Listening to podcasts is one of the most popular alternatives to binge-watching TV shows or scrolling through social media. You can find podcasts on just about any subject these days. Plus, podcasts travel with you. Just pop on your headphones during your commute or while you’re exercising and enjoy. Interested in trying your hand at podcasting? Keep reading for our list of the best podcast microphones as recommended by experts.
One genre in particular that’s gained an enormous following are true-crime podcasts. Maybe they’ve even inspired you to tell your own story. However, if you are thinking about creating a podcast, you will need to invest in some equipment. Having the right podcast microphone can help to up your audio game.
After all, how a podcast sounds in your earbuds or on your smart speaker can make-or-break the listening experience. Check out this list of the best earbuds to get your hands on this year. That way, whether you’re the podcast creator or listener, you can hear your favorites at top-notch quality.
So that got us wondering, what are some of the best podcast microphones for audio storytelling? StudyFinds compiled a list of the five best podcast microphones, from ten expert websites. As always, we’d like to see your own recommendations in the comments below! And if you’re curious as to which podcasts are the best, here are some recommendations for you.
The List: Best Podcast Microphones, According to Expert Reviews
1. Logitech Blue Yeti Microphone
At $129, Podchaser points out this condenser microphone has “two unique features for podcasters. First is multiple pickup patterns, meaning that you can change settings if recording alone, or recording multiple people on one mic. The second feature is built-in Blue VOICE Software which includes audio effects, voice modulation, and HD audio samples.”
MusicRadar calls the Blue Yeti the ‘best and easiest podcast mic option for any user adding, “You can choose to either have the mic pick up the sound being directed straight into it, which is great for podcasting, or you can set it to pick up audio from a wider angle.”
Rolling Stone Magazine adds, “You’ve got sound effects and voice modulation software built-in for an added pop to your daily podcast. This means you can alter and distort your voice with a touch of a button.”
Plus, it comes with its own desktop microphone stand. Just note the Blue Yeti is USB only. If you want XLR capability too, you’ll need to pay a little more for a higher-end model.
2. Shure MV7 Microphone
“The MV7 is a modernized version of Shure’s SM7B, one of the most popular vocal microphones of all time. Shure took the SM7B’s iconic design, shrunk it down, and added features that makes it the gold standard for podcast microphones,” according to Rolling Stone Magazine.
At $249, the Shure MV7 has both XLR and USB functionality. Producer Hive adds, “this microphone can handle all your podcasting needs without blinking.”
“The ShurePlus MOTIV app that’s included with the mic is compatible with Android and iOS devices and can turn your smartphone or other mobile device into a portable recording studio,” notes Riverside.FM.
3. Rode PodMic Microphone
If you are a more seasoned podcaster and are looking to upgrade your mic, check this one out. GameRevolution notes the dynamic PodMic “is able to reject unwanted background sounds a lot more effectively than its condenser competition. It’s also locked in at a cardioid pickup pattern, which will be the go-to choice for single-person recordings.”
“The PodMic is small, but overflowing with high-quality recording capability. While serious podcasters should always fine-tune their recordings before publishing, one of the best things about the PodMic is that it doesn’t take much setup to get it sounding crisp and clear in the first place,” according to Tom’s Guide.
“As a broadcast-grade mic, it’s designed specifically for vocals and provides a full-bodied sound to audio recordings,” says Riverside.FM. “It’s important to note that this mic doesn’t include a desktop stand, connection cable, headphone jack, or gain adjustment knob.”
For the $99 price point, this XLR microphone packs a lot of punch. Just keep in mind what you’ll need to purchase separately.
4. Audio-Technica ATR2100X Microphone Kit
Producer Hive crowned the ATR2100X the “best podcast microphone bundle,” noting it “includes a tripod stand, pop filter, boom arm, shock mount, two USB cables (6.6 ft), and one XLR cable (9.8 ft).”
“What’s great is that this podcast microphone has both USB and XLR outputs as well as an analog-to-digital converter. It also has a headphone jack so you can directly monitor sound levels,” points out Rolling Stone Magazine.
You can snag this bundle for under $100 on Amazon.
5. Electro-Voice RE20 Microphone
This last entry on our list is more expensive at $449, but it boasts professional-grade quality. “The Electro-Voice RE20 is a favorite in radio broadcasts and is slowly making its way onto the podcast scene as more podcasters search for that professional, crisp sound with mid-bass,” according to Podcast Rocket.
“It has a feature called Variable-D that gives you some flexibility with your mic technique, making it great for both beginners and pros,” adds Podcast Insights.
“Those who love the EV speak fondly of its rich tones, depth, and resonance. There’s a body to the recordings that’s as memorable as it is undefinable,” notes The Podcast Host.
Sources:
- MusicRadar
- Podchaser
- Rolling Stone Magazine
- Producer Hive
- Riverside.FM
- Tom’s Guide
- GameRevolution
- Podcast Rocket
- Podcast Insights
- The Podcast Host
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Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links.