The Best Microphone for Interviews
Table of Contents
Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Interview Microphone Models
If there’s ever a situation that calls for a good microphone, it’s recording an interview. While pretty much any recording situation needs an outstanding sound, filming or recording audio for an interview is particularly important because the standard of the audio is what sells the whole package.
In this guide, we’ll explain why excellent microphones are so important, and which model you should pick for your work.
Many interviews, whether they’re podcasts, radio shows, YouTube videos, news blogs, and the like, have unfortunately been ruined by bad audio. Microphone pops, handling sounds, and the dreaded background rumble of traffic or footsteps or outside conversations all play a role in muddying what would otherwise have been an exceptional interview. That’s why videographers, documentary filmmakers, broadcasters, and reporters are all particular about what microphones to invest in.
Whether you’re a more experienced professional looking to upgrade your kit, or an amateur working off a tight budget, take a look at our list of some of the best interview microphones available on the market today.
What is the Best Interview Mic?
Editor's Choice  Best Overall |  Best Handheld Mic |  Best Mic for Reducing Noise |
Sennheiser MKH 416Sennheiser MKH 416 is the top choice among professionals when it comes to interviewing thanks to its clear and crisp quality. | RØDE ReporterThe RØDE Reporter is the top handheld mic thanks to its sleek, professional, and easy-to-blend design. It captures a clear-sounding voice and easily blocks out unwanted noises. | Sennheiser MD 46The Sennheiser MD 46 is the top choice for professionals in and out of the studio. It’s designed for live reports, broadcasts, and interviews because of its capability to produce quality sound without capturing disturbances. |
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Let’s Go Over Each Interview Microphone
#1: Sennheiser MKH 416
If a microphone out there deserves the title of industry standard, it’s the Sennheiser MKH 416. The MKH 416 is used in various applications, particularly for film and television work.
What makes it so great is its incredible directionality — it’s got a super-cardioid pick-up pattern and employs a foam windscreen that blocks out background disruptions even on a busy city street.
The reason why the Sennheiser MKH 416 tops the list is because of its reliability. It’s less sensitive to plosives, which can be a bit of a headache, especially with interviewees who aren’t trained in interview etiquette.
This shotgun mic also captures human voices with depth and clarity, which makes it a popular, albeit somewhat expensive, option for podcasting and voice-overs as well.
The Sennheiser MKH 416 is called the industry standard in film and television work for a reason. It performs excellently at rejecting ambient disruptions, it’s the top choice for anyone working with film and audio. It’s designed to pick up the subject with clarity and richness, without picking up on pesky plosives or pops, which is part of what makes it so popular with filmmakers and interviewers.
If you need a great interview mic that can record your interviewee in detail without looking disruptive on cam, the MKH 416 is what you need. While it can be a pretty pricey choice, one listen of the MKH 416 will prove exactly why it’s such a winner.
Pros and Cons of the Sennheiser MKH 416
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Offers superior sound quality ✔ Low self-noise ✔ Best for indoor/outdoor shootings ✔ Has a maximum SPL of 130 dB without distortion | ✖️ Expensive ✖️ Needs phantom power via XLR cable to run |
#2: RØDE Reporter
The handheld interview mic is an icon of newscasting and press work, so it plays an important role both on and off-camera. The RØDE Reporter is an example of a device that was designed to look good and sound good on camera. Designed to look sleek, and professional, and handle well out in the field, it’s the quintessential reporter’s microphone.
It’s got an omnidirectional pattern, making it the perfect tool for micing multiple-person interviews. Considered one of the best omnidirectional condenser mics, the Rode Reporter also has a multi-layer mesh basket that blocks out most wind disruptions, without the need for a bulky, distracting windscreen, and even has an internal shock mount. Its sound is tailored for spoken interviews, with recorded audio sounding natural and detailed.
