The most effective podcast microphone is one which makes it a cinch to file crisp vocals at dwelling. We’ve examined the highest choices
Reckon you’ve bought a good suggestion for a podcast? You solely want one factor to make it occur: one of the best podcast microphone. Sure, we’re really dwelling within the age of the podcast, whether or not blasting out from a Bluetooth speaker within the workplace or listening on headphones in mattress. From soccer to health to movies, no matter is just too area of interest to be mentioned at size for legions of listeners. This implies you’re in all probability sitting on a pod-worthy pitch proper now.
Whether or not you’re able to broadcast your scorching takes to the plenty or reckon recording your voice simply looks like good enjoyable, one of the best podcast microphones make it a cinch to seize crisp vocals at dwelling.
Undecided methods to decide the proper mic? We’ve examined all the greatest podcast microphones and really helpful our favourites within the listing beneath – so you possibly can deal with perfecting your pronunciation.
The most effective podcast microphones you should purchase in the present day:
1. 512 Audio Limelight
What’s the story?
Based by the reasonably priced audio aficionados at Heat Audio, fledgling Texan mic maker 512 Audio channels classic vibes within the design of its recording package. Launched alongside the Skylight, the cylindrical Limelight’s pick-up sample is tuned to seize clear, pop-free speech – excellent for podcast creators. The dynamic XLR mic additionally options an built-in excessive go filter to banish rumble with the flick of a swap.
Is it any good?
A carry case is included with the Limelight, nevertheless it’s not essentially the most transportable possibility. It’s not freestanding for starters, so that you’ll want to connect its bundled mount to a desk stand or increase. And eradicating the mount for journey (or to entry the excessive go filter) requires some power. You’ll additionally must supply an XLR cable that works together with your audio setup as a result of no cords are included. That mentioned, its well-balanced weightiness and steel mesh parts give the Limelight a neat, stylish really feel.
Because of its super-directional hypercardioid setup, the Limelight does a strong job of ignoring background sounds in your recording studio. It additionally produces a delightful proximity impact, that means beefier bass tones for those who converse nearer to the enterprise finish. Popping is comparatively well-controlled, too, though the non-compulsory pop filter may very well be name for those who’ve bought significantly punchy plosives.
Extra divisive would be the Limelight’s darker sound. For those who’re a fan of classic ribbon mics, you’ll get pleasure from its wealthy, mellow tone profile. However for those who desire a fair stability between treble tones and low frequencies, there are extra reasonably priced mics which is able to seize precisely that.
Stuff says: ★★★★☆
Neat and distinctive, the Limelight is true if you need darker classic vibes on your vocals
2. Rode XCM-50
What’s the story?
The child of Rode’s new X vary of gamer- and streamer-friendly microphones, the XCM-50 is successfully an upgraded model of the wonderful NT-USB Mini. Past a light visible makeover, it will get a bunch of equipment, an inner DSP, and lifelong entry to Rode’s X Unify software program.
Is it any good?
This compact condenser mic guarantees a 20Hz-20kHz frequency vary and 24-bit/48 kHz recording, in a really compact bundle that’s excellent for taking over the transfer. It connects over USB-C, too, so that you don’t must deliver an audio interface or mixer with you when travelling to fulfill podcast visitor stars. There’s additionally a Rode Tripod 2 included within the field, so that you don’t want to provide your individual.
Sound high quality is nice for the cash, with actual heat and a really low noise flooring. The cardioid sample is slightly slim, to be able to lower down on background chatter, however the built-in pop protect isn’t a correct substitute for a devoted exterior one. The desktop stand additionally places the mic pretty low in your desk, so that you’ll must get near it for the highest quality sound.
Stuff says: ★★★★☆
Comes with a worth premium over the same NT-USB Mini, however makes up for it with helpful software program and helpful equipment.
3. Shure MV5-LTG
What’s the story?
Shure’s compact MV5-LTG is designed for nearly every thing however the very highest stage of studio-quality voiceover – so these Cillit Bang adverts might need to attend. What it does declare to do is ship spectacular outcomes for its minuscule dimension, whereas its USB connection is appropriate with telephones, tablets and laptops – and each Lightning and USB cables are bundled within the field.
Is it any good?
The Shure’s spherical design received’t be for everybody, and it does really feel a little bit flimsy. It additionally takes some time to arrange, however the outcomes are value ready for. In a house studio setup, this sort of sound high quality can be enough for podcasters and newbie voiceover artists, and we even managed to discover a manner to make use of it whereas recording video concurrently.
Stuff says: ★★★★☆
Nice for podcasters, players, YouTubers and perhaps the subsequent Steven Toast
4. Blue Yeti USB Microphone
What’s the story?
There’s a cause why Blue’s Yeti USB Microphone has been used and beloved by podcasters, YouTubers, streamers and musicians for over a decade.
