Let’s take a look at the top 5 USB microphones for podcasting.
Podcasting has become an increasingly popular medium for expressing opinions and sharing information with the world. However, with so many USB microphones in the market, choosing the right one for your podcast can be hard.
That’s where we come in! We have tested all the best USB microphones for podcasting and put together this list for you.,
Let’s dive into our top 5 picks:
- Rode XDM-100 – Best USB Podcast Microphone – https://currentprice.io/rode_xdm100
- Rode NT1 – Condenser mic with USB & XLR – https://currentprice.io/rode-nt1-5th
- Shure MV7 – Legendary quality with XLR output – https://currentprice.io/shure_mv7
- Samson Q9U – Another great choice with USB & XLR – https://currentprice.io/q9u
- Maono PD100U – Best value, great starter USB Mic – https://currentprice.io/pd100u
Rode XDM-100 – Best USB Podcast Microphone
The Rode XDM-100 is a dynamic microphone that offers exceptional sound quality. It has a cardioid polar pattern that picks up sound from the front while rejecting background noise from the sides and rear.
Not only is the quality great, but the included Unify Software makes this microphone unbeatable. With Unify you can mix, route, process and record with unprecedented flexibility. You can connect 4 Rode XDM-100 microphones to your computer to record at the same time.
Using the headphone jack on each microphone, you can also use the Unify software to send each guest their own headphone mix.
Key Features
- 4 Mics at Once Max via UNIFY Software
Pros
- Advanced DSP for Gaming & Streaming
- Dynamic Capsule for Less Room Noise
- Cardioid Pattern for Focused Pickup
- USB-C for Easy Plug-and-Play Operation
- Built-In High-Gain Revolution Preamp
- Includes Pop Filter
- Includes PSM1 Shockmount
Cons
- Expensive
Rode NT-1 – Studio Quality With XLR & USB
The Rode NT1 is a top-of-the-line condenser microphone that offers exceptional audio quality with both XLR and USB connectivity.
Its large diaphragm capsule delivers clear and detailed sound, making it an excellent choice for podcasters who want to capture every nuance of their voice. Additionally, the NT1 has a low self-noise level, which means it picks up very little background noise. This feature is crucial for podcasters who record in noisy environments.
The 5th gen NT1 also allows you to use Rode Unify to mix, process, and record your podcast.
Key Features
- Analog XLR & digital USB-C connector
- Low self-noise, and high quality.
Pros
- For recording, streaming & podcasting
- cardioid pattern reduces ambient noise
- 192 kHz / 32-Bit float
- Large 1″ gold-sputtered diaphragm
- Revolution preamp, DSP processing
- Software for multiple USB mics at once
- Includes pop filter and shockmount
Cons
- No on-mic volume control
- No headphone jack
Shure MV7 – Legendary Quality with USB & XLR
The Shure MV7 is a dynamic microphone that offers exceptional audio quality. It has a built-in headphone jack and volume control, allowing podcasters to monitor their audio in real-time.
The MV7 also has a cardioid polar pattern that rejects background noise, making it an ideal microphone for podcasters who record in noisy environments.
Additionally, the MV7 comes with a software suite that allows you to control the USB portion of the microphone with a great level of detail.
Key Features
- Legendary broadcast sound in USB format
Pros
- USB and XLR connections
- 3.5mm jack with direct monitoring
- Companion app for processing
- Cardioid pattern minimizes room pickup
- Integrated touch panel for mic controls
- High-quality 48 kHz / 24-Bit audio
- Included USB Cables, Integrated Mount
Cons
- Can sometimes still allow plosives
Samson Q9U – Warm Sound, USB & XLR
The Samson Q9U is a dynamic microphone that offers a balanced and natural sound. It has a cardioid polar pattern that picks up sound from the front of the microphone while rejecting background noise from the sides and rear.
It features a headphone jack, mute button, and built in tone controls to make it easy to record your podcast.
This microphone offers a lot of value for podcasters.
Key Features
- Analog XLR & digital USB-C connector
- Warm, professional sound
Pros
- Built-in pop filter & shockmounting
- 3.5mm headphone jack for monitoring
- Cardioid pattern minimizes room tone
- Built-in tone & mute controls
- Professional-Grade 96 kHz / 24-Bit audio
- Includes USB cable & foam windscreen
Cons
- The Q9U doesn’t suit everyone’s voice
Maono PD100U – Least Expensive, With Great Sound
The Maono PD100U is a budget-friendly USB microphone that offers excellent value for its price. It has a cardioid polar pattern that focuses on the sound source in front of the microphone while rejecting background noise.
The PD100U has a warm, rich sound that competes with microphones that are 3-5x the price, which makes it great for entry level podcasters.
Key Features
- High quality for a great price
- Easy to use
Pros
- Cardioid pattern minimizes room tone
- Professional-Grade 192 kHz / 24-Bit audio
- Includes USB cable
- Included table stand
Cons
- Will need an extra windscreen for best results.
- No headphone jack
Benefits Of USB Microphones Over XLR Microphones
Are you wondering if a USB microphone is right for you? Let’s take a look at some of the benefits that USB microphones have compared to XLR microphones for podcasting.
Ease of use
USB microphones are plug-and-play, meaning they can be used right out of the box with no additional equipment or setup required. In contrast, XLR microphones require an audio interface or mixer to connect to a computer or recording device, which can be more complicated for beginners.
Portability
USB microphones are typically smaller and lighter than XLR microphones, making them easier to transport and use on the go.
Cost
USB microphones are generally less expensive than XLR microphones, considering the extra equipment you need to make an XLR microphone work. This makes them a more accessible option for hobbyists or those on a budget.
Convenience
USB microphones are ideal for those who want a quick and easy way to record audio, whether it be for podcasting, voiceovers, or video conferencing. They eliminate the need for complicated setup and allow you to focus on creating content.
However, it’s worth noting that XLR microphones have their own advantages, such as greater versatility and flexibility in terms of customization and audio quality. It ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Related:Best XLR Mics For Podcasting (Under $100)
What Makes The Best USB Microphones?
There are several factors that can contribute to making a great USB microphone for podcasting, including:
- Sound quality: A high-quality USB microphone should produce clear, accurate, and detailed sound that captures the nuances of speech and music without distortion or noise.
- Directionality: Directionality refers to how the microphone picks up sound. For podcasting, a cardioid microphone is ideal as it helps to reject unwanted sounds from the sides and rear of the mic, and capture sound from the front.
- Compatibility: A great USB microphone for podcasting should be compatible with a variety of recording software and operating systems.
- Build quality: The microphone should be durable, well-built, and able to withstand regular use without breaking down.
- Price: The cost of a USB microphone for podcasting can vary widely, but a great microphone should offer good value for money and provide the desired level of quality and features without breaking the bank.
The best USB microphone for podcasting depends your individual needs and preferences, so it’s important to research and compare different options before making a purchase.
Best USB Mics For Podcasting FAQs
What is the best USB mic for Podcasting?
The Rode XDM-100 is the best USB microphone for podcasting. It has great tone, noise rejection, and software suite to make podcasting as easy as possible.
Are USB microphones good for podcasts?
USB microphones are a great option for podcasting. They’re easy to use, portable, and some USB microphones allow you to connect up to 4 to a computer at the same time.
What is the best USB microphone to start a podcast?
We recommend the Rode XDM-100 as the best USB microphone for podcasting. It has everything that a podcaster needs from a USB microphone.
