re going to use it with a laptop, plan on connecting to an electrical outlet, or using a 48V phantom power supply. This way, the sound will be clearer and higher.
The frequency provides a crisp sound and has a neodymium magnet for a high signal-to-noise ratio. However, remember to keep the microphone away from the amplifier anytime you’re recording.
The unidirectional pickup pattern also suppresses feedback and low self-noise. To reduce handling noise, the mic comes with an attractive-looking shock mount, to get rid of all that rustling around while changing the angle or switching hands. With a standard screw adapter, it can be mounted on most standard microphone stands. The microphone also comes with a power cord and an anti-wind foam cap.
Overall, if you’re looking for an inexpensive and versatile condenser microphone, check the Floureon BM-800 out.
There will still most likely be some ambient noise, but for the price, it can’t be beat.
What We Liked
- Crisp vocals
- Comes with a shock mount and an anti-wind foam cap.
- Great mic for beginners
What We Didn’t Like
- Must use a 48V phantom power supply or outlet if using with laptop
Heil PR-40 Dynamic Studio – Best for Under 500 USD
Per usual, it’s built ruggedly but has a pristine, smooth finish.
Users that have previously had a mic that required a high EQ to make them sound professional, may need some time to get used to this one, as it sounds professionally-ready out of the package.
It has a wonderful frequency and warmth and also tends to take out the nasally sound that some of us inherently have when our voice is recorded. The microphone does come with a padded leather-like carrying case, along with a mic clamp and a shock mount.
Make sure to use the shock mount, for if you don’t, the mic tends to pick up more of the low-frequency rumbles. Overall, this is great for a professional sound, even if you’re not in a studio or otherwise professional environment.
What We Liked
- Comes in attractive leather-like, padded carrying case, with a mic clip and shock mount
- Gives a professional, high-quality sound right out of the package
- Steel body and die-cast bottom ring
- Excellent frequency response and warmth
What We Didn’t Like
- Can pick up low-frequency rumbles when used without shock mount
Pyle PDMICR42SL Retro – Best Budget Product
The mic has been tested in both studio and on stage, and actually gives a more rich/vintage sound than most condenser mics do. It also stands out, so whether you’re using it in an area to podcast, or using it on stage, you’ll like what you see and hear.
Keep in mind, that this particular mic does tend to pick up some background noise, so it is ideal to use this one in a professional environment, where ambient noise is minimal. It is also made of plastic, albeit thick and durable plastic.
Pyle sells a version that also comes with a metal case if that’s something you’re worried about. You must get used to getting very close to the mic to provide a tight sound, and be aware of the crackles and pops your voice may make.
What We Liked
- Great value for the quality
- Unique, head-turning design
- Great for amateur recording or beginner podcasters
What We Didn’t Like
- Does tend to pick up ambient noise, so keep in mind you must get close to the mic for a tight sound
Røde Procaster – Best for Noisy Environments
The broadcast quality sound and low impedance output don’t seem to hurt, either.
An internal shock mounting of capsule provides a low handling noise, even without a shock mount like some others come with, as well as an internal pop filter to reduce plosives (pops and crackles).
You can plug this one into a ¼” jack, as well as an XLR if you have the proper cable, which gives you some more flexibility than other options. As it is a dynamic mic, it has a head-up on the condenser mics, which makes them a better option for home recording or virtually recording in any environment other than a professional studio.
The tight polar pattern and exceptional frequency response help with the sound quality, as well as an all-metal construction, to help provide broadcast quality sound.
What We Liked
- Broadcast quality sound, with the elimination of plosives
- Great for noisy environments
- Does not require phantom power like many others
- Tight polar pattern and great frequency response helps create clear, crisp sound
What We Didn’t Like
- Not quite “professional” quality
Blue Yeti – Most Diverse Product
What does this mean for you as a podcaster? It means that you can capture ambient noise if you’d like, or capture interviews between two or more people, without sacrificing quality or convenience. Stereo mode is great for capturing a realistic general sound. The cardioid mode is probably the best for podcasts, as it captures sounds directly in front of it.
Omnidirectional picks up sound from all directions, much like its name suggests, which is more appropriate for capturing “the environment”. Bidirectional mode captures sound from the front and back of the microphone, which is awesome if you’re capturing an interview with two people.
Unlike many competitor options, the controls are easy to use and quite convenient.
The Blue Yeti comes with volume control, pattern selection, mute, and gain control. There is also a convenient zero-latency headphone output. It comes with its own stand with easy tilt and adjusts, which is nice if you don’t want to put out the money for one.
What We Liked
- Four different recording modes to choose from
- Made of sturdy metal material
- Easy set-up, lightweight, and very portable
- Comes with various easy-to-use controls
What We Didn’t Like
- Isn’t quite professional level
Shure SM7B – Most Durable Product
A flat, wide-range frequency response provides a notably clear and natural reproduction of speech, which is absolutely essential if you want your podcasts to sound like they’re on a professional level. This particular mic has an improved rejection of electromagnetic humming, which is important as you’ll most likely be using your mic on computer monitors.
