If you have always wanted to start your own podcast, but didn’t know where to start, this guide is the perfect place for you. We are going to show you what podcasts are, who can make them and what are some of the best podcast microphones on the market right now. If you want to know all of this and more, keep on reading.

What is Podcasting?

Podcasting is a term used to describe distributing or streaming of audio files. A podcast is essentially a series of audio recordings on a specific topic. One or more hosts discuss various issues by themselves or with guests. From music and books to travel, economy, politics or exercise, podcasts cover almost any and every topic we can think of.

The fundamental difference between FM radio and podcasts is that podcasts appeal to a more narrow range of listeners. They don’t depend on ad revenue, so they don’t have to pander to a big demographic. Also, we can stream or download podcasts and listen to them any time we want. We won’t have to worry about missing out on a fascinating guest or interesting topic anymore.

Who Can Do Podcasts?

Podcasts have become more popular over the past few years and show no signs of stopping. There are several types of podcast formats that include a solo-cast, an interview, an educational or conversational podcast, fictional and non-fictional storytelling. More on those a bit later.

Another reason podcasting has gained so much popularity is that anyone can do it. We don’t need to have the technical knowledge or the best podcast microphone in the world to be a podcaster — only a desire to share something with the world.

Who Can Listen to Podcasts?

Who are podcasts actually for? The answer is — for anyone who wants to listen. We can use podcasts for both educational and entertainment purposes. Also, because they are so versatile, we can listen to them while performing mundane tasks or we can treat them as a virtual lecture and take notes as if we were in class.

Each podcast usually has its own website where we can watch, stream, subscribe and download any content we want. Moreover, they are usually free, and we don’t have to worry about any hidden costs.

Why Should We Listen to Podcasts?

The primary reason why we listen to podcasts is to learn. As we’ve mentioned before, a lot of podcasts have an educational element. We can find out more about our hobbies and interests from professionals in a fun and engaging way.

Moreover, we can stay informed and get educated on current events. A large number of podcast websites give us the option to leave comments and interact with other listeners. This way, we exchange our ideas with others and broaden our horizons.

Finally, we use them to relax and get our creative juices flowing. Podcasts can be a great alternative to watching TV or listening to the radio because they combine the best of those elements into one.

Why Do You Need a Good Podcasting Mic?

The reason for purchasing the best podcast microphone we can find seems obvious — so we can make quality audio recordings and sound more professional. However, this doesn’t mean that buying a good podcast mic has to break the bank.

Companies make it seem that buying the best podcast microphone has to cost a fortune. But what about us that are on a budget? Do we need to spend thousands of dollars on a microphone?

Although listeners tend to respond much better to those who have high-quality sounding podcasts, that doesn’t mean we have to spend a fortune on a microphone. As we will see in this guide, we can easily find the budget podcast microphone or a podcast microphone that is under $100. We will show you that finding the best podcast microphone for you isn’t difficult at all.

It all comes down to personal preference or needs. Whether you are on a budget and looking to find the best cheap podcast microphone or are looking for a mic that is just easy to use, we will help you find the best podcast microphone for you.

The best advice we can give is that you shouldn’t be using the same equipment you use for Skype conversations. Buying the best podcast microphone also requires spending countless hours on research to find a suitable solution.

In this guide, we are going to show you our top ten picks for the best podcast microphone along with user reviews and recommendations.

What Podcasting Formats Should You Consider?

We need to know what kind of podcast we want to make before we can choose the best mic. Different podcast formats mean different podcasting mics. Getting the best podcasting microphone can make us or break us. In this section, we will take a look at six different podcasting formats and later we will see what microphone best suit them.

A – Interviews

An interview is the most common format of podcasting. It involves one or more hosts having a conversation with a guest. If you are interested in this type of podcasting, make sure you always do your research about the guest and keep your audience engaged.

B – A Solo Cast

With the solo cast, we don’t have to worry about finding interesting guests. However, this means it is solely up to us to make engaging content that is amusing to the listener.

C – Panel Discussion

Panel discussion implies having multiple hosts or more than one guest. However, something to consider that there can be a lot of issues with scheduling and it can sometimes seem chaotic.

