Grab Your Mic And Press Record

Podcast listener numbers continue to rise and advertising spend is enjoying impressive growth.

So if you want to establish authority and build trust around your brand, sharing your ideas with your own voice is the name of the game.

And to do that you need the best equipment for your podcast - which means the best mic, right?

We like new podcast kit as much as the next person, but before you get lost in a blizzard of spec sheets and youtube reviews, let's take a moment and get some perspective.

There's a common misconception that a fancy microphone is the key to a successful podcast.

But the truth is, the equipment used to record your podcast is only one small piece of the puzzle.

That includes microphones.

A Recording Tool, Nothing More

As discussed in Seven Surprise Hacks To Launch Your Podcast, your podcast mic won't magically generate brilliant ideas, attract listeners, or handle all the behind-the-scenes work that goes into producing a great show.

At Creative Kin we always advocate for defining your audience, planning your episodes, and honing your content as the best way to launch and grow.

And, particularly with video now a powerful force in podcasting, many creators prefer to hire a professional podcast studio to ensure top-notch production standards - without the cost of buying, maintaining and updating equipment.

But while your choice of podcast mic won't guarantee success, it remains an essential tool that plays a crucial role in how your podcast sounds.

Using the right mic for your setting can boost confidence, improve audio quality, and enhance the listening experience.

So if you're still curious about microphones we've got you covered.

Whether you’re just getting started, or battering your credit card to buy pro-level gear, you’ll find a breakdown here of some excellent options for every stage of your podcasting journey:

And while this is not a comprehensive guide to every possible option, at Creative Kin we have experience with all of the mics discussed, in a variety of settings.

For each microphone listed we’ll share when and how we used it, what setting it works best in, and who might get best value from it.

Different Voices Different Mics

Before we dive into specific mics, let's take a quick look at the main types of microphone and how they connect to your recording equipment.

When it comes to podcast microphones, there are two types you will encounter: dynamic and condenser.

These terms refer to how the microphone is built and receives sound waves.

It’s not necessary to know all the ins and outs of how these two types work, but it’s useful to have a picture of their respective strengths.

Dynamic Microphones

Dynamic microphones are often described as the workhorses of the audio recording world.

They're rugged, handle loud sounds well, and tend to do a better job than their condenser counterparts at rejecting background noise.

Generally speaking, dynamic microphones are less sensitive than condensers, and in some cases pick up less detail and nuance in a recording.

But that’s not always the case, and although there are more high-end condensers than there are dynamic mics, it would be wrong to assume that they are a second grade choice.

Dynamic microphones are popular with podcasters and broadcasters, and have been favoured by artists such as Michael Jackson, Kendrick Lamar and Sir Paul McCartney.

Examples of dynamic microphones include the Shure SM58, the Heil PR40 and the Beyerdynamic M88.

Condenser Microphones

Condenser mics are typically more sensitive, and as a rule they capture a wider range of frequencies, giving you a more detailed and nuanced sound.

But they are also less robust, and at the top end they’ll set you back at least £2k apiece.

Because condensers reject less background noise, they are better suited to acoustically treated environments.

They also require far less input gain than most dynamics, and which means they are easier to match with less powerful pre-amps.

Condenser mics are generally considered more high-performing, but they also need a more care and attention to avoid damage and get best results.

The Neumann TLM 103, Aston Spirit and Austrian Audio OC16 are examples of condensers.

USB Microphones

There was a time when you really only had one option when it came to how your mic was plugged into your recording equipment.

You’d take a 3-pin XLR cable, plug one end into your microphone, and the other into your pre-amp, audio interface or mixing desk.

This remains the standard for mics built for professional settings.

However, as music and content creation migrated to the digital arena, and computers went portable, a new breed of microphones emerged with USB connectors that plug straight into your laptop.

For a time these USB mics were frowned upon as inferior by audio pros.

But with online gaming, youtube and podcasting all driving the market for prosumer grade microphones, USB mics have matured, with some solid options in the lower and middle price brackets.

As the plug-and-play option for the digital age, USB mics are, for many content creators, the go-to choice.

Well-known USB mics include the Shure MV7+, Rode PodMic USB and the Joby Wavo Pod.

