Since the first podcast was recorded in 2003, podcasting has become a staple of our everyday lives. From news to sports or entertainment, there is a podcast out for just about every topic and there has never been a better time to start your podcast and put your name and content out there.
The first major piece of starting a podcast is the microphone. With the right mic, you can have a podcast that sounds professional even when you’re recording in your bedroom. But before you press record, you need to make sure you have the right equipment and before we get started, let’s look at two of the most important factors to consider when buying a microphone.
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Factors to consider before buying a microphone
Recording Environment
Where you record your podcast can help you decide which type of podcast mic to buy. If you’re lucky enough to have a nice, quiet recording room, a condenser microphone is a good choice here. Even though you won’t be able to easily take it with you, and you’ll also need a mixer or digital recorder to supply power. Even with all those requirements, the depth of the audio will be great and you’ll stand out.
Budget
When you buy your first podcast mic, you will want to buy the most expensive one that you can afford. Like many other things, the more money you spend, the better the quality you get. However, this is only accurate to a certain point. There are many high-quality options out there are every budget level so don’t think that if you can’t afford the super-expensive option that your podcast quality will suffer.
Best Microphones for Podcasting in 2020
- Samson G-Track Pro – $128
- Blue Yeti Nano – $99
- Maono AU-04 USB Microphone Kit – $54
- Blue Yeti Snowball – $59
- Blue Ember – $99
- Shure SM58 – $99
- Fifine USB Condenser Microphone – $27
- Samson Q2U – $59
- Shure SM7B – $399
- TONOR BM700 – $34
Best Microphones for Podcasting in 2020 Compared
Samson G-Track Pro
The Best Podcasting Microphone
The G-Track Pro from Samson is a solidly built microphone that puts the functionality that it offers podcaster ahead of the other options on our list. While it doesn’t need any extra software to use, the ¼-inch audio input is what stood out to us. Essentially, this little port makes the G-Track a 2-track audio mixer meaning that you can plug an extra mic or second audio source into the mic without the need for a separate mixer. This feature helped put it at the top of our list.
Learn More – $128
Latest Price on Amazon:
- All-in-one: Professional USB microphone with audio interface. Record your voice and instrument at the same time.
- The right mic: Ideal for streaming, gaming, podcasting, and recording music
- At your fingers: Front panel mixer with microphone level, instrument level and headphone volume controls. Selectable Mono or 2-Track recording modes and Direct Monitor On/Off.
- Built for the studio: Dual 1" (25mm) condenser capsules with three selectable pick up patterns - Cardioid (unidirectional), bidirectional and omnidirectional
- High Definition Audio: 24-bit, 96kHz resolution. Plug-and-play, no driver installation required
Blue Yeti Nano
The Best Portable Mic for Podcasting
If you ask anyone if they know what a Blue Yeti is, it’s a safe bet that most will. The Nano takes what is great about the Yeti and shrinks it into a smaller package. Despite its smaller size, it still has no problem fitting into just about any mic stand. While two recording patterns were lost to the Yeti’s shrinkage, the two that remain are perfect for podcasting. With the same high-quality build, the Yeti Nano is a great product from a company known for its excellent microphones.
Learn More – $99
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Perfect for podcasting, game streaming, Skype calls, YouTube or music
- No-latency headphone output, headphone volume and mic mute
- Standard threading for Radius III Shock Mount and/or Compass Boom Arm
- Plug ‘N play-Mac and PC compatible
- Cardioid and Omni pickup patterns; supports sample rates up to 24-bit/48Khz
Maono AU-04 USB Microphone Kit
Best Entry-Level USB Mic for Podcasting
While we’re pretty sure you’ve never heard of Maono if you just getting starting podcasting, it’s a great kit to start with. While the kits can come in different variations, we recommend choosing the one with the microphone arm and fixed shock mount. Packaged with a microphone that can record at 24bit/192kHz is pretty impressive for a microphone from a kit. It also includes a USB cable, shock mount, foam windscreen, and a detachable pop filter. At such an affordable price, it can be a great option if you’re just getting started.
Learn More – $54
Latest Price on Amazon:
- PROFESSIONAL SOUND CHIPSET 192kHz/24bit: This Condenser Microphone has been designed with professional sound chipset, which let the USB microphone hold high resolution sampling rate. SAMPLING RATE:...
