Best Podcast Microphone Setup for Every Level

In 2024, over 500 million people worldwide listen to podcasts regularly. With this growing audience, having a top-notch podcast microphone setup is more important than ever. Quality audio keeps listeners engaged and gives your podcast a professional edge.

In this article, I'll guide you through some of the most outstanding podcast mic setups available, covering everything from budget-friendly options to high-end gear. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned podcaster, you'll get practical tips to enhance your sound and make your show stand out.

Part 1: Podcast Microphone Setup Types

If you're thinking of buying a microphone for your podcast, you're likely to come across a wide range of them online. So, we're going to help you narrow down your choices to a selected few. The types of microphones used for podcasting are classified into the groups below:

Dynamic Microphone

These types of microphones are great for noisy spaces. They pick up less background noise, making them ideal for areas that aren't soundproof. For instance, if you're a podcaster recording travel adventures in different environments, a dynamic microphone works perfectly. These mics are durable, handle loud sounds well, and don't need an extra power source.

Condenser microphones

Condenser microphones cost more than dynamic microphones. They deliver richer and fuller sound quality. However, they pick up background noise easily. This makes them ideal for soundproofed environments. If you want detailed and clear recordings, use a condenser microphone. These mics are sensitive and need an external power source, often an audio interface or a mixer with phantom power. So, when recording in a controlled, quiet space, a condenser microphone gives you the best audio quality.

USB Microphones

USB microphones connect directly to your computer using a USB port. It's that simple. You don't need extra equipment, which makes the setup very easy. However, they do have a limitation: the number of USB ports on your computer. This becomes an issue if you have multiple in-person hosts or guests for your podcast. Despite this, USB microphones are convenient and perfect for solo podcasters or small setups. So, if you want an easy and quick solution, choose a USB microphone.

XLR Microphones

XLR microphones use a 3-prong connector i.e. positive, negative, and ground terminals. They have great audio quality, but can't connect to your computer. They can only be connected to audio interfaces or mixers. To use, you first connect it to a mixer, which will get fed into your computer. The mixer converts the analog input into digital so your computer recognizes it. XLR microphones offer great flexibility. If you're running a podcast with multiple mics, you can just connect them to the same mixer. If you want high-quality audio and need multi-mic podcast setups, choose an XLR microphone.

Part 2: Factors to Consider When Choosing Podcast Microphone Setup

With so many options in the market, you have to consider several crucial factors when choosing your mic set for podcasts. Here are some of the factors below:

Purpose and Environment

Considering the purpose and environment is crucial when choosing a microphone for your podcast. If you're recording in a noisy cafe or at live events, you'll need a microphone that can pick up your voice clearly while minimizing background noise. On the other hand, if you're recording solo in a quiet studio, you can focus on finding a microphone that captures your voice with high fidelity.

Microphone Type

There are different types available, such as dynamic, condenser, USB, and XLR microphones. Each type has its strengths and weaknesses, so it's essential to understand how they differ and which type is best suited for your recording situation.

Polar Pattern

When choosing a microphone for your podcast, pay attention to its polar pattern, which indicates how it picks up sound. Common patterns include cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional. Opt for a cardioid microphone for podcasting as it captures sound mainly from the front, reducing background noise from the sides and rear. However, your recording setup and needs might require a different pattern.

Budget

Your budget is a crucial factor when you're choosing the best mic setup for the podcast. High-end options offer superior audio quality and advanced features, while budget-friendly options provide decent performance for beginners or those on a tight budget. Consider how much you're willing to invest in your podcasting equipment. It's essential to strike a balance between quality and affordability to ensure you get the best value for your money and achieve the desired audio results for your podcast.

Compatibility

Make sure the microphone you select is compatible with your current recording setup. If you're making use of a digital audio interface or mixer, ensure the microphone can connect to it smoothly. Also, if you record directly into a computer or smartphone, check if the microphone offers USB connectivity for easy plug-and-play use.

Part 3: Best Podcast Microphone Setup for Beginners

1. Samson Q2U

• Average Cost: $50-$70
• Connection: XLR & USB
• Function: Dynamic

The Samson Q2U is an awesome dynamic mic, perfect for beginner podcasters. With a price tag of just $50 to $70 on podcast equipment, Amazon is making it super affordable. Inside the kit, you'll find everything you need to start recording right away. It includes the mic itself, a small stand ideal for your desk, and a useful windscreen for outdoor recording. Plus, all the cables you need to connect to your computer are included.

This mic is great for solo podcasters because it has both USB and XLR outputs, giving you flexibility. If you want to level up your setup, consider getting a mixer or digital recorder for even better quality, especially if you're using the XLR connection. Another benefit of the Samson Q2U's dual output is that you can easily back up your recordings. This means that even if one device crashes or runs out of batteries, you'll still have a copy of your session.

