Podcasting Series Part 2: Microphones

Posted by John P. on June 18th, 2007 Comments Printer-Friendly

In part 2 of our podcasting series we’re going to show you what microphone is the best choice for your podcast. From the latest in USB microphones to the best in studio-quality dynamic microphones - there has to be one for you.

USB Microphones

USB microphones are generally the best choices for people who don’t need a mixer, and who want to get the best bang for their buck. Plus they’re very easy to setup - no need for phantom power, just plug in the USB cable.

The Samson C03U Podcasting Pak ($299) is a great choice and comes with everything you need to start podcasting (if you aren’t already), including: microphone stand, shock mount, the microphone, and software to get you started. It is a condenser microphone so it does pick up quite a bit of room noise, but this can be fixed in post-production (which we’ll go over in the next few articles).

Another great choice is the Blue Microphones Snowball ($99), which for the price is perfect for the beginner who has no experience in audio and wants to step up from a PC headset microphone. Great sound, design, and price.

Dynamic Microphones

Dynamic microphones are very versatile and rugged for on-location recording. An example is the Shure SM58 which is known for it’s ruggedness and portability. These microphones do not require phantom power which can be a problem in some cases.

At the top of the line we have two microphones similarly priced, the Heil PR-40 and Shure SM7B. The SM7B ($349) is known for it’s wide use in radio stations across the globe and can be used in a variety of applications including podcasting. The SM7B does not require a shock mount since internally it is rubber mounted, therefore it can be bumped around without outputting noise. It has a warm sound users have come to love and you won’t go wrong with the SM7B.

The PR-40 from Heil Sound ($375) is another great microphone for podcasting that TWiT.tv host Leo Laporte uses almost on a daily basis. The PR-40 also has a nice noise rejection which can be an issue with unexperienced users; as soon as you get off-axis with the mic - you immediately drop off. The sound of the PR-40 is one that no other dynamic mic can compare with and sounds better than most condenser microphones. Since the Heil PR-40 requires good technique in order to keep on mic we recommend this to somewhat experienced podcasters.

Either way you go - the Shure SM7B or the Heil PR-40 are both great dynamic microphones for the price. Need something cheaper? Take a look at the Shure SM58 ($99).

Headset Microphones

Another great way to keep unexperienced podcasters or guests on mic is a headset microphone, since the microphone is always pointed at the host or guest’s mouth.

We tested the AKG HSC-271 headset, which is available in both an on-the-ear and over-the-ear style headphone. They sound great and at $399, you get great sounding cans (headphones) and a great microphone.

Coming up next: voice processors. Thanks to Heil Sound and their worldwide distributor TransAudio Group for providing us with the PR-40, Shure for providing us with the SM7B, AKG Acoustics for providing us with the HSC-271, and Samson for providing us with their C03U Podcasting Pak.

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