It comes full of 4 distinctive recording patterns because of the three-capsule design – from omnidirectional for multi-person recording, to cardioid on your radio star second, and even a stereo possibility which is uncommon in USB mics at this worth.
Is it any good?
Strong construct high quality and respectable audio with a wealthy heat make this the most effective podcast microphones for a no-fuss plug-and-play setup. Its dimension might not make it as transportable as different choices on this listing, nevertheless it suits nicely into no matter recording situation you throw at it.
At £120, this THX-certified beast is good for these on the lookout for a step up from their first mic with out breaking the financial institution.
Stuff says: ★★★★☆
Characteristic-packed and certain to improve all your private home recording (and streaming), all for an inexpensive worth.
5. Rode NT-USB Mini
What’s the story?
There was a run on this mini model of Rode’s studio-ready NT-USB as quickly as lockdown kicked in when each wannabe influencer was out of the blue erecting a blanket-encased dwelling studio. It appears the half and guarantees to be simple to make use of on the transfer, whereas nonetheless providing respectable audio high quality. It may not be designed to beat professional recording gear, nevertheless it’s a tempting proposition at this worth.
Is it any good?
The Rode comes with a strong mini-stand plus an additional attachment for a full-size one. Plug-and-play USB connectivity makes it simple to get right down to recording proper out of the field, and it produced outcomes spectacular sufficient to please podcasters or anybody desirous to file outdoors the studio. The sound high quality in a house studio was surprisingly excessive for the value.
Stuff says: ★★★★☆
Simple to make use of and a great-looking mic for dwelling studio periods or recording on location
6. Sennheiser MK4 Digital
What’s the story?
For those who’re on the lookout for one thing approaching gold-standard audio on your podcast, the Sennheiser MK 4 Digital claims to be the most effective USB cardioid condenser microphones on the market. It’s plug-and-play, so all it’s important to do is hook it as much as an iOS system, Mac or Home windows laptop computer and also you’re good to go.
Is it any good?
This mic is minimalistic, with no switches or buttons, simply ports and a stand-mount. The all-metal chassis is sturdy and reassuringly weighty, and it’s wonderful at selecting up vocals from just a few inches away. You possibly can even file respectable sounds from an acoustic guitar. Thoughts you, at this worth we’d prefer it to return with just a few extra equipment – a stand on the very least.
Stuff says: ★★★★☆
Very good for vocals and devices however tight on the extras, that is peak German effectivity
7. Rode NT USB
What’s the story?
Rode claims to supply an reasonably priced mic with true studio-quality sound. As lockdown kicked in, each actor within the nation began rapidly erecting a blanket-encased dwelling studio and this specific mannequin was as widespread as all-purpose flour within the native store – and we will see why.
Is it any good?
This has all of the reassuring weight, dimension and shiny packaging of a correct studio mic; upon opening the field you instantly really feel such as you’ve bought a correct little bit of package. The mic comes with a sturdy sufficient mini-stand and modern carry case (helpful if it’s good to squeeze in a recording whenever you’re away). The field additionally accommodates a pop protect. This can be a massive plus, boosting the sound high quality and saving you from shelling out additional.
With a fundamental dwelling studio set-up, the mic provides you precisely what it guarantees: knowledgeable high quality voiceover or singing recording. Some actors have even recorded high-end voiceover jobs with this mic in a make-shift dwelling studio. Regardless of the carry case, its dimension and weight imply that it’s not fairly as simple to take out and about because the others right here, though the USB connection makes the method fuss-free.
Stuff says: ★★★★★
The Rode NT-USB is a wonderful low-fuss possibility for anybody on the lookout for studio-quality recordings at dwelling
8. Rode XDM-100
What’s the story?
Rode’s new X line-up is purpose-built for players and streamers, with a good cardioid pick-up sample that’ll silence keyboard clattering and the like – however that additionally means its a terrific selection for podcasting. The XDM-100 is meant for static setups, slightly than extra transportable ones, and makes use of USB-C for comfort.
Is it any good?
With excellent readability for the value, the XDM-100 can simply rub shoulders with XLR microphones aimed toward extra skilled setups. a 24-bit depth, 20Hz-20kHz frequency vary and 48kHz pattern fee are all on par with shut rivals, whereas the USB-C connection means you don’t must depend on an exterior mixer or audio interface to start out recording. The inner preamp additionally saves the necessity for additional processing in your audio modifying software program.
It’s pretty expensive, however you do get one in every of Rode’s a PSM1 Shock Mounts included within the field. It’ll work as a makeshift stand, however works greatest when mounted to a microphone arm. There’s an ordinary mounting thread, and a free pop protect thrown in too, though the latter is a little bit skinny so isn’t excellent for stopping plosives. Rode does embrace some very useful software program as nicely – it’s a full bundle, principally.
Stuff says: ★★★★★
A fantastic-sounding mic that comes with loads of extras within the field, and doesn’t want any further package to get recording.
Now, how about one thing to take heed to your podcast on? These are one of the best wi-fi audio system.