The Best USB Mic for Podcasting
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Your Ultimate Guide to the Best USB Mic for Podcasting
Aside from having a well-written script and interesting topics, the key to having a successful podcast is superb audio quality. After all, auditory is the main medium of a podcast and you wouldn’t want your listeners to be turned off by poor sound quality or worse, not hear you at all thanks to a faulty or noisy environment.
Enter microphones, more specifically, USB microphones. Why USB mics? Well, these types of microphones are usually the choice of weapon when it comes to podcasting because of the many benefits they bring such as ease of budget, versatility, and of course, ease of setup.
Now, we know what you’re thinking, “UBS mics? Don’t they have poor audio quality?”. Well, we’re here to prove you wrong as we have personally sourced and tried out these best-sounding USB mics for podcasting to cut the research work on your end! With the wide array of UBS mics in this list, you’re sure to find the best USB mic for you here.
Which USB Mic is Best?
Editor's Choice  Best Overall |  Most Versatile |  Best Budget |
Shure MV7 USB/XLR MicThe Shure MV7 offers the best of both worlds its USB/XLR hybrid connectivity option. Perfect for both beginners and advanced podcasters who are looking for a flexible and great-performing podcasting mic. | Apogee HypeMicThe Apogee HypeMic is one versatile mic that can be used for various voice applications such as podcasting, voice recording, spoken word, and more. This condenser mic also includes multiple accessories and tools that make it an ideal mic for a solo podcaster. | Samson MeteorThe Samson Meteor USB microphone combines affordability, durability, and performance. Ideal for those who want a no-fuss budget mic that can do the job. |
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Let’s Go Over Each Top USB Mic for Podcasting
#1. Shure MV7 USB/XLR
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The Shure MV7 USB/XLR Mic stands out as the best overall choice for podcasting, merging professional quality with user-friendly features. Inspired by the legendary Shure SM7B, this mic offers a hybrid connectivity option, allowing users to choose between USB and XLR connections.
In short, you get two mics for the price of a single mic! Talk about a bargain and convenience. Plus this type of flexibility makes it suitable for both beginners and advanced podcasters.
The Shure MV7 also features intuitive touch panel controls for adjusting gain, monitoring volume, headphone mix, headphone jack, and mute button, ensuring a seamless recording experience. That’s one well-built mic that has everything you need just from looking at the body alone.
Such features like a headphone jack and headphone mix are useful for when you need to do live monitoring of how you sound during a recording session. The mute button is convenient for when you need to suddenly remove sound from a mic in the middle of a session as well. These also make the Shure MV7 the best mic for podcasting but we’re not ending there!
Its dynamic design captures rich and natural vocal tones, minimizing noise and room reverb thanks to its polar pattern that’s cardioid. Aside from its polar pattern contributing to the sound performance of this dynamic mic, we of course have to acknowledge the XLR output.
This is one of the USB microphones that also function as an XLR, and we all know that XLR mics are hailed as one of the best-sounding microphones out there thanks to the technology that they use. With that said, you’re sure that the MV7 is designed to give you the best sound performance possible for your podcast.
Speaking of design, the Shure MV7 thoughtfully allows you to attach a boom arm or mic stand, depending on your preference. Having a boom arm is ideal for those who may need more desk space while a mic stand is a good option for those who are more comfortable with being able to grasp the mic with their hand.
Shure MV7 also has a dedicated app called the ShurePlus MOTIV. This app further enhances the recording process, providing auto-level mode, EQ, and compression settings tailored for different environments and voice tones.
These features alone make this mic great for podcasting and recording music! Just in case you’re also a recording engineer, then this mic is for sure a great purchase for you.
Whether recording in a professional studio or a home setup, the Shure MV7 mic ensures consistent and high-quality sound, making it a versatile choice for various recording applications. This mic performs at a superb recording level and can make any podcast session sound good.
Pros and Cons of the Shure MV7 USB/XLR
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Both an XLR and USB mic ✔️ Can be setup using a mic stand and boom arm ✔️ Has convenient built-in features such as a headphone jack, muting button, volume monitoring ✔️ Polar pattern is cardioid optimized for room recording ✔️ Superb USB audio performance | ✖️ Windscreen may be loose |
#2. Apogee HypeMic
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The Apogee HypeMic is renowned for its versatility, making it an excellent choice for podcasters who require flexibility in their recording equipment. This microphone features built-in analog compression, which adds a polished, professional sound to any recording.
