Dynamic microphones are an essential tool for podcasters who want to produce high-quality audio content with minimal background noise. These microphones use a moving coil to capture sound, making them an ideal choice for podcasting, broadcasting, and live performances. With their durability and affordability, dynamic microphones have become the go-to choice for many podcasters, providing a range of benefits that can help you create engaging and professional content. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of using a dynamic microphone for podcasting and what makes them such a great investment for your podcasting needs.
Criteria for Choosing a Wireless Microphone:
Sound quality:
A good dynamic microphone for podcasting should deliver clear and high-quality sound, with a wide frequency response and minimal background noise.
Compatibility:
It is important to ensure that the microphone is compatible with your recording device, whether it be a computer, mixer or digital recorder.
Durability:
The microphone should be sturdy and durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of regular use.
Polar Pattern:
The polar pattern of the microphone determines how it captures sound. For podcasting, a cardioid polar pattern is the most suitable, as it captures sound from the front and reduces background noise from the sides and back.
Top 5 Dynamic Microphone Models for Podcasting:
- Shure SM7B
- Electro-Voice RE20.
- Rode Procaster
- Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB
- Samson Q2U
Shure SM7B:
Link: https://www.shure.com/en-US/products/microphones/sm7b?variant=SM7B
Name and brand of the model:
Shure SM7B
Features and specifications:
Shure SM7B is a professional dynamic microphone that is widely used in the broadcast industry. The microphone features a smooth, flat, and wide-range frequency response that is perfect for capturing vocals, music, and spoken word. It also has a cardioid polar pattern that helps to isolate the source of the sound and reduce background noise. The microphone also features a bass roll-off and mid-range boost control, which allows for additional sound shaping.
Pros:
- Suitable for various recording applications.
- Additional sound shaping controls.
- Effective noise reduction.
Cons:
- Requires proper positioning and technique for optimal performance.
- Requires additional equipment to use (such as a preamp or audio interface).
- Expensive compared to other dynamic microphones.
Price and Availability: The Shure SM7B is priced at around $399 and is widely available online and in-store.
Customer Reviews and Ratings:
The Shure SM7B has received numerous positive reviews from customers and industry professionals alike. Some users note that the microphone requires additional equipment to use, but the investment is worth it for the high-quality results. Overall, the Shure SM7B is a popular choice for podcasters, broadcasters, and musicians looking for a reliable and professional dynamic microphone.
Electro-Voice RE20:
Link: https://products.electrovoice.com/na/en/re20
Name and brand of the model:
Electro-Voice RE20
Features and specifications:
The Electro-Voice RE20 is a dynamic cardioid microphone designed for professional audio applications such as broadcast, podcasting, and music production. It features a neodymium magnet structure for high output and low noise, a Variable-D technology that reduces the proximity effect, and a pop filter that reduces explosive breath sounds.
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality with low noise.
- Effective reduction of proximity effect and plosives.
- Durable and rugged construction.
Cons:
- The slight learning curve to optimize the Variable-D technology.
- Heavy weight may require a sturdy mic stand.
Price and Availability: The Electro-Voice RE20 is priced at around $450 and is widely available from major retailers and online stores.
Customer Reviews and Ratings:
The Electro-Voice RE20 has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from customers and professional reviewers alike. Its sound quality, durability, and versatility have been praised, and its Variable-D technology has been widely regarded as an effective solution for controlling the proximity effect. However, some users have noted the microphone’s weight and price as potential drawbacks. Overall, the Electro-Voice RE20 is considered a top-tier dynamic microphone for professional audio applications.
Rode Procaster:
Link: https://rode.com/en/microphones/broadcast/procaster
Name and brand of the model:
Rode Procaster Dynamic Broadcast Microphone
Features and specifications:
The Rode Procaster is a high-quality dynamic broadcast microphone designed for capturing clear, rich, and professional-sounding vocals. The microphone’s internal shock mount and pop filter work together to reduce handling noise and plosives. Additionally, it has a frequency response range of 75Hz – 18kHz, allowing it to capture a wide range of vocal tones.
Pros:
- High-quality, professional-sounding audio.
- The cardioid polar pattern reduces background noise and off-axis sounds.
- Durable and sturdy construction.
Cons:
- Requires a good quality preamp for optimal performance.
- May not be suitable for recording other types of sounds due to its specific frequency response range.
Price and Availability: The Rode Procaster is priced at around $229 and is widely available online and in many music and audio equipment stores.
Customer Reviews and Ratings:
The Rode Procaster has received high ratings and positive reviews from many customers, who appreciate its high-quality sound and durable construction. Some users have noted that it requires a good-quality preamp to get the best performance, but overall, it is considered an excellent choice for podcasters and broadcasters who want to capture professional-sounding vocals.
Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB:
Link: https://www.audio-technica.com/en-eu/atr2100x-usb
Name and brand of the model:
Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB.
Features and specifications:
The Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB is a dynamic handheld microphone that features both USB and XLR outputs, making it compatible with a variety of recording devices. It also includes a headphone jack for monitoring and a built-in analogue-to-digital converter for high-quality audio recordings. The microphone has a cardioid polar pattern, which helps to reduce background noise and isolate the desired sound source. It has a frequency response range of 50Hz to 15kHz and a maximum SPL of 116 dB.
Pros:
- Dual USB and XLR outputs for maximum compatibility.
- Cardioid polar pattern for noise reduction and isolation.
- Affordable price point.
Cons:
- The microphone can be sensitive to handling noise.
- The included tripod stand may not be sturdy enough for some users.
Price and Availability: The Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB is priced at around $100 and is widely available online and in stores.
Customer Reviews and Ratings:
The Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB is well-received by customers, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Some users have noted that the microphone can be sensitive to handling noise, but this is a common issue with many dynamic microphones. Overall, the Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB is a great choice for podcasters and content creators.
Samson Q2U:
Link: http://www.samsontech.com/samson/products/microphones/usb-microphones/q2u/
Name and brand of the model:
Samson Q2U dynamic wireless microphone.
Features and specifications:
The Samson Q2U is a dynamic handheld microphone with a frequency response range of 50Hz to 15kHz, a cardioid polar pattern that helps to minimize background noise and a built-in headphone jack for real-time monitoring. It also comes with a desktop tripod stand, a mic clip, a USB cable, and an XLR cable for added versatility.
Pros:
- Dual connectivity options (XLR and USB).
- Comes with a desktop tripod stand and other accessories.
- The cardioid polar pattern helps to reduce background noise.
- Built-in headphone jack for real-time monitoring.
Cons:
- May require some adjustments to get the best sound quality.
- The tripod stand is not very stable.
- Limited frequency response range.
Price and Availability: The Samson Q2U is priced around $60 and is widely available at most online and offline music retailers.
Customer Reviews and Ratings:
The Samson Q2U has received generally positive reviews from customers, with many praising its dual connectivity options and included accessories. Some users have noted that it may take some tweaking to get the best sound quality, but overall it is considered to be a solid option for podcasting and other vocal recordings.
When comparing and contrasting the different models based on the criteria mentioned in the introduction, here are some key points to consider:
Type of Microphone:
The Shure SM7B, Electro-Voice RE20, and Rode Procaster are all dynamic microphones, while the Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB and Samson Q2U are both dynamic and condenser microphones.
Connectivity:
The Shure SM7B and Electro-Voice RE20 require an XLR cable to connect to an audio interface or mixer, while the Rode Procaster, Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB, and Samson Q2U offer both XLR and USB connectivity options.
Battery Life:
When it comes to battery life, the Shure SM7B, Electro-Voice RE20, and Rode Procaster do not require batteries as they are dynamic microphones, while the Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB and Samson Q2U have a battery life of around 10 hours.
Price:
In terms of price, the Shure SM7B and Electro-Voice RE20 are the most expensive options, while the Rode Procaster, Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB, and Samson Q2U are the more affordable options.
Customer Reviews:
Finally, when it comes to customer reviews, all five microphones have received positive feedback from users. The Shure SM7B and Electro-Voice RE20 are often praised for their superior sound quality and durability, while the Rode Procaster, Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB, and Samson Q2U are often praised for their versatility and affordability.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, when it comes to choosing the best wireless microphone for podcasting, it’s important to consider sound quality, compatibility, durability, and polar pattern. The Shure SM7B is an excellent choice for those who want versatile recording capabilities with additional sound-shaping controls, effective noise reduction, and smooth frequency response. If you’re on a budget, the Rode Procaster, Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB, and Samson Q2U are also good options that deliver high quality.
Overall, choosing the right wireless microphone for your podcasting needs is a matter of finding the best balance between sound quality, price, and features. We recommend trying out different models and seeing which one works best for your unique recording environment and budget. So, check out the models mentioned in this article, leave a comment below, and start creating high-quality content with ease!
FAQ’s
- What is a dynamic microphone and why is it good for podcasting?
Dynamic microphones are great for podcasting because they can reduce background noise and capture clear, high-quality audio.
- What should I look for in a good dynamic microphone for podcasting?
When choosing a dynamic microphone for podcasting, it’s important to consider sound quality, compatibility with your recording device, durability, and polar pattern. A cardioid polar pattern is generally recommended for podcasting, as it captures sound from the front and reduces background noise from the sides and back.
