Podcasts and live streaming have jumped in popularity in the past few years. Today, podcasts account for a third of all audio consumption. With this uptick in popularity, more and more people have started or want to start a podcast of their own. Look no further because we’re here to help you find the best podcast microphone.
The good news is there are a variety of options for every budget, so you can pick the microphone that best suits whatever your needs may be. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your mic game, there’s a microphone for you and your podcast! Let’s take a look at our Top 3 Podcast Microphones, and then we’ll dive into some other options as well.
Top 3 Podcast Microphones
The Shure MV7 is our top pick for USB Microphones. USB microphones are plug-and-play right out of the box, connecting directly to your computer without the need for any other recording equipment. The Shure MV7 is the best sounding and most well-rounded USB microphone on the market, making it a great choice for anyone looking to hit the ground running with their podcast!
Our top condenser mic for podcasting is the Lauten Audio LS-208. Condenser mics offer a high level of detail, but that typically means lots of background noise. The LS-208 is designed to reject background noise while still offering amazingly detailed sound. This is a higher budget mic, but the sound quality is incredible, so if you're all about getting the highest quality voice recordings, this is the mic for you.
The Electro-Voice RE20 is the industry standard dynamic mic when it comes to broadcasting, which in turn means it excels for podcasting too. Our top pick for dynamic podcasting mics, the RE20 has been used in broadcasting since 1968. Packed with technology to reduce the proximity effect and an internal pop filter, this microphone is a perfect choice for close voice work.
The Shure MV7, Lauten Audio LS-208, and Electro-Voice RE20 are our top microphone picks for podcasters. Let’s dive in to what makes the mics great, and then we’ll look at some other options you can consider at various price points!
Our Top Pick: Shure MV7 Podcast Microphone
- Amazing Shure sound
- USB and XLR outputs, plus a headphone output for ultimate flexibility
- Rugged metal construction
- Compatible with phones, tablets, and computers
The Shure MV7 Podcast Microphone is our top pick for podcasters. This mic offers amazing flexibility, with USB and XLR outputs. That means you can plug it directly into your USB device (computer, tablet, or phone) for plug-and-play recording, or into a mixer or interface for traditional XLR recording. This flexibility makes the MV7 the most versatile microphone on our list!
However, versatility isn’t all that this podcast microphone brings to the table. Shure is one of the most highly regarded microphone brands, and for good reason. They offer amazing sound quality with all of their mics, and the MV7 is no exception. The MV7 is a great sounding mic for the price, and will perform amazingly for podcasters, streamers, and anyone looking to make great voice recordings.
Best Condenser Mic for Podcasts: Lauten Audio LS-208
- Studio quality vocal recording comes to the podcasting world with this large diaphragm condenser mic
- Amazing background noise rejection
- High quality metal construction
The Lauten Audio LS-208 is our pick for podcasters who want the highest sound quality for their podcast. No, it’s not as affordable as the other mics on this list, but it will capture the most detailed recordings. Since the LS-208 is a large diaphragm condenser, it is designed to capture studio quality sound. However, it also offers amazing background noise rejection like a dynamic mic, making it suitable for podcasting, unlike many other condenser mics.
The LS-208 is a well built microphone, coming in a metal case, with an included shock mount and windscreen. If you’re an audio nerd and want the best sound quality for your podcast, spring for the LS-208.
Best Dynamic Mic for Podcasts: Electro-Voice RE20
- Capture the classic sound of radio broadcasters
- Low-noise circuitry for high performance even with quiet voices
- Great background noise rejection
The Electro-Voice RE20 is a classic broadcast microphone. From sports broadcast booths to radio shows and everywhere in between, the RE20 is a mainstay in the world of voice recording. That makes it a natural choice for podcasters as well.
The RE20 has super quiet circuitry, meaning it’s a great choice for recording quieter voices. It won’t introduce hum or noise to your recordings. It also has great background noise rejection, a staple feature of any podcast mic. If you’re looking for that classic broadcaster sound, the RE20 is the mic for you.
USB vs XLR Microphones for Podcasting
There are two main types of microphones for podcasting: USB and XLR. There are pros and cons of both types of microphones, so let’s break down the main differences and suggest some options for both!