D – Fictional Storytelling

Fiction writers mainly use this format to make their stories come to life and connect with their readers. The writers can follow the structure of an audiobook or have guests and do dramatizations of a novel.

E – Non-fictional Storytelling

With non-fictional storytelling, we can alter our content every time we broadcast, or even make a compelling podcast series. We can talk about interesting events that have taken place, current news or just tell the audience about our lives.

F – Hybrid

Having a strict podcasting format can be helpful in the beginning while we are still figuring out what we want to talk about. However, all of the best podcasts are actually an amalgamation of different formats and styles.

Some Of The Leading Brands For Podcasting Mics

It is always good to know who we are buying from as it will help us make the most informed decision. We will look at a few of the leading brands when it comes to professional audio equipment.

Blue Microphones

Blue Microphones got their start by designing high-end microphones for recording artists. Since then, they have expanded into producing headphones, various recording tools, and music accessories.

They market their products for both music professionals and aficionados. Their equipment is very versatile and used for recording, streaming, and podcasting. A lot of users agree that Blue manufactures the best podcast microphone and the best budget podcast microphone.

Rode Microphones

Next, we have Rode Microphones from Australia. The story of Rode Microphones begins in 1967, when a Swedish-born couple migrated to Australia and opened Freedman Electronics.

In the 1990’s they found that not a lot of stores offered high-quality, low-cost microphones. Thus, Rode Microphones was born. They focused on designing and manufacturing quality mics that everyone could afford. Making the best podcast microphone as well as quality equipment has always been one of Rode’s main objectives.

In 2017, Rode Microphones’ parent company, Freedman Electronics celebrated their 50 years in business. They have also received numerous awards for their outstanding achievements in professional audio recording.

Shure

Shure is a company with one of the richest background stories. Sidney N. Shure founded the company back in 1925. He started the company by selling radio component kits, and within three years, he had 75 employees.

Their motto is “You sing it. You say it. You play it. We’ll help you amplify or record it.” In their offer, they have microphones, mixers and audio processors, headphones, earphones, and many other products.

Moreover, the Shure SM58 vocal microphone has been a staple for many professional musicians and recording artists. Their SM58S model is one of our recommendations for the best podcast microphone because their quality has yet to be matched.

Heil Sound

Bob Heil, the founder of Heil Sound, has been credited for many innovations in live sound. He is an inventor, organist, and amateur radio enthusiast. He founded the company in 1966, and started by making very large PA systems. The company saw its first big success in 1973, when Bob Heil invented the Heil Talk Box. It was the first high powered Talk Box available on the market.

Heil’s microphones and equipment are great for anyone who is into recording, podcasting, broadcasting or live streaming. They state that their mics are great for podcasting because they offer -40dB rear rejection which means that our voice can sound clear in any environment. Because of its amazing noise-canceling capabilities, we feel that the Heil PR 40 could potentially be the best podcast microphone.

Our Picks For The Best Podcast Microphone

Now, let’s take a look at our top ten choices for the best podcast microphone. Here, we will also tell you what type of podcast format each microphone is for. And finally, we will give you all of the positive and negative aspects of each microphone and user reviews that follow.

1) Blue Yeti USB Microphone — Real-Time Control & Stereo Mode

The Blue Yeti is and one of the most popular models of USB microphones and possibly the best podcast microphone for beginners. It is very versatile, making it an excellent choice for those who want to record vocals, musical instruments, field recordings, and even conference calls.

The Features

The Blue Yeti microphone has a built-in headphone jack. Because the headphone jack already comes with the microphone, we won’t have to buy more equipment and won’t have to deal with the sound delay ever again. It is also compatible with Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7 and Mac OS X.

Another great feature of the Blue Yeti is that there is no setup needed. As soon as we plug it in, we can start recording.

The reason it is so versatile is that it has three different capsules built into one. It also features four pattern selections:

Cardioid — The Cardioid format records sound patterns that are directly in front of it. This is what makes it an excellent choice for podcasting, streaming, and voice-overs.

