What is the Best Microphone for Podcasting/Voiceover/Vocals/etc. in 2017?
I have used many mics over the years for everything from vlogging, to voiceover for screencasts, to podcasts, to produced film pieces. The top two microphones brands are Rode mic and Blue mics, but as far as the best microphone for podcasting… let’s dive into more details why you should choose one over the other.
Blue Mic vs Rode Mic
A microphone is a necessity nowadays for almost anyone with a job (online or offline)… anyone who might use video chats or voice calls online… someone with a vlogging pastime… podcasts, voice over screen sharing, or just anyone who would like to record something with the highest production value… HIGH-QUALITY AUDIO! Whether you are looking for a new mic to provide a better quality audio for your podcast listeners, customers, family, friends, Udemy videos, or even YouTube subscribers, there are a few technical things you need to consider. Frequently, microphones are designed for a given purpose. One of the main things you must take into consideration before buying a microphone is what is to be recorded. Many recent microphones include a feature, denominated directionality, which can be:
Omnidirectional: microphones that record all sounds in any region, there are purposeful as a vlogging microphone, a multi-person podcast microphone or a conference call microphone.
Bidirectional: microphones that receive sound from opposite directions, most convenient for interviews.
Cardioid: unidirectional type microphones that focus on one singular direction, great for recording your own voice.
Stereo Mode: uses both the left and right channels to capture a wide, realistic sound image, mainly for recording acoustic guitar or choir.
Within the microphone industry, there are a lot of competitors, and I have found that the two biggest and best are the Rode VideoMic Pro (see Amazon reviews) and the Blue Microphone Yeti. If you are willing to invest some extra cash in one of these mics, I can assure you that your money will be used to the fullest.
Check out this video of me using a Rode VideoMic Pro:
Rode VideoMic Pro – My Best Microphone Pick?
This is one of RØDE microphones most recent advances in audio recording technology. Not only does its design allow you to place it on any stable surface, you may also attach it to your camera to use while recording. It is a very lightweight microphone weighing 85g/3oz (great for mounting on to cameras and boom poles) and a very compact size of 100mm height by 75mm width by 170mm depth. It also comes with a 9V battery (up to 70 hour use). I just plug it into my phone and use the app Voice Recorder Pro. This Rode mic includes a new capsule that picks up less noise and at the same time has higher sensitivity. The company also offers you a 10-year extended warranty when you register your Rode VideoMic Pro. These microphones can be used for studio recording, podcasts, vlogging microphone, boom pole microphone, or practically any use you can think of!
One note, if you are recording to your phone, you will need this adapter: SC4 TRS to TRSS Adaptor (http://amzn.to/2rmsGck)
Blue Microphone Yeti – The Best USB Microphone for Podcasting
This device happens to be Blue Mic’s most recent development in USB microphones. It has a very clean, modern and attractive design. One of its most popular features is it all new multiple pattern selection—cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional and stereo. It includes a 5V battery with 150 mA. This microphone is not very portable or easy to carry if you plan to use it video recording (where you are moving around). The microphone itself weighs 1.2 lbs. (.55 kg) and its stand weighs 2.2 lbs. (1 kg). Its size is (extended in stand) 4.72″ (12cm) by 4.92″(12.5cm) by 11.61″(29.5cm). This microphone is compatible with Windows Vista or newer, and Mac OSX or higher. These microphones serve any purpose except for a portable vlogging microphone, or a boom pole microphone.
My Top Microphone Choice
Personally, I enjoy the Rode VideoMic Pro. It is a mono microphone and is quite good at picking up the main voice with amazing detail and clearness, wherever you may be. I see this Rode mic as the best microphone for podcasting hands down… it’s also great to attach to cameras with poor audio quality and use as a vlogging microphone.
As far as figuring out which one is best, it really depends on what you will be using the microphone for. But, both of these microphones have their own unique qualities and benefits.
Here is my vlogging and podcast setup! I record with my Samsung S7, mounted in my iOgrapher GO Action Camera Mount (see Amazon reviews http://amzn.to/2rmqotT), with the Rode VideoPro mic on top. Read our blog post on The Best Vlog Mic and Camera Setup here: https://www.coursenvy.com/iographer-go-review/
