The Best Podcast Mic
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Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Podcast Microphones
If you’re reading this article, you’re probably starting your own podcast, or already have one of your own. Or maybe, you’re just curious about how podcast audio quality can sound so good. Well, the answer that you’re looking for is in this article.
Podcasts have become a fixture in people’s daily lives – people listen to them during their commutes, workouts, chores, work, and the like. Numerous podcasts exist and they cover almost every topic under the sun, and if there’s a subject that you’re into but there isn’t a podcast for it yet, you may just be tempted to begin one.
Podcasting is easily accessible, which is why almost anyone and everyone can start one. Although, even with the ease of beginning one and with your boundless ideas on what your podcast series could dive into, there’s one thing that isn’t easy about it, and it’s looking for the greatest podcasting microphone in between the vast sea of choices.
Let’s be honest here, there is no single “best podcast microphone” for everyone as each person’s (or podcast’s) needs vary from one another, after all. Don’t lose your hope yet, though. While the one ultimate podcast microphone doesn’t exactly exist, there are several standouts for you to choose from and find the one that suits you best.
We’ve put together a list of the best podcasting microphones available today. Whether you’re starting out or improving your gear, this guide to the best podcast microphones will have something that will suit your needs.
In a Hurry? This is the Best Microphone for Podcasting
Shure SM7B
If you’re looking for the best podcasting microphone, search no further for the Shure SM7B has arrived. This microphone is specifically built for vocal recording and delivers superior sound quality. It’s one of the most popular and recognizable podcasting microphones around with the way it handles the human voice.
Based on Shure’s SM7 microphone, the modern SM7B allows vocals to pop with a well-rounded sound. The SM7B is definitely the gold standard microphone for podcasters.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for the Best Podcast Microphones
THE BEST OVERALL
Shure SM7B
A favorite among the podcast and video community, the Shure SM7B is a microphone that is highly capable of making your voice sound professional. Often…
BEST USB
Shure MV7
There’s no stopping Shure when it comes to making high-quality microphones. Aside from the incredible SM7B, the Shure MV7 is also quickly gaining fans among…
BEST XLR
Røde Procaster
If a high-end, broadcast-quality sound is what you’re looking for in a microphone for podcasting, you may want to consider the Rode Procaster. Specifically designed…
MOST VERSATILE
Blue Yeti Pro
The Blue Yeti Pro is perhaps the most popular USB microphone around. This microphone’s condenser capsules offer great audio quality and its multiple…
BEST SHOTGUN
Sennheiser MKE 600
A shotgun microphone such as the Sennheiser MKE 600 is great for recording groups of people and reduces the need of multiple microphones for each speaker…
BEST PROFESSIONAL
Rode NT1-A
The Rode NT1-A is a microphone that’s popular for voice recording, highly recommended by voice-over artists and studio engineers alike. If you’ve decided to level up…
BEST PREMIUM
Neumann U87 AI
If you’re looking for the best podcasting mic that comes with an excellent lineage, the Neumann U87 AI may be the perfect fit for you. A successor to Neumann’s…
BEST WITH CONTROLS
Samson G-Track Pro
Convenience is one quality that the best podcasting microphones in the market should have. One excellent mic that’s both powerful and convenient is the Samson…
MOST AFFORDABLE
Audio-Technica AT2035
Not every microphone for podcasting comes attached with a high price. A powerhouse microphone for podcasting that won’t make a huge dent in your…
BEST FOR BEGINNERS
Blue Snowball iCE
If you’re just beginning to dip your toes in podcasting, you may be wary of buying a pricey microphone with all the tech and then find that it doesn’t mesh well with you…
What Kind of Microphone is Best for Podcasts?
There isn’t one end-all-be-all answer as to which is the best microphone for podcasting but being able to differentiate them will easily aid you in figuring out the right mic for your needs.
USB Microphone
Microphones that are powered by a USB connection have become extremely popular recently due to the huge rise in online content creation. USB-powered microphones operate on a plug-and-play system, meaning all you need to do is to connect the mic to your device with a USB port and you’re good to go.
