The best content and the most fascinating guests in a podcast episode can be completely overshadowed by poor or uneven audio quality. Therefore, whether you are just beginning, establishing, or solidifying your place in the podcasting industry, a good podcast microphone is desirable.
Three different types of microphones are available for podcasting: condenser, dynamic, and USB variations of the first two. Your demands and budget will determine the ideal podcasting microphone for you, but it must be dependable, simple to use, and give professional audio to your listeners.
There are a ton of options on the market right now, with prices ranging from $50 to $500. The sweet spot for professional features and sound quality is between $100 and $200. There are a few keepers down below, but as you bottom out, you’ll come across unreliable and lesser-known brands.
Table of Contents
Shure SM7B Vocal Dynamic Microphone
- ONE MICROPHONE FOR EVERYTHING - Studio Recording, Home Recording, Podcasting and Streaming. The SM7B Is Trusted By The Worlds Leading Vocalists,...
- STUDIO VOCAL RECORDING - The SM7B’s Dynamic Cartridge With Smooth, Flat, Wide-range Frequency Response Produces Exceptionally Clean and Natural...
- PODCAST and BROADCAST - Found In The Top Podcasting Studios Around The World, The SM7B Air Suspension Shock Isolation and Pop Filter Eliminate Both...
The SM7B has a very flat frequency response on basic settings from roughly 100Hz to 12kHz, building up gradually from the bass end but sharply dropping off from the high end. When attempting to get the finest performance out of your vocalist or instrument, having these convenient alternatives is helpful. Just flick a few switches on the back of the mic to suddenly hear much more bass roll-off or a presence boost.
To reduce hum from neighboring computer equipment, the SM7B’s design includes an electromagnetic shield, pop filter, and inbuilt shock mount. It is also well-known for producing excellent sound in untreated environments by extremely successfully eliminating noise and reflections. These characteristics have given it a new lease on life as the preferred mic among podcasters and YouTubers in recent years.
Since they first entered production in the 1970s, Shure’s SM7 microphones have proved outstanding for vocal recording. Yes, Joe Rogan uses an SM7B for his podcast, and Michael Jackson preferred the original SM7 as his go-to microphone.
The SM7B, the most recent version of the well-liked vocal microphone, has controls for bass roll-off and presence boost in addition to a built-in wind screen to block plosives. This is a low-sensitivity microphone, similar to the RE20, so you’ll probably need a mic booster like the Cloudlifter to reach a usable recording level. This is the Best Dynamic Microphone for Podcasting in 2023.
Electro-Voice RE20 Broadcast Announcer Microphone with Variable-D
- Professional quality dynamic cardioid microphone with studio condenser-like performance
- The classic sound of FM radio voices with smooth, natural, and controlled sonic character
- The Variable-D design and heavy-duty internal pop filter excel for close-in voice work, while an internal element shock-mount reduces...
The RE20, a broadcasting workhorse, is still widely used today in the podcasting community. This microphone excels in the field of recording vocals because to its outstanding off-axis rejection and natural, full-bodied sound. Its so-called Variable-D technology, which includes ports down the length of the chassis to lessen the tone shift brought on by proximity effect, is partially to blame for this.
Since of the proximity effect, close-micping is popular among broadcasters because it gives their voice a warm, rich quality. However, there is an issue. Additionally, a lot of broadcasters enjoy fidgeting, turning their heads, moving about, and generally forgetting to keep their lips as close to the microphone as feasible. Their performance substantially alters as a result of this tinkering. One moment it’s warm and rich, the next it’s frail and whining.
The RE20 is a fantastic, professional-grade dynamic mic with a secret weapon called Variable-D. In essence, a perforated pipe on the back of the RE20’s diaphragm maintains a constant frequency response whether the source is on-axis or up to 180° off-axis. This gives a vocalist the freedom to roam about, whether on purpose or not, without having an impact on their sound. The crisp low-end that Variable-D microphones produce makes them ideal for recording kick drums, guitar cabs, and other low-frequency instruments as an extra bonus.
If you want to create broadcasts or podcasts of a high caliber that your listeners will enjoy, the RE20 is a wise investment. It represents much better value if you can use recording instruments with it as well. Keep in mind that the RE20 requires a good amount of amplification because it is a low-sensitivity microphone if you’re thinking about buying one. You should purchase a Cloudlifter, a low-noise mic booster that offers 25dB of clean amplification, if your signals are weak. This is the Best Dynamic Microphones for Podcasting in 2023.