The compression settings are adjustable, allowing users to tailor the sound to their specific needs, whether for podcasts, voice-overs, or music recordings.
Additionally, the HypeMic offers superior sound with its high-resolution 24-bit/96kHz analog-to-digital conversion, capturing every nuance of the voice. As with other condenser mics, you’re assured that the HypeMic can also be well-suited for recording music, instruments, and of course, vocals.
Another audio feature that this condenser mic offers is its Analog Compression technology. With this tech, the Apogee mic can produce clear and rich audio with minimal noise and distortion possible. How’s that for professional-grade audio for your podcast episodes?
Now let’s move on to “external” mic features. Aside from having a direct USB connection, this mic also has a built-in headphone jack where you can directly plug in your headphones for real-time monitoring.
Paired with the Blend button feature and level control, this USB mic certainly allows you to do a lot of things than simply hit record.
It also includes a pop filter, a tripod as a mic stand, and a carrying case, ensuring it is ready for use straight out of the box. After all, convenience is one of the main selling points of USB mics.
The ease of use and high-quality sound make the Apogee HypeMic a favorite among podcasters and other content creators looking for reliable and versatile recording equipment. In our book, it’s the second-best USB microphone to have!
Pros and Cons of the Apogee HypeMic
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Has a built-in preamp and compressor feature with four different modes ✔️ Has a built-in headphone jack for real-time monitoring ✔️ Features a high-pass filter ✔️ Polar pattern is cardioid ✔️ Has a tripod mic stand and carrying case | ✖️ No USB audio interface ✖️ Can be quite expensive ✖️ Not ideal to mount using a boom arm |
#3. Samson Meteor
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The Samson Meteor is an excellent budget-friendly option for podcasters seeking quality without breaking the bank. This microphone features a large 25mm diaphragm, which helps capture a warm and detailed sound, typically found in more expensive models.
With a polar pattern that’s cardioid, this USB mic is able to focus on the sound source while minimizing noise, ensuring clear and professional-sounding recordings. Considering condenser mics are more sensitive than dynamic mics, this condenser USB microphone does a great job at still lowering noise levels.
Designed with convenience in mind, the Samson Meteor USB microphone has a fold-back leg design for optimal positioning and portability. It also includes a headphone jack with zero-latency monitoring and a mute switch, providing users with complete control over their recordings.
The all-metal body gives it a durable feel, making it a reliable choice for both home and on-the-go recordings. The combination of affordability and quality makes the Samson Meteor a standout option for podcasters on a budget.
Pros and Cons of the Samson Meteor
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Affordable ✔️ Durable and sturdy ✔️ Mic itself already comes with a stand ✔️ USB-C connectivity ✔️ Has a headphone jack | ✖️ Lacks advanced features of premium USB mic models |
#4. Blue Yeti Pro
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The Blue Yeti Pro stands out as a high-end USB microphone designed to cater to both casual users and professional content creators. Combining impressive audio quality with versatile features, this mic is a valuable tool for podcasting, streaming, and other recording applications.
This mic offers a range of connectivity options with both USB and XLR outputs, providing flexibility depending on your setup. This dual functionality allows users to connect directly to a computer via USB for a straightforward, plug-and-play experience, or to an audio interface via XLR for more advanced recording environments.
The mic features a tri-capsule array with multiple polar patterns—cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo—enabling users to adapt the mic’s performance to various recording scenarios.
Whether you’re recording solo podcasts, interviews, or multi-person discussions, the Blue Yeti Pro mic can be configured to suit your needs.
The microphone’s build quality is robust, with a metal construction that ensures durability and a sleek, professional appearance. The Yeti Pro also includes a built-in headphone jack with zero-latency monitoring, allowing users to hear their audio in real-time without delays.
Additionally, onboard controls for gain, pattern selection, and mute provide precise control over your recordings. The Blue Yeti Pro’s ability to deliver high-resolution audio with its 24-bit/192kHz resolution makes it an excellent choice for those seeking high-fidelity sound.
