Arguably the most important part of a good podcast is sound quality. These podcast microphones outlined in this article are the best you can get in 2022.
Unlike something like a YouTube video, podcasts are generally longer and more raw and uncut. These are usually hosted on YouTube or via specialized podcasting software like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Podcasts are easy to set up and allow you to connect with your audience and create ad opportunities. All you need is a really good microphone and a camera to start a podcast.
To that end, here are the best podcast microphones you can get this year.
- Best video podcast microphone: Shure SM7B
- Best podcast streaming microphone: Blue Yeti
- Best outdoor podcast microphone: Rode Procaster
- Best professional microphone: Electro Voice RE320
What’s the Best Podcasting Microphone in 2022?
BEST PROFESSIONAL PODCAST MIC IN 2022
Shure SM7B
✅ industry standard audio quality
✅ xlr-based compatibility
✅ 2 lbs sturdy and rugged
The Shure SM7B is the best podcast microphone and it has been for a very long time. It has industry standard quality that is made for everyone’s voice.
It is an amazing, dynamic podcast microphone and gives you very rich results. You can use all sort of compressors, EQ’s and other effects to make the sound even better, but the best part about this mic is that it sounds good no matter what.
Using this mic is a breeze. You will have to have a good mixer for the SM7B because the mic isn’t capable of phantom powering. You’ll need to record to an XLR enabled DAW/input software and have a mixer or audio unit that runs the sound.
If you are an experienced podcaster or streamer, you know how important good sound is and the Shure SM7B provides you exactly that.
Pros
- XLR
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Very rich sound
Cons
- A bit expensive
- Not phantom power
Blue Yeti – Best Budget Podcast Microphone
Blue Yeti is an all-around condenser microphone that can be used in many setups.
To enhance most electronic devices’ design efficiency, manufacturers use sheet entries, which outline the net connections between all the components, such as off-sheet connectors and netlabels.
The Blue Yeti’s hierarchical structure design is made up of tighter connections than usual, allowing your voice to sound nice and clear despite its small size.
This is the best microphone for streaming.
Pros
- Supports three types of polar patterns
- Easy installation
- Really cheap
Cons
- Male voices lack fullness
- The sound gets grainy if you speak too far
Rode Procaster – Best Dynamic Podcast Microphone for Loud Enviroments
Rode Procaster is an XLR microphone, so it can’t be connected directly to your computer unless you have a mixer or preamp.
One good thing about XLRs is how they only amplify the sounds they hear near them, so background noise will never be a problem for your podcast.
The Rode Procaster has the added perk of an in-built pop filter, which balances your audio.
Note: XLR microphones, by themselves, send inaudible signals. This is why they need a preamp to amplify those sounds.
Pros
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Focused and clear audio
- Shock resistant
Cons
- Limited polar settings
- Hard to customize without proper technical knowledge
Electro Voice RE320 – Best Podcast Microphone for Studio Setups
Every podcaster has heard of Electro Voice, which is the microphone standard in every field. In fact, you’ll see them in a lot of professional studios and live concerts.
The RE320 is one of the most affordable options. While I recommend it for solo use, it’s the best microphone to get if you’re looking for depth, rich tones, and brilliant low-end bass with minimal edits to your voice.
Of course, since the RE320 is intended for professional use, you’ll need a shock mount and stand for an optimal setup.
Pros
- Clear, smooth audio recordings
- Dual voice design
- Noise-free sounds
Cons
- No polar settings
- Shock mount needs to be bought separately
Why do You Need a High-Quality Podcast Microphone?
Let’s be honest, you could just record with your phone inside your closet using your cloth for soundproof, and I would not judge you.
In fact, a lot of people start that way… to experiment.
The truth is that sound quality is one – if not the most – crucial part of any creative work.
Think of it this way, you can stand a bad recorded video as long as it sounds perfect. However, we can’t stand a video with bad audio.
Now, podcast is just audio.
The best podcast microphones do much more than only capture your voice better. They:
- Filter white noise
- Make your inflections clearer
- Help you work more comfortable
- Make your podcast easier to edit, and
- Will last you for years.
We picked these four microphones because they are durable, easy to use, can grow with your podcast, and can be used in many situations.
How to Pick the Right Microphone for Your Podcast
While a good camera can make your podcasts a lot more entertaining, audio is what’s important.
When choosing the best podcast microphone, take note of the space available in your room, the noise of your environment, and the technicalities you’re willing to learn.
These are our suggestions:
- For loud apartments or neighborhoods with kids running around, the Rode Procaster is the one you need. It will not pickup anything far from its diaphragm. Plus, the built-in pop filter will make your podcasts more enjoyable.
- For small houses/apartments where compactness and quality is a most, the Blue Yeti is the perfect fit. It’s small and all it needs is a USB port. So no annoying cables or difficult setups.
- If you’re planning on adding video to the mix then the AKG Lyra will do the work. It’s amazing design will provide nice visuals to the scene without losing audio quality.
- On the other hand, if you already have podcast experience and want to upgrade, there’s no better choice than the Electro Voice RE320.
For more microphone tips, features, and reviews, take a look at our top audio tools for vloggers and podcasters.
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