XLR Microphone
Unlike USB cable microphones, XLR mics require an audio interface or mixer to connect to your device. While the setup may be slightly complicated, a microphone with an XLR connection offers a lot of flexibility and versatility. Widely used in professional recording studios, XLR cable mics and audio interfaces allow additional audio routing and processing to the recording setup.
Shotgun Microphone
Mostly used in recording sounds on set for film or TV, shotgun microphones can also be used for podcasting, especially if you’re recording on the go. They can also be used in spaces where there may be a lot of ambient noise.
Shotgun mics usually work well at capturing discussions and snippets from multiple people as they can be highly directional and at the same time, reduce noise coming from the sides. You only need to point the mic in the direction of the speaker and capture nice audio.
Are USB Microphones Good for Podcasts?
In recent years, the quality of USB mics has come a long way, thanks to the demand for online content creation. USB microphones provide the easiest and most convenient setup, making them ideal for podcasting. If you don’t have any audio interface or find them too expensive, USB mics are simpler to set up.
A USB mic directly connects to the computer and often offers direct connectivity to mobile devices as well. You don’t need any additional equipment; just plug them into your device, start up your audio software, and you’re good to go.
Is a Dynamic or Condenser Mic Better for Podcasting?
There are two main types of microphones, and selecting the one to use for your podcast can make or break the sound quality. It’s important to know whether to get a dynamic mic or a condenser mic for your show.
Most podcasters regularly use condenser microphones. A condenser mic provides a rich sound and records sound in a detailed and accurate way. However, since condenser mics are highly sensitive, they tend to pick up background noise. This means that you need a quiet recording area or a sound-proofed room to be able to capture the high audio quality that condenser mics offer.
On the other hand, dynamic microphones are used to record loud sounds and a narrower range of frequencies. They’re less sensitive than condensers, meaning that the background noise pick-up is minimal. However, when using dynamic mics, you may lose a bit of richness in your voice tone.
When it comes to choosing between the two, it all comes down to where you record and how you want your sound to be delivered. If you have a recording room that’s quiet, want to have a richness in your voice, and small audio details are vital to you, then consider investing in a condenser microphone. If you don’t have a dedicated recording environment but you’re okay with being right up close to the mic and don’t mind losing a tinge of richness in your voice, then a dynamic microphone is what you should go for.
How Do I Choose a Microphone for My Podcast?
In choosing a microphone for your podcast, there are several things that you have to consider: connectivity, sensitivity, recording space, and the number of speakers to record. Let’s discuss each aspect in detail.
When it comes to connectivity, you have two options: USB and XLR. We’ve discussed them above but it bears repeating. A microphone with USB connectivity is pretty much plug-and-play, all you’ll need to do is to hook it up to your device and select the microphone in the input panel of your recording software. Meanwhile, an XLR mic requires additional hardware, either an audio interface or a mixer. A mixer essentially acts as an external sound card, lowering the noise floor and giving your recording a professional-quality sound.
As for the sensitivity of the microphone, it’s a toss-up between dynamic mics and condenser mics. In general, a dynamic microphone is less sensitive than a condenser and is capable of recording at higher volumes. Dynamic microphones produce a “radio” sound while condensers capture more nuances in the voice, leading to a more natural sound.
Do remember that we’ve mentioned that the trade-off for a condenser’s more detailed sound is that it may pick up unwanted background noise? This is why your recording space is an important matter to consider as well. You can buy a top-of-the-line microphone but if the condition of your recording room isn’t that favorable, it just won’t work and you’ll end up with terrible audio. It’s crucial to ensure that your recording space is full of soft surfaces as they can dampen sound reflections.
Last but not the least, you should also consider the number of speakers that your podcast will have. To do so, it would be helpful to understand a microphone’s polar pattern or pickup pattern. These patterns show the directions in which a microphone picks up sound. If you’re a solo podcaster, you should stick to a microphone with a cardioid pickup pattern as it records audio directly in front of the mic.
If your podcast involves two speakers in front and in the back, a bi-directional pattern might be ideal for you. There are also microphones that allow you to effortlessly switch between several polar patterns.
