Best Mic For Podcasting Mac



Podcast Microphone. Having a good quality podcast mic will pay off, and best of all it doesn’t have to be very expensive. Since you are going to be using your voice, the quality of the voice transmission will determine if your listeners will stay for the long run. The Rode NT-USB is a Large-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone with a desk stand included. It is commonly used for recording vocals/singing, podcasting and voice-overs. The Blue Yeti is easily the best mic for podcasting. It’s a utilitarian mic that’s stylish and functional. On its sleek metal bullet-shaped exterior you’ll find four recording modes, gain control, a mute button, and a built-in headphone monitor.

  1. Best Mic For Podcasting Mac
  2. Best Usb Mic For Podcasting
  3. Best Mic For Podcasting 2018
  4. Best Mic For Podcasting
  5. Best Mic For Podcasting Macbook

Podcasting has been experiencing a renaissance lately, and for good reason. Podcasts can be about a wide variety of topics, from Apple to sports, comedy, storytelling and so much more. It’s a great time to get into podcasting because the barrier to entry is so low and you don’t have to break the bank to buy a totally workable setup.

Some of the greatest podcasts in the iTunes Top Charts are regularly recorded using sub-$100 to $300 mics. Whether you want to gain influence in a community or nerd out about the latest iPhone, a podcast is a great place to do it.

That’s why I want to show you how to set up a podcasting rig for under $300, and include some great insights along the way.

Microphones: condenser versus dynamic

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Your audio is only going to be as good as your weakest link, so it’s important to start with good mic technique and a good microphone. You may have heard about all sorts of different mics, but for our purposes we’re going to focus on condenser and dynamic microphones.

Condenser mics

A condenser microphone is very sensitive due to the way it’s built. This type of microphone usually has an incredibly even frequency response and picks up detail nicely. It can handle loud noises very well.

Just remember that extra sensitivity comes at a price. Condenser mics usually pick up a ton of background noise, including people outside or in other rooms, low-end rumble from air conditioning, and a lot more. If you’re in a perfect situation (such as a studio or really quiet room), a condenser is worth buying because of its crisp sound. Otherwise, you might want to consider a dynamic mic.

Dynamic mics

A dynamic microphone is typically a live mic. You’ll usually see these at live shows because of their durability and their ability to accept loud sounds. A dynamic mic is great for a podcaster because you have to be close to it for it to pick up your voice. The great part about that is that it doesn’t pick up background noise nearly as much as a condenser would. You have to be careful with dynamic mics, because they certainly don’t always sound as even as a condenser. But in a lot of instances, they are good enough for recording voices. They also work in many other situations, such as recording guitar, drums and even recording the president. For these reasons, dynamic mics have become staples in the studio.

For our budget, I’m going to recommend one good condenser mic and one good dynamic mic. Also, these will be USB mics, so you won’t have to worry about buying an audio interface, XLR cables or a mixer.

For a condenser, I recommend the Blue Yeti. I’ve had such good experiences with Blue Microphones in the past, this was a no-brainer. The company makes beautiful microphones. Not only are they constructed well and great-sounding, but they look good too. You can find the Yeti for around $120, and sometimes even sub-$100. The great thing about the Yeti is that it has selectable polar patterns, which means the mic can record in front of you, in the front and the back of the mic (if you have a person on either side of it), or in 360-degree omnidirectional mode, which records all around the mic (in case you have a large group of people you need to record). It also has a mute button, and more importantly a headphone jack. The headphone jack lets you hear yourself coming through the microphone, which really helps determine if you’ve got a good recording early on.

For a dynamic microphone, I’d recommend the Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB. I’d love to recommend the Røde Podcaster because I really love Røde Microphones as a brand, but the Podcaster line has taken a dip in quality recently. The Audio-Technica can be used as a live mic or a USB podcasting mic. As I stated before, because it’s a dynamic microphone, it’s great for rejecting outside noise. It has a pretty even frequency response, a headphone jack for monitoring yourself, and doesn’t break the bank at just $40!

Remember to focus on your situation when it comes to selecting a mic, and choose the one that’s best-suited to your recording location!