The Right Mic For Your Voice

The internet is awash with opinions.

While one reddit sub will slate a given mic, the next will tell you it’s The Only Mic You Will Ever Need (!!!).

So how do you know whose opinion to trust?

The truth of the matter is that while the maxim ‘you get what you pay for’ holds for microphones as much as anything else, different mics suit different voices in different settings.

Just like every voice is unique, every microphone has its own personality.

Some mics are warm and rich, while others are bright and airy.

When it comes to choosing a mic, the best advice we can offer is stick to your budget, try different options, and trust your ears.

As the big band maestro Duke Ellington once said, if it sounds good it is good.

1. Start Here: Beginner-Friendly Mics

Who are these for?

The podcast mics in this section are a good balance of sound quality, ease-of-use, and affordability.

These qualities make them a great option not only for beginners who want to hit the ground running without breaking the bank, but also for established shows with the budget to send equipment to remote guests.

Samson Q2U

A solid workhorse mic for beginners

The Samson Q2U is affordable, durable, and offers impressive sound quality for its price point.

The dual USB/XLR connectivity makes it incredibly versatile, allowing you to record directly to your computer or use it with a mixer for more complex setups as you grow.

Plus, it handles background noise well, making it a good fit for less-than-perfect recording environments.

Type:

Dynamic

Popular with:

DIY podcasters and content creators.

Our experience:

We’ve shipped this mic direct to remote contributors.

It offers an instant upgrade on laptop microphones, and it’s easy to use, so even our most tech-averse speakers were up and running quickly.

As a dynamic mic it’s more forgiving of home recording environments where background noise might be an issue.

We’ve found it to be an affordable and reliable fallback option if we can’t record guests in a studio.

• Strengths: Dynamic mic, flexible USB/XLR connectivity, affordable, durable, good sound quality for the price.

• Weaknesses: Can lack some depth, body and high-end clarity compared to more expensive mics.

• This mic is for you if: You're on a budget, need a versatile mic for recording in less-than-ideal conditions, and value plug-and-play simplicity.

• This mic is NOT for you if: You need the absolute best audio quality or require a highly sensitive mic for capturing nuanced vocals.

Rode NT-USB+

Greater sensitivity for a more controlled environment

The Rode NT-USB+ delivers good sound quality for voice recordings in a user-friendly package.

The included add-on pop filter helps reduce speech plosives, and it comes with a useable, if not very sturdy, desktop stand.

It’s pretty easy to set up and use, although gain adjustments must be made in the accompanying software.

Some competing mics have a gain knob on the mic itself.

Type:

Condenser

Popular with:

Broadcast journalists working from home and DIY podcasters.

Our experience:

We’ve recorded remote interviews with guests who own this mic.

These contributors are typically broadcast journalists who have taken the trouble to arrange their surroundings to ensure a quiet and acoustically controlled recording.

They also have good mic technique and know how to adjust their mic settings to get good results.

We’ve got good recordings with these mics under these circumstances.

• Strengths: USB connectivity, good sound quality, comes with a desktop stand.

• Weaknesses: More expensive than the Samson Q2U, not as forgiving in noisy environments.

• This mic is for you if: You have a quiet place to record and have a bit more to spend on a mic with better sound quality.

• This mic is NOT for you if: You need XLR connectivity or are recording in a noisy environment.

2. Upgrades for Established Creators

Who are these for?

These mics cater to podcasters who have already gained some experience and are looking to elevate their audio quality and production values.

They offer improved clarity, greater depth more and versatility compared to entry-level options.

Shure MV7+

Prosumer mic for experienced creators

Created in the image of the famously gain-hungry SM7B, the Shure MV7+ bridges the gap between beginner-friendly and professional-level.

It boasts both USB and XLR connectivity, making it adaptable to various recording setups.

At about £270, this mic is a significant step up in sound quality, with vocal recordings that achieve both clarity and warmth.

It features a built in pop filter, automatic gain control, and real-time noise reduction, which helps isolate your voice in noisier environments.

This is a versatile tool for home recording podcasters ready to invest in their sound.

Type:

Dynamic

Popular with:

DIY podcasters and content creators who have invested in their setup.

