Podcast microphones: Types and techniques to sound your best in any format

What makes a rich, compelling show even better? Clear audio. You want your audience to be fully enraptured by your words, your stories, and the unique soundscape you create. A good podcast microphone will help you capture all these elements and keep audiences focused on the content without distraction from background noise, static, or muffled sounds.  

Whether you’re still dipping your toes into podcasting waters or just looking to upgrade your audio game, this guide will help you select the right mic and give you expert tips to sound your best.

The podcast microphone need-to-knows

No one will quiz you on kinetic energy and sound pressure levels, but it’s helpful to understand how podcast microphones work. When it’s time to check out your shopping cart, this knowledge will help you make an informed decision tailored to your needs and recording environment. 

Type: Dynamic vs. condenser mics

Dynamic and condenser mics differ in how they capture sound.

Dynamic microphones use a magnet and a coil to convert sound waves into an electrical signal. They’re not as sensitive as condenser mics, and the range of frequencies they can reproduce is lower. Dynamic mics are good at rejecting background noise, so if you’re recording your podcast somewhere with many unwanted sounds, they’re a safe bet.

‍

Condenser mics are more fragile and delicate than, but they shine at picking up more detailed and clear audio. Condenser mics are sensitive to high frequencies, allowing you to capture the vocal nuances lost to dynamic mics. This sensitivity means condenser mics easily pick up on background noise, so they’re adequate for a quiet studio environment. 

Polar patterns: Omnidirectional vs. cardioid

Polar patterns refer to how a microphone responds to sounds from different directions. The two most common patterns in podcast mics are omnidirectional and cardioid.

‍

Omnidirectional microphones are equally sensitive to sound coming from all directions. If you want to record background sound for special effects, enhance the immersive experience of a fiction podcast, or capture the feeling of a real-time group discussion without isolating individual voices, omnidirectional mics are a good choice.

‍

Cardioid mics are designed to pick up sound coming from the front and block noise from the back and sides. They’re a better option for clear audio and clean vocals, free of unwanted sounds from other directions.   

Frequency response

The frequency response of a microphone tells you how well it can pick up different pitches or frequencies of sound, which are measured in Hertz. For example, some microphones are good at picking up high-pitched sounds like sirens, while others are better at picking up low-pitched sounds like thunder.

‍

The most relevant sound in podcasting is your voice (and your podcast guests’ and co-hosts’ voice, too). A good rule of thumb when selecting a podcast microphone is to look for a frequency range that captures the whole spectrum of the human voice, which is between 80Hz and 180Hz for lower register voices and 165 Hz to 255 Hz for higher register voices. 

‍

Some microphones may have a specific frequency response curve tailored to enhance certain aspects of the sound, such as the voice’s presence (lower frequencies) or warmth (higher frequencies). Your choice of frequency depends on the specific style and feel you want to give your podcast. For example, if your show is educational in nature, you want a mic that emphasizes clarity without overly accentuating high or low frequencies so your voice is easy to understand without being tiring over extended listening periods. Or say your podcast is about pop culture and you want to convey a lively, up-beat feel. A microphone that emphasizes mid to high frequencies can help create a more energetic atmosphere.

Choosing the best podcast microphone for your show

Regardless of what stage you’re at in your podcasting journey, plenty of options are available in the market to fit your podcast equipment budget, podcast format, and recording environment. 

Smartphone and computer built-in mics: Best for ease and convenience 

Not buying a brand-new mic is a viable option for creators in the early stages of podcasting. Your smartphone or computer already comes with built-in mics that can produce perfectly satisfying results—and it’s a budget friendly, affordable option. 

‍

Keep in mind that built-in microphones will pick up on more background noise, and they’re not designed for professional-grade audio capture. To optimize quality, try to record in a quiet space and surround yourself with soft materials like blankets and pillows. Keep a consistent volume when speaking into the mic and place it on a steady surface to avoid any movement noises.

‍

You can also improve the audio in post-production. For example, Magic Tools available in Riverside through Spotify for Creators, seamlessly  lets you tune out unwanted sounds and achieve clearer audio with the press of a button.