Taking these factors into consideration will help you determine which microphone will work best for your podcast.
Top 10 Best Podcasting Microphones
| Image | Product | Details | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shure SM7B | • Excellent audio quality • Robust and durable • Industry-standard microphone |  |
| Shure MV7 | • Has USB and XLR connectivity • LED-lit touch panel • Rich and clear audio | |
| Rode Procaster | • Internal pop-filter and built-in shock mount • All-metal construction • Dynamic microphone | |
| Blue Yeti Pro | • Popular USB microphone • Zero-latency monitoring • Equipped with controls | |
| Sennheiser MKE 600 | • Shotgun condenser microphone • Smooth and natural sound • Switchable low-cut filter | |
| Rode NT1-A | • Professional-quality audio • Cardioid polar pattern • Extended dynamic range | |
| Neumann U87 AI | • Great studio microphone • Premium quality • Rich and vibrant sound | |
| Samson G-Track Pro | • Zero-latency monitoring • Equipped with several controls • Affordable | |
| Audio-Technica AT2035 | • Affordable price • Cardioid pattern • Warm and vintage sound | |
| Blue Snowball iCE | • Best for beginners • Easy to use • Budget-friendly | |
Let’s Go Over Each Microphone
Best Overall: Shure SM7B
A favorite among the podcast and video community, the Shure SM7B is a microphone that is highly capable of making your voice sound professional. Often dubbed as the gold standard of podcasting microphones, the SM7B provides a superb sound that is polished and purified. It places an emphasis on the mid-range levels, giving it a massive presence boost and a bass roll-off for an authentic feel.
The SM7B also has a wide-range, flat frequency response that offers clean and crisp reproduction of the human voice. A standout among dynamic microphones with XLR connections, the SM7B comes with an internal pop-filter and air suspension shock mount technology to reduce plosives, mechanical noise, and breath.
Moreover, it also has electromagnetic shielding that eliminates noise from nearby electronics. With all these features, it’s not a wonder that the Shure SM7B is crowned as the king among voice recording microphones.
Pros and Cons of the Shure SM7B
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Outstanding sound quality ✔ Solid and durable build ✔ Internal pop filter and shock mount to reduce noise and plosives | ✘ Expensive ✘ Has no mic stand |
Best USB Microphone: Shure MV7
There’s no stopping Shure when it comes to making high-quality microphones. Aside from the incredible SM7B, the Shure MV7 is also quickly gaining fans among podcasters due to its flexibility. As the younger sibling of the SM7B, the MV7 comes with a direct-to-computer USB cable, making it convenient to use for amateurs and professionals alike. Not only does it have a USB cable, but this mic also functions with XLR connectivity and can do so simultaneously.
As a podcasting microphone, the Shure MV7 produces great audio quality that’s rich, bright, smooth, and clearly defined. Paired up with the ShurePlus MOTIVE app, users can further adjust the audio and add sparkle and depth. Aside from that, the MV7 also has an LED-lit touch panel that houses the gain level control, mute option, and levels monitor.
Pros and Cons of the Shure MV7
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Has both USB and XLR connections ✔ Delivers great vocal quality ✔ High-end build | ✘ Pricey ✘ Does not include a mic stand in the package |
Best XLR Podcast Microphone: Rode Procaster
If a high-end, broadcast-quality sound is what you’re looking for in a microphone for podcasting, you may want to consider the Rode Procaster. Specifically designed for podcasting, the Procaster is a high-output dynamic microphone, able to deliver a clear and focused sound. Its cardioid polar pattern makes it ideal for solo recording.
Equipped with an XLR connectivity, the Procaster has a switchable high-pass filter that rejects unwanted noise. The Procaster also has an internal pop filter, reducing disruptive plosives. Additionally, this mic has a solid build and pleasing heft to it, all thanks to its full metal construction. With a robust body and a great sound, the Procaster can deliver pleasant results in any application that involves speech.