The internal shock suspension eliminates mechanical noise transmission, as well as a pop filter that reduces those popping breath sounds that can happen when you’re up close to the mic, itself. The mic also ships with an A7WS detachable windscreen, to assist further with “pop” elimination.
Overall, the rugged construction and cartridge protection will make sure the microphone will last you for quite a while. The only real downside of this podcast microphone is that it’s ideal to record in a professional environment, as it could still pick up ambient noise.
What We Liked
- Durable, rugged construction
- Eliminates pops, making it easier to get up close to the mic without sacrificing quality
- Clear and realistic voice reproduction
What We Didn’t Like
- Sometimes still picks up some ambient noise
MXL 990 – Best Advanced Budget Product
If you’re looking to take your podcast quality to the next level, this one will do it. The champagne finish isn’t the only smooth part about it. The condenser mic has a silky, high end while retaining a tight, solid low, and mid-range reproduction.
The rugged construction offers durability and is pretty great at blocking out ambient noise. Keep in mind, that as it is an XLR mic, you’ll need a mixer or a high-quality digital recorder, however, most podcasters already use one or both of these.
Keep in mind you’ll also require phantom power. Some people prefer to deal with the most minimal amounts of equipment as possible, however, there are pros and cons to both (which we will discuss later on). The microphone includes a shock mount that minimizes handling sounds.
Overall, it’s a relatively affordable choice for high-quality sound.
What We Liked
- Tight, solid low and mid-range reproduction
- Solid, rugged construction
- Comes with shock mount to eliminate handling noise
What We Didn’t Like
- Requires phantom power and mixer
Choosing The Best Podcasting Microphone For Me
If you’re a beginner podcaster, then buying a microphone could be a very confusing experience, and understandably so! There are a lot of technical terms thrown around, which aren’t always easy to comprehend. Our team has created a buying guide to make things as simple and straightforward as possible for you!
Condenser/Dynamic
Condenser mics provide a deeper, richer sound to podcasts. Condensers operate in a completely different way than dynamic mics do. They need external power, like a phantom power supply, access to a power outlet, battery in a microphone, mixer, etc. Condenser mics also typically pick up more background noise, due to their fragility. Their fragility also makes it harder to transport them and must be used in a quiet, more professional setting. Due to their higher output, the signal doesn’t need to be amplified as much by the mixer.
Dynamic mics are literally the opposite of all of the condenser traits just mentioned. They’re known for being the more versatile and simple option of the two types. They record a more narrow range of frequencies, so they typically sound less rich. They do record less background noise though, so this could be a good choice if you’ll be working in a less professional, noisy environment. Another bonus is, that they do not require an external power supply. They are also less fragile and often lightweight, which makes them perfect for travel. Their longevity and their durability make them a great choice, particularly for traveling podcasters and musicians.
XLR/USB
An XLR/analog lets you plug into analog mixers, preamps, amps, recorders, etc. This type provides you with more options, however, you’ll need an audio interface to make the signal go into a digital signal, which can then be plugged into the USB. A USB mic is definitely the more simplified of the two. You simply plug in directly via USB. One thing to keep in mind is that they don’t plug directly into a portable recorder with external mic outputs.
Durability
What will you be using your microphone for? If you’ll be using it for more than just letting it sit on a desk or in a studio, then consider the mic’s durability. As mentioned earlier, not all microphones are durable enough to be traveling with. Condenser microphones are typically the more sensitive of the two, and their internal structures are usually more expensive.
Frequency Response
Most frequency responses are listed on the package, however, knowing the frequency response isn’t as important as knowing the exact frequencies at which your microphone will respond to sounds. For this reason, it’s essential to know exactly what you’ll be recording before you make your purchase. For lower sounds, remember to use a low-frequency response, and higher if you’re recording higher sounds.
Price
Price is definitely something you should seriously consider when buying a microphone for podcasting. Dynamic microphones generally appear to be a great value for what they offer, and are generally very durable, lasting a long time. However, if they are for whatever reason damaged, it can be much harder to find replacement parts for it. Generally, however, the more money you spend on a microphone, the higher quality you will receive (after 200 USD and up).
There are also personal factors, like color, or perhaps you particularly like a style or shape of a microphone. There are a lot of options out there to choose from, but that’s up to you to decide.
Conclusion
All of the microphones on our list are superb choices, but some are better for certain personal preferences. However, one out of the bunch really stood out to us and is quite legendary in the podcasting community. While there was quite a bit of competition, The Blue Yeti Blackout was our winner.
The most notable reason why is due to the fact that it has four different recording modes to choose from. This essentially gives you the freedom to record whatever you’d like, with accuracy and high audio quality. The three condenser capsules provide exceptional audio quality, allowing you to capture just about anything you desire.
The mic includes easy-to-use buttons that are conveniently located, as well as easy tilt and adjust. This one is perfect for the traveling podcaster but it is a great option for nearly anyone. Now get on your way to buying the best microphone for podcasting!