Headphones and accessories

If you’re using a condenser mic, there are two accessories that are crucial for use: a pop filter and a shockmount.

A pop filter screens out the plosives in your voice. A plosive is a P or a B sound that makes a short burst of air and can really ruin a great recording. The pop filter I recommend is the Samson PS01. It’s only $25, and it does the job perfectly. You can attach this to any microphone stand, place the pop filter in front of the mic, and you’re ready to go.

For a microphone stand, I’d recommend the On-Stage MS7701B. This boom stand is perfect because it can get out of the way, and has a little bit more flexibility than a desktop stand. You could invest in a fancy desk-mounted boom arm, but it’d be a little too pricey for our budget.

If you’re using a condenser, you’re also going to want to buy a shockmount. Shockmounts range from $20 to $50 on the low end, and are important for keeping noise and rumble out of your recordings. They absorb any shocks to the stand, and help the mic produce a great recording. I won’t recommend a specific one here because they’re typically pretty unique for each mic, so make sure to find the right one for your mic before buying! Download arena elder scrolls on mac.

Having good headphones is important to your overall podcast rig, because it’s helpful to be able to hear everything you’ve recorded accurately. Sennheiser has been making great headphones and other products for a long time, and I’m going to recommend the HD202 II model. At just $23, these headphones are a steal. They have a decent frequency response, and are comfortable if you’re going to be wearing them for extended periods of time. I’ve loved the HD 280 Pro headphones for some time, but these 202’s at under $25 make perfect sense for this budget.

GarageBand and Pro Tools First

We have our microphone, accessories and headphones — so now what? The last thing we need is a place to record it all. For this I’m going to recommend two programs that are perfect when it comes to recording, editing and mixing podcasts.

The first is GarageBand, which is made by Apple. GarageBand is great for dealing with a few tracks of audio, and it will also help anyone looking to get a head start on learning Apple’s pro product, Logic. GarageBand is easy to record into, and has some great features when it comes to mixing voices. It comes with a number of built-in audio plugins for EQ, compression and more. It also supports the Audio Units plugin format, so you can get some heavy-hitting processing if you’re looking to spend a little more money.

The other program I recommend is Pro Tools First. Avid’s Pro Tools recording software has long been the industry standard. Pro Tools First is a stripped-down version of the company’s flagship program that allows you to record (16 tracks), edit and mix all your audio. They even include more than 20 plugins to process your tracks (including EQ, compression and more). I find editing and mixing audio is easier in Pro Tools, but I think the most important thing to do is learn one program very well (keyboard shortcuts, what each knob is, etc.) and be proficient in that program.

I’d recommend trying out both, and seeing which program fits your needs best.

The ins and outs

Rogue Amoeba also makes some fantastic software. For a long time, I’ve used their Piezo app, which is perfect for recording Skype calls with two people. Since we have a good amount of money left in our budget, I’m actually going to recommend Rogue Amoeba’s higher-end and more fully featured software, Audio Hijack. You’re sure to get a ton of use out of this program.

What Audio Hijack does is allow you to route audio from pretty much anywhere into a host of other locations, including recording right within the program. You can take audio from Skype, iTunes, the web and a number of other places and route it wherever you need it to go. Think of it as a virtual patch bay for your audio.

After you’ve plugged your mic in via USB, recorded your audio and dropped it into your editing and mixing program of choice, you’re all set to ship your podcast to the world!

Breakdown of pricing

So where did we end up with all the components I’ve recommended? Let’s take a look at both the condenser and dynamic mic packages:

Condenser mic podcast setup

  • Blue Yeti condenser microphone – $120
  • Stand (built in to the Yeti) – Free
  • Pop filter – $25
  • Shockmount (Not needed with the Yeti, because of the built-in stand) – Typically $30 and up
  • Sennheiser HD 202 II headphones – $23
    GarageBand or Pro Tools – Free ($4.99 for GarageBand on 2012 and older Macs)
  • Audio Hijack – $49

Total = $247

Dynamic mic podcast setup

  • Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB – $40
  • Microphone stand – $25
  • Sennheiser HD 202 II headphones – $23
  • GarageBand or Pro Tools – Free ($4.99 for GarageBand on 2012 and older Macs)
  • Audio Hijack – $49

2006 jeep grand cherokee 3.7l repair manual free pdf download. Total = $137

As you can see, the barrier to entry for podcasting has gotten incredibly low. This is great news for anyone wanting to start a podcast or participate in an existing one.

