Microphone Sort: There are three principal varieties of microphones: dynamic, condenser, and ribbon. Mostly, podcast mics are both dynamic or condenser sorts. Dynamic podcast mics do not require energy to operate, they usually’re barely much less delicate. This could be a good factor for many who plan on podcasting and environments that may have some background noise.
Condenser microphones are extra delicate, however they do require energy to operate. Within the case of a USB mic, this energy is equipped merely by way of the USB cable. Nevertheless, with an XLR-connected microphone, the ability is equipped by way of your audio interface.
Pickup Sample: The pickup sample of a microphone dictates the path from which the microphone can greatest decide up sound. Many podcast microphones have a couple of pickup sample to select from.
For podcasting, you may almost definitely need a microphone with a cardioid pickup sample. This implies the microphone will principally hear sound from the entrance and reject extraneous noise from the again. Nevertheless, microphones include a spread of different pickup patterns that may be helpful in sure conditions. Some have an omnidirectional sample, which suggests they decide up sound equally from all instructions.
Different microphones have a bidirectional sample, often known as a figure-8 sample, which signifies that they’ll decide up audio from the entrance and the again, however not a lot from the edges. Within the case of podcasting, an omnidirectional pickup sample can turn out to be useful for recording a number of individuals without delay, whereas a bidirectional pickup sample could be helpful for recording you and one different particular person on the identical time. Should you plan on ever utilizing the microphone to file simply your voice at any given time, ensure that it comes with a cardioid and pick-up sample.
Connectivity: Microphones generally hook up with a pc by way of USB or XLR connectors. USB mics are a little bit extra handy as a result of you may plug them straight into your laptop with a USB cable with out having to fret about utilizing an exterior audio interface. XLR microphones are extra generally utilized in skilled settings, however there are many XLR microphones that you simply would possibly contemplate in your podcasting setup. Should you do purchase a microphone with an XLR connector, you may have to additionally purchase an audio interface to have the ability to join that microphone to your laptop. Should you plan on recording audio from a number of microphones without delay, be sure you purchase an interface that has a minimum of as many XLR inputs as you’ll need.
Additionally, contemplate the power of the connectors. “Since my microphone is mounted on a increase arm, there’s plenty of motion concerned – each of the mic itself and the cabling,” says Ben Thomas, audio knowledgeable and host of the podcast Professional AV Immediately. “This fixed repositioning places plenty of pressure on the connectors. Having rugged connectors is a should to keep away from any potential harm or unfastened connections that might have an effect on the audio high quality or trigger interruptions throughout recording classes.”
Onboard Options: Microphones typically have built-in controls that may embody a knob for microphone acquire, a swap for various pickup patterns, a headphone jack, a knob to regulate headphone quantity, and extra. Constructed-in controls for these capabilities are extra handy than counting on audio software program
Sturdiness and Construct High quality: Sturdiness could be an necessary facet of any podcast microphone. Some microphones are well-known for his or her sturdiness, notably these constructed by Shure. Should you plan on shopping for a microphone that you simply’ll solely preserve in your desk for podcasting, sturdiness will not be a very powerful facet for you. Nevertheless, if you happen to plan on taking your microphone on the street, purchase one thing you already know can survive just a few knocks and bumps.