Pros and Cons of the Blue Yeti Pro
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Has a gain control button ✔️ Has four polar patterns ✔️ Zero-latency monitoring with headphone jack ✔️ USB-C output ✔️ Desktop stand included | ✖️ Can be pricey |
#5. Audio-Technica AT2040USB
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The Audio-Technica AT2040USB is a robust choice for podcasters seeking high-quality sound and reliability.
Known for its exceptional build and audio performance, this mic features a dynamic design with a hypercardioid polar pattern, which helps to isolate the voice from noise. This ensures clear and focused recordings, ideal for podcasting and broadcasting.
The AT2040USB offers USB connectivity, making it easy to use with any computer or recording device without the need for additional equipment. Its rugged construction and integrated shock mount help reduce handling noise and vibrations, further enhancing the recording quality.
The microphone also includes a built-in headphone jack for real-time monitoring, giving users complete control over their audio output. The Audio-Technica AT2040USB is a reliable and high-performing option for any podcaster looking to elevate their sound quality.
Pros and Cons of the Audio-Technica AT2040USB
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ High-quality sound ✔️ USB connectivity ✔️ Built-in headphone jack ✔️ Durable construction | ✖️ Larger size compared to other USB mics ✖️ May require pop filter for plosive control |
#6. RØDE NT-USB
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The RØDE NT-USB is a versatile and high-quality mic perfect for podcasters who require professional-grade audio. This condenser microphone features a polar pattern that is cardioid, ensuring focused sound capture while minimizing noise.
Its wide frequency response and high SPL handling make it suitable for a variety of recording applications, from podcasting to musical performances.
The RODE NT-USB mic includes a pop filter, tripod desk stand, and a ring mount, providing everything needed for immediate use. It also features a zero-latency stereo headphone jack with volume control for easy monitoring, allowing users to monitor their recordings in real-time.
The direct mix control between mic input and source output adds to its versatility, making it easy to achieve the perfect balance during recording sessions. The combination of professional sound quality and user-friendly features makes the RODE NT-USB a top choice for podcasters and other content creators.
Pros and Cons of the RØDE NT-USB
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Directional recording ✔️ Has a stereo headphone jack for zero latency and accuracy ✔️ Comes with numerous accessories | ✖️ May require additional equipment to adjust gain control |
#7. Shure MV5
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The Shure MV5 is a compact and stylish mic that delivers high-quality sound, making it an excellent choice for podcasters who need a portable and reliable recording solution.
Despite its small size, the MV5 offers impressive audio performance with a cardioid polar pattern that captures clear and detailed sound while reducing noise. Its 24-bit/48kHz digital recording resolution ensures professional-grade audio quality.
Designed for convenience, the MV5 includes both USB and Lightning cables, making it compatible with a wide range of devices, including iOS devices. The integrated headphone jack allows for real-time monitoring, providing users with control over their recordings.
Its retro design and compact form factor make it a stylish and portable option, ideal for podcasters who need to record on the go without compromising on sound quality.
The Shure MV5’s blend of portability, quality, and style makes it a versatile addition to any podcaster’s toolkit.
Pros and Cons of the Shure MV5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Compact and portable ✔️ High-quality sound ✔️ Stylish design ✔️ Real-time monitoring is possible thanks to its headphone jack | ✖️ Limited controls ✖️ Smaller diaphragm |
#8. RØDE Podcaster
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The RØDE Podcaster is a dynamic USB microphone specifically designed for podcasting, offering professional sound quality and ease of use.
Its dynamic capsule and cardioid polar pattern ensure excellent sound isolation, capturing clear and natural vocal tones while lowering the noise. The internal pop filter helps reduce plosive sounds, resulting in smooth and professional recordings.
The Podcaster features a built-in headphone amplifier with zero-latency monitoring, allowing users to hear their recordings in real-time without any delay. Its robust and durable construction makes it a reliable choice for both studio and field recording.
The microphone’s plug-and-play functionality with USB connectivity ensures a hassle-free setup, making it accessible for beginners and professionals alike. The RØDE Podcaster’s focus on delivering high-quality sound and user-friendly features makes it a standout choice for dedicated podcasters.
Pros and Cons of the RØDE Podcaster
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ High-quality sound ✔️ Dynamic capsule ✔️ Has a built-in pop filter ✔️ Zero-latency monitoring | ✖️ Design is quite bulky ✖️ Heavier than some USB mics ✖️ Requires a stronger and sturdier stand due to weight |
#9. RØDE NT1 5th Gen
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The RØDE NT1 5th Gen is a highly regarded condenser microphone known for its exceptional sound quality and low self-noise. This mic features a cardioid polar pattern, capturing detailed and natural sound while rejecting unwanted noise.
