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Top 10 USB Microphones for Podcasting Beginners
Sep
Are you ready to jump into the exciting world of podcasting? Great! One of the first things you’ll need is a good microphone. But with so many options out there, how do you choose? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top 10 USB microphones that are perfect for podcasting beginners. These mics are easy to use, sound great, and won’t break the bank. Let’s dive in!
Why USB Microphones?
Before we get to our list, let’s talk about why USB microphones are great for beginners. USB mics are super easy to use – just plug them into your computer, and you’re ready to go. No need for fancy audio interfaces or complicated setups. They’re also usually more affordable than professional XLR microphones, making them perfect for those just starting out.
Our Top 10 Picks
1. Blue Yeti USB Microphone
The Blue Yeti is a podcasting legend, and for good reason. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of USB microphones.
Pros:
- Versatile with four pickup patterns
- Great sound quality
- Sturdy build
Cons:
- Quite large
- Can pick up background noise
The Blue Yeti gives you options. Want to record just yourself? Use the cardioid mode. Interviewing someone across the table? Switch to bidirectional. It’s this flexibility that makes the Yeti a top choice for beginners who aren’t sure what kind of podcasting they’ll end up doing.
The sound quality is impressive for a USB mic. Your voice will come through clear and full, which is exactly what you want for a podcast. The Yeti is also built like a tank – it’ll survive accidental bumps and knocks without a problem.
On the downside, it’s not the most portable mic out there. If you’re planning to record on the go, you might want something smaller. It can also be a bit sensitive to background noise, so it’s best used in a quiet room.
Price: Around $130
2. Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB
Get the Audio-Technica AT2100x-USB
The ATR2100x-USB is a dynamic microphone that punches way above its weight class.
Pros:
- Great at rejecting background noise
- Can be used as both USB and XLR
- Compact and portable
Cons:
- Not as versatile as some other options
- Requires close-up speaking
This mic is a favorite among podcasters who record in less-than-ideal environments. Got noisy neighbors or a loud AC unit? The ATR2100x-USB is great at focusing on your voice and ignoring the rest.
One of the coolest things about this mic is that it has both USB and XLR outputs. This means you can use it as a simple USB mic now, and if you decide to upgrade to a more professional setup later, you can still use this mic with an audio interface.
The downside? It’s not as versatile as something like the Blue Yeti. It’s designed to be spoken into directly, so it’s not great for recording multiple people with one mic. But for a single-person podcast, it’s hard to beat.
Price: Around $99
3. Rode NT-USB Mini
The Rode NT-USB Mini is proof that good things come in small packages.
Pros:
- Compact and stylish design
- Studio-quality sound
- Built-in pop filter
Cons:
- Fixed cardioid pickup pattern
- No gain control on the mic itself
Don’t let its size fool you – the NT-USB Mini packs a punch. It delivers clear, professional-quality audio that will make your podcast sound polished and professional.
One of the best features of this mic is its built-in pop filter. This helps reduce plosives (those annoying ‘p’ and ‘b’ sounds that can overload your audio). It’s a small touch, but it can make a big difference in your sound quality.
The downside is that it only has a cardioid pickup pattern, so it’s not as flexible as some other mics. It also doesn’t have a gain control on the mic itself, which means you’ll need to adjust levels in your recording software.
Price: Around $99
4. Samson Q2U
The Samson Q2U is often called the best budget mic for podcasting, and we agree.
Pros:
- Excellent value for money
- Both USB and XLR outputs
- Good at rejecting background noise
Cons:
- Not the most stylish design
- Included stand is a bit wobbly
If you’re on a tight budget, the Samson Q2U should be at the top of your list. It delivers surprisingly good audio quality for its price point, rivaling mics that cost twice as much.
Like the ATR2100x-USB, it has both USB and XLR outputs, giving you flexibility as you grow. It’s also a dynamic mic, which means it’s good at focusing on your voice and ignoring background noise.
The main downsides are cosmetic – it’s not the prettiest mic out there, and the included stand isn’t great. But if you care more about sound than looks (and you should), the Q2U is a fantastic choice.
Price: Around $60/$128
5. Blue Snowball iCE
Get the Blue Snowball iCE Condender Mic
The Blue Snowball iCE is the younger sibling of the Yeti, and it’s a great entry-level option.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Easy to use
- Compact design
Cons:
- Limited features
- Sound quality not as good as more expensive options
If you’re just dipping your toes into podcasting and don’t want to spend a lot, the Snowball iCE is a solid choice. It’s super easy to use – just plug it in and start recording.
The sound quality is good for the price, although it won’t blow you away like some of the more expensive options on this list. It’s perfectly fine for getting started, though.
The main downside is its limited features. It only has one pickup pattern and no onboard controls. But for beginners who want something simple and affordable, it’s hard to go wrong with the Snowball iCE.
Price: Around $50
6. Shure MV7
The Shure MV7 is like the cool older cousin of the other mics on this list.
Pros:
- Professional-grade sound quality
- Both USB and XLR outputs
- Great for noisy environments
Cons:
- More expensive than other options
- Might be overkill for absolute beginners
The MV7 is inspired by Shure’s legendary SM7B, a mic used in professional studios worldwide. But unlike the SM7B, the MV7 can plug directly into your computer via USB.