Pros and Cons of the Rode Procaster
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Has a built-in pop filter and internal shock mount ✔ Durable and sturdy ✔ Provides broadcast-quality sound | ✘ Expensive ✘ Needs an audio interface |
Most Versatile: Blue Yeti Pro
The Blue Yeti Pro is perhaps the most popular USB microphone around. This microphone’s condenser capsules offer great audio quality and its multiple pickup patterns make it a highly attractive microphone for anyone, whether an amateur or a professional. The Blue Yeti USB microphone has 4 various polar pattern modes, namely cardioid, stereo, Omni, and bi-directional, allowing you to change your recordings as needed.
The Blue Yeti Pro is also armed with a headphone jack for latency-free monitoring, volume control, and microphone gain control. Aside from those features, the Yeti Pro is also one of the best podcasting microphones that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Simple, sounds great, easy to use, reasonably priced, and highly versatile, these are exactly what makes the Blue Yeti Pro an all-in-one package.
Pros and Cons of the Blue Yeti Pro
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ USB condenser microphone ✔ Built-in headphone output for zero-latency monitoring ✔ Comes with various controls | ✘ May need a stand mount |
Best Shotgun Podcast Microphone: Sennheiser MKE 600
A shotgun microphone such as the Sennheiser MKE 600 is great for recording groups of people and reduces the need for multiple microphones for each speaker. This microphone is lauded as one of the best shotgun mics in the industry. With a hyper-cardioid polar pattern, the MKE 600 is highly directional and rejects any unwanted ambient noise that often comes with condenser mics. It provides a sound that’s smooth and natural, making it perfect for recording most sound sources.
Moreover, the MKE 600 can run on AAA batteries or on phantom power, allowing it to be particularly in a studio and out in the field. For a shotgun mic, it’s also compact and very easy to carry. The MKE 600 is a balanced shotgun condenser with a professional-level sound and touted with a price that’s very friendly for budding podcasters, amateur filmmakers, and the like.
Pros and Cons of the Sennheiser MKE 600
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Includes a windscreen and a shock mount ✔ Compact and portable ✔ Features a switchable low-cut filter | ✘ Expensive |
Best Professional Quality Podcast Mic: Rode NT1-A
The Rode NT1-A is a microphone that’s popular for voice recording, highly recommended by voice-over artists and studio engineers alike. If you’ve decided to level up your podcasting gear, the NT1-A is a good one to consider for a number of reasons.
This microphone delivers a crisp sound with incredible clarity, flattering any type of audio source. The NT1-A also has a very low noise floor and has a cardioid polar pattern, easily blocking off-axis sounds.
Included in the package of this mic is a pop filter, highly useful for reducing ambient sounds. It also comes with its own dust cover, cable, and shock mount, allowing you to effortlessly set up your own home studio. While this mic may be pricey, its warm sound, extended dynamic range, clarity, and high-quality build ensures that you’ll be able to make use of it for a long time.
Pros and Cons of the Rode NT1-A
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Excellent sound quality ✔ Wide dynamic range ✔ Low self-noise | ✘ Pricey ✘ No included tripod desk stand |
Best Premium: Neumann U87 AI
If you’re looking for the best podcasting mic that comes with an excellent lineage, the Neumann U87 AI may be the perfect fit for you. A successor to Neumann’s classic U87, the U87 AI is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone that provides a high-end, open, and airy sound. This incredible sound quality is what makes the U87 AI one of the best in the industry.
Traditionally, the U87 AI is used in music spaces, but its premium quality provides great flexibility with anyone’s mic technique, making it a good microphone for both beginners and pros. The U87 AI has a balanced audio response and a sensitivity that allows users to get up close and personal with the sound source.
As a microphone for podcasting, the U87 AI creates a recording that’s rich, vibrant, and lush. Hailed as one of the best microphones around, it’s certainly an investment that’ll have you feeling pleased for decades to come.
Additionally, vocals on this microphone will sound clean and natural and will be able to cut through the sound of most instruments. If you’re looking for the best microphones for YouTube videos, this could be it.
Pros and Cons Neumann U87 AI
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Best microphone for studio use ✔ Premium quality ✔ Comes with a pop filter | ✘ Expensive |
Best Mic With Controls: Samson G-Track Pro
Convenience is one quality that the best podcasting microphones in the market should have. One excellent mic that’s both powerful and convenient is the Samson G-Track Pro. Unlike other podcast mics out there, the G-Track Pro has its own audio interface built into it. With this feature, you won’t need any kind of preamp and can directly record your audio.
