It’s no secret that the quality of your podcast largely depends on the quality of your sound: apart from your content, of course. Because nobody really wants to listen to someone blabbering away on their computer headset, investing in a mic is a good idea. But picking the right one for your needs can get tricky, depending on your budget and the kind of podcast you run. We’ve made a no-frills list of the five best mics out there. But before you get into it, here’s a nifty guide to the two categories of mic that you’ll be looking to buy from: condenser mics and dynamic mics.
Condenser mics are mostly used in studios to pick up sounds with great detail and accuracy. This is accomplished with a lightweight membrane, known as the diaphragm, suspended by a fixed plate. The important thing to note is that condenser mics are delicate and are used to pick up and amplify softer sounds. These mics also use power from an external source, known as phantom power (usually 48V sent from the preamp), to create their high output.
Dynamic mics work best to record loud sounds. Unlike condensers, they use a wire coil inside the microphone to amplify signals picked up by the diaphragm. They need no batteries or external power supplies, and also cost a fraction of what a condenser does, so that’s a huge plus point. However, they record a narrower range of frequencies, and so can sound less rich as compared to a condenser mic. They also record less surrounding noise, so you have to be right up close to the mic for it to pick up your voice. But, because of this, they can be very quiet, and don’t need a studio environment for recording.
Following are five mics you can pick up:
Samson Meteor
While the Samson Meteor may fool you with its drop-dead-gorgeous shiny look, this little beauty is actually quite the beast. With a ridiculously easy plug-and-play set-up, the mic boasts a condenser capsule combined with a cardioid pickup pattern, which essentially means front-facing, which gives you exceptional audio quality. The three legs that prop the mic up, also fold flush into the sides of the mic, making it a nifty mic that will fit right into your pocket.
Level: Beginner
Price: Dh400-500
Shure SM7B
This mid-level microphone is worth all the money you throw at it because of its versatility: Take it outdoors or take it with you to the studio, this sturdy, dynamic mic will give you best quality sound. Its steel mesh grille is built to withstand years of rough handling, which means it can handle all your impromptu, literal mic drops. The only problem with the SM7B, and it is a huge detractor for podcasters, is that the mic picks up a lot of background noise, and can be quite punishing with bad mic technique, which means that it will pick up everything from your lip smacks to your breathing, which means more hours spent in post-production.
Level: Mid-level
Price: Dh650
Audio Technica AT2020
Audio Technica, a game changer in the field of sound engineering these days (especially with their headphones), has made one of the best podcasting mics out there: the AT2020. The most versatile mic in the price range, this one boasts a sturdy and beautiful construction, combined with beautiful sound, thanks to its cardioid condenser. However, most users will probably want to pick up a shock mount to replace the included stand mount to give your set-up more stability, increasing your cost a tad bit.
Level: Expert
Price: Dh900
The Blue Yeti
If you’re looking for quality and flexibility in one mic, the Blue Yeti is your abominable best friend. Offering excellent quality audio thanks to its three-capsule condenser design and extreme ease of use with a plug and play USB connection, the Blue Yeti is a podcaster’s dream come true, affording omnidirectional recording and four recording modes, including stereo. It also comes with its own stand. However, due to its large size, the mic is not for those who are looking to record on-the-go.
Level: Expert
Price: Dh900
Rode Podcaster
Designed especially for podcasting, as the name non-subtly gives away, the Rode Podcaster not only looks unique, but packs a punch sonically. Apart from the dynamic mic with the cardioid set-up making sure that your voice is picked up loud and clear, the mic comes with an inbuilt pop filter, eliminating all the harsh p and b sounds from your voice. Providing broadcast sound quality, this is the most professional sound you can get out of a USB mic, making it worth your dirhams. This one’s recommended for the pro podcasters, who don’t mind investing further into their podcast business.
Level: Pro
Price: Dh1,000