Its extended frequency response and high SPL handling make it suitable for a variety of recording applications, from podcasting to vocal and instrument recordings.
The NT1 5th Gen offers both USB and XLR connectivity, providing flexibility for different recording setups. Its advanced shock mounting system minimizes handling noise and vibrations, ensuring pristine audio quality.
The microphone also includes a pop filter and a high-quality XLR cable, making it ready for use straight out of the box. The combination of professional-grade sound, versatile connectivity, and robust construction makes the RØDE NT1 5th Gen a top choice for podcasters seeking superior audio performance.
If all these sound good, well then we have more to share with you! When in the USB version, the NT1 5th Gen mic has a USB audio interface built into it. Through the USB audio interface, you can control the sound levels, tweak the floating technology, and even play with the recording patterns and dynamic range of this mic.
Gone are the days when clipping and distortion may be a problem, and say goodbye to the need to use multiple speakers when closely monitoring audio.
All these are strong reasons why we also listed the NT1 as the best USB mic for podcasting.
Pros and Cons of the RØDE NT1 5th Gen
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Has a USB audio interface built into its USB version ✔️ Has an advanced shock mounting system ✔️ Has high SPL handling ✔️ USB and XLR connectivity | ✖️ Higher price point ✖️ Requires additional equipment for XLR use |
#10. Sontronics Podcast Pro
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The Sontronics Podcast Pro is specifically designed for podcasting, delivering broadcast-quality sound with its dynamic capsule and tight supercardioid polar pattern. This design ensures excellent voice isolation, capturing clear and focused audio while minimizing unwanted sounds in the background.
The microphone’s tailored frequency response enhances vocal clarity, making it ideal for speech applications. The Podcast Pro features an integrated internal pop filter, reducing plosive sounds and ensuring smooth recordings.
Its robust and stylish construction adds to its appeal, making it a durable and aesthetically pleasing addition to any recording setup.
With its plug-and-play USB connectivity, the Sontronics Podcast Pro is easy to set up and use, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced podcasters. The focus on delivering high-quality, clear audio and ease of use makes the Sontronics Podcast Pro a reliable choice for podcasting professionals.
Pros and Cons of the Sontronics Podcast Pro
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Broadcast-quality sound ✔️ Dynamic capsule ✔️ Has a built-in pop filter ✔️ Durable and sturdy | ✖️ Larger size than most USB mics ✖️ Heavier than most USB mics |
What is the Best USB Mic for Podcasting?
The Shure MV7 USB/XLR stands out as the best USB mic for podcasting due to its combination of professional-grade sound quality, versatile connectivity, and user-friendly features. Unlike most USB mics, the MV7 offers both USB and XLR connections, providing flexibility for various recording setups and allowing for future upgrades. Its dynamic design captures rich and natural vocal tones while effectively minimizing noise, ensuring clear and professional recordings.
Additionally, the touch panel controls and ShurePlus MOTIV app enhance the user experience by allowing easy adjustments to gain, monitoring volume, and EQ settings. This blend of high-quality audio performance, adaptability, and ease of use makes the Shure MV7 a superior choice compared to other USB mics on the market.
Are USB Microphones Good for Podcasting?
Yes, USB microphones are excellent for podcasting. They offer several advantages, making them a popular choice for both beginners and seasoned podcasters. USB mics are known for their plug-and-play functionality, which means they can be easily connected to a computer without the need for additional audio interfaces or complex setups. This ease of use is particularly beneficial for those new to podcasting or those who prefer a straightforward recording process.
Additionally, most USB mics, like the Shure MV7, provide high-quality sound that rivals more complex and expensive setups. They often come with built-in features such as zero-latency monitoring, adjustable gain controls, and integrated pop filters, which enhance the recording experience. Their portability and affordability also make USB mics a practical choice for podcasters who need to record in different locations or on a budget.
Overall, USB mics are a reliable and effective option for achieving professional-sounding podcasts with minimal hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What mic do most podcasters use?
