The best microphones for DIY podcasting
One of the first questions I'm usually asked by people who're thinking of starting a podcast is: what microphone should I use?
And yes, if you don't have the budget to buy one, you can get away with using a good quality phone mic (if you've got the environment right). But this will only take your podcast so far.
Getting the right mic (and the right technique) is super important to the overall sound of your podcast. If you're wanting a super clean, professional and high-quality sounding podcast, getting a good quality microphone is a great place to start.
Let's chat about the best (and most affordable) podcasting microphones you can get today.
While podcasting mics are a hotly debated topic in the audio world (each audio nerd has their own faves and biases), here are some of my top picks.
The Cheaper Stuff:
If you're just starting out and want a step up from recording through your phone, but don't want to spend too much money: this mic will do the job, and do it well.
Samson Q2U
1. Samson Q2U
The Samson Q2U is a good little mic.
It's robust, it's simple and it's versatile. It's got a USB output and an XLR output, meaning you can plug it straight into your computer to record, or into a mixer. It's also got a headphone output which is great to monitor your audio as you go.
You can also use this as a second mic for your interview guests or co-host and would make a great accompaniment to something like the Zoom H6 which can record multiple tracks at once (making editing a bit more simple).
If you're on the go, you can plug it straight into your phone / iPad is you've got an adapter cable. This can make interviews and field recording easier too.
The Rode SmartLav+ clips on like a lapel which you can plug into the headphone jack of your laptop or phone. This is a step up from recording on your phone and could work well for video interviews.
But it's pretty sensitive and collects audio from all sides of the mic, which means it may not be the best option for someone starting out.
It does come with a pop shield which is good, but it's probably worth spending a little more and getting something better like the Samson Q2U.
Taking a Step Up:
If you've got a bit more of a budget, these are the kind of 'intermediate' level mics.
1. Shure SM58
This mic is high quality, and mobile. Making this a great option for on the go recording in a mid-tier range.
This one doesn't have the handy USB output, so you'll need to have a mixer or use it in conjunction with something like the Zoom H5 or H6. But what it does have is wind and pop filters to manage your plosives, and a shock-mount to cut back on handling noises.
It's typically used by singers because of its ability to warm up vocals and it's durability on stage, but it works wonders as a podcast/field mic too.
Blue Yeti
2. Blue Yeti
I've noticed that this one is quite trendy lately.
It's attractive, with a kinda retro look. But it also comes with its own stand which is very handy.
It's a USB condenser mic, meaning it's got great quality sound and is easy to use as you can record straight into your computer.
One of the best features though, it that it's got multiple recording settings. You can set it to solo recording (cutting out surround sound), face to face interview recording (you might need to cozy up a little though to get the best sound), and surround recording (best for group interviews).
Keep in mind that to get the best sound out of any mic, you'll need to be relatively close. So if you're doing a group interview out of the one mic, you will need to all sit quite close. It also only records one track, which is fine if you're well prepared and onto it with editing, but it has the potential to become a jumbled mess if you lose control of the interview.
The other problem with the Yeti, is that the stand is really too low to get great vocals if it's placed on a normal desk or table. To get the best sound, you need to have it at natural mouth height. And bending down bends the windpipe and can affect the sound. You can get shock mounts and pop filters to help, but this is an extra expense (read more about this at The Podcast Host).
Rode Podcaster
3. Rode Procaster & Rode Podcaster
These are excellent mics, and the Procaster comes with a 10-year warranty.
They're a bit more expensive than the other two at this level, but it's worth spending the extra money if you've got the setup.
The Procaster is an XLR mic, meaning you'll need a mixer - but it is a dynamic mic. Which is better if you don't have a proper recording studio.
The Podcaster is also dynamic and has a USB output. This means you can record straight into your computer, which is a little easier for most people who are just starting out.
These mics are much better than the Yeti, and the price reflects this. You'll also probably need to get a stand and shock-mount for it, which makes the price jump up a little more, but it's worth it.
These mics are super directional, meaning they're a lot more forgiving in your standard home studio (ie. your bedroom or office).
The Higher End Podcast Mics:
My favourite mics and the mics I've had the most experience with are made by Zoom.
Zoom mics are traditionally field mics, but they're super high quality and have amazing features.
Let's talk about the Zoom H5 and the Zoom H6
These recorders take your audio, and turn it into a format you can work with. They come with SD cards and USB cables to connect and transfer the audio files straight onto your computer. This means, no need for a mixer if you've got an XLR mic.
They've both got multiple inputs for attaching extra mics for your guests.
Zoom H6
ZOOM H5 & H6
With the H5, you can adjust the audio as it comes through. This means you won't have to spend as much time in post-production levelling out the difference in speaking volumes.
But the H6 splits the audio into up to 6 different tracks! This means you can record up to 6 people at once, making editing a hand of a lot easier for big groups.
Both mics come with a range of heads for different recording needs, which I won't get into now. But it means that they're very flexible to your recording needs and setup.
If you're recording 2 or more people on a regular basis, go for the H6 over the H5, it's only a couple hundred more and will make your life easier. But, if it's just you most of the time, the H5 will do a great job too.
Condenser vs. Dynamic?
I've talked a wee bit about condenser and dynamic mics, but what's the best for podcasting?
Condenser mics work in quite a different way to dynamic. They add warmth and depth to your podcast and provide a much higher quality sound. BUT - only in the right context.
These mics are super sensitive, which means they pick up a tonne of background noise. You need to have a very quiet studio environment for these mics to work the best. They're also a bit more fragile, which means they're not the best to chuck in your bag.
They also typically need a phantom power setup, which usually comes through a mixing desk or digital recorder. Digital recorders and mixing desks can be a good investment, but to be honest, they're probably a bit unnecessary for most podcasting setups.
Dynamic mics are pretty much the opposite to that. The record narrower frequencies, meaning that you can sound a little less rich, but they don't pick up all the background noise.
Mic technique is super important with any mic, but more so with dynamic mics. Because they pick up less of the background noise, you need to be a lot closer.
Either mic can produce great, high-quality sounding recordings. But it really does come down to your specific recording environment.
Got a pretty soundproof setup? Great - condensers might just be the way to go.
Recording from your home office? Dynamics might be a better option for you.
So, which mic should I go for?
In this article, I've chucked a wee bit of technical jargon out there. If you don't know what half of that meant, let me sum it up.
It all depends on your budget:
The Samson Q2U is the best mic to get if you've not got much of a budget. It's flexible, versatile and produces great quality audio.
If you're taking a step up, you can't do much better than the Rode Procaster & Rode Podcaster (depending on your recording setup). These are fantastic mics, and Rode is a very reputable brand. They're a bit more expensive than the Blue Yeti and the Shure SM58, but they will do the job better.
If you can't afford the Procaster or Podcaster, the Samson Q2U is the way to go.
But, if you've got the budget, my first choice will always be the Zoom H5 and the Zoom H6. They're quite a bit more expensive, but they've got amazing features and are super versatile.
If you want to chat more about your specific recording setup and what will work best for you, feel free to reach out. I'm more than happy to answer any questions.