We’re coming to the end of the year so I thought it was an ideal time to review the best microphone for podcasting of 2011 which will help anyone who has asked themselves “what is the best microphone for podcasting?”
There have been some great USB microphones for podcasts released in 2011 all of which you can see below. I’ve also put some handy tips together at the end of the article that will show you how to learn to create the perfect podcast using cheap USB podcasting equipment. Scroll all the way down to the bottom for my USB podcast tips.
What follows are the best USB microphones of 2011, whether you are a new podcaster, a student, or someone who just wants a cheap mic, there should be something for you.
Best Podcasting Microphone of 2011
Blue Microphones Yeti USB Microphone Review
In my view the Yeti USB mic is the best podcasting microphone of 2011 without any doubt. My reasons for awarding this the prize for best USB microphone for podcasting is because of the sheer amount of functionality it offers, plus the quality of the audio recordings produced.
It’s a plug and play mic, so simply connect with the USB cable and you are ready to get started – but that’s only half the story. It comes with gain control, a mute button, plus has a zero latency headphone output. Plus there are four different pattern modes, which mean you can record in almost any situation.
Whilst you might only use if for recording podcasts, this will still give you versatility not present in many other podcasting microphones. So you can be recording a quiet voice, loud music, or background noise – and all you need to do is set it to record with the best setting.
I also love the design of the Yeti USB mic. When recording with it you feel like you’re an actual radio presenter – remember that scene with Robin Williams in Good Morning Vietnam – well it’s kind of like that and gives you a whole new persona when recording podcasts. It’s also compatible with an iPad.
Best Easy to Use Podcasting Microphone
Samson Go Mic Compact USB Microphone – Plug n’ Play Review
If you are looking for a podcast mic that’s very easy to use and affordable, then look no further than the Samson Go USB podcasting microphone – you simply plug it in and start using it – it’s that simple. It’s also very compact and small as you can see from the photo and all you need to do is unfold it from the bracket, plug in via USB, and you’re ready to start recording your podcast.
The Samson Plug and Play microphone require no drivers, can be clipped to your PC or desk, and is said to offer clear and professional sounding audio. The Go mic also comes with free software that will let you edit your podcasts, so you are getting more than just a small portable microphone with this package.
Best Podcast Mic for Crystal Clear Sound Quality
Audio-Technica AT2020 USB Condenser USB Microphone Review
The Audio-Technica AT2020 USB Mic is the best microphone I have ever used when it comes to crysal clear sound. You should be able to buy it for less than one hundred dollars which is a bargain. It has a low self-noise which is brilliant for podcasters using advanced digital recording equipment.
Online reviewers agree with me that this is the best mic for podcasting if you are after a crystal-clear and natural sound. You can also easily use the Audio-Technica mic for outside broadcasts and voiceover use. Whilst not what I would call a professional mic, it’s nearly that good and is of a high-end quality perfect for home recordings and those that want to produce professional sounding podcast recordings.
Best Budget and Cheap Podcasting Microphone
CAD U1 USB Dynamic Recording Microphone Review
This is a very cheap podcasting mic and is the best one in this price range for the money. Although a cheap podcaster microphone it does have some decent functionality – for example a dynamic microphone element which can work for both vocal audio and instruments. Plus the cardioid pick-up pattern can work to isolate the main sound source whilst reducing and minimizing background noise
The CAD podcasting mic’s built-in pop-filter will get rid of those annoying popping sounds that tend to plague a lot of un-professional podcasts – so overall a great piece of podcasting equipment on a budget. With this USB model, like the others, you can record sound and audio straight into your computer.
Best High Quality Professional Podcasting Microphone
Rode Podcaster USB Dynamic Microphone Review
The Rode Podcaster is the best professional podcast mic on the market, and comes with a price tag to match. But if you want high quality podcasts and a robust and advanced microphone then this really is the only choice. It will give you broadcast quality audio all of which is engineered via a simple USB connection.
You can record directly into your computer from the Rode Podcaster USB dynamic microphone and take advantage of audiophile quality 18-bit resolution and 48kHz sampling A/D converter
The Rode Podcaster USB mic will process analogue audio input to a digital conversion internally – which means it won’t need to use your PC’s lower quality sound controller. Clever stuff I am sure you’ll agree – and the manufacturer are so confident of its quality that they’ve thrown in a warrant that can extend for 10 years… for free!
Tips on How to Create the Perfect USB Podcast
Podcasting should be easy right? It sure is, however if you really want to get the best from your MP3 podcast then follow some of the handy tips below which will go some way to making sure you publish the best Podcast possible using your home PC or Mac. This is my view on how to make a podcast – and you can use any of the best podcast microphones from 2011 that I’ve reviewed using these tutorial tips.
Know Your Audience
If your podcast is going to be a success and downloaded hundreds, or maybe thousands of times from your blog or iTunes then you should really make sure you know your audience. Ask yourself “who is it I am trying to reach?”, or “what sort of person would download my podcast?”
By knowing your podcast audience you will be able to get the best from your podcaster microphone and equipment so you can create the perfect download.
Know Your Subject Matter
Nobody wants to listen to someone who doesn’t know what they’re talking about. It’s a waste of your time and theirs. If you are going to use a USB podcast microphone to create your own stunning podcasts then do it about something you have a passion for and a knowledge on.
You will be competing actually literally millions of other home podcasters, many of whom will be recording on the same subject as you. Rinse the competition and make sure your listeners keep on coming back to your podcast with informed and quality content.
Make Sure You Prepare
There’s nothing worse than listening to podcast audio where the presenter is constantly “umming” and “aahing” with little or no direction, huge pauses, and really having nothing to say, or nothing of any value to impart. What I tend to do is right down a brief podcast script.
Your podcast script doesn’t need to include every single word that you are going to say because that will sound unnatural and forced. Instead I write down some headings, and as long as you know your podcast subject well enough the rest of the broadcast should flow pretty easily.
Headings you could consider for inspirational podcasts using the best podcasting equipment include:
- Who I Am
- An Introduction to the Subject Matter
- In Depth Talk About Features and Subject Matter
- Call to Action - (For example, go visit www.TechnologyWorlds.com now for the latest gadget reviews)
- Sign-Off and Goodbyes Until Next Time
Promote Your USB Podcast
Once you are ready to unleash your podcast on the world, don’t just expect people to come and find it. Think about promotional techniques online. These could include posting the links to your creation on web forums, social media such as Facebook and Twitter.
Want a Really Professional Podcasting Mic?
Elsewhere on the Technology World’s website I have dedicated an entire page to reviewing the Zoom H2n Handy Portable Recorder. The Zoom Handy comes with an expensive price tag, however it is set to revolutionize handheld audio recorders in 2012 so make sure you check the full review out.
