The Best Podcast Microphones For Any Budget In 2023

Smarter Podcasting Microphone Recs (enhanced)

Niall Mackay: [00:00:00] Welcome to Smarter Podcasting. I’m Neil McKay, the podcast guy, and I’m sharing my wealth of experience and insights into the world of podcasting.

If you’ve ever dreamt of starting your own show or taking your existing podcast in New heights, then you’ve come to the right place. My podcasting generally began with a Vietnam podcast in 2019, and it’s been an incredible ride ever since. After I lost my job in the pandemic, I decided to turn my passion and my hobby into a business and launched 7 Million Bikes Podcast.

Podcasting has changed my life and I now work full time to help others achieve that dream too. I work with clients around the world from Vietnam to Israel, the Netherlands and the UK and the US in a host of diverse fields from marketing, [00:01:00] tourism and a personal favorite of mine, Through this show, Smarter Podcasting, I’m thrilled to pass on all the valuable lessons I’ve learned and help you navigate the exciting world of podcasting with confidence.

In every episode, I pour my passion and expertise into providing practical tips, expert advice, and inspiring stories that will fuel your podcasting ambitions. I understand the challenges you face as a podcaster. Believe me. I still face them to this day. And my goal is to equip you with the tools and knowledge you need to succeed.

I founded 7 million bikes podcast to help you save the time and stress needed to create and develop your podcast. I offer a comprehensive step by step podcast course for beginners that covers everything from concept development to recording, editing, and publishing. You’ll gain the confidence and skills to create top notch [00:02:00] content that won’t captivate your audience.

And I regularly update my blog too with a treasure trove of insightful tips to help you build your audience and connect with your community. I genuinely care about your podcasting success, which is why I also offer a free consultation to understand your unique goals and tailor my guidance specifically to your needs.

No two podcasts are the same and I’m here to ensure your podcast thrives in its own unique way. But, Smarter Podcasting is more than just a podcast and a blog, it’s a thriving community of like minded individuals and businesses all working towards podcasting success. One of those people is Annie Huang, who’s just passed the pod fade milestone of publishing her 11th podcast episode called The Aspiring CMO.

And if you’re like me and you’re thinking, what the hell does CMO stand for? It stands for Chief Marketing Officer. She is an unbelievable podcaster, very [00:03:00] talented and wants to conquer the marketing world. And she had a question for me about her new podcast.

Anii Hoang: Hey Neil, I really enjoy your episodes on this podcast.

And my question is, is that how do you not get stuck on the numbers? I just started my podcast and I tend to just look at the numbers all the time. It got more and more listeners and I think it’s kind of driving me crazy. I don’t know. What’s your advice

Niall Mackay: on that? This is a great question and thank you Annie so much for asking it because I think every new podcaster goes through this and I absolutely went through this in the beginning.

I’ve even made memes about this phenomenon. I remember being in the beginning and refreshing it every couple of minutes, going back to the browser, hitting refresh, checking, it’s gone up by one! Yes! Oh my goodness, it’s gone up by five! It’s completely normal to do that, and I think it’s just something that, as you do it for longer, you’re gonna do it less.

But this is my third podcast that I’ve started, and I’m still falling into the same trap, [00:04:00] and still do the same thing. Maybe not as much as before. I think the biggest thing is to make sure that you realize what are good podcasting numbers. And I’m excited to actually share this with people today because for my first few years of podcasting, I kept asking myself the age old question, I think many podcasters do, Are these numbers any good?

And then when I found out what good podcasting numbers mean, I was beyond excited and I’m extremely excited to share with you today. So I always refer to the Buzzsprout stats because they’re my podcast host of choice since the very beginning and when I found this data It blew my mind So the biggest metric to look at is how many downloads you get in the first seven days after publication I’ve spoken to podcasters before and they tell me their numbers and like yeah, but I’m sure it’s gonna go up soon Sadly, it won’t.

You’re probably going to get about 70% of your total downloads in the first day of publication, probably 90% in the first week, and then it’s going to trail off after that. If you [00:05:00] look at any graph of your podcast stats, it’s going to be the same for every episode. Now, one of the crucial things to remember is, and I found this out recently, why it’s important to keep creating content and keep building episodes, and you will see your download numbers go up over time.