USB Microphones for Podcasts
If you’re new to podcasting, or audio recording in general, a good place to start is a USB Microphone. USB mics are easy to set up because, like the name implies, you just plug them into a USB port on your computer. This means you’ll need minimal equipment to actually record. They are a very approachable and easy to use mic option. Make no mistake though, not all USB mics are created equally. It’s also worth noting that even if you are a more seasoned pro with recording audio, depending on how you plan to do your podcast, having a minimal setup can be a huge benefit! Let’s take a look at some USB mics you can use for your podcast!
Let’s take a look at some amazing USB microphones you can use to get your podcast sounding ace!
Blue Yeti USB Podcast Microphone
The Blue Yeti has become a widely used mic in the podcast and streaming worlds. It’s one of the most user-friendly and well-rounded mics out there currently making it great for a variety of uses at an approachable price.
One of the best features of the Blue Yeti is its multiple pattern selection feature. You can use cardioid mode (that’s when the mic only records the area directly in front of it) when it’s just you, bidirectional mode for conducting an interview, or omnidirectional for recording group sessions.
Apogee Hype Mic
If you’re an “enthusiastic” individual and clipping is a concern of yours, the Apogee Hype Mic is the USB microphone for you! With its built-in analog compressor you’ll be able to get the most out of the signal before it’s converted to digital.
The Apogee Hype Mic also prides itself on having an excellent mic signal with strong clarity. The Hype Mic also comes with quite a few accessories chiefly a pop filter, tripod, and even a carrying case. This is definitely the pick for individuals looking for a premium USB that will provide top notch “broadcast ready” recordings.
JOBY Wavo POD
Built specifically with podcasting and content creation in mind, the JOBY Wavo POD is a great option for those just starting out. Intuitive and hassle free, the JOBY Wavo POD is able to record in both cardioid and omnidirectional giving some flexibility.
The JOBY Wavo POD also includes a pop filter which will be necessary with this particular mic. In spite of this slight shortcoming, this mic punches above its weight. It’s a budget option that still offers many features more expensive USB microphones have and stands above many other budget options available.
XLR Microphones for Podcasts
Before USB microphones were developed, XLR microphones were the standard for podcasting. Using an audio cable, called an XLR cable, you can connect your microphone to any interface, which will convert the audio into digital signal for your computer. XLR mics are more flexible, since they’re not locked into a USB configuration. If you have an 8-channel interface, for example, you can use 8 microphones. As you upgrade interfaces, your XLR mics will still be compatible. This is in stark contrast to the “all in one” nature of USB mics.
You will need to purchase some additional equipment to record an XLR mic, but there are lots of affordable interfaces and even some recording bundles that will do the job!
The aforementioned LA-208 and RE20 are great XLR mics, but let’s take a look at even more picks for XLR mics to choose from!
Blue Baby Bottle SL Podcast Microphone
This mic features a cardioid polar pattern for recording podcasts with minimal background noise. The Blue Baby Bottle is a condenser mic, which means it requires phantom power (supplied by your interface), and will capture highly detailed recordings.
While it’s on the pricier side, you get what you pay for in terms of audio quality. Blue is known for their high sound quality and for capturing great vocal recordings.
- Cardioid polar pattern for voice recording
- Amazing Blue sound quality in a podcast-specific mic
- Require phantom power
Shure SM7B Podcast Microphone
The Shure SM7B is a great workhorse microphone and has also been heavily used in broadcasting and podcasting over the years. Everyone from Joe Rogan to some of the biggest YouTubers use the SM7B. The SM7B has a flat, wide-range frequency response with bass roll-off and midrange emphasis (presence boost) controls to accommodate a wide range of voices.
It also features a cardioid polar pattern, so off-axis sound is never an issue for the Shure SM7B. The only issue it has is the potential need for a Cloudlifter in order to achieve the volume you’ll want out of it. While this does increase the overall price, using a Cloudlifter is simple and the end results speak for themselves.
- Amazing background noise rejection
- Great sound quality
- Fit in with all the other podcasters on YouTube 🙂
Audio-Technica AT2040 Podcast Microphone
If you’re not ready to take a big plunge into the world of condenser mics, consider getting the Audio-Technica AT2040. A highly versatile mic that will offer great performance at a great price.
This mic is a hypercardioid mic, meaning it offers great background noise rejection, and its affordable price means you can stock your studio without breaking the bank!
- Foam mesh windscreen provides internal pop filtering
- Integrated shock mount reduces noise
- Great sound for the price
If you’re looking for a complete podcasting system to pair with your mics, the Rode Rodecaster Pro is a great way to connect your mics to your computer! If offers features unlike any other interface on the market, specifically designed for podcasting!