USB microphones: Best for convenience and versatility

You can improve upon built-in mics and move towards a more professional sound without breaking the bank. USB microphones provide good quality on a budget, with several options starting as low as $20. 

‍

USB mics come with the bonus of being extremely convenient. The setup is seamless and doesn’t require any extra podcast equipment. Simply plug it into your computer or mobile device, and you’re ready to start recording. If you’re on the go and often record episodes in different settings, you’ll appreciate the versatility of USB mics. You’re not limited to a studio environment and are free to record your show anywhere, whenever inspiration strikes.

XLR microphones: Best for professional audio quality

When you truly want to elevate your audio, XLR microphones are where you turn to. They’re specifically designed for professional use and are known for their high-quality sound reproduction. XLR mics capture more detail and nuance in the audio, helping you create a truly immersive experience for your listeners. You can find great options starting at $100, but they can go up to several hundred as quality and specs increase.

‍

XLR microphones require an external audio interface or mixer to connect to your computer. Though this makes them less convenient than USB mics, it also gives you more control over audio settings for a cleaner finished product. If you primarily record your show in a studio and are willing to invest more money into your audio setup, consider investing in an XLR microphone.

Microphone tips and techniques for crystal clear audio

How you use your microphone is almost as important as what microphone you use. These techniques will help you make the most of any mic and provide a smooth listening experience to your audience.

Find the “sweet spot”

It’s a double-edged sword—if you stand too close to your microphone, the sound will be distorted, but if you’re too far away, you’ll sound distant and echoey. The best way to find your ideal mic position is by experimenting.

‍

Try different distances and placements and record a few minutes worth of sound. Then play it back until you find the sweet spot that produces the best audio and use it as a benchmark for future recordings in that setting. When listening to your experiments, look for:

‍

• Muddiness or frequencies (high/low) that are dominating the voice. You might need to enunciate more clearly or adjust your pitch.

‍

• Exaggerated “p” and “b” sounds that make the audio pop. Practice saying words that begin with these letters (and other plosives, like “k” and “t”) to avoid the pops.

‍

• Unwanted and disruptive background noises that you can remove.

‍

• Breath noises, distortion, and volume consistency that indicate you’re standing too far or too close to the microphone.

‍

When you’re recording your experiments, don’t stand completely still. While you should avoid moving around too much during recording, you’re still a human, not a statue. Give yourself some leeway and incorporate natural movements into your experiments for accurate results. Plus, if you have a video show, moving around will also make the viewing experience more dynamic for your audience.

Keep your voice in shape 

Your vocal cords, mouth, and throat need steady lubrication so you can articulate and speak clearly. But when you’re talking for hours, it’s easy to run into a bad case of dry mouth. 

‍

To avoid sounding hoarse midway through recording, keep some water within reach and take a few sips here and there. If you have a co-host or special guest with you, move away from the mic when you drink to avoid disrupting their audio. 

‍

Warm-up exercises will also prime your voice for what’s to come and help it sound smoother and more relaxed. Try repeating a few tongue twisters to improve pronunciation, and push your tongue out for a nice jaw stretch. For a quick range exercise, choose a basic sound (like “ahh” or “ohh”) and repeat it using your entire vocal extent, from the highest to the lowest key, and then back up again (just channel your inner high-school drama club kid). 

Wear headphones

You’ve probably seen vocalists put their hands to their ears when singing. They do it to block out external sounds and hear themselves more clearly. Wearing headphones is the podcast equivalent of that technique. It’s a pretty neat trick to monitor the audio you’re recording in real-time. 

‍

When wearing headphones, you can hear any issues with the sound quality, such as background noise, echoes, or pops, and adjust accordingly. Headphones also reduce distractions that could interfere during the recording and help you stay in the moment.  

Perfection isn’t the end goal

Audio quality is an important component of your show, but don’t worry about sounding perfect or spending hundreds of dollars on a microphone. At the end of the day, your message and the content you’re sharing with the audience are what matters most. As time goes by, you’ll naturally refine your skills and upgrade your equipment when it makes sense. 

‍

You can find other interesting ways to improve your sound and have fun with your show in our podcast editing guide, featuring insights from two more Spotify producers. Have a video show? Check out our guide to editing video content like a pro.