Podcast Microphones

We offer USB podcast mics that can plug directly into your PC using a USB cable. These are great for podcast purposes, as you don't have to worry about any extra equipment such as mixers and audio interfaces to get it running, due to the microphone already having an audio interface built-in.

Along with the microphone itself, all of our podcast microphones come with a stand for ease of use. There are two types of stands that you will see in this category, which are desktop stands and boom-arm stands. Desktop stands have a tripod design and can be placed right in front of you with the mic mounted on them. Boom-arm stands are different as they are larger and are mounted to the edge of the desk, with adjustable height and easy mobility.

A great add-on that a lot of our podcast microphones feature is a pop shield or pop filter. These are used to minimize background noise which is ideal if you are recording a podcast. As well as this, they reduce the harshness of certain sounds created from air being pushed against the mic such as 'P' and 'B' sounds, making for a much more professional audio recording.

Using a podcast microphone

When podcasting, it is essential to ensure that all of your equipment is set up correctly so that you can avoid problems with the recording. Depending on the type of microphone you are using, you should check specific parameters such as the input gain level on your mixer, or the levels on your recording software before starting your podcast. Making sure that all of your equipment is set up and working correctly before you start recording will help to minimize problems and annoyance when podcasting.

Some of our podcasting microphones have built-in controls that allow you to adjust their gain level, as well as the headphone volume level. There are also some microphones that have a built-in mute button, allowing you to stop the microphone from picking up your voice at any moment. This can be ideal when podcasting, as you may need to speak to someone in the room without wanting your voice to be picked up in the recording.

Most podcasting mics will come with a stand that allows you to position them on a desktop surface. There are also boom arm stands, which fasten to the side of a desk and have an adjustable arm for simple movement during your recording. The desktop-style stands are short in design, with a weighted and shock-absorbent base that helps them stay in position while reducing unwanted vibrations in your audio recording.

There are also many accessories you can use with a microphone that helps you achieve better quality recordings, such as pop filters, reflection fields, and shock mounts. These all ensure a better quality recording of your voice, which helps your listeners stay engaged throughout the duration of your podcast episodes.

Podcast condenser microphones

When using a podcast microphone, it is important to make sure that you have all the right equipment for your requirements. For example, if you are using a condenser microphone with an XLR connection, you will need to ensure that it is used with a mixer or audio interface with phantom power.

Condenser microphones, unlike dynamic microphones, require an external power source to polarise the microphone's diaphragm and amplify the audio signal. Phantom power is a method of supplying this power over the same cable that carries the audio signal, simplifying the setup and reducing the need for additional power cables.

Phantom power is usually supplied at a voltage of +48 volts DC (direct current) and is commonly applied to both the positive and negative pins of a balanced XLR microphone cable, which is a standard connector used in professional audio applications. The receiving device, such as a microphone preamplifier or audio interface, provides the phantom power to the microphone through the same XLR cable used for audio signal transmission.

There are some condenser microphones for podcasting that come with an XLR to 3.5mm mini jack cable. The mini-jack connector would go directly into the microphone input on a computer, which acts as a phantom power source, enabling the microphone to work properly without the need for any additional equipment.

Similarly, USB microphones are usually condenser, but due to their design that allows them to connect directly to a laptop or PC, they do not need any other devices to work. You will just need to make sure that you have suitable software available on your PC to mix and record your voice.

Advantages of USB microphones

In recent years, podcasting has exploded in popularity as a medium for sharing information, stories, and opinions. With the rise of digital content creation, the need for high-quality audio recording equipment has become essential for podcasters.

A condenser microphone is a type of microphone that uses a capacitor to convert sound waves into an electrical signal. It requires an external power source to operate, which traditionally involves the use of XLR cables and audio interfaces with phantom power. However, USB condenser microphones provide an all-in-one solution by integrating the microphone, preamplifier, and analog-to-digital converter into a single device that can be directly connected to a computer via a USB port.

One of the main advantages of USB condenser microphones for podcasting is their ease of use. They typically come with plug-and-play functionality, requiring minimal setup and configuration. Podcasters can simply connect the USB microphone to their computer, and it is instantly recognized as an audio input device. This eliminates the need for complex audio interfaces or additional power sources, making USB condenser microphones a convenient option, especially for beginners or those with limited technical expertise.

USB condenser microphones also offer excellent audio quality. They are designed to capture sound with precision and clarity, making them suitable for recording spoken word, vocals, and other sound sources commonly used in podcasting. Many USB condenser microphones also feature built-in features such as adjustable gain, headphone monitoring, and mute buttons, allowing podcasters to have more control over their audio recording process.

In addition to their simplicity and audio quality, USB condenser microphones are also highly portable. They are usually compact and lightweight, making them easy to transport and set up in different locations. This allows podcasters to record on the go, whether it's in a studio, at home, or in the field.