The RØDE Reporter features a lower limit of 70 Hz for frequency response, making it great for voice reproduction. Although omnidirectional types pick up sounds from all directions, you can count on the RØDE Reporter to pick up the subjects without getting muddied by a noisy environment.
Pros and Cons of the RØDE Reporter
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Excellent for handheld interviews ✔ Comes with a zip case and an attachable mic flag ✔ Has an internal shock mount ✔ Omnidirectional condenser mic | ✖️ Not loud enough |
#3: Sennheiser MD 46
Sennheiser made a name for itself for manufacturing durable, high-standard products, and the Sennheiser MD 46 is another feather to add to the company’s cap.
It’s built with the famed Sennheiser durability, with an all-metal body that can hold up to bumps and scratches. Initially developed for the 2000 Summer Olympics, it’s available to the market and has proven its longevity.
The Sennheiser MD 46 is an interview mic that has a classic cardioid pattern that makes it perfect for use inside the room studio and on-location. Its sound is rich, clear, and consistent even across different microphones.
The MD 46 is designed to make live reporting, broadcasting, and interviews seamless, thanks to its omnidirectional pickup pattern. Its dynamic practice reduces vocal popping and allows for low-handling noise.
Overall, if you’re looking for a premium tried, and tested choice, you can’t go wrong with the Sennheiser MD 46.
Pros and Cons of the Sennheiser MD 46
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Diminishes background noises ✔ Provides crisp and clear audio quality ✔ Also works great at a distance | ✖️ Has a bottleneck design that makes it difficult to attach a mic flag |
#4: Shure MVL
The Shure MVL is a lavalier microphone that’s proven its worth in terms of affordability and value. Don’t let its lightweight, compact size fool you — the Shure MVL is built with that legendary Shure durability, so it’s able to hold up to years of frequent use both indoors and on the go.
With an eye towards versatility, the Shure MVL is designed for use with both smartphones and more advanced recording and filming equipment. This means that both amateurs and more experienced users can enjoy the perks of this Lavalier.
Plus, purchasing the MVL gives you access to Shure’s MOTIV app, which allows for adjusting gain, monitor mix, EQ modification, and more, even when you’re on-location or out of the studio.
While it might not have the most robust sound, it’s definitely a good buy if you want to stick to a budget and you’re looking for an affordable yet brilliant upgrade.
Pros and Cons of the Shure MVL
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Affordable ✔ Can connect with a 3.5mm jack ✔ Has a low-profile design ✔ Ideal for sit-down interviews | ✖️ Cord vibrations are easily picked up ✖️ Cord is quite thin |
#5: GODOX Cube-SL Wireless Lavalier Microphone
Recording on the go is something that content creators and journalists always have to be ready for, which is why a compact, wireless mic system is always handy to have. The GODOX Cube-SL Wireless Lavalier is a reliable audio solution for anyone who wants something that is convenient and delivers top-notch results.
Even if it’s wireless, the GODOX Cube-SL has a stable transmission of up to 1000ft (300m), letting you move freely during your shoots without worry. It’s also equipped with a One-Click Noise Cancellation feature that filters out any background noise, making it ideal to use for on-location shoots or even challenging environments.
Another worry you won’t have to encounter is losing power while you are shooting your content as the GODOX Cube-SL has a battery life of up to 10 hours. Along with its convenient charging case, you can extend its total usage for up to 30 hours.
Moreover, the GODOX Cube-SL is very lightweight and compact, allowing it to fit easily in any gear bag. It’s certainly a practical choice for anyone who needs to keep their setup light and efficient.
Pros and Cons of the GODOX Cube-SL
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Wireless mic system ✔ Lightweight and compact gear ✔ One Click Noise Cancellation feature ✔ Battery of up to 10 hours (30 hours with the charging case) | ✖️ Can be susceptible to interference in crowded wireless environments |
What Type of Mic Is Best for Interviews?
There are several different options to choose from, and the type you pick is dependent on the kind of interview you’re more likely to do.