2. The Blue Snowball

• Average cost: $45-$49.99
• Connection: USB
• Function: Condenser

The Blue Snowball, a step above their iCE model and slightly less pricier than the Samson Q2U USB, comes with an adjustable tripod. It also features cardioid mode, which is best for recording podcasts, cardioid mode with a -10db Pad which is great for recording louder sounds with higher fidelity and omnidirectional modes that'll pick up sounds from different directions, making it perfect for various recording needs.
If you're looking for condenser mics for beginners, this will make a fine option. It's easy to set up, well-known, budget-friendly, and widely favored for podcasts. To capture the best sound, maintain proximity while recording for those lush tones you desire.

Part 4: Best Podcast Microphone Setup for Mid-Range Podcasters

1. The Blue Yeti

• Average Cost: $99-$130
• Connection: USB
• Function: Condenser

The Blue Yeti is one of the most popular USB microphones for podcasts in the world due to its ease of use, fantastic sound quality, and affordability. You can start using it right out of the box, as it comes with a tabletop stand. The most outstanding advantage of the Blue Yeti, though, is its range of polar patterns. It offers settings for solo recording, two-person face-to-face recording, and group recording. This makes it flexible and adaptable to just about any situation.

For better sound quality, consider adding a Blue Radius II shock mount and a Heil PL2T boom stand. The Yeti features gain control, a mute button, zero-latency output, and a tri-capsule array of three condensers. This mic is perfect for anyone looking for an affordable microphone for podcasts without compromising quality.

2. RODE Podcaster

• Average Cost: $170
• Connection: USB
• Function: Dynamic

The RODE Podcaster is a solid mid-range microphone choice for your podcasting needs. It comes from a reputable brand known for quality microphones. Unlike its sibling, the RODE Procaster, which uses XLR cables, the Podcaster connects directly to your computer via USB, making setup easy.

Although it's pricier than the Blue Yeti, it only comes with a USB cable and a ring mount. So, you'll need to purchase either a desktop stand or a studio boom/shock mount to complete your RODE podmic setup. It offers excellent sound quality, a headphone output for zero-latency monitoring, and a built-in pop filter. Plus, being a dynamic microphone, it performs well in home studios or non-soundproofed environments.

Part 5: Best Podcast Microphone Setup for Professional Podcasters

1. Shure SM7b

• Average Cost: $380-$399
• Connection: XLR
• Function: Dynamic

The Shure SM7B is a fantastic professional microphone for your podcast. It delivers top-notch sound quality with stunning clarity, perfect for vocal recordings. This mic is sturdy, built like a tank, and offers an impressive frequency response of 50 to 20,000 Hz.

However, it can pick up background noise and plosive sounds, so use it in a quiet studio. Attach the A7WS windscreen that comes with it to minimize these issues. Since it doesn't include a shock mount, you'll also need to invest in a polearm or mic stand for the best results.

2. The HEiL PR40

• Average Cost: $329-$375
• Connection: XLR
• Function: Dynamic

The Heil PR40 is an excellent professional microphone for your podcast. It's slightly cheaper than the Shure SM7B and has a stylish, vintage look. This dynamic mic offers a frequency response of 28Hz to 18kHz and is balanced at 600 ohms.

You can pair it with the Heil Sound PRSM-B shock mount and the Heil Sound PL-2T Overhead Broadcast Boom for optimal use. This mic provides top-notch sound.

Part 6: Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your Podcast Microphone

Follow the step-by-step guide below for proper tips on microphone podcast setup.

Step 1: Setup in a Good Recording Location

When setting up your podcast microphone, the recording location is crucial for good audio quality. To minimize background noise and get the best sound, consider the following:

• Record in a place free from background noise like traffic, barking dogs, or neighbors. These sounds can ruin your recording and are hard to remove during editing.
• Choose a space with soft surfaces like upholstered furniture, curtains, and pillows. These absorb sound and prevent echoes and outside noise from reaching your mic.
• Opt for a small room to avoid your voice sounding too big. Draping a blanket nearby can help create an ideal recording space.
• If you're recording at home, ensure the room is properly insulated and soundproofed to block out external noises.

Note: Ensure that you're aware of the acoustics in your recording space. Sounds can bounce off of surfaces like walls, which can cause audio distortion. So, make sure there are no reflective surfaces near your mic. You can also use acoustic panels or other soundproofing materials to absorb unwanted noise and reflections.

Step 2: Connect the Microphone to Your Recording Device

To connect your microphone to your recording device, start by identifying the appropriate cable. Most microphones use an XLR cable, while USB microphones connect directly to your computer. Once you have the right cable, plug one end into the microphone and the other end into the corresponding port on your recording device. Ensure the connections are secure to prevent any audio issues. If you're using an XLR microphone, you may need an audio interface or mixer to connect it to your computer. Test the connection by recording a short sample to confirm everything is working properly.

