The 5 Best Podcast Microphones (2023)

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VonTECHBOOK|Jun 14, 2023 at 9:43 am

In order for the sound quality of the podcast to convince the listener, a high-quality podcast microphone is part of the basic equipment - this applies to beginners as well as to experienced podcast professionals. Which aspects are important? And which models are worthwhile? TECHBOOK has the answers.

Important purchase criteria for podcast microphones

Anyone who has already looked around in a specialist shop or on the Internet will quickly realize that the selection of microphones is huge. Which microphone is the right one depends primarily on the podcast format. A solo podcast, for example, has different microphone requirements than an interview podcast. Sensitivity, polar pattern and connection all play a role in choosing the right microphone.

Sensitivity: Dynamic microphones and condenser microphones

Dynamic microphones record the sound head-on. They register less room noise because they are not as sensitive. Anyone who records the podcast in an environment with background noise is well advised to do so. On the other hand, if you make the podcast recordings in a professional studio or acoustically shielded room, you will use condenser microphones. These are more sensitive and pick up voices with particularly great detail - but possibly also unwanted ambient noise.

The polar pattern: which microphone is suitable?

The directional characteristic indicates from which direction the microphone records the sound sensitively and from which area it tends to attenuate or hide the noise. For podcasters, the so-called cardioid polar pattern makes the most sense: such models record sounds coming from the front. Sounds from the side or behind, on the other hand, are muffled.

Alternatively, the figure-of-eight polar pattern (bidirectional) is also ideal for a dialogue podcast or interviews. These models are bi-directional, allowing speakers to sit opposite each other at a microphone.

Occasionally there are also devices that have several selectable directional characteristics. If necessary, two further options appear: an omnidirectional characteristic (omnidirectional) records the sound from all directions, whereas the stereo recording mainly records sounds from the side. This is useful when there are multiple audio sources in front of or around the microphone.

The connection: USB or XLR?

USB-Microphones can be connected to the computer via the port. The setup therefore works without accessories and is quite easy to do. These variants are therefore ideal for beginners and use on the go. However, they are only suitable for recording one person.

XLR microphones, on the other hand, can also be used for more professional multi-setups, i.e. for recording with several microphones. The sound is also slightly better than USB models. In any case, an audio interface is required as an interface to connect the microphone to the PC. These models are more flexible in how they can be used, but they don't serve as well for on-the-go use.

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The best podcast microphones compared

You already know what to look out for when buying. But which models are worth it? TECHBOOK introduces you to the best podcast microphones below and reveals what they can do.

Rode NT-USB

RØDE's microphone is a mid-range model that makes a good choice for both novice and experienced podcasters. It gets consistently positive reviews in online retail, is one of the customer favorites and has the best recommendations in this price range. With a USB connection, the microphone is immediately ready for use thanks to plug-and-play and does not require any additional drivers. With an adapter, it can even be used with iPads - but then an additional app such as "Garageband" or "RØDE Rec" is required.

The headphone connection is particularly practical: if headphones are connected to the microphone, you can hear yourself during the recording without delay and you can optimally adjust the sound quality. To adjust the listening level, there is a rotary control on the side of the device. The second control is used for the mix between the computer signals and the microphone. The model is a cardioid condenser microphone, so it's quite sensitive. It not only records spoken word, but also vocals and instruments in detail.

Advantages:

• with table tripod, pop filter and 6 meter cable
• Controls on the microphone
• 3.5mm headphone jack

Disadvantages:

• just a directional characteristic

Blue Yeti X

Most podcast microphones work with a cardioid characteristic and are therefore suitable for a solo podcast - or each speaker needs their own microphone. The Yeti X from Blue Microphones, on the other hand, can do a lot more: podcasters can choose the right one from four different characteristics (cardioid, omnidirectional, figure-8 or stereo). Thus, the Yeti X is also suitable for interviews, music recordings or streaming. The characteristics can be changed with a button on the back. There is a multifunction button on the front of the microphone, which you can use to control microphone gain, mute and headphone volume.

The microphone is firmly screwed to the table stand. So there is no microphone spider that cushions vibrations and other noise. There is also no pop protection. The Blue model scores with the "Blue VO!CE Effects" software and the integration of Logitech G Hub - this allows individual sound settings to be made via the computer.

Advantages:

• four polar patterns
• "Blue Voice Effects" software for individual settings

Disadvantages:

• Table tripod without a spider - susceptible to unwanted vibration or ambient noise
• no pop filter
• rather expensive

After MV7

The Shure MV7 is also one of the best podcast microphones. It's a dynamic mic, making it ideal for recording outside of a recording studio. The model deserves its place in the list mainly thanks to the dual connection: at the bottom of the microphone there is an XLR and a micro USB output. Analogue and digital recordings are possible. The USB port allows easy connection to mobile devices, which is especially useful for beginners. Professional podcasters connect the device to an audio interface via the XLR port.