Lavalier
Also called lav or lapel mics, Lavaliers are clipped onto the speaker’s clothing and are a portable and convenient way to pick up sound close to the source. Lavalier mics are the best for sit-down interviews as they’re discreet and small enough to be hidden or clipped on. Many of them are wired and need to be plugged into a transmitter that can be kept in your clothing’s pocket but the cables are not something to be concerned about regarding mobility.
Alternatively, there are also wireless options available that can run on a single AA battery that you may want to look at.
Shotgun Mic
Often set up outside of the camera, a shotgun mic or boom mic is the best for capturing sound without fear of handling sounds. They can be attached to video cameras up top and point directly to the interview. Most, if not all of the boom mics, are compatible with DSLR cameras. They’re also good for static sit-down interviews as they can be attached to a boom pole or into a recorder.
Handheld
Going by their name, handheld microphones are held or set up near the speakers. One can also easily control this device. This type of mic can record one or multiple speakers at the same time depending on the frequency pattern.
Due to their highly visible nature, they are usually not ideal for on-camera broadcasts, sit-down interviews, or radio. However, in some circumstances, they can be placed out of the frame and still pick up good audio.
What to Look for in the Best Microphones for Interviewing?
Polar Pattern
The first thing you’ll need to pay attention to when picking the most ideal microphones for interviews is the polar pattern. While there’s certainly a lot more flexibility when it comes to pick-up patterns, you’re going to want one that allows for better focus on your interviewee.
Popular pick-up patterns for an interview mic include super-cardioid, cardioid, and in some cases even omnidirectional.
With a super-cardioid microphone, you’ll have better directionality on a single sound source but might miss out on other speakers if you’re interviewing more than one. An omnidirectional pickup pattern might record too wide a field if you’re in a busy restaurant but works great for recording two or more speakers.
Frequency Response
The next thing you’ll want to pay attention to is frequency response. Frequency response determines whether your microphone can pick up the sound you need with the correct tone and detail. Most are already designed to record spoken word, which is at around 85 to 155 Hz for a typical adult male and 165 to 255 Hz for a typical adult female.
If your focus is on recording speech rather than singing, you’ll have a bit more leeway in terms of range. The end goal is to find one that creates a rich, flattering sound that can add life to your output.
Background Noise Rejection
Finally, if you’re looking for the perfect interview microphone then you’ll definitely need to pay attention to noise rejection. Recording an interview is all about focusing on your interviewee, no matter what the headphone volume is. Unlike other situations, where things like instrumentals or video might be just as crucial, what your interviewee says is the entire point of the recording process. Thus, capturing it in flattering detail for your listeners and viewers is paramount.
The best interview microphones are resistant to inconvenient sound waves like pops, off-axis sounds, and plosives, as well as other disruptions. If you do most of your recording outdoors, you’ll also need one that can record with reduced or no wind howls and has a good audio signal-to-noise ratio. High sensitivity might be a good thing if you want to pick up low noises but if you don’t need one, you can add other add-ons like a windscreen or shock absorber, which are also important for amazing mic records.
How Do You Mic a 2-Person Interview?
Setting up microphones for a two-person interview isn’t as complicated as one may think. First, the most important thing to mic a 2-person interview is to use two identical microphones. Instead of having one individual use a shotgun mic and the other a lav mic, it will be easier to use identical mics so that you’ll have the same audio quality and won’t have difficulties adjusting during post-production. If you don’t have access to two identical shotgun mics or lav mics, you can use omnidirectional mics instead as they can pick up sound from all directions.
Next, the best thing to do is to use mic stands for both the interviewer and interviewee. Alternatively, you can also position it via a table. However, if you aren’t sure if there will be a table, it’s best to be prepared with floor stands so that you can get your mics nice and close to the subjects.