This post was syndicated via The App Factor.

Microphones matter a lot when making a podcast. The initial costs are fairly low: recording software, a desktop or laptop, and of course, a microphone. So what’s the best podcast microphone?

What Makes the Best Podcast Microphone?

What you’ll want for a podcast microphone differs from what you’ll need if recording music or video game live streaming. While you can get started recording with something as basic as a smartphone, a mic is a must-have investment. Look for a dynamic microphone. A dynamic mic is front-firing and features solid sound-rejection. That way it picks up your voice and filters out unwanted background noise.

Podcasting Handbook has a fantastic breakdown of technical podcast equipment. Podcasting skyrocketed in popularityThe Evolution Of The Podcast -- How A Medium Was Born [Geek History]The Evolution Of The Podcast -- How A Medium Was Born [Geek History]Some say they're already old-fashioned, others argue they're more popular than ever. Whatever your take on podcasts, you have to admit: they've democratized broadcasting, and provided people with a smorgasbord of things to potentially listen..Read More, rapidly evolving into its own medium. Not only is a podcast an enjoyable hobby, but it can even turn into side income. If you’re starting a podcast, here’s a guide to getting it up and running successfullyHow to Start Your Own Successful PodcastHow to Start Your Own Successful PodcastPodcasts can be heard by millions of people worldwide. Now it's easier than ever to collaborate, record, edit, publish, and promote your own show. We show you how.Read More.

The Best Budget Podcast Microphone

Samson Go Mic Portable USB Condenser Mic

Samson Go Mic Portable USB Condenser MicrophoneSamson Go Mic Portable USB Condenser Microphone Buy Now On Amazon $26.55

Samson Go Mic Portable USB condenser microphone is compact, affordable, and powerful. Its small stature nevertheless provides superb sound quality. Steven Sande praised the Samson GO Mic in his review for Engadget. Notably, Sande appreciated its minute footprint and capable recording. The Go Mic is designed to be clipped onto a laptop screen but remains compatible with tablets as well. It hooks up with a Mini-USB cable and features both omnidirectional and cardioid modes.

When using the Go Mic for podcasting, it’s best left in cardioid mode. This ensures you’re picking up audio from a certain direction. For a similarly priced and sized mic, the Blue Snowball iCE is an excellent choice. Like the Samson Go Mic, it’s a condenser mic. CNET approved of the Blue Snowball iCE’s construction and retro styling but criticized its lack of audio inputs and outputs, aside from a USB. Additionally, the Snowball lacks recording software. If you’re an on-the-go podcaster, the Samson Go is your best bet. One of the seven most important criteria for mobile podcasting7 Top Tips for Podcasting on the Go7 Top Tips for Podcasting on the GoIt's easy to make podcasts on-the-go, as long as you have the right tools. In this piece, what you need and how to do it.Read More is having an external mic, a need the Samson Go fulfills wonderfully.

Pros

  • Small footprint
  • Portable
  • Cardioid mode
  • Omnidirectional mode
  • Plug and play compatibility

Cons

  • More powerful mics available

The Best Mid-Range Podcast Microphone

M-Audio Vocal Studio Producer

M-Audio Vocal Studio boasts excellent sound quality at a solid price. PC Mag noted its exceptional quality and commented on its inclusion of a mic and mic preamplifier. Moreover, the M-Audio Vocal Studio sports premium features such as a built-in headphone jack. Plus, it’s compatible with loads of recording applications including M-Audio’s own Session.