- Integrated Podcast Production Studio with 4 Revolution Mic Preamps
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- 8 Customizable Pads
- 2 USB-C Interfaces
Final Thoughts on Podcast Recording Microphones
While there’s a great big world of microphones to explore, you can’t go wrong with any of the mics on this list. If USB is more your style, our go-to pick is the Shure MV7. If XLR is more your speed, the Lauten Audio LS-208 and Electro-Voice RE20 are our top picks, depending on if you want a condenser or dynamic microphone! However, all of the mics in this article are more than suitable for starting up your very own podcast!
The Shure MV7 is our top pick for USB Microphones. USB microphones are plug-and-play right out of the box, connecting directly to your computer without the need for any other recording equipment. The Shure MV7 is the best sounding and most well-rounded USB microphone on the market, making it a great choice for anyone looking to hit the ground running with their podcast!
Our top condenser mic for podcasting is the Lauten Audio LS-208. Condenser mics offer a high level of detail, but that typically means lots of background noise. The LS-208 is designed to reject background noise while still offering amazingly detailed sound. This is a higher budget mic, but the sound quality is incredible, so if you're all about getting the highest quality voice recordings, this is the mic for you.
The Electro-Voice RE20 is the industry standard dynamic mic when it comes to broadcasting, which in turn means it excels for podcasting too. Our top pick for dynamic podcasting mics, the RE20 has been used in broadcasting since 1968. Packed with technology to reduce the proximity effect and an internal pop filter, this microphone is a perfect choice for close voice work.
Podcast Microphone Buyer’s Guide
Now that you understand the importance of selecting the right podcast microphone, let’s dive into the key considerations to help you make an informed choice.
USB vs XLR: The first decision to make is whether to go with a USB or XLR microphone.
USB Microphones:
- Convenient and easy to set up, simply plug and play.
- Perfect for beginners or those on a tight budget.
- Suitable for solo podcasters or recording in controlled environments.
- Limited to the quality of the built-in analog-to-digital converter (ADC) in the microphone.
XLR Microphones:
- Professional-grade microphones that offer higher audio quality and flexibility.
- Require an audio interface or mixer to connect to your computer.
- Ideal for multi-person podcasts or recording in a studio environment.
- Provide more control over audio settings and customization.
- Can be easily upgraded or replaced individually, as the microphone and interface are separate.
Selecting an Interface (if you go with XLR): If you opt for an XLR microphone, you’ll need an audio interface to connect it to your computer. Consider the following factors when selecting an interface:
- Number of Inputs: Determine how many microphones or other audio sources you’ll be connecting simultaneously. Make sure the interface has enough inputs for your needs.
- Audio Quality: Look for an interface with high-quality preamps and converters to ensure clean and accurate sound reproduction.
- Connectivity: Check if the interface connects via USB, Thunderbolt, or another standard compatible with your computer.
Dynamic vs Condenser Mics for Podcasting: The choice between dynamic and condenser microphones depends on your recording environment and specific requirements.
Dynamic Microphones:
- Ideal for untreated rooms or environments with more background noise.
- Handle high sound pressure levels without distortion.
- Provide excellent off-axis rejection, reducing unwanted ambient noise.
- Durable and suitable for portable setups.
Condenser Microphones:
- Offer superior sensitivity and a wider frequency response.
- Deliver more detailed and accurate sound reproduction.
- Require phantom power (usually provided by an audio interface) for operation.
- Well-suited for controlled studio environments or when capturing nuanced vocals.
What to Look for in a Podcast Mic: Consider the following factors when selecting a podcast microphone:
- Sound Quality: Look for a microphone that delivers clear and natural-sounding audio with minimal distortion.
- Polar Pattern: Determine the polar pattern (e.g., cardioid, omnidirectional, figure-8) that best suits your recording setup and environment.
- Build Quality: Choose a microphone that is well-built and durable to withstand regular use.
- Connectivity: Ensure the microphone is compatible with your chosen connection type (USB or XLR) and works seamlessly with your recording setup.
- Budget: Set a budget that aligns with your needs, balancing affordability and quality.
Remember, finding the right podcast microphone is a crucial step toward creating high-quality content. Consider your recording environment, budget, and specific requirements to make an informed decision. Happy podcasting!
