Podcasting: Choosing the Right Microphone

Posted: March 14th, 2011 | Author: Jeff Gamet | Filed under: New Technology, Podcasting | Tags: audio, microphone, Podcasting, usb | 2 Comments »

If you’re interested in learning more about starting your own podcast, be sure to check out my Getting Started with Podcasting class at Boulder Digital Arts tonight 3/30 from 6-9pm.

Podcasting is all about sharing your message with everyone that wants to listen, and it doesn’t take much to get your ideas from your head into your computer and online for the world to hear. Lots of computers include built-in microphones, and inexpensive headset mics are easy to come by and easy to use. When you’re ready to step up to a higher quality microphone, however, the choices can get a little confusing.

Lucky for you, I’ve already been down the it’s-time-for-a-pro-level-mic path, and I’m more than happy to share what I learned.

There are two types of microphones to look at: dynamic and condenser. Connecting a mic to your computer can be as simple as plugging in a USB cable, or might include XLR cables and a breakout box. Just to keep things easy I’ll focus on USB mics for now.

USB microphones don’t need special power sources, they plug directly into your computer, and typically don’t need any special software to work.

Condenser Microphones
Condenser mics are great options if you haven’t used more than a headset microphone in the past. They tend to pick up sound that’s farther away, so you don’t have to worry as much about keeping the exact same distance from the mic while recording. Of course, you’ll want to try to keep yourself in roughly the same place in relation to your mic so your audio quality stays consistent.

These are great microphones for recording a group of people, too, since everyone can gather around and they’ll still be heard. The benefit of a condenser mic — meaning its ability to pick up sounds from farther away — is also its weakness. Other sounds in your recording area, including chair squeaks, table bumps, barking dogs and doorbells, will most likely end up in your recordings along with your voice.

I’ve had excellent luck with the Snowball and the Yeti, both from Blue. They both even include their own stand, so you don’t have to worry about the surprise expense of buying a mic stand. Yes, most higher end mics need a stand, and it’s up to you to supply that yourself.

Both microphones from Blue ARE great options for new podcasters, and they hit a price point THAT’S easier on your wallet than some other microphones. The Blue Snowball sells for about $99, and the Yeti goes for about $150.

Samson’s C03U lists for $225, but it’s easy to pick one up new for about $100. I think this mic adds a richer sound to your voice, but you’ll have to pick up a mic stand which will set you back about another $60.

Dynamic Microphones
Dynamic mics tend to pick up the just sound that’s directly in front of them. Because of the sensitivity you’ll need to be directly in front of the mic, and moving closer or farther away tends to dramatically impact your audio quality.

Sounds you may not want in your recordings are easier to avoid since the sensitivity of dynamic mics drops off quickly with distance. These mics aren’t as forgiving as condenser mics, but they work really well for single person voice recordings.

If you’re ready to spend more money on your microphone, the Rode Podcaster is an excellent mic for voice recording. I’m very pleased with the performance of the Rode Podcaster — so much so that it’s the mic I use when I record Apple Context Machine, We Have Communicators, and most every podcast where I’m a guest.

The Rode Podcaster lists for $369, but most retailers sell it for around $230. Like the Samson C03U, you’ll need to pick up a mic stand, too.

Deciding on the Right Microphone
Microphones aren’t a cheap investment, but they can make a big difference in the quality of your podcast. Picking out the right mic for your needs can take some effort on your part, but in the end it’s totally worth it.

Ask which microphone other podcasters use. Most will be more than happy to share their experiences, and listening to their shows will give you an idea about whether or not you may like their choice.

If you know someone that will let you make some sample recordings with their mic, all the better. Some local music stores will let you try out demo mics, so be sure to check out their inventory, as well.

If you’re happy with the audio quality of your podcast recordings, there’s a good chance your listeners will be, too. Your mic investment can have a substantial impact on how you sound, and the time you spend picking out the right one for you can make a big difference in what your listeners think about your podcast, too.

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