Best Mic For Podcasting Mac

However, PC Mag criticized the Producer’s latency when the built-in headphone jack isn’t in use. Additionally, its tripod isn’t the sturdiest. Also, while the Producer is superb for vocals like podcasting, it’s not suitable for musical instruments. While the Producer remains compatible with loads of recording software suites, there’s no ProTools compatibility. However, you will find that the M-Audio Producer functions well with GarageBandHow To Learn & Have Fun With Magic GarageBand [OSX]How To Learn & Have Fun With Magic GarageBand [OSX]The best way to learn music is probably to learn how to play a real instrument, but if you're like me and you don't have the time, Apple's popular song-producing application, GarageBand, can be useful..Read More in addition to Session. Despite its lackluster instrument recording, occasional latency issues, and unsteady tripod, the M-Audio Producer is a solid mic for podcasting.

Pros

  • Superb sound quality
  • Built-in headphone jack
  • Compatible with software such as Session and GarageBand

Cons

  • Occasional latency when built-in headphone jack not in use
  • Tripod slightly unsteady
  • Lackluster instrument recording

The Best High-End Podcast Microphone

Blue Yeti

Blue Yeti USB Microphone - Blackout EditionBlue Yeti USB Microphone - Blackout Edition Buy Now On Amazon $103.99

The Blue Yeti is easily the best mic for podcasting. It’s a utilitarian mic that’s stylish and functional. On its sleek metal bullet-shaped exterior you’ll find four recording modes, gain control, a mute button, and a built-in headphone monitor. Its various modes like stereo recording make it suitable for podcasting, instrument recording, and interviews. It’s this versatility in large part that posits the Blue Yeti as the best microphone for podcasts.

CNET highlighted its flexible recording modes and lush sound quality in its review. Yet CNET commented that it’s not portable unlike the Samson Go, M-Audio Producer, or even Blue’s Snowball iCE. Further, CNET editors were wary of its cheap plastic knobs. The Yeti is my go-to for everything from YouTube videos to video game live streaming. I’ve even recorded concerts and jam sessions with it. Admittedly, it’s not lightweight but it’s also not a monstrosity. Download samsung s-memo for mac. If you need something portable, you can probably just use a smartphone. There’s a reason podcasters and musicians alike prefer the Yeti. It balances build quality, audio, and style.

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Pros

  • Exceptional sound quality
  • Four distinct recording modes
  • Great build quality
  • Versatile

Cons

  • Plastic knobs a bit weak
  • Heavy
  • Large

Mic Check: What’s the Best Podcast Microphone?

Which microphone you pick for podcasting depends on your budget and recording environment. For on-the-go podcasters, a small, portable mic like the Samson Go is the best pick. The Blue Yeti, however, remains the top choice overall. I’d recommend sticking with a solid mic even if you’re a casual podcaster with a small audience. The main technical aspect of podcasting that matters to an audience (we’re not including whether or not you are entertaining as a podcaster), is audio quality. Although there’s software for mixing and mastering, the number one factor that determines audio quality: the microphone.

Moreover, even a high-end podcast microphone isn’t all that expensive. The benefits associated with that extra cost can’t be quantified. But if you need something portable and smaller, or simply can’t afford a better mic, stick with a sub-$50 or $100 microphone. Whether you’re podcasting or listening to podcasts, you’ll need a superb player. Check out the best podcast players for AndroidThe 8 Best Podcast Players for AndroidThe 8 Best Podcast Players for AndroidWant to listen to podcasts on your Android phone or tablet? Let us show you which apps to use.Read More and these podcast apps for iOSThe Best Podcast App for iPhone and iPad: 7 Top Choices ComparedThe Best Podcast App for iPhone and iPad: 7 Top Choices ComparedLooking for the best podcast app for iPhone and iPad? Enjoy your favorite podcasts with these great feature-filled podcast apps.Read More.

Best Mic For Podcasting 2018

What do you feel is the best podcast microphone for your money in 2017? Which mic are you using for podcasting?

Best Mic For Podcasting

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Best Mic For Podcasting Macbook

  1. I'm actually more of a fan of the tone of the cheaper Blue Snowball than the Yeti - I find the higher vocal ranges clearer on the Snowball. Sometimes they're muddied on the Yeti. I recently picked up a Rode Podcaster, and I quite like it - like the Yeti, there's a built-in headphone monitoring and gain control, and I find it has better tone across the whole spectrum of vocal frequencies.