Shotgun mics and lav mics are not exactly the best interview microphones to use when it comes to duo interviews. Lav mics might pick up scratching noises, while subjects may unconsciously move out of a shotgun mic’s polar pattern. Cardioid or super-cardioid mics are the most tolerable mics when people unintentionally move around. Adding a good windscreen can also help a lot.
What Are Interview Microphones Called?
Generally speaking, there is no specific term or name used for interview microphones. Depending on the user, environment, and application, various microphones can be used. Alternatively, a recorder can be used if one decides to not use a microphone.
What Is a Likely Microphone Set Up for an Interview?
When it comes to choosing a microphone for an interview, there are a few factors to consider such as the recording environment, the number of people being recorded, and the desired standard. Here are your options:
- Lavalier: Lavalier mics are small, clip-ons that can be attached to the clothing of the individual being recorded. They are ideal for interviews with one or two people, and they can provide exceptional sound while keeping the microphone out of the shot.
- Shotgun: These are highly directional and can pick up sound from a specific area. They are ideal for recording in noisy environments or for capturing the source from a distance.
- Handheld: This is a good option if you want to record the interviewer and the interviewee. They are also a good choice for outdoor settings or when you need a portable option.
- USB: USB microphones are easy to use and connect directly to a computer or mobile device. They can provide good quality, and they are ideal for online interviews or for recording podcasts and radio shows. Using a lightning adapter will also let you use this type of microphone with an iPhone.
Ultimately, the choice of microphone will depend on your specific needs and preferences. It’s a good idea to test out different microphones in your recording environment to see which one provides the best sound quality for your needs.
What Type of Microphone Works Best for Quick On-The-Go Interviews?
Microphones that are lightweight, compact, and compatible with various devices are the best to use for on-the-go interviews. Any of the microphones in this guide work well for on-location interviews. However, there are also some excellent mics that didn’t make this list. For more options, you can look into the Samson Go Mic, the JOBY Wavo Plus, the RODE Stereo VideoMic Pro, and the PoP Voice Lavalier.
The Samson Go is a compact, wireless system that’s plug-and-play. It’s compatible with Mac and PC using USB-C connectivity, and can even be mounted on a standard mic stand using an adapter. It has two pick-up patterns and even has a stereo headphone output for no latency monitoring.
The JOBY Wavo Plus is a super-cardioid short shotgun that can be mounted on smartphones, DSLRs, and cams. It has a high-pass filter, live audio monitoring, and volume control to allow you to make adjustments on the fly.
Another boom mic that you can mount on cams is the RODE Stereo VideoMic Pro. It has an integrated Rycote Lyre mount, separating the capsule and other electronics from the mount. With its X-Y cardioid pattern, it provides a full radio broadcast-grade sound without sacrificing other features. You might need a computer to adjust the gain control, however, but it’s still an excellent unit to use.
If you’re short on money and want something that’s a great deal, the PoP Voice Lavalier is something you can consider. It has an auxiliary connectivity technology and a 3mm TRS that makes it compatible with laptops, camcorders, DSLRs, and more. With a lightning adapter, you can also use this mic with an iPhone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of mic is used for capturing interviews wirelessly?
There are two ways to have a wireless microphone for your interviews. You can plug in a wireless transmitter, receiver, and battery pack to the bottom of your microphone, or you can also use a special microphone that already comes wireless out of the box. Either of them can be hooked up to a receiver that’s connected to your camera.
One mic that you can look into is the Sennheiser ME 2-II. It has a crisp sound delivery and high speech intelligibility. This mic features a small build and is armed with a sturdy metal windscreen. It’s a wired mic, however, if you invest in a wireless Sennheiser system, you’re highly likely to receive this mic in the package. With its versatility, it’s a mic that offers great convenience for both professionals and amateurs.
Is a condenser mic good for interviews?
Dynamic microphones are slightly more common to see in interviews because they won’t need a battery or phantom power, but condensers are good choices as well. The Audio-Technica ATR-3350iS is an omnidirectional condenser interview mic that’s great for any interview done in any room or studio. It comes at a low price, making it ideal for those with a very limited budget.