Bidirectional — The Bidirectional pattern is a great choice for panel discussions or interviews, as it records from both the front and back of the microphone.

Omnidirectional — When putting the mic in Omnidirectional Mode, it records sound from all sides of the microphone. It is best suited for recording conference calls or live performances.

Stereo — The stereo mode works best when it is used for recording acoustic guitars or choirs as it uses the left and right side to capture a realistic sound.

The Drawbacks

Now that we’ve listed all the positive sides, let’s talk about the some of the issues we had with it. One of the biggest customer complaints is background noise. No matter how you soundproof your studio, the Blue Yeti starts picking up surrounding noise.

Another thing to note is that most of the customer’s reviews stated that it stops working for no apparent reason. For some users, it lasted only a couple of hours, while most users had it for two years before they needed to replace it. The most probable cause is the medium-built quality of the Yeti.

However, none of these things would be a big issue if their customer service were adequate. We mostly saw people say that the customer service responded after a couple of weeks or even months.

Pros:

Unmatched sound quality
Easy to use and set up
Very versatile
The best podcast microphone for narrators and podcasters

Cons:

Poor customer service

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2) Rode Procaster Broadcast — It’s a Dynamic Vocal Microphone

If we are looking for a sturdy microphone that we don’t have to worry about breaking, the Rode Procaster Broadcast is the right choice. The Procaster was designed for voice applications in any broadcast environment.

As opposed to the Blue Yeti, the Procaster is not a condenser mic but rather a dynamic one. Condenser microphones are more sensitive than their dynamic counterparts. Due to the fact that dynamic microphones do a much better job of reducing noise levels, we feel the Procaster would be better suited to a dynamic environment than a studio.

We recommend this microphone to anyone who has a problem with pick up too much background noise. With the Rode Procaster, we won’t need to soundproof our studio at all. It is best suited for podcasts, narration, or reading an audiobook.

The Features

The Procaster has a tight polar pattern and was tailored for a voice frequency response. A polar pickup pattern in a microphone makes it the far superior choice for any situation where high ambient noise rejection is needed. Designed to minimize plosive sounds, the Procaster has an internal pop filter. We won’t have to worry about distorted audio input anymore.

Moreover, the construction of the microphones is one of its biggest selling points. It is extremely well-built and has a metal exterior. The Procaster weighs almost two pounds, and it is built to last. However, this can be a drawback as well. Because of its weight, we wouldn’t use it as a hand-held microphone. We would need to purchase a mic stand or a boom arm.

It also comes with a one-year warranty. However, if we register the microphone on Rode’s official website, we get a 10-year warranty.

The Drawbacks

The issue we found with this model is that we would need to get a good preamplifier to the get the most out of it. For this reason, we wouldn’t recommend it to podcasting beginners.

To a similar extent, we wouldn’t recommend it to professional audio engineers. Some users have stated that it has a “harsh” bass line and can’t compete with other professional broadcasting microphones.

Since it is an XLR microphone, we would need some additional equipment. It isn’t a USB microphone that can be easily plugged into the computer. Therefore, we would need to buy a mixer, preamplifier or a digital recorder to run it.

Pros:

Sturdy construction
Excellent noise deflection
Great for dynamic environments

Cons:

Not the best podcast microphone for beginners
Needs additional equipment

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3) MXL 990 — Best Condenser Microphone that Enables Professional Sound Quality

The MXL 990 was one of the first high-quality condenser microphones designed specifically for working musicians. It is an XLR microphone just like the Procaster, which means we can’t just plug it in our computer and go. Unlike other condenser mics, it gives rich tones that can’t be matched.

The Features

With a FET preamplifier and a large diaphragm, the MXL 990 was designed for both analog and digital recordings. It has a cardioid polar pattern and requires phantom power. The model also comes with a custom shock mount and mic stand adapter included.

The MXL 990 has a frequency response of 30Hz – 20kHz which gives it a great high-end, midrange, and solid low reproduction. The model features an XLR connector which helps block out background noise.

The MXL 990 is an excellent choice for podcasters and singers. One thing to note is that because it is so sensitive, we would recommend purchasing a pop filter.