Is that once you build up that back catalog, people are going to find that content and listen to it. So your overall numbers will go up, even though every episode might not be massive each time, but these episode download numbers. So these are what Buzzsprout has shared just recently. And I’ve tracked these numbers over many years and they don’t change too much.

If you get just 31 downloads in the first 7 days after publication, you’re in the top 50% of podcasts in the world. If you get over 113 downloads in the first 7 days, you’re in the top 25%. 462, the top 10%. 1, 100, the top 5%, and if you’re getting over 5, 000 downloads in the first [00:06:00] seven days, you are in the top 1% of podcasts.

Now, remember, if you’re in the top 1% of anything in the world, you are doing incredible. If you’re in the top 5%, you’re doing unbelievable. If you’re in the top 10%, you’re doing absolutely fine. But even if you’re getting just 31 downloads in the first seven days. You are in the top 50% of podcasts in the world.

That is incredible. I think it’s difficult because as podcasters, we often compare ourselves to YouTube and we often compare ourselves to other podcasters like maybe Joe Rogan, the Tim Ferriss show, the, the diary of a CEO and we know these podcasts with massive numbers, millions of downloads. These guys really, really are in the top 1%.

That’s how they can make so much money through ads. For the majority of podcasters, they’re going to be down in that lower level. So I think it’s really important as a podcaster to just look at your numbers , and celebrate success, whatever they are, even if they’re only 10 in the first seven [00:07:00] days, that is 10 people who are consuming your content.

That is incredible. Imagine if you were standing in a room and you had 10, 20, 50, a hundred people all listening to you. And the biggest difference with podcasting. is the amount of engagement and depth of connection that you get with your listener. Around about 80% of people who start a podcast will listen to the end.

Now compare that with YouTube, where some of my videos get 4%. And now I’m pretty bad at YouTube, I don’t focus on that, but only 4% of that content is consumed, compared to 80% on a podcast. And even a great YouTube video is probably only going to get about 40 to 50%. So the difference with podcasting is the numbers are lower, but the engagement is higher.

But the biggest point is, celebrate those numbers, whatever they are. Do the whole thing of keep refreshing it, it’s cool, it’s cute, it’s awesome. We all do it in the beginning, you should do it, it gets you excited. And when you stop getting excited about [00:08:00] podcasting, you should just stop doing it altogether.

So keep doing it, have fun, and celebrate your successes.

Picture this, you’re sitting in front of your shiny podcast microphone, ready to record your latest episode. But wait, are you using the right microphone to capture that full richness and resonance of your voice? In this episode, I’ll explore a plethora of options that cater to every budget and style.

From the budget friendly to the high end powerhouses we’ll cover it all. And guess what? You won’t need a degree in sound engineering to understand it all. I promise to keep it light, I don’t have one either. It’s one of the most commonly searched terms is podcasting microphones and it can be overwhelming and confusing.

 I’ll try to explain it as simply and easily as I can in just under 30 minutes. I’ll compare dynamic and condenser mics, break down the differences between [00:09:00] XLR and USB connectivity. so whether you’re a podcasting newbie and aspiring host or a seasoned audio wizard, looking to level up your game, this guide is for you. Get ready to discover the podcast microphones that will podcasting experience from meh to magnificent.

 Now, let’s find the best podcast microphone and make your voice shine like a podcasting superstar. Before we dive into the different types of podcasting microphones, let’s take a moment to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each type. This will help you make an informed decision when choosing the right microphone for your podcast.

So first up we have the Condenser Microphone are highly sensitive and capable of capturing subtle details and nuances in sound. They provide a more accurate representation of the recorded source, making them ideal for capturing vocals and acoustic instruments.[00:10:00]

However, they can be more delicate compared to dynamic microphones storage to avoid damage. On the other hand, we have the dynamic microphone. Dynamic mics are resistant to moisture and humidity, making them suitable for outdoor or high moisture environments. They’re also more rugged and durable, making them ideal for live performances and environments with high sound pressure levels.

However, they can be heavier and bulkier compared to condenser microphones, so it might not be suitable for lightweight and compact setups. Now let’s talk about connectivity options. So you have the USB microphones, which connect directly to a computer or a USB enabled device, which provides a really easy setup and portability.