Telefunken M80 Dynamic Microphone
- Dynamic Microphone with Supercardioid Pickup Pattern 50Hz-18kHz Frequency Response - Black Finish
The M80 is an intriguing microphone for a lot of reasons, not the least of which is that it comes in no less than 15 colors, including fluro pink, yellow, orange, and gold. To properly coordinate the M80 with every costume in your stage wardrobe, you can even mix and match the color of the body and grille. We’d pay to watch that performance!
However, how does that sound? In order to create a microphone with the durability of a dynamic and the acoustic qualities of a condenser, Telefunken has put a lot of effort into the project. The M80 has a wide frequency response that benefits from a hint of high-end presence thanks to a light capsule and thin diaphragm.
The outcome is an open, breezy, but commanding persona. a wise choice for snare and lead vocal applications. Transients are finely controlled, and handling noise is nicely muted despite the high-end prominence. The build quality is excellent. The M80 weighs 430g, which is approximately a third more than a Shure SM57, making it reassuringly weighty even though it isn’t particularly heavy. Its smooth, svelte contours have a fairly opulent appearance in black and chrome.
Neumann BCM 705 Dynamic Studio Microphone
- Dynamic directional characteristic
- Mint condition shows almost no sign of use
- He Neumann b CM 705 is a professional microphone with dynamic capsule that gives you great quality so
If you’ve ever been curious about how a Neumann microphone would affect the sound of an electric guitar, bass, or kick drum in recordings but were hesitant to place an extremely expensive condenser mic in front of an amp or kick, your curiosity is over. Neumann has developed the BCM 705, the first-ever Neumann dynamic microphone, for the first time in their 75-year reign at the pinnacle of the recording industry. The dynamic BCM 705, which is far less expensive than the condenser BCM 104, will solve the issue of the immense cost pressure associated with outfitting a studio with many mics. The Neumann BCM 705, which is also a fantastic broadcast microphone, can perform speech tasks around the studio.
The portable stage microphone and capsule for the Profi Power Sennheiser MD 431 are used by the BCM 705 thanks to a Neumann revision. The BCM 705, which shares the same housing as the previously released BCM 104, can be easily distinguished as a Neumann dynamic microphone thanks to its new “green” Neumann emblem. The production procedures for the capsule of the original MD 431 needed to be extensively revised for the BCM 705 project. To achieve the application requirements for this novel microphone, tolerances in frequency response and sensitivity had to be reduced.
In the BCM 705, the entire chamber enclosing the capsule has been extended and is acoustically connected to a rear entrance port to boost low frequencies. Even though the BCM 705 is designed for near miking, the proximity effect results in comparatively little low-frequency build-up. Because of this, the microphone is a great option for anyone who wants to keep a decent, firm bass response while working a little bit farther away from the source.
Shure SM58-LC Vocal Microphone
- EXEPTIONAL VOCAL PERFORMANCE - The SM58-LC delivers high-quality vocal reproduction, thanks to its tailored frequency response and brightened midrange...
- INDUSTRY STANDARD - The first choice for performers around the globe, the SM58 Dynamic Vocal Microphone is ready to bring any performance to life....
- CLARITY & CARE - The uniform cardioid polar pattern reproduces every note as it was intended, delivering warm, crisp sound time after time.
In case you’re seeking for a premium podcast microphone that is more portable, I have to call out the workhorse Shure SM58. SM58 handheld microphones are more frequently seen at musical performances, notably in the hands of shouting lead singers. It can withstand being dropped, pummeled, or submerged. It’s ideal for someone who wants to record more on location than in a studio.
Blue Yeti USB Microphone
- Custom three-capsule array: This professional USB mic produces clear, powerful, broadcast-quality sound for YouTube videos, Twitch game streaming,...
- Blue VOICE software: Elevate your streamings and recordings with clear broadcast vocal sound and entertain your audience with enhanced effects,...
- Four pickup patterns: Flexible cardioid, omni, bidirectional, and stereo pickup patterns allow you to record in ways that would normally require...
Due to its simplicity of plug and play, the Blue Yeti is by far the most widely used USB microphone and is ideal for podcasting. USB microphones are frequently the best option if you want something economical with minimal configuration requirements. Naturally, USB connectivity is one of the first aspects to be discussed. Due to its ease of use, anyone can get started right away by just plugging it into their computer. However, it still offers additional functions that will undoubtedly surprise you.
The Blue Yeti features four different polar pattern settings: omni (all sides), cardioid (front only), and stereo (left, right, front). (front & back only). This adaptability enables you to alter the mic’s functionality depending on whether you’re conducting a one-on-one interview (bi-directional), a group session (omni), or just by yourself. (cardioid).
