TOP 5 MICROPHONES TO USE FOR YOUR PODCAST (BY PRICE)
As an experienced podcaster, audio editor, and producer, I’ve experimented with my fair share of microphones and setups.
I’ve also seen a lot of inexperienced podcasters boasting about microphones that are complete trash (i.e. the infamous Blue Yeti).
Here are 5 microphones that my clients, and some of the pros, are using:
BLUE SNOWBALL ($40)
Despite it being at a low price point, this microphone is an awesome starter! It definitely was an upgrade from the old set of headphones I was using.
Its plug-and-play setup makes it ideal for people who are just getting started, and it’s also compact enough to make it perfect for those with small spaces or heavy travelers.
Since it IS a basic microphone, it’s not perfect. It also doesn’t have a lot of settings to toggle, like the gain, which the more expensive microphones might have.
To make your audio sound better, consider pairing this microphone with:
SAMSON Q2U ($70)
I haven’t personally used this product by Samson (I have their Wireless Headset for speaking), but two clients of mine have and they both like it.
I’d argue it’s relatively the same in terms of the quality of the Blue Snowball (I’m biased of course), but is handheld instead of stationary.
If you don’t want to hold the mic, consider getting one of the two below:
AUDIO-TECHNICA AT2020 ($100)
I’m not personally familiar with this microphone, but I have used their headphones and other products - it’s a good brand. And it has 12,000+ reviews on Amazon from a mix of newbies and professionals all confirming the same.
If you are new to the podcast game, have a smaller audience, and/or have a budget under the $100 price point, this is a good mic.
RøDE PODCASTER ($250)
Now we’re getting to the serious setups. Røde is a well-known and trusted brand in the microphone space in general - they offer everything from podcasting mics, lavaliers, boom mics, and more!
I don’t personally have this specific mic, but I, and some large creator friends of mine, have used many of their products (i.e. the Røde Wireless Go II for street interviews).
I’ve also been to a ton of podcasting conferences and Røde is always there (that’s a good sign). I’ve experimented with a lot of their products in person even if I haven’t used them for my own show.
All in all, it’s a reputable brand, and for the price point, you can expect high-quality products and excellent customer service should you have an issue.
SHURE MV7B ($400)
This is THE mic - the one you’ve seen splashed all over social and that every huge podcaster uses. It’s a beast.
Now I will say, if you’re not familiar with production, using a Shure can be VERY overwhelming and can make toggling the settings a struggle.
I have friends who splurged on this mic specifically only to revert back to their $50 Blue Snowball because it was too complicated or they couldn’t figure out how to make the sound actually sound good.
One thing to note too is that this is NOT a plug-and-play mic - there is no USB. If you’re looking for that type of setup (and one that’s a bit less complex but has better sound quality, try the Shure MV7)
It’s often that when you buy a microphone like this, you also need a setup with it (see below).
MICROPHONES TO AVOID
Upgrading your microphone is an easy way to enhance the sound you capture, but if your setup isn’t great, the upgraded microphone will have been for nothing.
If you’re unsure about a brand you’re considering, visit Sweetwater.com for recommendations - Sweetwater is the largest online retailer of musical instruments and pro audio equipment, so you can bet that they’ve done their due diligence.
If a brand or type of mic you’re considering isn’t on Sweetwater, or the reviews are terrible, it’s best to avoid it.
BLUE YETI
Every influencer and newbie podcaster on the internet has one of these and raves about them, and I’m here to tell you they’re garbage. For the price point, you can find a better mic and an overall better setup.
I think a lot of the reason why this mic is ‘hot’ is mainly because of its aesthetic (and probably the Amazon Affiliate program). It IS a pretty mic, but you should be buying your setup for the quality, not the appeal.
BEHRINGER
You might be swayed to buy a Behringer because it seems like a good deal, but it’s not. Behringer is known to be a discount brand, and as a discount brand, they don’t always have the latest and greatest tech.
Save your money, or spend a little extra, to buy a microphone with a higher quality or reliable brand name.
Looking for audio editing help or support in the production of your podcast? Reach out!