Step 3: Place/Position Your Mic Properly

The best microphone positioning during podcast recording can vary depending on various factors such as the acoustics of your recording space, type of microphone, and personal preferences. However, below are general guidelines for positioning a typical cardioid/dynamic microphone.

• Position the microphone on a stable stand or boom arm. Avoid handheld operation to prevent noise.
• Using boom arms is great as they keep the mic away from the keyboard and desk noises.
• Place the microphone 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 centimeters) from your mouth. This distance captures your voice clearly while reducing plosive sounds and breath noise.
• Angle the microphone slightly upward toward your mouth at about a 45-degree angle to prevent the plosives from hitting the mic directly.
• Ensure nothing obstructs the microphone during recording, like clothing or other equipment on your podcasting table.
• A cardioid microphone, which is the most common mic for podcasting, speaks directly into the front, as it rejects sound from the sides and rear. However, an omnidirectional microphone, captures sound equally from all directions, so positioning is less critical.

Step 4: Wear Your Headphones While Recording

When recording your podcast, wearing headphones is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, headphones enable real-time audio monitoring, ensuring that the recorded sound is clear, free of distortion, and devoid of unwanted background noise.

They provide instant feedback, allowing for immediate adjustments or repositioning of the mic during recording. By hearing your voice, you can control volume, tone, and pronunciation for improved vocal performance and clarity.

Additionally, headphones help identify and manage problematic sounds like plosives and sibilance. They also prevent feedback loops, a common problem that happens when the mic picks up sound from speakers, causing unpleasant squealing or howling noises

Step 5: Install Pop Filter on Your Mic

Sound is just air molecules moving back and forth, detected by microphones. Some sounds we make produce powerful bursts of air, called plosives, which end up sounding louder than they should in recordings. Plosives, like "K," "T," and "P" sounds, are irritating and distracting. You can minimize plosives with a pop filter, a mesh screen that attaches to your microphone.

To install a pop filter on your microphone, all you need is to choose one that suits your microphone. Most pop filters come with a clamp and a flexible arm. Attach the clamp to the microphone stand, ensuring it is secure. Next, position the pop filter about 2-4 inches away from the microphone. Adjust the flexible arm so the filter is directly in front of the mic. Installing a pop filter is easy and greatly improves your audio quality by creating a barrier between your mouth and the mic.

Step 6: Use Noise Cancellation Software

To improve your podcast's audio quality, you can use recording/editing software with noise-canceling software. This software identifies and removes unwanted background noise from your recording. First, choose a reliable noise-canceling program. During editing, let the software detect non-vocal sounds like hums, clicks, or distant traffic. Adjust the settings to define what counts as noise.

Although this tool is helpful, it isn't perfect. Some noises might slip through the crack, and the software might occasionally mistake parts of your voice for noise. Therefore, always try to record in a quiet, echo-absorbing space for the best results.

Step 7: Adjust Your Mic Settings Accordingly

Most microphones and audio recording software normally have lots of settings and options that you can tweak to optimize how it picks up sounds from your environment. If you're using an audio mixer or interface, they'll also have settings as well.

To adjust your mic's settings effectively for your podcast setup, start by managing the volume level. When recording podcasts, it's important to ensure the volume levels are right. Too low, the audio will be muffled and difficult to understand and if it's too high, you may get distortion or clipping. Monitor these 3 parameters while recording:

Volume Level

• Keep peak level below -6dB.
• Maintain your loudness meter in the “green” or “safe” zone.
• Ensure average level between -12dB and -15dB.
• Adjust Equalization (EQ) for preferred audio balance.

Recording Parameters

• Use WAV or AIFF formats.
• Choose 16-bit or 24-bit depth.
• Use mono or stereo recording depending on your needs
• Maintain a bit rate of 128kbps.
• Use 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz sample rate.

Adjust gain/input level

Speak into the mic as you normally do when recording, and adjust the gain to a peak of -10dB on your meter to prevent clipping. The easiest way to find this point is to increase the gain till you hear buzzing in your headphones, then reduce it slightly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, having the best podcast microphone setup is crucial for delivering high-quality audio to your audience. By considering factors such as microphone type, polar pattern, and recording environment, you can find the perfect microphone to suit your needs. Whether you opt for a dynamic microphone like the Rode Podcaster or a condenser microphone like the Blue Yeti, make sure it aligns with your budget and recording needs. Additionally, don't forget to pay attention to proper placement, wear headphones for monitoring, and utilize noise-canceling software to enhance your recording quality. With the right podcast gear setup, you'll be ready to create engaging and professional podcasts.