Good: Blu Yetti
This microphone is a great solution for people who just want to plug in 1 cord and achieve a really great sound. This microphone has been used by gamers and live streams across the internet and to be honest I only suggest this microphone when people ask me “What is the lowest amount I can spend on a microphone if I am recording at home?” This will certainly get the job done but for a little bit more money I would move one level up to the microphone in the “Better” section.
If you live in an apartment or noisy environment I wouldn’t suggest this mic as it will pickup you background noise.
But…..If you want to stay close to the $150 price point, this is the best microphone for your money and here’s why:
- It plugs directly into your computer via USB cable.
- Complex setups will discourage you from being consistent with your podcast. Keeping it simple will allow you to record your content quickly so that you can reallocate that time to creating your episodes, making graphics, working full time etc.
- Connecting USB allows you to use this product for Mac or PC. You can even connect this microphone to your iPhone (Adapter needed) Purchase Adapter Here
- This is an OMNI-DIRECTIONAL microphone meaning that you can talk into any side of the microphone and the sound will be picked up. For beginners or people who don’t have much microphone experience, this is a MAJOR ADVANTAGE. You can just sit it on the table in front of you and talk and there’s no wrong way to do it.
- There’s an LED light on the front that will let you know you’re talking too loud. Listen, I talk EXTREMELY loud so I always make it a habit to turn my mic down ahead of recording. This microphone will actually light up as you speak, letting you know that you are speaking within a volume range that will be heard post-production.
- Major Key: If you’re talking and the red light is orange/red turn the mic down immediately. This means that your sound is too loud and if you record an entire episode with the LED light in red, your recording is useless.
- Here’s How To Fix It: Before you record, do a 1-2 minute soundcheck where you test your vocal range for the episode. Don’t just say “Mic Check”, have a quick conversation so you can confirm you can get excited and laugh without going into the red. Try recording the mic check so you can hear your audio quality played back. Make whatever adjustments you need to make.
- This isn’t made by some company you’ve never heard of. Blu is owned by Logitech who has been making computer accessories since the first PC hit the street in the 80s. This mic is built to last and comes with a manufacturer's warranty.
Better: Shure MV7
The next Microphone is the Shure MV7, This is by far my favorite microphone for Podcasting and the one that I use for my recordings and live streams. This is also a one plug option that plugs into your computer via USB but it ALSO has an XLR connection that can be used for any mixer. If you’re not into audio and are looking for the VERY BEST one plug-in microphone, this is it. Here are some reasons that I like this microphone…
- It has an industry-standard design. This microphone can be used with any kind of mic stand out there. I’ve seen some podcasters hang it from the ceiling but I use mine on a suspension arm on my desk. This allows me to keep my workspace free of any mic stands and minimize the noise from accidentally bumping the desk and my favorite laughing and slapping my hand on the table. If you’re interested in the desk mic stand I use, it can be found HERE.
- It can adapt to any environment. Shure created this mic with a companion app that allows you to change the microphone settings for environments that aren't recording-friendly. (i.e. Apartments, Garages, etc.) Instead of setting up your desk in your closet just get this microphone and record wherever you want.
- There’s a headphone jack built right into the microphone. This is such a premium feature. Hearing yourself while you’re recording helps you keep an even tone and feel more comfortable on the microphone. There’s a regular headphone jack (3.5mm) right on the back of the microphone and I suggest you use it, you’ll immediately feel like a professional.
- Trust me it’s the best one! I’ve personally tested almost every microphone when I used to work at Guitar Center and for people who have minimal experience, and/or not a lot of time for editing this microphone will do the heavy lifting for you.
If you purchase this microphone you’re going to need a microphone stand. There are tons of them on Amazon and this microphone comes with an adapter so ANY of them you pick will work. Again, my suggestion here is the one that clips to the table.
Best: Shure SM7B + Rode RODEcaster
This is the Industry standard setup. This is the combo I use in the studio with my celebrity clients and what they have at their home studios. This setup is pricey and is much harder to manage than the plug and play options above, but the features a truly remarkable. Microphone
- The SM7B has been one of the leading microphones in the music industry for decades. Michael Jackson even used this microphone to record Thriller. It’s the perfect microphone for balancing vocals and you can find it in radio stations and recording studios around the world.
- This microphone is built to last and you likely won’t need to buy a new microphone for 5-7 years depending on use, though you can make it last much longer with proper care.
- Though this microphone is AMAZING it needs to be accompanied by a Cloudlifter, which is a microphone amplifier and included in the bundle I put in the equipment links.
- If you’ve got multiple hosts you’ll need multiple microphones and multiple cloud lifters.
Rode RODEcaster (Podcast Production Console)
- The Rodecaster is the first podcast production studio. It’s really easy to use and I suggest using this unit if you have more than 1 host and will be in the same room with each other. You can control the levels of multiple microphones without touching your computer at all.
- This takes up to 4 microphones so if you have guests you can easily make the accommodations you need. Each microphone has a mute button so if someone needs to cough, or isn’t chiming in for a few minutes you can mute the individual microphones.
- This unit also has 8 programmable pads for sound effects. There are built-in sounds you can use but you also can add sounds so the sky is the limit. Sound effects are dope and they work really well for keeping people engaged in the podcast. This is a major selling point for this unit.
In Summary
If you are going to decide to not purchase any of the equipment I suggested, that's totally fine. Just don’t buy a condenser microphone, if you’re not a trained audio tech with a pretty decent audio interface. Condenser microphones are extremely sensitive and will pick up sounds on the other sides of your walls like lawnmowers, slamming doors, dogs barking, etc. If you’re gonna get something that isn’t on this list please get a dynamic microphone that connects to your computer via USB.
Product Link:
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If you have 1 host I suggest the “Better” package and if you have multiple hosts I suggest the “Best” package.
If you have any questions about setup, I’m happy to help, email me at Hey@TrindiMediaGroup.com
