Podcasting is not just about playing your favorite songs and entertaining your audience. Doing podcasts helps you express your ideas, motivation, or views on a particular situation in front of your audience. However, having the most engaging topic is not sufficient to have a great outcome. It’s crucial to have the right gadget. Hence, purchasing the best portable podcast microphone is unavoidable.
The right podcast microphone does not just deliver an outstanding voice but also improves your vocals and overall podcasting performance. However, there are several portable podcast microphones on the market that come with varying specs. Therefore, you need to look for one that wins your audience’s heart.
If you don’t know what to look for in a portable podcast microphone, we’re here to help you. In this guide, we’ll take a look at what you should be keen on before making your final decision and 5 top-rated portable podcast microphones.
Contents
Why is a Good Podcast Microphone Important?
It may seem obvious, but it’s a crucial question- why spend your hard-earned cash buy the best podcast microphone? Most podcasts record with people in various locations, using tools like Google Hangouts; therefore, having quality connections is as crucial as your mic. Some people record in-person, so the microphone technique and environment play a role.
However, a podcast recorded on a top-notch microphone is undeniably more professional than someone struggling with a tinny headset mic. Essentially, it’s the microphone that captures your voice and converts it from sound waves into digital bytes and bits. A high-quality mic can cost a fortune, but the best part is that there are several affordable options.
Types of Podcast Microphones
When looking for the right podcast microphone, there can be tons of options to choose from, and it can be confusing. Here are some common types of podcast mics.
USB Mics
A USB mic works in a similar way to other USB-enabled devices that you plug into your laptop or computer. Once you purchase it and plug it in, you just need recording software like Audacity or Audition; you can get started right away.
XLR Mics
These types of mics come with an XLR cable to connect to an audio interface, a hub that helps you plug XLR cables into it, and then the interface connects to your laptop via USB. If you’re a beginner, you may need a simple USB mic. However, if you’re looking for outstanding sound quality, this is a good bet.
Best Portable Podcast Microphone: Buying Guide
When you’re looking for the best portable podcast microphone, you need to consider some important aspects so that you don’t get a sub-standard mic. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Directional Capability
The directional capability of a mic shows how the mic can pick sounds from any direction. This means they can filter out any unwanted sounds you don’t want to be captured on your podcast. Although some can pick sound from any direction, others pick sounds from specific directions. Here’s the difference.
- Omni-directional: The omnidirectional means that these mics can pick up sounds from any direction and filter out unwanted sounds. These mics are ideal for broadcasting or reporting and not for a podcast.
- Bi-directional: These mics can pick sounds from different sides and are very popular with podcasts.
- Cardioids: These mics are heart-shaped and only capture sounds from the front and some sounds from the side.
- Shotgun: This is a unique mic since it comes with a cardioids polar pattern that’s highly directional and yields excellent attenuation at the sides of the mic without compromising sounds captured at the front.
Quality Mic
A mic that records outstanding audio benefits every phase of your podcast. Not only will you connect deeply with your audience, but your episodes will sound better, and you’ll spend less time editing your episodes.
Mic Impedance
This refers to the mic’s receptive ability, especially when it comes to an AC or sound signal. A podcast mic with 600 Ohms impedance rating or lower is what you should look for. A high rating could mean that other mic’s components are of low quality.
Dynamic or Condenser
Mics record audios either by active or passive listening. Dynamic mics use passive listening, while condenser mics use active listening. Condenser mics capture sound with great accuracy and detail, making them perfect professional studio setups. However, it has fair mic sensitivity and cannot suit office or home setups since they pick ambient background noise.
Dynamic mics change sound waves to an electronic signal. These mics filter unwanted background noise, which makes them perfect for podcasting.
Frequency Response
The frequency response is the frequency ranges at which a mic can pick up and detect audio sounds. Before buying a podcast mic, you should first determine what you’re recording. You should opt for a mic with mild or high frequency if you’re recording guitars and vocals but buy a low-frequency option if you’re recording for bass.