USB mics are often compact and lightweight, making them suitable for on the go recordings. However, they may not match the audio quality and [00:11:00] versatility offered by high end studio microphones and professional audio setups. On the other hand, we have XLR microphones. Which use an X L R connector for audio connectivity.

That’s the little three pins, three plugs that you see on the end of a microphone. Used the stage performances. X L R. Mics are known for the professional quality and compatibility with a variety of accessories and peripherals commonly used in professional audio setups. The downside is they do require additional equipment such as an audio converter or a mixer, which adds to the overall cost and a little bit extra complexity of the setup.

I started off with a USB Blue Yeti mic, which did the trick for me at the time, but looking back, the sound quality wasn’t great and it took a lot of extra work in post production to bring that sound quality up to being anything near worth being published. XLR microphones are a little bit more expensive.

You do [00:12:00] have to buy the mixer. I recommend buying the PodTrak P4 by Zoom, which will set you back a couple of hundred dollars, but it’s extremely portable, meaning you can record anywhere on the go with an XLR microphone and the sound quality is delicious. So now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore some of the best podcast microphones for different budget ranges.

And we’ll start with the budget friendly options that won’t break the bank. As you’ve heard me say on this podcast before, if you’re a regular listener, I am Scottish and I do not like to spend money. This microphone I’m using right now, the Sure SM 57 is loaned to me by my friend, the music producer Louis Wright. Saves me paying for it, and it works amazing.

and I cannot recommend this mic highly enough. It’s a true force to be reckoned with, with its unrivalled performance, durability and versatility. First and foremost, it excels in capturing pristine sound quality. All for around [00:13:00] 100. It’s dynamic microphone design allows it to handle high sound pressure levels with ease, but you’re not really going to need that as a podcast unless you’re screaming into the microphone, which I doubt you are.

But it does ensure you get crystal clear audio reproduction. And it is known for it’s legendary durability, and if you’re, if you’re clumsy like me, that is important. It is built like a tank. This microphone can withstand the demands of rigorous use from rock stars, so I’m sure it can survive the occasional accidental drop that I often do.

It’s the kind of microphone that does stand the test of time. I’ve been using it for years companion throughout your podcasting journey.

One of the standout features is its remarkable versatility. polar pattern, it minimizes unwanted background noise and it ensures that your voice is taking center stage. So whether you’re recording in a controlled studio environment, Or venturing into the great outdoors, or recording like me in a [00:14:00] big, open, tiled, shiny room.

The sound quality is going to be amazing. What are the drawbacks? Well, with any microphone, the SM57 has a few things you need to think about. It’s focused sound capture can be a double edged sword, as it does require careful positioning and technique to capture multiple voices, which I wouldn’t recommend with one mic.

Or, if you do turn away by accident and you’re not talking right into it, you’re gonna lose that sound quality immediately. However, these minor limitations are easily outweighed by the overall performance and reliability of the SM57.

As I said, I’ve been using it for years, for the price, the value, the durability and the quality. This would be my recommendation, but it is up to you and your budget and also your circum and also your circumstances. Another great recommendation is the Audio Technica ATR2100X USB. This will cost you about [00:15:00] 80 and this is a dynamic USB microphone.

Now it offers really great quality and versatility and it delivers crisp and clear audio which is going to capture your voice with impressive clarity and warmth. Now the good thing about this is it offers both USB and LXR connections which provides flexibility for beginners and advanced users. It’s also got a portable and durable design and this makes it perfect for podcasters on the go.

Now you may be thinking, what is a podcaster on the go? Well, many people might want to go and do interviews in the field. Or if you’re somebody like me who works with different clients, I often have to go to their offices or on site and record them there. The downside is it can pick up handling noise if not used with care.

So. As I mentioned in the last podcast about the setup that you need, make sure you have a good microphone stand or boom arm.

Another great budget option is the Samsung Q2U. Priced at about 70, this dynamic microphone punches above its weight [00:16:00] in terms of performance. It offers a rich and warm sound reproduction, with included accessories such as that desktop tripod stand, which is going to help with handling noise, a mic clip, a USB cable, and a foam windscreen.

