Best Podcast Microphone Under $100: A Guide for Budding Podcasters and Streamers

Recording a podcast with a good quality microphone is essential for numerous reasons. Here are a few:1. Audio Quality: This is the most obvious and significant...

Recording a podcast with a good quality microphone is essential for numerous reasons. Here are a few:

1. Audio Quality: This is the most obvious and significant reason. Podcasts are an audio medium, so clear, high-quality audio is absolutely critical. Poor audio quality can make your podcast hard to understand and will likely discourage people from listening.

2. Professionalism: Listeners make judgments about the professionalism of your podcast based on the quality of your audio. Using a good quality microphone can give your podcast a polished, professional sound that can help attract and retain listeners.

3. Consistent Sound: Good microphones deliver a consistent sound, ensuring that your voice has the same tone and clarity throughout each episode. This allows you to create a reliable auditory experience for your listeners.

4. Minimizing Ambient Noise: Higher-quality microphones are generally better at filtering out background noise and focusing on the intended sound source - your voice. This means your listeners will not be distracted by unwanted sounds.

5. Listener Comfort: Poor audio quality can lead to listener fatigue, where people may find it physically tiring to listen to your podcast. A good quality microphone ensures a comfortable listening experience.

6. Post-Production: Good quality initial recordings make the editing and post-production process easier. If you are starting with a low-quality recording, there is a limit to how much it can be improved in post-production.

7. Competitiveness: With so many podcasts available today, having good audio quality can help your podcast stand out from the crowd and compete with professionally produced shows.

8. Audience Expectations: As the podcasting industry has grown, so too have listeners' expectations. Nowadays, most popular podcasts have excellent audio quality, and this has become the expected standard for audiences.

9. Reducing Listener Drop-off: If a listener clicks on your podcast and hears poor audio quality, they're likely to stop listening pretty quickly. Good audio can keep listeners around for longer.

10. Promoting Listener Engagement: Clear, clean audio makes it easier for listeners to engage with the content of your podcast. If they're straining to understand what's being said, they're less likely to engage with the material.

Remember, your podcast's content might be amazing, but if your sound quality isn't up to par, it can seriously undermine your listeners' experience.

Before we understand which is the best microphone for a podcast, it’s important to know the different types

Microphones can be categorized in many ways, such as by their transducer principle (i.e., how they convert sound into an electrical signal), their directional characteristics, or their design. Here are some of the most common types:

By Transducer Principle:

1. Dynamic Microphones: Also known as moving coil microphones, these use a diaphragm, coil, and magnet to create the audio signal. They are rugged, reliable, and handle high sound pressure levels (SPL) well. They are often used in live sound applications and for miking loud instruments such as drums and guitar amplifiers.

2. Condenser Microphones: These use a capacitor (or condenser) to convert acoustical energy into electrical energy. They require power, usually supplied by batteries or phantom power from the audio interface. Condenser mics are more sensitive and provide a smoother, more natural sound. They are often used in studio settings for vocals and acoustic instruments.

3. Ribbon Microphones: These use a thin metal ribbon placed between the poles of a magnet to generate the signal. They are known for their delicate, high-fidelity sound, but are more fragile than dynamic or condenser microphones. Ribbon mics are often used in studio environments for vocals, strings, and other acoustic instruments.

4. Lavalier Microphones: These small clip-on microphones are usually condenser mics and are typically used in television, theater, and public speaking, where hands-free operation is required.

5. Shotgun Microphones: These highly directional mics are used when you need to pick up sound from a source that's further away. They are often used in film and television production.

6. Contact Microphones: Also known as piezo microphones, these pick up sound through contact with solid objects, capturing vibrations. They're used in various applications, from recording musical instruments to scientific research.

By Directional Characteristics:

1. Omnidirectional: These microphones pick up sound from all directions.

2. Cardioid: These microphones pick up sound from the front and sides, with some attenuation at the rear. They're used in a wide variety of applications.

3. Supercardioid and Hypercardioid: These microphones have a narrower pickup pattern at the front and a small lobe of sensitivity at the rear.

4. Figure-8 or Bidirectional: These microphones pick up sound equally from the front and rear but reject sound coming from the sides.

5. Shotgun: These microphones have a very focused, narrow pickup pattern at the front and reject most sound from the sides and rear.

Remember, different types of microphones serve different purposes, and the best choice depends on the specific requirements of the application.

So, which type of microphones work best for podcasts?

