5 Best Podcast Microphones under $200
Podcast is a digital audio file recorded and uploaded on the internet for listeners to download and listen. Podcasts are in demand in the US. More than 112 million people are tuned into various podcasts in the US alone. No wonder that creating a podcast is one of the most lucrative jobs in the US. As a small business owner, you can use podcasting as a marketing tool.
The most important equipment needed to start a podcast is a microphone. It is of utmost importance as the quality of voice and sound is an important aspect of podcasting. Most professionals use an XLR microphone. It is an electrical connector that connects to the mixer to give superior quality sound. The other type is a USB microphone which is equally good and great for beginners.
Best Podcast Microphone Reviews under $200 in 2020
Let’s check the best podcast microphones under $200/- on the market today.
YETI USB Microphone Review – Overall Best Podcast Microphone
Yeti is a professional USB condenser microphone. It is one of the best microphones for podcasting on the market today. It has 3 condenser capsules to record sound from any source and to ensure top-quality sound. It doesn’t need external drivers. You can plug it into your computer using the USB cable provided and start recording directly.
It has 4 different patterns for recording. That means you can record from different angles. Front recording is popular for monologue podcasting. For interview podcasting, you can speak from opposite sides. If there are 3 or 4 people you can choose stereo and omni-directional patterns.
The control panel is simple and has mute options for the microphone. It also has volume and pattern settings. Blue Yeti is compatible with PC and Mac. You can listen to the recording by inserting headphones in the headphone jack on the microphone. It comes with a desktop base stand for recording. You can remove it from the base and mount it on the desktop as well.
Get the Blue Yeti on Amazon Here: https://amzn.to/2UTxzGu
FIFINE USB Microphone K668 Review – Best Podcast Microphone with an Omnidirectional Pattern
Fifine has an omni-directional recording pattern. This means the recording can be done from all 4 sides without compromising on the sound quality. It isolates the main source of sound and produces excellent quality of sound. It is a condenser microphone. It is best microphone for podcasters recording from a home studio. You can directly plug it into the PC or Mac using the USB and start recording. It has a wide frequency response of 50Hz-16Hz. It is also good for voiceovers. It comes with an adjustable tripod stand. This enables you to record in hands-free mode. It is available in black color only.
Get This Cheap Podcast Microphone (Yet Still Great!) on Amazon Here: https://amzn.to/34hO3g5
Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB Cardioid Dynamic USB/XLR Microphone Review
Audio-Technica ATR2100 microphone is a handheld microphone. It weighs around 1.54 pounds. It is compatible with both Mac and Windows. It is a dynamic type of microphone best for podcasting. You can connect it directly to the PC using the USB cable for digital recording. It also comes with XLR cable. It can be connected with the PA system and used for live performances. It uses an analog signal setting.
It has a cardioid recording pattern. The sound can be recorded for front and rear. This reduces external sounds to a great extent. This ensures improved sound source for podcasts. The low mass diaphragm gives excellent frequency response. It comes with an easy control panel. You can plug in headphones in the built-in jack to monitor your recording. It also has a volume control option on the panel. A foldable tripod is also provided. You can secure it to the desktop using a clamp stand. It is made of durable metal.
Get the Audio Technica USB Podcast Microphone Here: https://amzn.to/3dTxPhh
Samson Q2U Handheld Dynamic USB/XLR Microphone Review
Samson Q2U is yet another popular handheld microphone among podcasters. It can be plugged in directly to your Windows PC or Mac with the USB cable for recording. You can also connect to the mixer using the XLR cable for live performances. It comes with a recording and podcasting pack. The pack essentially has a desktop stand, microphone clip, and a pop filter. It has a unidirectional dynamic pickup pattern that gives you clear and high-quality recordings. The frequency response is 50Hz-15Hz. The microphone comes with 1/8” headphone output. It has power switches for both USB and XLR. It comes in black and silver. It is also compatible with iPhones, iPads and Android devices.
Get the Samson Q2U Podcast Microphone Here: https://amzn.to/3aL2N9G
Blue Microphones Snowball ICE Black Microphone Review
Blue Snowball microphone is great for podcasts. It has got a retro look and is compact. The Snowball package includes a black color microphone, a pop filter and a suspension scissor arm that holds the microphone.
The Blue Snowball microphone has a cardioid polar pattern condenser capsule. This ensures crystal-clear high-quality output. It is a USB microphone that can be connected directly to your Windows PC or Mac.
Get the Blue Snowball Podcast Microphone Here: https://amzn.to/3bLgwgt
Conclusion
You need to consider a few basic points before you buy a podcast microphone. An ideal microphone should be durable and the quality of sound and tone should be excellent. It should be within your budget and last but not least you should decide the type of microphone element you need. A dynamic microphone is a popular choice among podcasters. Dynamic microphones primarily focus on the sound of the voice and drown background noise. Out of the 5 microphones reviewed, 3 of them are USB condenser microphones and 2 of them are USB/XLR microphones.
Yeti is a microphone that comes with all 4 pattern recording. Fifine offers omni-directional pattern. Audio-Technica and Blue Snowball gives you front and rear recording patterns whereas Samson gives unidirectional pattern. So depending upon the type of podcasts you want to create, you can choose the microphone.
Yeti and Fifine are the best condenser microphones for home studio. Samson, Snowball, and Audio Technica are ideal for both home studio and live performances. All the microphone models are compatible with Windows PC and Mac. They are sturdy handheld and desktop models. They give you great value for money and are the best podcast microphones to start your journey as a podcaster.