If you’re unsure what a foam windscreen is, go back and listen to the previous episode where I explain everything you need for your setup. That’s going to help take away the plosive sounds like the p and the b, which you shouldn’t be getting a breath of air in your ear right now because I’m using a foam pad right now.

The Q2U is beginner friendly and it’s perfect for podcasting newbies who just want a hassle free experience. But do be aware that it may be sensitive to those plosive sounds without a pop filter and some people have reported that the body feels a little less robust compared to higher end options.

 Moving on to the mid range category. Priced about between 100 to 200, I’ve two fantastic options for you that are going to elevate the quality of your podcast audio. [00:17:00] My first recommendation is the Audio Technica AT2020. This will set you back about 100 and is a condenser podcast microphone that will deliver studio quality sound.

Capturing every nuance of your voice with exceptional clarity and detail. The at 2020 is versatile and performs well in different recording environments. This durability ensures it lasts and it offers excellent value for its price. However, it may be sensitive to background noise and you’ll need an audio interface on Mixer that provides plus 84 V Phantom panel.

My second recommendation in the mid-range category is the Road N T one. Priced at 250, this renowned condenser microphone offers exceptional quality. It reproduces your voice with professional grade precision, the NT1 comes bundled with the essential accessories that you’d need, saving you from additional expenses, which is always good. However, it does fall towards the [00:18:00] higher end of the price spectrum, it does require phantom power, similar to the AT2020.

 if you’ve got the budget, we’re going to jump up and look at the high end territory with two exceptional podcast microphones that will make your audio shine, but will also set you back a little bit. My first high end recommendation is the Shure SM7B, and love them or hate them, as used by the one and only Joe Rogan.

This will set you back about 400, but this legendary dynamic microphone is a staple in the podcasting and broadcasting world. It will deliver unmatched quality, capturing your voice with warmth, richness and exceptional clarity. It has what’s called excellent off axis rejection, which what that does is captures your voice and minimizes unwanted background noise.

Making it ideal for recording in less controlled environments and most podcasters, let’s be honest, [00:19:00] are recording in less controlled environments. I’ve done voiceovers and going into a voiceover studio is one of the most amazing things in the world and as an independent podcaster, you’re like, man, I wish I could do all my podcasts in here.

But again, that’s going to set you back some extra money. So save that money and invest in a good microphone and you’re still going to get great audio. And, like I talk about in every episode and on every blog post, make sure you use Descript or other AI tools to increase the quality of the sound of your podcast.

So coupled with a good microphone, a bit of AI, and a bit of patience, you will get studio sound quality without having to be in the studio. Another great thing about the SM7B is it’s built like a tank and offers, and offers versatility for various applications. However, it requires a powerful preamp for optimal volume levels and it does fall on the higher end of the price spectrum.

Finally, we have the Neumann U87Ei. This [00:20:00] iconic condenser microphone is the gold standard for podcasting and you’ll see why the price of over 2, 500. It offers impeccable sound reproduction capturing your voice with transparency, detail and natural warmth. The U87Ei is known for its versatility.

versatility, craftsmanship, and aesthetic appeal. It comes bundled with essential accessories, so it means you have everything you need as soon as you get it out of the box. But it does require a significant investment due to its price, and it may be more sensitive to room acoustics.

Alongside choosing the right microphone, There are several other factors that do play a significant role in achieving optimal sound quality for your podcast. So don’t run out and buy the Neumann U87 AI for over 2, 500 and think that’s it, the sound is going to be amazing. There’s a few other things you need to consider.

And as I said, go back to the previous episode where I cover everything you need [00:21:00] for a podcast setup. One of them was a pop filter or a windscreen and these are accessories that help reduce those plosive sounds I mentioned. Also minimising unwanted breath noise that… As a podcast editor, you hear it a lot.

The breath in. Maybe you can hear that, maybe not. But these are essential for improving the audio quality. And some microphones do come with built in pop filters, so check that out when you do buy the microphone. Another thing that’s overlooked is proper microphone technique. Make sure you maintain a consistent distance from the microphone and avoid unnecessary movements and positioning.

