Good Mics for Podcasting

Starting a podcast is a great idea now that we’re all stuck at home for the foreseeable future. You probably have an idea of what you want to talk about, so I’ll just cut to the info on microphones. There are a lot of options and some are affordable and some are outrageously expensive. Let me share with you some of the options that I have successfully used and been pleased with the results.

FIFINE Studio Mic Bundle

If you’re on a tight budget, the FIFINE Studio package is what you need. This bundle has a decent mic that will give you sound that is suitable for any podcast situation. The scissor arm and shock mount will allow you to position the mic for easy use and comfort if you’re tracking a lot and don’t want to be hunched over for a desktop mic. The pop filter will help you tame any rouge plosives that may happen as you talk. This will also help keep the mic clean. The 8’2” USB cable should be long enough for yo to position the mic any way that you like. Plus at $59.99, this bundle is affordable and provides you with a great setup for your new podcast endeavors.

SHURE MV51

This mic is great for more than just podcasting. However, I think it is best suited for podcasting based on the audio quality provided and the way that it connects to your devices. The USB connection on this mic offers options for connecting to a laptop or an iOS device. The MV51 is a bit more versatile and has a really cool look. The controls on the front of the MV51 make it really easy to adjust volume levels and mute the mic when you want to cut the feed. If you’re going to be doing a lot of podcasting, you might as well do it in style. The headphone output on this mic makes it really easy to connect and get going in a snap.

RODE PODCASTER

The Rode Podcaster is one of my favorites. It’s powered by USB and has a headphone output right on the mic. This package from Amazon includes a shockmount and boom arm to make your podcasting experience smooth and professional. Not much else to say about this mic because it acts as your interface and provides you with quality audio ideal for your podcast. Now if you have a newer computer with the USB-C connection, you’ll need to get an adapter for this mic. Not to worry, I’ve got a link for that adapter right here.

Rode NT USB Mini

This mic is a great option for a desktop mic that offers you all the necessities of a Podcast mic. This lil’ guy pack a big punch in a small frame. The USB connection on the mic is USB-C. Great for all the new laptops. The cable in the box is a USB-C to USB-A connection. So this will work with all the older laptops or desktops, too. The volume control on the front is easy to manage and this mic is really a great option for anyone on the go since it has a stand and is small enough to fit in any laptop bag. Just plug in your headphones and you’re all set to start tracking out your next podcast episode.

These are just a few options that I’m suggesting. There are many more possibilities. Be sure to budget for what you need and feel free to leave any questions or comments and I’ll get back to you ASAP.

Podcasting 101 - How to start up a Podcast

You have an idea or a topic that you want to discuss and now you've decided to turn it into a podcast. Good idea! Now where do you start? Let me get you started on the right path to becoming a successful podcaster.

Start with a script or an outline of the topics and points that you'd like to cover. It doesn't have to be verbatim text that you plan to record, but there should be some main topics with some additional notes or ideas that will help you keep the conversation flowing. It may be good to emphasize a few points as a review, but try not to repeat yourself. There's nothing more boring than listening to someone talk about the same thing over and over without implementing new ideas as they go along. Keep it moving and keep the listeners interested in the topic.

OK, now you have your ideas written down and you're ready to record. But wait, you don't have a microphone. Not to worry, you probably have a smartphone, right? If so, you have a handy little recorded right in your pocket. Now the audio quality might not be stellar, but it is a place to start. You want to try and get the best recording quality that you can and most modern smartphones do a decent job of recording voices. I'd suggest that you find a quiet spot to cut down on the ambient noise and maybe use the headphone cord with the built in mic to keep your sound consistent. Plus, the earbuds will serve as your monitors.

So maybe you're not thrilled with the idea of recording on your phone. Not to worry, there are some options that will get you going and not break the bank.

Behringer Podcast Studio Package

If you're on a tight budget, but still want to get a decent setup for your podcasting, you're in luck. Behringer has a podcasting package ($99.99) that includes a mic, mic cable, mini mixer, headphones, tripod, and some accessories to get you everything you need to be the podcast star you're destined to become. This Podcast Studio will give you the ability to record your voice and also patch in some audio devices if you want to have music or sound effects added to your episodes. With this efficient setup, you'll be able to get a clean recording that will be professional and easy to control. There are not many packages out there that can compete with this one. The versatility of this setup will allow you to be creative, but also be mobile for those sessions where you want to hit the road.

Now if you're looking to be a little less complex with your setup and want to have something that is a little more plug-and-play, the BLUE YETI is a great option. This is a USB mic that allows you to just plug right into your computer and start recording. There is a headphone jack on the bottom of the mic that will allow you to monitor your recordings and also enjoy that sweet sultry voice of yours. This mic has a built in stand, so you're ready to go right out of the box. With all the controls right on the front of this mic, it's almost fool-proof. Now there is one bonus to this mic, it comes with the Presonus Studio One Artist software. This is excellent audio editing software that will take your production to a whole new level. Plus, you can use this software to compose your own music. You really strike gold with this mic if you're willing to put a little cash upfront. Now you'll need to purchase headphone or use your earbuds, but at $149.99, this package is well worth the investment.

The RODE PODCASTER is a really nice all-in-one USB package that gives you excellent quality for a reasonable price. ($229) This bad boy has a built in headphone amp that allows you to monitor your recording directly through the mic. The USB cable connects to your computer and viola!  You are now ready to rock and roll with your podcast. You will need a mic stand for this smooth criminal, but not to fear, there are many great options.

In the world of podcast microphones, this one stands alone. The audio quality is quite nice and if you want that radio announcer sound for your voice, this is the mic for you.

Now that you're all buffed on where to start and how to get the audio recording going, it's time to start making your podcast. Be sure to use decent audio editing software and clean up your recordings. Trim off any coughs or dead air and keep the audio flowing. This will ensure that your audience keeps their focus on the content. It would also help to use some music that you have created in the segues and at the introduction of the podcast. Music can give you a more polished and professional sound, so try your hand at making some music.

Just as a footnote, be sure to give credit where it is due. If you research information, be sure to reference where you found the information and anyone that was involved with your podcast production. Karma is real and it will come around if you pay it forward.