Most users describe it as very durable and compact. Furthermore, whether you buy it off Amazon or their official website, it comes with accessories included.

We recommend it to beginners because the MXL shines in a home studio setting, just make sure you’ve sound-proofed everything first.

The Drawbacks

Some of the faults of the MXL 990 models are that most of the users reported the need to stand a few feet away from the mic to get a clear sound. It wouldn’t be a good fit for a panel discussion or an interview because our guests would need to stand so far away from the microphone while they talked.

Also, we saw a lot of reviews about the poor quality of the shock mount. Most of the users stated that the elbow screws couldn’t be tightly wound. The improper sizing of the elbow screws is a big concern because it can be extremely difficult to find another shock mount to fit the large diameter of this model.

Furthermore, it starts making static noise after a short time. And because it is a condenser and it is so sensitive, it can be difficult to find an environment where it won’t pick up any white noise.

Finally, we wouldn’t recommend it to professional musicians who do studio recordings. However, if you are just starting out and need something that will last you a long time, we say go for it.

Pros:

Custom shock mount and mic stand included
Durable and versatile
The best podcast microphone for beginners

Cons:

Picks up a lot of background noise
Not suitable for studio musicians

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4) Shure SM58S — Best Frequency Response That’s Good for Vocals

If we want to feel confident when purchasing our first microphone, the Shure SM58S will be a great fit for us. The Shure SM58 has been a synonym for quality sound and reliability. It is one of the most popular mics for studio recording, and we can see why.

The Features

The Shure SM58S is a dynamic microphone that has a frequency response specifically tailored for vocals. The SM58S has a uniform cardioid pickup pattern. Because of this pattern, the mic can easily isolate the main sound source and minimize any background noise.

They are also practical for transport and can be handheld. We’ve seen a lot of musicians use this particular model on stage because it is so convenient. It also features a built-in spherical wind and pop filter. The pop filter will help reduce any wind and mouth noises.

Another positive aspect of the SM58S is that it was specifically designed to withstand harsh environments and extreme abuse. It has a steel mesh that helps absorb shock and protect the microphone elements. It is very durable and can be used in both indoor and outdoor environments.

This particular model also comes with an ON/OFF switch, which can be helpful if we’re doing a solo podcast. Shure’s SM58S is a staple in the music industry, and we would highly recommend it for both studio and live recordings.

The Drawbacks

There were two technical issues we found with this model. The first one is that the mic volume can appear too low, making it difficult to get a good audio recording. Also, some users noted that after a while a hissing noise would appear.

Another thing to be mindful of is that there are a lot of counterfeits of this model. Always be sure that you are buying from a verified source.

The final issue is the ON/OFF switch. The switch on the mic was not built well, as it keeps sliding in either direction. Also, it is not labeled properly, so if you are doing a podcast, the microphone can switch off without you noticing. The ON/OFF switch is one of the biggest complaints we’ve seen all of the users have.

Pros:

Great for recording in different environments
Durable and resistant to abuse
Quality sound

Cons:

There are a lot of counterfeits on the market
The ON/OFF switch has no slide resistance

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5) Heil Sound PR 40 — Best Studio Dynamic Mic

The Heil PR 40 microphone boasts the widest frequency range of any other dynamic mic in the entire Heil PR series. It is the best podcast microphone and is also an ideal microphone for talk show hosts, panel discussions and interviews.

The Features

The PRSM Shock Mount helps suppress low-frequency noise by absorbing vibrations. The PR 40 incorporates Heil’s phasing plug placement. The model features a low mass diaphragm and custom magnet metals. Encased in a matte-finished steel body, the diaphragm is shock mounted.

Additionally, the model has an internal breath blast filter on the diaphragm. Because of the blast filter, the PR40 provides an excellent response for voices of any vocal range.

The PR 40 provides a response from 28Hz up to 18kHz. This type of a frequency range means we can record our vocals as well as our instruments which makes it a great choice for a podcasting mic.

Since the PR 40 is a dynamic microphone, it does a great job of blocking out background noise. Thus, we would recommend it to beginners and all of those who are not recording in a professional studio environment.