Things like avoiding unnecessary movements and positioning the microphone correctly can make a significant difference in sound quality. As my sound producer and friend Lewis Wright recommends, you want to be about a fist’s length away from the microphone, or even closer. One time I was recording a client, and he loved to talk in his chair, and move right back, and lift his head right back up, and continue the [00:22:00] conversation while he talked to the ceiling. to continually tell him to look back into the mic. So mic placing is really important. And make sure as well, you’re not touching it lots.

I’m using a boom arm because I like to talk with my hands, I will knock the boom arm. But I’ve got it set up that you shouldn’t be able to hear any vibrations right now. But if you do knock it, Take a breath and just restart your sentence again, so that you can edit it out later.

And as I mentioned, if you do decide to go with an XLR mic, then you do want to get a good quality audio interface, like the Zoom H5 or H6. Or my recommendation is the PodTrak P4, also by Zoom, because of its ease of use and its lightweight. And as I just mentioned, make sure you get yourself a boom arm or a mic stand.

A mic stand takes up a bit more flow space and a bit less adjustable. With the Bootmom, I’ve got it attached to my desk and I can easily move it when I need to. And lastly, maybe the most important thing out of [00:23:00] everything is the audio editing software that you use. This can really further enhance your recordings.

You can adjust the levels, remove background noise, equalize the sound and apply other effects to optimize the overall quality of your podcast audio. And that is why I’m a massive proponent and advocate for Descript. I am not an audio engineer and I used to have to send off my podcast to Lewis Wright and ask him to enhance the audio because he is an audio genius.

That wasn’t his full time job, he was helping me out, and sometimes I had to wait 2 or 3 days till he had the time to send that back to me, which completely messed up my schedule every single time. I’m not an audio engineer, and it’s not my strength, and I didn’t have the time to learn those techniques.

Then, when I started using Descript, they added the Studio Sound feature. This is where AI really is starting to take off. Thanks to using AI technology, you can press a button. you can [00:24:00] take any audio and enhance the quality. Now studio sound isn’t perfect. I use it with lots of different clients and sometimes it doesn’t work.

If you’re using a blue Yeti microphone in the middle of two or three people, like you have a guest or two people on your show, the sound is not going to be great. It’s not perfect, it’s not gonna turn these three people all sitting a meter away from a microphone in the middle of the room and suddenly they all sound like they’re Joe Rogan.

And when people laugh especially, or talk over each other, the AI seems to get a little bit confused, and so the audio quality will drop to the point where you probably don’t even want to use it. But, if you have a good microphone, good microphone technique, a boom arm, and a pop filter. Like everything I’m doing right now, and then turn on the studio sound, you’re gonna get really good audio quality.

And it is for that reason that I’m an affiliate with this script, so go in the show notes, check it out, you [00:25:00] get an hour for free anyway. If you don’t like it, don’t use it. If you do like it and you sign up, I’ll get a commission at no extra cost to you. So there you have it, that is my guide to the best podcast microphones for any budget in 2023.

Remember, achieving excellent sound quality is a combination of using the right equipment, creating a suitable recording environment, and employing proper techniques during recording and post processing. I hope this episode has helped you in choosing the perfect microphone for your podcasting journey.

Please leave me a message, just like you heard Annie at the beginning of the show. There is a link in the show notes for SpeakPipe. It’s so easy to do, you can leave me a message or a question and I will get back to you on the next episode. So get out there and go and create amazing content for your listeners and please share it with me so I can hear what you do.

If you do have any questions or need further guidance on [00:26:00] podcast setup ideas, Or for the guidance on anything podcasting, please don’t hesitate to reach out. As I said, I do offer a free consultation. I’m here to help you on your podcasting journey and provide the support you need to succeed. And before we wrap up, I want to remind you to check out my website at 7millionbikes.

com for more resources, courses, and services to elevate your podcasting game. Thank you for tuning in today. Your support honestly means the world to me. And if you have enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Smarter Podcasting, and if you have the time, leave a review to help other people find the show as well.

Your feedback really helps me improve and reach more aspiring podcasters like yourself.

and make sure you don’t miss the next episode where I’m gonna dive into finding the perfect podcast headphones. Until then, keep podcasting, keep growing, and keep sharing your unique voice with the world. This is Neil McKay, the podcast guy. Remember, your podcasting journey is an [00:27:00] adventure, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Keep creating, keep evolving, and keep podcasting smarter. Till next time, cheers.