Choosing the Right Microphone for Podcasting: A Complete Guide

Picking the right microphone is really important when you're starting a podcast. It can make a big difference in how your show sounds. Let's look at some different types of microphones and help you find the best one for you.

Key Takeaways

Aspect	Considerations
Microphone Types	Dynamic vs. Condenser
Connection Types	USB vs. XLR
Top Recommendations	ATR2100x, Shure MV7, Shure SM7B
Video Podcasting	Lavalier microphones
Setup Tips	Pop filter, boom arm, positioning

Dynamic vs. Condenser Microphones: What's the Difference?

There are two main types of microphones you'll hear about for podcasting: dynamic and condenser. Here's what makes them different:

Dynamic microphones are like tough cookies. They can handle loud noises and don't pick up much background sound. This makes them great for podcasting, especially if your room isn't super quiet. They're also okay if you move around a bit while talking. Dynamic mics are strong and don't pick up much noise from the sides or back.

Condenser microphones are more like sensitive artists. They pick up more details in your voice, which can be good or bad. If you have a really quiet room, a condenser mic can make your voice sound amazing. But if there's any background noise, it'll pick that up too. Condenser mics are popular in professional recording studios because they can capture all the little details of a voice.

Most podcasters find dynamic mics easier to use, especially if you're just starting or recording at home where it might not be perfectly quiet.

USB vs. XLR: Choosing Your Connection

Another big choice you'll need to make is between USB and XLR microphones:

USB microphones are super easy to use. You just plug them into your computer, and you're ready to go. They're great for beginners or if you want a simple setup. The downside is that you can't upgrade them as easily, and they might not sound as professional as XLR mics.

XLR microphones are what the pros use. They need an extra device called an audio interface to connect to your computer, which means more stuff to set up. But they often sound better and give you more control over your audio. Plus, you can upgrade your setup piece by piece as you get better at podcasting.

Some microphones, like the Shure MV7, have both USB and XLR connections. These are cool because you can start simple with USB and switch to XLR later if you want.

Top Microphone Recommendations for Podcasting

Here are some of the best microphones for podcasting:

ATR 2100x

The ATR2100x is a great mic for beginners and pros. It's a dynamic microphone that has both USB and XLR connections. It sounds good, is easy to use, and doesn't cost too much. It's also pretty small, so you can take it with you if you need to record somewhere else.

Shure MV7

The Shure MV7 is like a fancy version of the ATR2100x. It's a dynamic mic with both USB and XLR connections. It has cool features like touch controls and an app to adjust your sound. It's designed to sound good even if your room isn't perfectly quiet.

Shure SM7dB

The Shure SM7B is a microphone you'll see in a lot of professional podcasting setups. It's a dynamic XLR microphone that sounds amazing and is built really strong. It's more expensive than the others, but if you're really serious about podcasting, it's worth thinking about.

These mics are good for different budgets and needs. Remember, the best microphone is the one that works well for you and sounds good to your ears.

Lavalier Microphones for Video Podcasting

If you're making a video podcast, you might want to look at lavalier (or lav) microphones. These are small mics you clip to your shirt. They're great because they don't get in the way of the camera but still pick up your voice clearly.

Two cool new lav mics are the DJI Mic and the Rode Wireless Pro. They use something called 32-bit float recording, which means it's almost impossible to record audio that's too loud or too quiet. This is really helpful when you're recording outside or in different places and can't always check your audio levels.

Setting Up Your Microphone

Once you have your microphone, here are some tips to make it sound even better:

Use a pop filter to reduce popping sounds when you say words with 'p' or 'b'
Get a boom arm to position your mic perfectly
Speak across the microphone, not directly into it
Try to record in a quiet room with soft surfaces to reduce echo
Experiment with microphone placement to find the best spot for your voice
Think about using acoustic treatments in your recording space to improve sound quality

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Podcasting Mic

Choosing a microphone for podcasting doesn't have to be hard. First, decide between dynamic and condenser, then USB or XLR. Think about your budget and whether you want to be able to upgrade later. And don't forget about lav mics if you're doing video!

The ATR2100x, Shure MV7, and Shure SM7B are all good options for different needs and budgets. Remember, the best microphone is the one that helps you make great content consistently. Happy podcasting!

For more tips on making your podcast better, check out our blog. We have lots of helpful articles to improve your show!