The sound quality is top-notch. If you want your podcast to sound like it was recorded in a professional studio, this mic can get you there. It’s also great at rejecting background noise, making it ideal if you can’t record in a perfectly quiet environment.
The downside? It’s the most expensive mic on our list. If you’re just testing the waters with podcasting, it might be more than you need. But if you’re committed to creating the best possible audio and have the budget for it, the MV7 is an fantastic choice.
Price: Around $250
7. Razer Seiren X
Yes, Razer makes microphones too, not just gaming gear!
Pros:
- Sleek, compact design
- Good sound quality
- Built-in shock mount
Cons:
- Can be sensitive to plosives
- Not as versatile as some other options
The Razer Seiren X is a stylish little mic that punches above its weight class. It delivers clear, crisp audio that’s great for podcasting.
One of its best features is the built-in shock mount. This helps reduce vibrations from accidental bumps or typing if you’re recording at your desk. It’s a feature you often only see in more expensive mics.
On the downside, it can be a bit sensitive to plosives, so you might want to invest in a pop filter. It also only has a single pickup pattern, so it’s not as flexible as some other options.
Price: Around $80
8. Fifine K669B
Get the Fifine USB Microphone for PC
Never heard of Fifine? You’re not alone, but don’t let that stop you from considering this mic.
Pros:
- Incredibly affordable
- Surprisingly good sound quality
- Compact and portable
Cons:
- Build quality not as good as more expensive options
- Limited features
The Fifine K669B is proof that you don’t need to spend a lot to get started with podcasting. For its price, the sound quality is impressive. No, it won’t match a $200 mic, but it’s more than good enough to start your podcasting journey.
It’s also very compact, making it a good choice if you need to record on the go. The included stand is actually pretty decent, which is rare for budget mics.
The main downside is the build quality. It doesn’t feel as solid as more expensive options, so you’ll need to be a bit more careful with it. It also lacks advanced features like multiple pickup patterns or onboard controls.
Price: Around $30
9. HyperX QuadCast S
Who says you can’t look cool while podcasting?
Pros:
- Eye-catching design with customizable RGB lighting
- Four pickup patterns
- Internal pop filter
Cons:
- RGB lighting might not be for everyone
- More expensive than some other options
The HyperX QuadCast S is the flashiest mic on our list, with customizable RGB lighting that makes it look like something out of a sci-fi movie. But it’s not just about looks – this mic delivers great sound quality too.
It offers four pickup patterns, giving you flexibility in how you record. The internal pop filter is a nice touch, helping to reduce plosives without needing an external filter.
The main downside is the price – you’re paying a bit extra for the fancy lighting. And if you prefer a more understated look, the lighting might not be your thing (though you can turn it off).
Price: Around $160
10. AKG Lyra
Last but not least, we have the AKG Lyra, a mic that combines vintage looks with modern technology.
Pros:
- Unique, stylish design
- Four capture modes
- High-resolution audio
Cons:
- Larger than some other options
- Some users find the software confusing
The AKG Lyra stands out with its retro-inspired design that will look great on camera if you’re also filming your podcast. But it’s not just about looks – this mic delivers high-resolution audio that will make your podcast sound crisp and professional.
It offers four capture modes, giving you flexibility in how you record. Whether you’re recording solo, interviewing a guest, or capturing a group discussion, the Lyra has you covered.
On the downside, it’s quite large, so it might not be the best choice if you need something portable. Some users also find the included software a bit confusing to use.
Price: Around $150
Choosing the Right Mic for You
So, which of these mics should you choose? Here are a few things to consider:
- Budget: How much can you spend? While it’s tempting to go for the most expensive option, remember that content is king. A $50 mic with great content will beat a $250 mic with mediocre content every time.
- Recording Environment: Do you have a quiet space to record, or will you be dealing with background noise? If your space isn’t ideal, consider a dynamic mic like the ATR2100x-USB or Samson Q2U.
- Portability: Will you always record in the same place, or do you need to be able to take your mic on the go? If portability is important, look at smaller options like the Rode NT-USB Mini.
- Future Plans: Are you sure you’ll stick with podcasting, or are you just testing the waters? If you’re committed, it might be worth investing in a higher-end mic. If you’re not sure, start with a more affordable option.
- Tech-Savviness: How comfortable are you with technology? If you want something super simple, a plug-and-play option like the Blue Snowball iCE might be best. If you don’t mind a bit of a learning curve, a more feature-rich mic like the Blue Yeti could be a good choice.
Remember, there’s no “perfect” mic – just the mic that’s perfect for you. Consider your needs, your budget, and your goals, and choose the mic that best fits your situation.
Conclusion
Starting a podcast can feel overwhelming, but choosing your first microphone doesn’t have to be. Any of the mics on this list will serve you well as you begin your podcasting journey.
Remember, the most important thing is to start creating content. Don’t let the quest for perfect audio hold you back. Pick a mic, start recording, and share your voice with the world. Happy podcasting!
