Selecting a Microphone for Podcasting

Podcasting is a means of creating, publishing, and distributing audio and/or video content.  A podcast is the audio (or video) equivalent of a magazine; people can download and listen to just one “issue”, or they can subscribe and receive new issues automatically.  The beauty of podcasting is that it allows anyone with a computer and some inexpensive hardware and software to create their own content and distribute it. 

Some podcasts sound like professional radio talk shows, while others are clearly put together in someone’s basement.  The purpose of this series of articles is to help you to make your podcast sound professional – so that it reinforces your credibility as a presenter instead of detracting from it.

In this installment, we’ll take a look at the very first piece of equipment involved in getting the sound of your voice to your listeners: the microphone.

Almost any microphone will work for podcasting, but certain types can greatly enhance your sound.  All microphones can be described by four major characteristics.  Understanding these characteristics will help you to select a mic that fits within your budget, and to get the best performance from it.

Style

The style of the microphone refers to its shape and mounting configuration.  Handheld microphones are the most versatile and cost-effective.  They can be held in the hand for reporter-style interviews or mounted on a desk stand for hands free use.  Studio-style microphones usually require a mounting arm or ‘boom’ like you would see in a radio station studio.  This allows the mic to be positioned close to the talker’s mouth, while keeping it above the table surface (which may be occupied by notes, a keyboard, or other noise-producing items.)  Other microphone styles are available for special situations, such as covering a group of people seated around a table or picking up speech in a very noisy environment.

Type

The type of microphone refers to how the microphone converts sound waves into an audio signal.  Dynamic microphones (like the Shure C606WD) are the most popular, because they sound good and can be very inexpensive.  Condenser microphones (like the Shure KSM27) capture more detail, richness, and clarity from voices or musical instruments, and often have the classic “recording studio” look.  Condensers are typically more expensive however, and often require an external audio interface box that supplies power to the microphone.

Polar Pattern

The polar pattern of the microphone describes how it responds to sounds coming from different directions.  Omnidirectional mics pick up sound from all directions equally.  This is great if you want to capture the sound of the location where you’re recording your podcast, but in most cases an omnidirectional mic will simply pick up unwanted room noise.  Unidirectional mics (usually with specific patterns such as cardioid or supercardioid) are most sensitive to sound coming from near the front of the mic, and less sensitive to sound from the sides and rear.  Unidirectional mics pick up less background noise and hollowness, giving your podcasts a more studio-like sound.

Output

The output of the microphone refers to the connection and electrical format of the audio signal that comes out of the microphone.  Most microphones put out a very weak signal that must be connected to a dedicated microphone input on the computer.  Most computers use a standard 3.5mm mini-jack for the microphone input, but beware: some computers (including most Apple models) use a microphone symbol to label any analog audio input – even ones that will not accommodate a microphone.  Check the computer specifications to be sure.

Some microphones are available with a USB output.  This is convenient if your computer has a USB connection but no microphone input jack, but it also limits the microphone’s usefulness.  There is no easy way to connect a USB microphone to a conventional microphone input, so if you decide to upgrade to a more professional audio mixer or external audio interface, a USB microphone won’t be compatible.  If the only way to get audio into your computer is through the USB port, there are a variety of mic-to-USB interfaces available that can do the job.

Choosing the right microphone requires knowing the sound source, the sound location, and the sound destination.  Most microphones can do a fine job of picking up speech, but you may want to invest in a good condenser mic if the sound source for your podcast includes you playing acoustic guitar or singing.  The location where this occurs is also important.  If your record your podcast in a quiet, non-reflective studio, any polar pattern will do, but if you have to record in your basement or at the kitchen table a unidirectional polar pattern is essential.  Finally, you’ll need to consider the sound destination – what audio connections are available on your computer.  This may dictate a particular microphone or simply require an adapter cable or accessory.

In the next installment of this series, we’ll look at the importance of audio monitoring during the recording and editing of your podcast, and discuss how a good pair of earphones can reveal things you didn’t know were there.