A headphone port is also provided for latency-free monitoring. Of course, if it didn’t sound fantastic, we wouldn’t suggest it! The Blue Yeti is a popular YouTube microphone, and as a result, it also works well for podcasting.
Shure MV7 USB Microphone for Podcasting
- USB OR XLR CONNECTIONS - Dual USB/XLR output allows digital or analog recording
- CLOSE MIC APPLICATIONS - Great for podcasting, recording, live streaming, and more
- INTUITIVE TOUCH PANEL CONTROLS - Intuitive touch panel for control over gain, monitoring volume, headphone mix, and mic muting
A dynamic microphone with a cardioid pickup pattern and XLR and micro-USB outputs is the Shure MV7. A shock mount and headphone jack output are also included for zero-latency monitoring. A mute toggle and boost level LEDs are located on the touch panel of the microphone. If you utilize the USB port, this microphone does not need a hardware interface, however an XLR recording requires a hardware interface. For additional, pricier functions like altering the mic position or frequency response, the mic works in conjunction with the MOTIV app.
The Shure MV7 is much more than just a digital upgrade of the SM7B. With the greatest tech and manual controls you can think of, it is built for the demands of podcasting. More significantly, it always provides you with a recording that is excellent and simple to edit. The MV7 is a no-brainer if you want to create podcasts, regardless of your level of experience. It streamlines the podcasting procedure and gives you total control over the entire process. Additionally, it features dual XLR + USB inputs that can be used.
If money is not an issue, we recommend the Shure MV7 as the best USB mic for podcasting. Design, construction, vocal quality, and the MOTIV app are all adapted to the requirements of producing voice-based content.
Audio-Technica AT2005USB Cardioid Dynamic USB/XLR Microphone
- Handheld dynamic microphone with USB digital output and XLR analog output
- USB output connects to your computer for digital recording, while the XLR output connects with your sound system's conventional microphone input for...
- Smooth, extended frequency response ideally suited for podcasting, home studio recording, field recording, voiceover, and on-stage use
Another hugely popular model in the podcasting world is the Audio-Technica AT2005USB+, not only for its superb Audio-Technica sound quality but also for its USB compatibility’s simplicity. The size and form of the body indicate that this cardioid dynamic microphone was intended to be used as a vocal microphone. It boasts a sturdy design for long-lasting performance and only picks up music from the front using the cardioid response pattern.
Your voice has a realistic sensation because to the smooth, extended frequency response and low-mass diaphragm. It contains an on/off switch and a tripod desk support, making it simple to use as a microphone for podcasting.
The fact that it works with both USB and XLR cords is a bonus in addition to the high-quality sound and sturdy construction. You have a lot of versatility thanks to just one feature, which is a compelling argument in favor of it.
Dynamic Microphone for Podcasting Buying Guide
You may be unsure about which dynamic microphone is best for you now that you’ve seen some of the best ones available. Fortunately, there are a few essential qualities to look for when comparing options:
Polar Pattern
The polar pattern should be one of your top priorities when choosing a dynamic microphone. The sensitivity of the microphone to sounds originating from various directions is determined by polar patterns. Cardioid, super-cardioid, and figure-8 polar patterns are the most prevalent.
Cardioid microphones: Compared to other varieties, cardioid microphones are more directional and concentrate on capturing sounds from a single major direction.
Figure-eight microphones: Figure-8 microphones are better at picking up sound from the front and back.
Super-cardioid microphones: These mics provide a balance of directed and ambient pickup and fall halfway in between the two.
It’s crucial to think about which of these polar patterns would be best for your setup because one of them may be better for you depending on your demands.
Frequency response
The overall sound quality of a microphone is significantly influenced by its frequency response. The greatest dynamic microphones can accurately record a wide spectrum of sounds because they have prolonged low- and high-frequency responses.
Many professional microphones have frequency responses that are specifically designed for certain uses, like drumming or vocals. The kind of sound you want to record should be taken into account when selecting a dynamic microphone. While some microphones are neutral, delivering a flat frequency response across the board, others are more neutral and engineered to emphasize specific frequencies.
The greatest dynamic microphones will also have low self-noise levels, which means that when recording, they won’t create any extraneous background noise. This is particularly crucial for applications that depend on being able to capture the finer details of sound, like those using acoustic instruments or ambient nature. Additionally, to be able to handle stronger sound sources without distorting, the best dynamic microphones should have high maximum SPLs (sound pressure levels).
Durability
The longevity of the best dynamic microphones is well known. They operate on the electromagnetic principle, therefore no additional components are needed for them to function. Because of this, they are much more durable and able to endure wear and tear than other kinds of microphones. Additionally, because of their metal composition, they are resistant to weather and dust, making them perfect for outdoor use.