Best Portable Podcast Microphones Reviews
Blue 988-000100 Yeti USB Mic
The Blue 988-000100 Yeti USB Mic is among the most popular portable podcast mics available today. Whether you’re a professional or a beginner in podcasting, this mic is the easiest out-of-the-box device out there.
It comes with omnidirectional, stereo, cardioids, and bidirectional modes that offer great flexibility.
This podcast mic comes with direct control for volume, mute, pattern selection, and mic gain. The Blue Yeti captures any sound with ease and clarity to create amazing recordings. This mic requires no drivers to install, making it the most versatile USB mic out there.
Features
- 16-ohms impedance
- Three-capsule array
- Four patterns
- Adjustable stand
- 4 pickup patterns
Pros
- Has a mic gain control
- Excellent streaming and recording on Mac and PC
- An advanced and versatile mic
- Built-in headphone amplifier for zero-latency monitoring
- Requires no drivers to install
Cons
- Poor customer support
Shure SM58-LC Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone
Are you looking for a high-quality and portable podcast microphone? Look no further! The Shure SM58-LC Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone is a perfect choice for anyone looking for a unidirectional dynamic vocal mic for sound reinforcement.
The Shure SM58 comes with a built-in spherical filter that reduces breath and wind noise. Its frequency response is specially designed for vocals, with enhanced bass and midrange.
This podcast mic is built with enamel-coated metal construction and steel mesh grille that can withstand abuse and wear. What’s more, the Shure SM58 comes with a pneumatic shock-mount system that reduces handling noise.
Features
- Cardioid pickup pattern
- Built-in spherical wind
- Built-in pop-filter
- Enamel-coated construction and steel-mesh grille
Pros
- Minimizes unwanted background noise
- No cable included
- Highly durable
- Has a break-resistant stand adapter
Cons
- Lacks the on/off switch
Rode SmartLav+ Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone for iPhone and Smartphones
The Rode SmartLav mic offers top-notch audio to your tablet or Smartphone. It comes with an omnidirectional condenser capsule that picks audio from every direction and has a foam pop filter that picks up unwanted sounds. This wearable mic is specially designed to suit all your podcasting needs and can also be used in television and film scenarios.
This high-quality podcast mic comes with Kevlar reinforced cable to ensure that you don’t stretch your mic when podcasting. It is compatible with any audio app that accepts input from a headset setup.
Features
- Omnidirectional condenser capsule
- Kevlar reinforced cable
- 0.10” capsule
- 60Hz-18kHz
- 3 Ohms impedance
- 6 grams of weight
Pros
- Professional-grade mic
- Durable mounting clip
- 1-year warranty
- Compatible with any audio app that accepts headset audios
Cons
- You need to download an app for it to work
Samson Q2U USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone Recording and Podcasting
If you’re looking for a podcast mic that comes with both USB and XLR connectors, this is a good choice. The Samson Q2U comes with a unidirectional pickup pattern and a premium A/D converter with 16-bit that ensure the audio captured on stage is accurate, clear, and detailed. It comes with an easy setup that delivers top-class audio.
Features
- XLR analog output
- Dual-color power
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- 2.25m USB cable
- 50Hz-15kHz frequency response
- Unidirectional polar pattern
Pros
- High-quality audio
- No driver installation
- Has USB and XLR output
- Minimizes ambient sounds and other noises for podcasting
Cons
- The stand has a flimsy feeling
MXL 990, XLR Connector Condenser Microphone
The MXL 990, XLR Connector Condenser Microphone is a top-class condenser mic with a large diaphragm and FET preamp that offers outstanding sound quality for both analog and digital recordings. This affordable and portable podcast impresses users with its high-end, tight, solid row, midrange reproduction.
Features
- Unidirectional polar pattern
- XLR connector
- FET preamp
- Mic stand adapter
- Vintage body style
Pros
- Top-notch sound quality
- Easy mounting
- Built-in pop filter
- Minimizes room noise
- Affordable
Cons
- The components look cheap
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best portable podcast microphone, this list will help you choose one that will suit all your podcasting needs.
All reviewed products have great qualities and functionality that will make it last a long time. However, ensure you follow the buying guide to help you choose a product that will suit all your needs.
Good luck!