The volume is adjusted by touch on the illuminated touch panel on the top of the device. The operation is cool - but not as intuitive as with buttons and therefore takes some getting used to at first. For more detailed settings, users can use the "ShurePlus Motiv" desktop app.

It is ideal that the model has an integrated pop filter. Why is this so important for a podcast? An internal or external pop filter intercepts the plosive sounds when speaking (with sounds like "p" or "b") as well as breathing noises, thus ensuring a harmonious and uniform sound.

Advantages:

• dual connection
• Touch volume panel with mute function on the microphone
• Shure Plus motif program for numerous settings
• 3.5mm headphone jack

Disadvantages:

• quite small frequency response
• no microphone stand

Also read:5 valuable tips for aspiring podcasters

Tonor Q9

If you are new to the world of podcasting, you do not need expensive studio equipment. A starter set like Tonor's is enough to get a taste of producer air. This offers everything that is important for the first equipment at a top price-performance ratio: In addition to the microphone, there is a microphone arm including a table mount, a spider, two filters and a cable. The all-metal microphone spider prevents unwanted noise and vibration from being picked up. The pop filter and foam cover filter out background noise. Top: This accessory can also be used for other microphones. The microphone set also cuts a fine figure in everyday life: in addition to podcast recording, the model is suitable for streaming, gaming and online meetings.

Front panel volume buttons control gain. What other devices regulate via a separate mute button, Tonor solves by pressing and holding the volume down button - a bit cumbersome in practice. Unfortunately, there is no headphone jack either. For the price of around 60 euros, however, this is reasonable.

Advantages:

• Complete set of microphone and necessary accessories
• Volume buttons on the microphone
• Equipment can be used for other microphones
• attractively priced

Disadvantages:

• no microphone stand
• just a directional characteristic
• no headphone jack

Also interesting:5 valuable tips for aspiring podcasters

HyperX Quadcast

HyperX's Quadcast is a USB condenser microphone that features four different polar patterns, similar to Blue's Yeti X. This makes it suitable for a variety of shooting situations.

A mute button is located on top of the model for easy operation during recording. Practical: the glowing LEDs indicate that the microphone is on. At the bottom there is a wheel that controls the volume. And if you not only want to record your podcast with the device, but also like to play games, you will benefit from the certification for Discord and TeamSpeak as well as the compatibility with the PlayStation 4.

If you like it a bit more colourful, you can use the QuadCast S: the model comes with individually adjustable RGB lighting. Especially in a video podcast, the brightly colored microphone is impressive. However, around 40 euros more will be charged for the additional colored lights.

Advantages:

• four polar patterns
• Illumination signals microphone status
• 3.5mm headphone jack

Disadvantages:

• Manufacturer software only for light effects (no sound settings)
• very sensitive as a condenser microphone; quiet environment recommended

Auna Mic-900B

If you are not yet sure whether you want to record podcasts regularly, you should initially look for a device to try out a good entry-level microphone at a reasonable price. In terms of price/performance, the Auna Mic-900B is the best option here, even if it is not really suitable for permanent professional use. Auna relies on USB compatibility. The frequency range (30 Hz to 18 kHz) is easily sufficient for speech (and singing) with the first digital steps. With a weight of almost 300 grams, this microphone is easy to transport - a protective bag is included in the scope of delivery.

Advantages:

• light
• including protective bag for transport
• Variable thread size thanks to the enclosed adapter
• attractively priced

Disadvantages:

• quite small frequency response
• no tripod and no pop screen
• no headphone output

After MV88+

The Shure MV88+ is great for podcast recording, but it also shines with vocals, instruments, or even video. There are four different directional characteristics to choose from as well as numerous other settings via the ShurePlus MOTIV program. A microphone stand or table tripod is not included here, but the microphone can be attached to many tripods using the 5/8-inch microphone clip. The model is particularly compact and light, making it ideal for use on the go and for connecting to mobile devices.

Advantages:

• ShurePlus MOTIV program for numerous settings
• 3.5mm headphone jack
• Mobile video kit

Disadvantagee:

• quite small frequency response
• no microphone stand

These are the best podcast microphones in comparison

Whether it's a solo project or an interview - there are now suitable podcast microphones for every project, every recording environment and every possible other use. If the available budget plays a major role, you can find top models such as the Auna MIC-900B or the Tonor Q9 for well under 100 euros. If it costs a little more, high-quality professional microphones such as the Shure MV7 or the Shure MV88+ are ideal.