How to Choose the Best Podcast Microphone Without Overspending

Choosing the right podcast equipment can be confusing. You might think you need to spend a small fortune to sound professional, but that’s not true! In this post I’m talking about podcast equipment that won’t blow your budget.

Choosing the right podcast mic

The microphone is the most important part of your podcast equipment and getting the right one can make all the difference. The good news? You don’t need to spend a lot. For most podcasters, the choice comes down to two main types: condenser mics and dynamic mics.

• Condenser mics: These are super sensitive and pick up every little sound—great for capturing that rich, full audio. If you’re recording in a quiet space, a condenser mic like the Blue Yeti (around $200 AUD) is a good choice. Just make sure you’re talking into the front of the mic, not the top, or the back for the best sound quality. When talking into the mic, the Blue Yeti logo should be facing you and your mic should be facing upward, not towards you.

• Dynamic mics: If your recording space isn’t perfectly quiet or you’re sharing the room with a co-host, a dynamic mic might be a better fit. These mics are less sensitive to background noise, making them a good choice for less-than-ideal environments.

Steps to sound your best:

1. Decide between a condenser or dynamic mic based on your recording environment.
2. For condenser mics, speak directly into the front (not the top!), and for dynamic mics, talk into the top, keeping it about a fist away from your mouth. Read the instructions of your mic. Using your mic correctly can make such a difference in your sound quality.
3. Record in a quiet space or consider using soft furnishings to reduce echo.

Your recording environment matters

There’s only so much you can do to improve the quality of your audio when it comes to editing. So, it’s important to get the best quality audio you can before it reaches the editing stage.

Where and how you record can really impact your sound quality. A studio isn’t necessary—you can create a good recording environment right at home. Closets full of clothes, small, carpeted rooms, or even surrounding your mic with cushions can make such a difference.

A bit of preparation goes a long way in ensuring your podcast sounds good from the start. With the right mic, smart placement, and a quiet space, you’re on your way to producing professional-quality audio without the hefty price tag.

If you’d like more tips on podcasting equipment, listen to the latest episode of Podcasting for Business Owners, where I break down everything you need to know about choosing the right gear, from microphones to recording software, all while keeping it budget-friendly.