The choice of microphone for podcasting largely depends on your recording environment, budget, and personal preferences, but generally speaking, two types of microphones are often recommended: Dynamic and Condenser.

1. Dynamic Microphones: These are generally more durable and better at handling high sound pressure levels. They also tend to be less sensitive to background noise and room acoustics, making them a good choice if you're recording in a less-than-ideal environment. An example of a dynamic microphone popular among podcasters is the Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB.

2. Condenser Microphones: These are more sensitive and can capture a greater range of frequencies, which can result in a richer, more detailed sound. They are excellent for studio recording situations where you want to capture every detail of the voice. However, they also pick up more background noise and room echo than dynamic microphones. A popular condenser mic for podcasting is the Audio-Technica AT2020.

Here are a few reasons to choose one over the other:

Go for a Dynamic Microphone if:

- You're recording in a non-soundproofed room with background noise.

- You're frequently traveling or recording in different locations.

- You're on a tight budget; many good quality dynamic mics are affordable.

Go for a Condenser Microphone if:

- You're recording in a quiet and sound-treated space.

- You want the highest audio quality and detail capturing.

- You're okay with handling and storing it carefully as condenser mics can be more delicate.

Also, consider if you want a USB or XLR microphone. USB mics are plug-and-play and don't require any additional equipment, which is great for beginners. XLR mics, on the other hand, require an audio interface to connect to your computer but offer higher audio quality, making them a common choice for more professional setups.

Remember, the best microphone will depend on your specific needs and circumstances. The most expensive microphone won't help your podcast if it's not suited to your recording environment or if you're not comfortable using it. Consider your needs, do your research, and test different microphones if possible before making a decision.

What is the Best Microphone to Start a Podcast?

As a podcast beginner, you'd want a microphone that offers great sound quality without being overly complicated. The Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB is an excellent choice. This cardioid microphone cuts down on background noise, focusing on capturing sound from the front. It offers a USB-C and XLR connection, giving you the flexibility to upgrade your setup in the future. It also comes with a sturdy mic stand for desk use and a headphone jack for real-time monitoring.

What is the Best Microphone for Under $100?

The Samson Q2U shines in this price point. This dynamic microphone comes with both USB and XLR outputs, making it versatile for various recording environments. It features a cardioid pickup pattern, reducing the pickup of unwanted background noise. The package includes a windscreen to counter plosives, a mic clip, a desktop tripod stand, and the necessary cables. Its audio quality is remarkably high for its price, making it an excellent option for the best budget podcast mic.

What is the Best Microphone for Streaming Under $100?

Streamers need mics that offer high-quality sound, ease of use, and versatility. The Fifine K669B USB microphone is the best for this. The mic offers a good frequency response, comes with a tripod stand and has a volume control on the mic's body. Its cardioid polar pattern is excellent for voiceover work, helping to isolate your voice from ambient noise.

What is the Cheapest Microphone for Podcasting?

The Blue Snowball iCE condenser microphone is an entry-level model that doesn't compromise on quality. Its cardioid pattern offers clear, crisp sound for under $50. This USB condenser mic is a plug-and-play device, meaning no driver installation is necessary, making it perfect for Mac, iPhone, or other devices with a USB port. It also includes an adjustable microphone stand.

Top 8 Podcasting Software/Apps

1. Audacity: A free, open-source software offering multitrack recording and comprehensive editing options.
2. GarageBand: A Mac-specific software with a variety of recording and editing tools. Great for beginners.
3. Adobe Audition: A professional-grade software that offers advanced audio editing tools. It comes at a monthly subscription cost.
4. Anchor: A free podcasting platform that lets you record, edit, and publish your podcast from your phone or computer.
5. Alitu: A podcast editing software that automates the editing process and assists in publishing your podcasts.
6. Spreaker: An all-in-one platform where you can record, distribute, monetize, and track your podcast.
7. Podbean: This platform offers unlimited hosting services, distribution and promotion tools, and monetization options.
8. Zencastr: A web-based service for high-quality podcast recording. It offers individual audio tracks for each guest.

Selecting the best podcast microphones under $100 requires considering the mic's polar pattern, connectivity options (USB, XLR), sound quality, and whether it includes useful accessories like a pop filter or shock mount. You might also want options for live streaming, or features like a mute button or volume control. Above all, a good podcasting microphone should offer value for money while allowing your voice to be heard clearly. You should also ensure it complements your recording environment, whether it's a professional recording studio or a simple home setup.