Creating podcasts on any subject is a fantastic way to build an audience and share information on the topics you love; but you’ll need to have the right gear in order to create a podcast your audience will want to tune into on a regular basis.
In order to make sure your podcast sounds great, you need to use the right microphone.
What are the Benefits of Podcasting?
Podcasting has become an increasingly popular way to share information and build an audience. There are many benefits to podcasting, including:
Reaching a larger audience: Podcasts can be distributed to a wide range of podcasting platforms and listened to by people all over the world.
Building engagement: Podcasts provide an engaging way for listeners to consume information.
Fostering connections: Podcasts provide a personal way to connect with listeners and build relationships.
What Types of Microphones are Good for Podcasting?
When choosing a microphone for podcast production, it is important to consider the type of microphone, the frequency response, and the sensitivity. These factors will all affect the quality of your podcast recording.
There are a few different types of microphones that are well-suited for podcast production in a professional podcast studio. These include:
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Dynamic microphones
Dynamic microphones are typically less expensive than condenser microphones, and they don’t require an external power source. That said, they’re not as sensitive as condenser microphones. They might not pick up all of the subtle nuances in your voice, which is only an issue if you’re not as animated in your storytelling.
The pros for this style of microphone are that they don’t require an external power source and are typically less expensive.
A con is that they might not pick up all of the subtle nuances in your voice and can be more difficult to position.
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Condenser microphones
Condenser microphones are more expensive than dynamic microphones, but they’re also more sensitive. This means that they’ll pick up more of the subtleties in your voice, which can result in a richer sound. They also tend to be better at rejecting background noise.
The pros of these types of microphones are that you can get the richer sound that your audience will appreciate and they also help to reduce background noise.
The cons of this style of microphone are that they require an external power source and can be more expensive than dynamic microphones.
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USB microphones
USB microphones are a type of condenser microphone that plugs directly into your computer via USB. They’re relatively affordable and easy to set up, making them a good option for podcasting beginners. That said, they don’t usually offer the same sound quality as more expensive condenser microphones.
The pros of this style of microphone are that they’re easy to set up and relatively affordable. If you’re on a strict budget, then this might be the best route for you to take.
The cons of this style of microphone are that they don’t offer the same sound quality as more expensive models and they can be more susceptible to background noise. If you’re in a studio that doesn’t have too much background noise, then that might not be an issue for you.
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Lapel microphones
Lapel microphones are small, discreet microphones that can be clipped to your clothing. They’re a good option if you want to podcast on the go, as they’re easy to transport and set up. They’re also great if you’re filming your podcast while also recording and don’t want equipment in the way. That said, they can be more susceptible to background noise than other types of microphones.
The pros of this style of microphone are that they’re small and discreet, making them easy to transport and set up.
The cons of this style of microphone are that they can be more susceptible to background noise than other types of microphones. If you’re in a studio that doesn’t have too much background noise, then that might not be an issue you need to consider. Although if you are on the go, then it’s something you should factor in when deciding on this purchase.
What Are Some Things I Should Consider When Picking a Microphone?
If you really want to get into the different aspects and technicalities of the microphones you want to employ in your podcast production, here are some factors you should consider:
What is the pickup pattern of a microphone?
This is how the microphone will “hear” sound. There are three main types of pickup patterns: omnidirectional, unidirectional, and bidirectional.
Omnidirectional means that the microphone will pick up sound from all around it. This is good if you want to podcast in a group setting or if you’re recording an interview and want to pick up both voices.
Unidirectional means that the microphone will only pick up sound from one direction. This is good if you’re the only person speaking into the microphone or if you want to reduce background noise.
Bidirectional means that the microphone will pick up sound from two directions. This is good if you’re podcasting with another person and want to be able to face each other while recording.
What is the frequency response of a microphone?
The frequency response of a microphone is the range of frequencies that the microphone can pick up. Ideally, you want a microphone with a wide frequency response so that it can pick up all the nuances in your voice. However, keep in mind that a wider frequency response also means that the microphone will be more sensitive to background noise.
It’s important to note that the human ear can hear frequencies between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz. However, the frequency response of most microphones is much wider than that. For example, a typical dynamic microphone has a frequency response of 50 Hz to 15,000 Hz; while a typical condenser microphone has a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz.
What is the sensitivity of a microphone?
The sensitivity of a microphone is a measure of how well the microphone can pick up sound. The higher the sensitivity, the better the microphone will be at picking up sound. However, keep in mind that a more sensitive microphone will also be more susceptible to background noise.
The sensitivity of a microphone is measured in decibels (dB). For reference, the threshold of human hearing is 0 dB. This means that anything below 0 dB is not audible to the human ear.
The sensitivity of a microphone can be either positive or negative. A positive sensitivity means that the microphone will amplify sound, while a negative sensitivity means that the microphone will reduce sound.
How Can I Get My Hands on a Microphone Suitable for Podcasting?
First, you can always purchase a microphone outright. If you know you’re going to be using one regularly, it might make sense to just buy the microphone you need. You can find podcasting-suitable microphones at most electronics stores or online retailers.
However, purchasing can be expensive, especially if you’re looking to produce a high-quality podcast where you want people to be able to enjoy the sound quality. Sound quality can really make or break your podcast as poor sound quality can turn an audience off.
Second, you can also rent podcast microphones from audio rental companies. This is a good option if you only need a microphone for a one-time event or if you want to try out a microphone before you commit to buying it.
Renting has a lot of benefits. You can get access to equipment that you might not be able to afford normally. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about storage or maintenance of the equipment. It’s really a great option for anyone who regularly creates podcasts.
Where can I rent a Microphone?
C&I Studios has many microphones available for rent! We have many different varieties that you can choose from so that you have the opportunity to try out different types and styles.
We don’t stop at just renting out microphones for podcast productions. We also have cables, computers, headphones, and other production equipment that you might need in order to produce the best podcast possibly.
C&I Studios offers podcast production equipment rentals so that you can focus on what’s important: your podcast content. Give us a call and see how we can help you get the best sound quality for your podcast studio.