Our experience:

We were lucky to to get a preview of this mic on a video call with Shure shortly before it was launched.

We were impressed with the sound then, and we’ve encountered the mic at trade shows in the years since.

• Strengths: Flexible USB/XLR connectivity, good noise rejection, touch panel controls.

• Weaknesses: Big step up in cost.

• This mic is for you if: You want a versatile, professional-sounding mic with both USB and XLR outputs and features like voice isolation technology that help deliver better results in noisy environments.

• This mic is NOT for you if: You're on a tight budget or don't need the extra features offered by the MV7+.
  

Rode Wireless GO II

Flexible On-The-Go Recording

The Rode Wireless Go II frees you from the constraints of cables and allows you to record clear audio on the go.

Primarily designed for video creators, this compact and versatile wireless system can get you out of a jam for off-base interviews, field recordings, or any situation where mobility is key.

The sound quality won’t match mid- or upper-tier desktop mics - you’ll need to upgrade the system with a more expensive lavalier mic to achieve that.

It also needs more careful setting up to get the best recordings, particularly in noisy settings.

But for for podcasters who value freedom of movement in a portable package, this wireless system can be a good choice.

Type:

Wireless

Popular with:

Vloggers and content creators looking for a wireless option that can be useful on location shoots.

Our Experience:

We’ve used this wireless mic system in a variety of settings.

It has performed well in quiet environments as a podcast mic where contributors might be intimidated by a bigger mic, or where circumstances didn’t allow for a more expansive setup.

It’s always in our toolkit for off-base video recordings too, where we sometimes combine it with a camera-mounted Sennheiser MKE600 shotgun mic.

It’s easy to throw it in the kit bag for any job that needs audio recording, even if only as a backup option.

Given the option we would always choose to upgrade the system with a lavalier mic, but we have also been known to throw the wireless unit on to record quick social videos or internal work messages.

It’s certainly not our first choice for podcast audio, but with video such an important part of social promo, we like to keep this little mic handy.

• Strengths: Versatile, decent sound quality, portable.

• Weaknesses: Can be more susceptible to noise in challenging environments compared to traditional mics, performs best in specific use cases, needs additional lavalier mic to get the best sound quality.

• This mic is for you if: You need a portable and versatile wireless solution, value freedom of movement while recording, or conduct interviews in the field.

• This mic is NOT for you if: You're on a tight budget, require the absolute best noise rejection, or need a high-end mic for a controlled studio setting.

3. Pro-Level Mics for Broadcast-Quality Audio

Who are these for?

These are the industry-standard microphones used by professionals in broadcasting and high-end studios.

They deliver exceptional audio quality, but require additional equipment and a well-treated recording environment to truly shine.

And as you might expect, the quality these mics offer comes at a higher cost.

Electro-Voice RE20

Broadcast Industry Heavyweight

Recorded with the EV RE20 in the Creative Kin studio:

The EV RE20 is an industry legend renowned for its exceptional clarity, warmth, and noise rejection.

This broadcast-grade dynamic microphone delivers a rich, professional sound that's perfect for voice-over work and podcasting.

Music studios keep RE20s in their mic lockers too.

Artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Radiohead and Sir Paul McCartney have all reached for the Electro Voice to record vocals.

It's a great choice for serious creators who demand the best possible audio quality - if they have the additional equipment to support it.

Type:

Dynamic

Popular with:

Radio Station DJs and music recording studios

Our Experience:

The Electro-Voice RE20 was the first choice of microphone for the Creative Kin studio.

We love the sound of this spectacular microphone, and used them to record many podcast episodes, including Season One of The Content Mavericks Club.

Versatile and forgiving, the EV RE20 excelled on every voice we recorded.

It’s built like a tank too - you could bang nails in with this mic (although we wouldn’t recommend it).

Like the Shure SM7B, the EV RE20 requires bucket loads of clean gain to get good results.

Lower-priced pre-amps and audio interfaces will rarely have enough grunt to drive this mic.

The bulky shock-mount is an expensive add-on too.

And while we have used these mics without shock-mounts on off-base recordings, they are a necessary additional cost to get the best results in a studio setting.

As we increasingly recorded video as well as audio in our studio, we wanted a less obtrusive mic that wouldn’t sacrifice quality.