- PLUG and PLAY: The microphone has USB 2.0 data port which is easy to connect with your computer and Linux operation system, and no need extra driver software, and no need for an external sound card....
- 16mm ELECTRET CONDENSER TRANSDUCER & MAGNET RING: With the 16mm electret condenser transducer, the USB microphone can give you a strong bass response. This professional condenser microphone picks up...
- STURDY BOOM ARM SET: With a pop filter and a foam windscreen, the condenser mic records your voice and the sound is crystal clear, the shock mount holds the microphone steady with damping function....
- COMPATIBLE WITH ALL OS: For all Laptop, PC and Mobile phones. But if you want connect with phone, you need an OTG adapter (not included). Strong output, no distortion, low power consumption. PACKING...
Blue Yeti Snowball
Ron Popeil’s favorite podcast microphone – set it and forget it
The Yeti Snowball from Blue is the best way for you to get quality audio quality and at the same time, not spending a ton of money to do so. The microphone comes with a height-adjustable desktop stand. This allows you to set it down, plug it in and start recording. Offering two different capture patterns, omnidirectional and cardioid, which limits its flexibility when compared to move expensive microphones but if you’re looking to capture yours or your friends’ voices, this is a great choice. You can easily mount the mic to a traditional mic stand and even choose from one of four colors to show a little personality in your jc
mic
Learn More – $59
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Transducer type: Condenser, pressure gradient with USB digital output
- Polar patterns: Omndirectional or cardioid
- Frequency response: Position 1-3: 40-18kHz
- Sample/Word rate: 44.1kHz/16-bit
- Weight: 460g; Dimensions: 325mm (circumference); Gloss black finish
Blue Ember
The Best Looking Microphone for Podcasting
The newest release from Blue microphones, the Ember is a thin condenser microphone that is built like a tank but slender enough so that it doesn’t intrude on what you’re doing. Made with streamers in mind, the Ember does a great job rejecting any outside noise so that your voice is crisp and clear every time you press record. If you’re doing any kind of video streaming, the vintage design helps it look great on camera
Learn More – $99
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Hand-tuned condenser capsule delivers open, detailed sound
- Premium, high-output electronics for maximum clarity and headroom
- Cardioid polar pattern with excellent off-axis noise rejection
- Compact side-address design fits anywhere and looks great on camera
- Includes microphone stand mount
Shure SM58
The Best Handheld Microphone for Podcasting
If you think about it, you’ve seen the SM58 from Shure being used. At many award shows that take musical breaks, you’re bound to see the host using this microphone. Because of its design, it tends to be forgotten about by podcasters but it shouldn’t be. This microphone is a classic and that’s because it sounds fantastic and does an amazing job of cutting out background noise. Tuned for vocal capture, the mic contains an internal shock mount that can keep external from ruining your recording. Just be sure before running out to get one, that you’ll need to connect it to a PC via an audio interface.
Learn More – $99
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Frequency response tailored for vocals, with brightened midrange and bass rolloff to control proximity effect
- Effective built-in spherical wind and pop filter. Frequency response: 50 to 15,000 Hz
- Pneumatic shock-mount system cuts down handling noise.
- Uniform cardioid pickup pattern isolates the main sound source and minimizes background noise
Fifine USB Condenser Microphone
The Best Budget USB Microphone for Podcasting
Built to be used with either Windows or Mac computers, the Fifine Microphone is an excellent example of being able to create high-quality recordings without spending a year’s salary to do it. A great choice if you’re recording in a small studio as it comes with a 6ft cord to easily plug into your PC through the USB port. Originally developed for VOIP calls and voiceovers, the Fifine mic has a frequency response range that is optimized for speech recognition and clarity. While the microphone might not be the most premium option on our list, the price and the clarity and consistency it offers cement its place on our list.
Learn More – $27
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Plug and play USB podcast microphone work with Mac and Windows(Vista, XP), USB-powered design,eliminate the need for an external 48V phantom power source.(Not compatible with Xbox and Phones)
- PC microphone with volume control knob, make output volume easy controlled(volume up ,down and mute),good option of recording studio microphone for broadcasting..
- Sturdy, durability metal construction USB microphone for computer with adjustable tripod desk stand and 6 feet long USB cable for secure and easily portable tabletop use.
- Cardioid polar pattern USB microphone for recording improves audio recording on YouTube or recording software Audacity.