The G-Track Pro is equipped with several controls, offering users options during recording. It comes with three switchable polar patterns, a master mute button, mono/2-track recording options, mic volume control, and an instrument volume knob. Additionally, the G-Track Pro has a 3.5mm jack that provides direct zero-latency headphone volume monitoring. All these convenient features packed into one body make the Samson G-Track Pro one of the best podcasting microphones to have.
Pros and Cons of the Samson G-Track Pro
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Zero-latency monitoring ✔ Comes with numerous controls ✔ Affordable | ✘ Bulky and heavy |
Most Affordable: Audio-Technica AT2035
Not every microphone for podcasting comes attached with a high price. A powerhouse microphone for podcasting that won’t make a huge dent in your bank account is the Audio-Technica AT2035. This microphone has a cardioid pattern with a side-address design that easily captures the voice while avoiding sounds such as keyboard typing, clicking, and such. It also has a high sensitivity that captures the nuances of the human voice.
The AT2035 produces a natural sound, slightly leaning towards warm and vintage with a crisp and detailed high-end. It’s a microphone that comes with much better specs than the podcast mics in the same price range. This mic may not be the best option for beginners, however, if you want a pro-sounding podcast without burning a hole in your pocket, then this mic is definitely for you.
Pros and Cons of the Audio-Technica AT2035
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Rich recording quality ✔ Affordable for its range ✔ Durable build | ✘ Single pickup pattern |
Best Podcast Microphone for Beginners: Blue Snowball iCE
If you’re just beginning to dip your toes in podcasting, you may be wary of buying a pricey microphone with all the tech and then find that it doesn’t mesh well with you, you may end up with a buyer’s remorse. It could also be that you’re unsure of dropping a huge amount just to kick off your career. Worry not for there is still a mic that you can count on. One of the best podcasting microphones for beginners is the Blue Snowball iCE.
The Snowball iCE has become a new favorite in the industry thanks to its ease of use and its simple plug-and-play operation. It syncs with most, if not all desktop programs, allowing you to start recording whenever you want. This mic produces a clean and natural sound, making it a winner for anyone who wants a great sound at a great price. Additionally, the Snowball iCE also has a very unique and fun shape, making it an eye-catching addition to any setup.
Pros and Cons of the Blue Snowball iCE
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Affordable ✔ Great for beginners ✔ User-friendly | ✘ Can be sensitive to background noise |
Best Podcast Microphones Comparison
| Image | Model Name | Sound Quality | Design | Features | Price | Total Rating | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shure SM7B | 9.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 9 | 9 | |
| Shure MV7 | 9.5 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | |
| Røde Procaster | 9.5 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | |
| Blue Yeti Pro | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | |
| Sennheiser MKE 600 | 9.5 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8.7 | |
| Røde NT1A | 9 | 8 | 9 | 7.5 | 8.4 | |
| Neumann U87 AI | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7.5 | 8.1 | |
| Samson G-Track Pro | 8 | 7.5 | 9 | 9 | 8.1 | |
| Audio-Technica AT2035 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| Blue Snowball iCE | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
Final Note
Starting a podcast doesn’t actually require an enormous investment. However, it helps a lot to have a great microphone. We hope that our guide to the best podcasting microphones can help you narrow down your choices in a crowded field of electronics. Take your time to consider all the available options so that you’ll yield the best mic for your podcast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Yeti Microphones good for podcasting?
Blue microphones have been a top recommendation in the industry for years. Their microphones come at a reasonable price point with incredible audio quality, making them great to use in podcasts. In our guide, we’ve included the Blue Yeti mic that allows you to change your sound recording pattern. You can record solo, do two-person recording, or even do group recordings without having to give each participant their own microphone.
Aside from the Yeti, we also recommend the Snowball iCE, which is a great choice for most newbies in audio recording. Aside from its convenient and uncomplicated operation, it also comes with an attractive price tag.
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