So we switched them out in favour of the SM7B.

But we have never felt more sorry to see a piece of kit leave our studio than when we said goodbye to the EV RE20.

It’s a simply outstanding microphone.

• Strengths: Exceptional clarity and warmth, very good noise rejection, very durable.

• Weaknesses: Expensive, XLR only, requires expensive additional kit to realise its full potential, big and heavy.

• This mic is for you if: You're a serious podcaster, voice-over artist, or broadcaster who demands the best possible sound quality and has the budget and equipment to support it.

• This mic is NOT for you if: Don't have a dedicated recording space with good acoustics, and the equipment chain to get the best out of it.

Shure SM7B

The Benchmark Microphone For Podcasters

Recorded and produced by Creative Kin using the Shure SM7B:

The Shure SM7B is a true icon in the world of audio recording.

Its warm, rich sound has graced countless professional broadcasts and music recordings.

While it requires a powerful audio interface to unlock its full potential, the SM7B delivers a big, clear sound that's hard to beat.

This mic is viewed by many as the ultimate choice for podcasters who want professional recordings and have the setup to accommodate its needs.

It’s not just a favourite with podcast heavyweights like Joe Rogan.

Michael Jackson chose the SM7B to record his iconic album, Thriller.

Through a combination of enviable pedigree, uptake by influencers and shrewd marketing by Shure, the SM7B has become the aspirational microphone for podcasters worldwide.

Type:

Dynamic

Popular with:

Professional podcasters, content studios and recording musicians.

Our Experience:

The Creative Kin studio is currently fitted with three SM7Bs as standard with an option for a fourth if necessary.

For speech recordings we find boosting the upper frequencies gives clarity and cut-through while maintaining the mic’s characteristic rich mids and low end.

We’ve used these microphones on a range of voices, from booming laughter to the softest of deliveries.

On live streams, video podcasts and audio-first shows such as The IER Podcast, the SM7B has delivered smooth results again and again.

Across the board we’ve come away with recordings to be proud of.

Good noise rejection helps manage cross-mic bleed, and although the SM7B is not the most portable of microphones, a tighter form factor makes it less obstrusive on camera than the Electro Voice RE20 it replaced in our studio.

We upgraded our recording equipment when we brought in the SM7B, and fitted some additional acoustic treatment to squeeze the best possible performance out of this mic.

The EV RE20 is a hard act to follow, but the SM7B has quickly filled its very big shoes.

• Strengths: Exemplary warm and rich sound, very good noise rejection, works well on a wide range of voices.

• Weaknesses: Expensive, needs a lot of clean gain to drive it properly, big bottom end needs compensation in the high frequencies.

• This mic is for you if: You want a truly iconic microphone with a proven track record, have a dedicated recording space and a powerful audio interface to pair it with.

• This mic is NOT for you if: You're on a budget, need a plug-and-play solution, or don't have an audio interface with enough gut to drive this gain-hungry mic.

  
  
  

Important Considerations

Expensive gear has an allure all of its own. But when it comes to choosing a your microphone, it really is a case of horses for courses.

The Shure SM7B and the Electro-Voice RE20 are outstanding microphones, but they are not right for everybody.

Without high-gain pre-amps to drive them and an acoustically treated space to record in, the results probably won’t justify the price tag.

And if you’re just starting out or testing the water, mics like the Samson 2QU make much more sense.

They can easily be pressed into duty on conference calls too.

Here’s a quick recap of things to look out for when choosing a microphone:

• USB vs. XLR: USB mics are plug-and-play, while XLR mics require an audio interface.

• Dynamic vs. Condenser: Dynamic mics are generally more rugged and better at rejecting background noise, while condenser mics are more sensitive and capture more detail.

• Gain: Some mics, especially dynamic mics like the SM7B, require a lot of gain from your audio interface.

• Noise Rejection: Consider your recording environment and choose a mic with appropriate noise rejection capabilities.

• Studio Environment: To get the most out of professional-level mics, you'll need a dedicated recording space with good acoustics.

By carefully considering your needs, budget, and recording environment, you can find a microphone that’s perfect for you, whatever your experience level.

Ready to elevate your podcast with professional recordings?

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