The microphone has a solid bass response. So it works rather well on bass guitar cabinets as well as electric guitars. Furthermore, because of its high-frequency energy, it works great with percussion instruments as well.

Due to the fact that Heil doesn’t make condenser mics, only dynamic ones, they really try to make them as perfect as can be. We highly recommend this mic for broadcasting and podcasting as you won’t find anything that sounds as clear as the Heil PR40 currently on the market.

The Drawbacks

The biggest issue we found with the Heil PR 40 is that it has an extended low-end frequency and an overly bright high-end. Due to the high discrepancies in frequency, our “S” sounds can appear to be more pronounced and harsh.

Also, there are no additional features to this microphone. So we won’t be able to choose what kind of feature best suits our voice and our needs. It has a low sensitivity which means we would need to buy a preamplifier to drive it.

Furthermore, the microphone doesn’t have a jack for headphones. Also, we would need to buy a shock mount and pop filter, as they are not included. Buying a separate shock mount and poop filter can drive up the price of the mic significantly.

Pros:

Well-built
Excellent sound quality
The best podcast microphone for podcasters and narrators

Cons:

Doesn’t have a jack for headphones
Needs a preamplifier and a pop filter

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6) Shure SM7B — The Pop Filter Eliminates Distortion

If you’ve been doing a podcast for a while and want to sound like a real pro — the Shure SM7B is a perfect choice. We’ve already covered Shure’s quality, so we know what we’re getting. A professional, versatile and durable mic.

The Features

The SM7B is a dynamic microphone that has a smooth, flat, wide-range frequency response. It is shielded from any electromagnetic hums our computers, lights or other appliances might produce.

It is an improved version of the older models which has a pop filter that will eliminate plosive sounds. Not having any plosive sounds when podcasting or narrating is key to having good and clean audio. It features their classic cardioid polar pattern, which we know and trust.

The model has an improved bracket design that provides much more stability. Furthermore, it includes the A7Ws windscreen ideal for close-talk applications. Similar to Shure’s other designs, it was made to be durable and versatile. It has cartridge protection and sturdy construction. Shure’s quality of design and sound is part of the reason why it is our top contender for the best podcast microphone.

An interesting anecdote about this mic is that it was actually used by Michael Jackson when he recorded “Thriller” — giving us an idea of the kind of sound quality we can expect from Shure.

We wouldn’t be exaggerating if we said this is one of the podcast microphones we’ve seen on the market so far.

The Drawbacks

Because it is a condenser microphone and not dynamic, it can pick up a lot of ambient noise. The audio sound is also low. In order to get it to work properly, we would need a good preamplifier. We believe it would work best for professionals who have previous experience with these types of microphones.

Another thing to note is that although it may be a great choice for podcasters, singers might have a different experience altogether. It works perfectly for loud, up close vocals. However, singers with soft or delicate voices should consider purchasing a different model.

There is a lot of finesse when it comes to making this microphone work great for us. We have to balance the equalizer and preamplifier to get it to that Shure-guaranteed sound quality.

Pros:

Reliable and durable
Excellent sound quality
The best podcast microphone for narrators and podcasters

Cons:

Not great for singers or soft-spoken narrators
Picks up a lot of ambient noise

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7) Rode NT1-A — Best Complete Podcast Mic Kit

The Rode NT1-A has been recognized as one of the world’s quietest studio microphones. It delivers an extended dynamic range and a high SPL capability. We can honestly say it holds its own with some of the most expensive microphones on the market.

The Features

What makes it one of the quietest studio microphones is that it has a self-noise level of only 5dBA.The low self-noise level makes it a great choice for recording vocals as well as guitars and percussion instruments.

In the kit, Rode includes a pop shield and shock mount, as well as a 20-inch microphone cable, a dust cover and a downloadable video with some recording tips and tricks.

The NT1-A model has a large one-inch capsule with a diaphragm. It features a cardioid polar pattern and an internal capsule shock mounting. Same as with the Rode Procaster, Rode offers a ten year extended warranty if we register our microphone on their website.