Another option is the RØDE NTG4+ as it minimizes unnecessary disruptions and has intuitive digital switching. Since it comes with a built-in rechargeable battery, you don’t need a phantom power source to use it. If the NTG4+ isn’t available to you, you can go for the Shure VP83F instead. This gear has a tough rugged design yet is still lightweight. It can take high-definition audio with a camcorder or DSLR, and it can be used with portable audio recorders as well.
What kind of mics do reporters use?
Reporters use a variety of microphones depending on the situation, the location, and the gear available. Here are some types they use:
- Handheld dynamic microphones: These are the most common type of microphone used by reporters for interviews and live reports. These are durable and can withstand rough handling, making them ideal for on-the-go reporting.
- Lavalier microphones: Lavalier microphones, also known as lapel mics, are small and can be attached to the reporter’s clothing, allowing for hands-free operation. This gear is often used for interviews or live reports where the reporter needs to move around.
- Shotgun microphones: Shotgun microphones are highly directional and can pick up sound from a specific area. They are ideal for recording in noisy environments or for audiotaping the source from a distance.
- Boundary microphones: Boundary microphones, also known as “PZM” or “pressure zone microphones”, are designed to be placed on a flat surface like a table or floor. They are often used in press conferences or other situations where multiple people are speaking.
- Headset microphones: Headset microphones are designed to be worn on the head, and they are often used by reporters who need to be hands-free while reporting. These can provide high-quality audio and are often used in live broadcasts or on-location reporting.
What microphone would be best for recording an interview between two people?
For this interview setting, it is best to use a cardioid or super-cardioid mic. This means even if you are using hand interview microphones, a cardioid or super-cardioid type would make it more tolerant to movement.
What’s a good camera interview microphone?
Interviews usually tend to involve cameras as well for shooting footage along with the audio. Sometimes, these interviews are done on the go; this is where portable microphones shine the best. The Rode VideoMic Pro is one microphone that brings the enhanced sound of film and television in a convenient package. Aimed towards amateurs, intermediate users, and professionals, the Rode VideoMic Pro can be used with DSLRs, portable audio recorders, or camcorders. It can even run on an AA battery.
Aside from having removable and rechargeable batteries, it also features auto power on/off, easy-access controls, and a safety channel. All of which are good features to have for visual usage.
What type of microphone is best for voice acting?
When it comes to voice acting, the best mic to use is one that will allow your audience to hear your story, dialogue, and narration clearly, along with the necessary details and nuances. Some of the most excellent mics that can give you radio broadcast-grade audio are the Blue Yeti Pro, RODE NT1A, and the Neumann TLM 103.
What type of microphone is best for radio broadcasts?
In radio broadcasts, high-resolution sound without any form of distortion is required. Radio broadcasters often use condensers as they offer richness and warmth that allow any listener to hear all the details when the hosts are talking. Some of the best mics for radio use include the Shure SM7B, RODE NT1A, and the Audio-Technica AT2020USB+.
Final Note
Finding the best interview microphone can be daunting. Fortunately, we’ve rounded up the best interview microphone options for you. Whether you’re producing professional interviews or starting in this field, any of these is a suitable choice.
Editor’s Choice
Sennheiser MKH 416
The Sennheiser MKH 416 is called the industry standard in film and television work for a reason. With a super-cardioid polar pattern that performs excellently at rejecting background noise, it’s the top choice for anyone working with film and audio.
It’s designed to capture the human voice that is rich and clear without picking up on pesky plosives or pops, which is part of what makes it so popular with filmmakers and interviewers.
If you need a microphone that can record your interviewee with detail without looking disruptive on cam, the shotgun microphone, MKH 416 is what you need. And while this shotgun microphone can be a pretty pricey choice, one session with this microphone will prove exactly why it’s such a winner.