- Sensitive vocal desktop microphone make clear voiceovers,work great for podcast,Skype chat,talking with friends while playing games and streaming, push-to-talk VoIP program, ask "Cortana".
Samson Q2U
A great budget-friendly podcast microphone
If you’re brand new to podcasting, the Q2U from Samson is a great choice for your first microphone. If your looking for a warm sound and the tight recording space that comes with a dynamic mic but you aren’t ready to invest in an audio interface, the Q2U features an XLR connection and zero latency at a super affordable price, While it is a handheld mic, it comes with a desktop stand, pop filter, and microphone clip that is compatible with most boom arms on the market. The Q2U from Samson is a great choice if your budget isn’t very friendly.
Learn More – $59
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Best of both worlds: professional handheld dynamic microphone with USB digital output for connecting to a computer and XLR analog output for connecting to a mixer, audio interface or portable PA...
- Sound your best: dynamic microphone capsule with a cardioid pickup pattern captures sound from in front of the microphone and less from the side and rear, minimizing ambient sounds and other room...
- Hear the mix: onboard 1/8" (3. 5mm) headphone jack allows for zero-latency monitoring, so you can hear yourself without any delay or echo, plus a mix of your computer audio playback. Solid, die-cast...
- Start Recording: The Q2U is a plug-and-play device, meaning it doesn’t need any special drivers to work with your computer. Just connect the microphone to your computer, launch your favorite audio...
- It’s All in the Box: The Q2U Recording and Podcasting Pack includes everything you need to start recording great sounding projects: an extended desktop stand with mic clip that positions the...
Shure SM7B
The Best Professional Level Microphone
The SM7B from Shure is the top of the line when it comes to podcasting mics. You may have seen it on many different high-end productions. The SM7B helps you keep from sounding too boomy by featuring a warm sound signature with a bass roll-off. To prevent any vibrations from traveling into the mic, it has an internal air suspension system as well. All this professionalism doesn’t come cheap though. For the price, you are guaranteed to get one of the best podcasting microphones out there.
Learn More – $399
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Flat, wide-range frequency response for exceptionally clean and natural reproduction of both music and speech
- Bass rolloff and mid-range emphasis (presence boost) controls with graphic display of response setting
- Improved rejection of electromagnetic hum, optimized for shielding against broadband interference emitted by computer monitors
- Internal "air suspension" shock isolation virtually eliminates mechanical noise transmission
- Highly effective pop filter eliminates need for any add-on protection against explosive breath sounds, even for close-up vocals or narration
TONOR BM700
The best get up and go podcast microphone
When you’re trying to start a podcast, having to spend money on equipment is the biggest challenge. Regardless of where you record, you still need to have the gear or no one will hear you. Literally. The BM700 is a podcasting gift box with a cardioid polar pattern mic that will reduce off-axis sounds. Also packaged in this little cornucopia are a shock mount, adjustable suspension arm stand, pop filter, and windscreen. Pretty much all of the accessories you’ll need in your studio. While the microphone itself isn’t the best option out there, for the money you’re spending, you’re getting a good mic optimized for speech recognition that can be your first step into a larger world.
Learn More – $34
Latest Price on Amazon:
- NOTE: 48V phantom power is not INCLUDED!(The condenser microphones require an external source of power like 48V phantom power.)/ It CANNOT be used with mobile phone and tablet computer. For a better...
- All-in-one: Package includes a microphone, shock mount, adjustable suspension scissor arm stand, table mounting clamp, pop filter, windscreen, 3.5mm XLR cable, XLR male to female cable, a sound card...
- Cardioid Polar Pattern: Cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides, improving isolation of desired sound source, which is ideal for podcasting, streaming, youtube video and also...
- How to Connect: If your laptop doesn't have audio input port, you need to connect the phantom power to the laptop via a sound card. If you need to connect it into the mixer device, you need to connect...
- Great Gift: The microphone is a great gift idea for your kids or friends who like to play games, record videos, voice over, etc.
Best Podcast Microphones in 2020
Podcasting is quickly becoming one of the most important forms of media in the world and the best part of podcasting is that to get started, it doesn’t require all that much gear to do so but having the right gear helps. With our list of the Best Podcast Microphones in 2020, we hope that maybe we’ve given you some inspiration to start your podcast or take that next step to be one of the biggest podcasts in the world. We’ll be listening!
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