Best podcast microphone: Four recommended models for podcasters
Would you like to enter the world of podcasts and are you looking for the best microphone? We give you tips on what to look out for when buying and which models are particularly suitable for podcasts.
By Sebastian Weber
Rode NT: Best Podcast Microphone with USB Connection
A recommended entry-level model is the Rode NT.
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For an easy start into the podcast world, we recommend the cardioid condenser microphone Rode NT. It is easy to connect to your computer via the USB port. The scope of delivery includes a table tripod and a pop filter, which prevents unwanted background noise when speaking.
The Rode podcaster microphone also has a connection for headphones. You can use this to hear yourself during the recording to perfectly adjust the sound.
Shure MV7: Best Podcast Mic With XLR Connector
The Shure microphone has an XLR and a mini USB connector.
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At the podcast microphone The Shure MV7 is a dynamic microphone, so it’s great for recording with a single speaker. It also delivers the best sound quality via the XLR connection. To connect the microphone to your PC via XLR, you need an audio interface. A good entry-level model is this, for example ELGATO Wave XLR.
Plus point: This microphone also has a mini-USB connection, so it can be used flexibly. And just like the Rode model, this mic has a headphone jack so you can hear yourself while recording.
HyperX QuadCast S: Best Multi-Speaker Podcast Mic
The HyperX model is suitable for podcast recordings with multiple speakers.
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If you are looking for a microphone that is suitable for several speakers, you should go to the model HyperX QuadCast S grab. It supports different directional characteristics and can be used flexibly. In addition, you can easily connect it to your PC via the USB port, it has a stand – and it offers stylish RGB lighting that you can personalize.
Shure MV88+: Best Podcast Mic for iPhone & Android
The Shure MV88+ is ideal for podcast recordings with a smartphone.
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You can use the previously recommended podcast microphones with your computer. If you need a model that works with both your PC and your smartphone, this is the device Shure MV88+ a good choice.
This podcast microphone has a tripod with a phone holder, as well as the necessary cables with USB-C and Lightning connectors for connection to an Android smartphone or an iPhone. The recording quality is clear and thanks to the built-in windscreen you can also record outdoors.
Design, connection and orientation: microphone basics
Microphones with USB and XLR connectors are the most common. The USB models connect easily to almost any computer and are the best choice for beginners. However, these microphones are usually only suitable for podcast recordings with one person.
If you’re looking for a microphone that you can use to record podcasts with two or more people, XLR models are a better choice. They deliver better sound quality than USB mics. However, you need an audio interface to connect it to the computer. You can usually connect several microphones to this interface.
The functionality of the microphone is also important. Dynamic microphones record the sound head-on, which means that ambient noise is less important. Condenser microphones are less well shielded. This means that interference noise is recorded more frequently, but the sound quality is generally better.
Finally, when choosing the right podcast microphone, there is the directional characteristic factor to consider. It indicates the direction from which a microphone picks up speech, noise and sound. A microphone with a cardioid characteristic picks up sound almost exclusively from the front, i.e. from one direction – practical if you are doing your podcast solo. A figure-eight mic is sensitive to sound coming from two directions: front and rear. Such a microphone works well for two-person podcasts.
summary
- There are podcast microphones with a USB connection and with an XLR connection.
- USB models are easy to use, while models with XLR connectors require an audio interface.
- On the other hand, XLR models deliver better sound quality.
- Dynamic microphones are better suited for noisy environments because they record less interference and background noise.
- Condenser microphones may pick up more ambient noise but offer better sound quality.
- Cardioid mics are best for solo podcasts. If two speakers are involved, it should be a figure eight microphone.
Reference-www.turn-on.de