Best microphones to get started with podcasting
- sep
- 06
Podcasting is huge. The medium has become super popular in the last few years, probably due in part because starting your own is pretty easy. While you don't need to spend a lot of money to start recording, you will want to invest in a microphone. There are all sorts of good microphones for podcasting, by my personal favorite is the Blue Yeti which I have been using for the past couple years. The Yeti has four different recording modes, meaning its very versatile regardless of where or what you're recording. Of course, the Blue Yeti isn't the only option for you, so without further ado, here are the best microphones to get your podcast off the ground!
Compact Quality
Samson Metoer
The Samson Meteor is a very simple USB condenser microphone that won't lead you astray when it comes to single-person recording. Although the Meteor is only meant to capture a single source, it does record all of its audio at a 16 bit, 48kHz sample rate, which means you're getting great sounding audio every time you sit in front of it.
A versatile powerhouse
Blue Yeti
The Blue Yeti can record sound in four different ways, making it highly useful for different situations. Whether you're recording in cardioid, stereo, omnidirectional, or bidirectional, all recordings are captured at a sample rate of 16 bit at 48kHz. The 3.5mm headphone jack also allows you to monitor the sound your Yeti is capturing live, so you can tweak the gain as you go.
USB and XLR
Samson Q2U
While USB microphones are super easy to plug into your computer and record, XLR mics require a bit more equipment but can provide better control of the recording quality. If you think you might make the jump to being a serious and consistent podcaster soon (or eventually), the Samson Q2U has both connections so it can keep up with you as you get new equipment.
Budget-friendly Blue
Blue Snowball
Blue makes a lot of different microphones and the Snowball has become a beloved microphone for the budget podcaster because of its low price point and versatility. It has three different modes: cardioid, which is great for single person recording; omnidirectional, a fantastic option for multiple-person recording; and cardioid -10 dB, which allows for great noise reduction and is perfect for louder environments.
These microphones are a great starting point for any podcaster, that will let you practice and refine your skill without having to spend hundreds of dollars on a fancy studio microphone. Plus, a good microphone can last you years without needing to be replaced, meaning you'll only have to switch microphones when you're ready to upgrade on quality.
Do you have a favorite microphone that's great for podcasting? Share it with the iMore community in the comments down below!