Choosing Your Next Mic
One thing podcasters can agree on is wanting to sound good while recording. A big part of sound quality centers around your mic and the recording room. Recently this request landed in my inbox:
Remind me, which mics do you recommend?
There are endless options to choose from when you begin researching mics. Keep reading for my top mic picks to consider.
Narrowing Down the Choices
The mics from these trusted brands vary in price. Some are USB to plug and play directly into your computer. While others, you'll need an XLR interface. In laments terms – an XLR interface is a box you use to connect the mic wire to and then another wire directly to your computer. Plus, I’ve included a few mics you can connect via USB or XLR.
Shure MV7 – has USB / XLR connection
ATR2100 – has USB / XLR connection
Samson Q2U – has USB only connection
Heil PR40 – has XLR only connection
Don’t Forget a Stand & a Pop Filter
In addition to a mic, I usually suggest a stand (some mics come with a standard one and some do not) along with a pop filter or windscreen. The pop filter/windscreen will help reduce plosives (think Peter Piper – p’s and other certain syllables can create plosives when spoken).
When it comes to the mic stand – having one outside of the standard simply makes managing your equipment easier and reduces the chances of you banging around the mic as you speak.
Follow these examples on Amazon to find the right stand or filters for you. But don’t choose your stand until after you choose your mic to ensure the stand will work with your mic.
Examples of desk stand. Look for a stand with a sturdy base, such as the stand in option 1. NOTE: Avoid this type of stand. They are a real pain and are usually the standard stand included with most mic/stand bundles.
Examples of various pop filters/windscreens.
I enjoy answering your podcast questions, so don’t hesitate to reach out. In a future article, I’ll talk about the importance of setting up your recording space for the best possible sound too. Because no matter how good of a mic you have, if the room you are recording in has A LOT of hard surfaces and background noise – it won’t matter. I’m here to support and help you create a great-sounding show.