Most podcasters commonly use the Shure SM7B microphone due to its professional-grade sound, durability, and versatility. Although it requires an audio interface and additional equipment, the SM7B’s dynamic range and ability to capture rich, clear vocals make it a favorite among serious podcasters.
Another popular choice is the Blue Yeti, especially among beginners and those looking for a high-quality USB microphone. The Blue Yeti offers versatility with multiple polar patterns, ease of use with its plug-and-play functionality, and affordability, making it accessible to a wide range of podcasters.
What is the downside of a USB mic?
The downside of a USB mic lies primarily in its limitations compared to more advanced recording setups. Firstly, USB mics often lack the flexibility and scalability of XLR microphones, which can be connected to high-quality audio interfaces and mixers for enhanced control and sound customization. This means USB mics may not offer the same level of audio quality, especially in professional studio environments.
Secondly, USB microphones are typically single-purpose devices, meaning you can’t upgrade individual components (like preamps or converters) as you can with an XLR setup. This can be a drawback for podcasters looking to expand or upgrade their recording equipment over time. Additionally, USB mics can be susceptible to electronic interference from the computer they are connected to, which can introduce noise into the recordings.
Finally, while many USB mics are high quality, they might not provide the same depth and warmth as higher-end XLR microphones, making them less suitable for advanced audio applications or highly discerning users.
What microphone does Joe Rogan use on his podcast?
Joe Rogan uses the Shure SM7B mic for his podcast, “The Joe Rogan Experience.” The Shure SM7B is a dynamic microphone known for its rich, detailed sound and ability to minimize noise, making it a popular choice for professional podcasters and broadcasters. Rogan’s choice of this mic contributes to the high-quality audio of his podcast and aligns with the studio’s overall professional recording setup.
What polar pattern should I use for my podcasting mic?
When it comes to choosing polar patterns for your mic, you will need to think about the recording application and room you plan on recording in.
For podcasting, it’s ideal for you to use a cardioid pattern. This pattern focuses on capturing sound from directly in front of the mic while minimizing background noise from the sides and rear, ensuring clear and focused audio for your podcast.
However, there are also other polar patterns to choose from that you can use for podcasting applications. These polar patterns can be bidirectional (figure-8), omnidirectional, or stereo. A bidirectional pattern picks up sound from both the front and rear, rejecting noise from the sides. It is useful for two-person interviews where both speakers sit opposite each other, capturing their voices clearly.
Meanwhile, an omnidirectional pattern captures the sound equally from all directions. If your podcasting format is a roundtable, then out of all the other polar patterns, this is your best bet. This pattern is suitable for discussions with multiple participants, ensuring all voices are picked up evenly, but it may capture more background noise.
Lastly, a stereo pattern uses two channels to create a natural, immersive sound. While less common for standard podcasting setups, it is good for recording ambiance or when a wider soundstage is desired.
With that said, there are various polar patterns to choose from. You have to consider what your podcasting format will be and where you plan on recording before you settle down on which pattern to use. Additionally, you can also go for mics that offer switchable polar patterns. Having a mic that can switch polar patterns is ideal if you plan on using this in different recording applications. Though mics with switchable polar patterns are often quite expensive.
Are dynamic mics good for podcasting?
Yes, a dynamic mic is good for podcasting. These mics are durable, handle high sound pressure levels well, and are excellent at rejecting noise from the background, making them ideal for recording clear vocals in less-than-ideal acoustic environments.
Final Note
Having a dedicated mic for podcasting is one of the best tips we can give you that can make all the difference to the overall quality of your podcast. With any of these USB microphones, you’re sure to enhance the sound of your podcasts so that listeners can not only hear you more clearly but also enjoy listening to the entire thing.
If in case you want to expand your choices outside of USB microphones, then you can check out our top picks for the best podcast mic, which is a mix of various mic types.
Editor’s Choice
Shure MV7 USB/XLR
The Shure MV7 USB/XLR Mic combines professional-grade sound quality with user-friendly features, making it the best overall choice for podcasters. Inspired by the legendary SM7B, it offers hybrid USB and XLR connectivity, catering to both beginners and experienced users.
Its dynamic design captures rich vocal tones while minimizing noise, enhanced by touch panel controls and the ShurePlus MOTIV app for easy adjustments. The MV7 ensures consistent, high-quality sound in various recording environments, making it a versatile and reliable option for podcasting and beyond.
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