A dynamic model is the best option if you want a dependable, durable microphone. It is the ideal option for any project that will need a microphone for a long time. Your best dynamic microphone should last you for many years if you take good care of it.
Price
The cost of a microphone might play a significant role in determining which one is best for you. Dynamic microphones, on the other hand, exist in a significant variety of pricing ranges. In general, more expensive dynamic microphones provide superior sound and endurance.
Expect to pay between $100 and $300 for a nice all-purpose dynamic microphone. There are many excellent alternatives in this price range that provide high sound quality and durability without breaking the bank.
However, plan to pay more than $400 if you want a professional-grade dynamic microphone. These microphones typically offer high-quality audio and long-lasting endurance. The cost of your dynamic microphone will ultimately depend on your budget as well as the features and sound quality that you require.
Connectivity
Since the majority of dynamic microphones have an XLR connector, they may be inserted into almost any recording or sound system. They are therefore excellent for live performances, recording studios, podcasts, and many other settings. See our ranking of the top XLR cables.
Some dynamic microphones can even be utilized with USB connections when using an adapter. These microphones can be used in a wide range of contexts and applications because to their adaptability.
Be essential to check before you buy because the model and brand of a dynamic mic will determine the sort of connection it uses. Some models might even include a variety of connections, giving you more freedom to build up your recording or live performance arrangement. Dynamic mics are certain to have a connection that suits your needs thanks to their extensive range of connecting options.
Accessories
When purchasing a dynamic microphone, it’s critical to check for any included extras like:
Shock mounts: An internal shock mount shields the microphone from noise and vibrations outside.
Windscreens: These can assist muffle ambient noises like pops and wind noise.
Carrying cases: To be able to keep your microphone safely while not in use, look for a microphone that comes with a bag or pouch of its own.
Cables: You might have to buy them individually if a microphone doesn’t come with the required ones.
Pop filters: A pop filter helps prevent the microphone from picking up harsh “p” and “b” noises.
Foam isolation: Foam isolation aids in the absorption of sounds from nearby instruments, allowing for a more focused recording.
It makes sense to look for a dynamic microphone that comes with all of these accessories since they can all help to enhance the quality of your recordings.
Warranty
It’s crucial to take the warranty and support into account before purchasing a microphone. If you decide to buy from a firm, be sure they have a good reputation and provide top-notch customer service in the event that you need help with the product. Find a manufacturer who guarantees the quality of their goods and offers a broad warranty.
Additionally, search for a business that provides technical assistance and employs experienced staff who can respond to any inquiries you might have regarding your microphone. Your dynamic microphone will survive for many years if you have the correct warranty and service.
Reviews
It’s always worthwhile to check reviews from customers who have made the same purchase before making a decision on a dynamic microphone. This can give you a better understanding of how the mic works in actual situations and whether there are any problems with it that you need to be aware of before buying. Before choosing a choice, it’s crucial to examine reviews from a variety of sources because they may occasionally be biased.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Dynamic Or Condenser Mic Better For Podcasting?
If you podcast in a noisy setting or an untreated room, dynamic microphones are preferable. Condenser microphones catch up everything around you yet show more information in your voice. They perform best in a sound-treated or silent setting.
What are the pros and cons of Dynamic Microphones?
Dynamic microphones are the most common type used worldwide. Your cell phone’s headset, for instance, has a dynamic microphone. Most stage artists also utilize them because of their durability and sonic capabilities. Because of these qualities, broadcast microphones are unable to pick up fine details and unique vocal intonations as well as the surrounds. For podcast productions where the quality of recorded speech is crucial, this results in some listeners being dissatisfied with the sound quality.
Technically speaking, they are far simpler to work with. Without specialized equipment, you can use them in conventional rooms. Despite these facts, you still need to work in soundproofed spaces and use professional equipment to complement your microphone if you want to achieve the greatest quality.
perks of dynamic microphones
Better than USB microphones in terms of quality.
Plosive sounds are easier on dynamic microphones to handle. Nevertheless, you should continue to utilize a pop-filter.
In general, dynamic microphones are more robust and long-lasting. To protect them from shock, you should still use a pop-filter and place them in a case. However, they are more forgiving in the event of a drop, so you won’t harm them as readily.
They work without the need for phantom power in terms of technology.
Cons of dynamic microphones
Compared to condenser microphones, the voice quality is a little bit worse.
In the upper mids and high frequencies, less expensive dynamic microphones could sound a little flat.
For example, using an external audio interface with a computer requires additional hardware.