Most users described the audio quality as clean and crisp. We would recommend it to podcast or music enthusiasts who are looking to improve their home studio equipment. It is advertised as the world’s quietest mic, and we can see why. It picks up barely any background noise which is great for all of us working in a non-treated environment.

The Drawbacks

Most of the user complaints we’ve seen are about the build quality. Some of the elements of the microphone seem a bit cheap, especially the XLR cable. Also, be careful when buying directly off Amazon. A lot of the users claimed they got defective microphones they couldn’t later return.

Another thing to note is that people had issues with the mic if they hadn’t used it in a while. The microphone would stop working if it wasn’t used for a few weeks or months.

Keep this in mind if you are buying the mic off Amazon as Rode’s warranty only applies if we purchase the mic off their official website.

Finally, similar to other condenser microphones, we also need to use a preamplifier to get the best out of this mic. For this reason, we would recommend it to someone who is not a complete beginner with sound mixing.

Pros:

Very little to no background noise
Versatile kit with great accessories
Possibly the best podcast microphone for a home studio

Cons:

The warranty only applies if it is purchased through Rode’s official website

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8) Samson C01U — Cheapest Studio Condenser Microphone

The C01U is a high-quality condenser microphone with a USB port. We would recommend it to anyone doing podcasts, voiceovers or narrations. It would be the perfect addition to any home studio.

The Features

The C01U is a large 19mm diaphragm studio condenser microphone with a cardioid pickup pattern. It is compatible with most digital audio workstations and works for both Mac and Windows users. An improved version of its predecessor, it features a headphone output for zero-latency monitoring.

It captures audio both low and high-end frequencies between 20Hz – 18kHz. This feature gives a flat frequency response. The model also comes with a shock-mounted mic element, and it is iPad and USB bus powered.

The microphone is constructed with die-cast and has a heavy gauge mesh grill. The set also includes a tripod and a swivel mount. Keeping up with new technologies, the C01U added a peak LED indicator and has an improved signal-to-noise ratio.

Since it is a USB condenser mic, the set up is easy. The C01U is a plug-and-play model that is simple to use with most audio workstations.

The C01U is the best podcast microphone, especially for beginners because it has a simple USB connection that plugs straight into the computer. Moreover, for our musicians, we recommend using the cardioid pickup pattern to record vocals and acoustic instrument.

The Drawbacks

Most of the users had an issue with the software made for this microphone. The instructions aren’t very detailed, and it can be extremely difficult to change the simplest settings, such as volume. Samson offers no support on this issue so getting this mic to work properly can be a slow and painful process.

Furthermore, because it is a condenser microphone, keep in mind it will pick up a lot of background noise. The low noise deflection isn’t necessarily the mic’s fault; it is just something that is expected as with any other condenser mic.

Some users also reported that after a while they began hearing a static noise coming from the microphone. No amount of equalizing helped solve the problem and Samson’s customer support didn’t address the issue.

Finally, even though it is advertised as plug-and-play, there is a certain amount of setup to do before we can start actually using the mic. We would recommend it to podcasters or narrators trying to build their home studio.

Pros:

Plug-and-play
Durable
Well built and produces a good sound

Cons:

Their software isn’t detailed or easy to use
Not the best podcast microphone for professional artists

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9) Audio-Technica AT2035 — Comes With a Shock Mount & Pop Filter

The Audio-Technica AT2035 is another excellent example of a cardioid studio condenser microphone, just like the C01U. It was designed for home and professional studio recording as well as live performances. We recommend it to anyone who is trying to get into podcasting.

The Features

The AT2035 is equipped with an 80Hz high-pass filter which means it can handle high sound pressure levels without any problem.

The model features a large diaphragm for both low and high-end audio levels. The custom shock mount Audio-Technica put in the AT2035 provides superior isolation compared to similar models. It has high SPL handling along with a wide dynamic range which will provide us with all the versatility we need.

Their cardioid polar pattern reduces any background interference and focuses on the main sound source. The model connects through an XLR interface and requires a preamplifier or phantom power.

It is very well built and has a solid and durable case. The AT2035 has all-metal casework with a satin black finish and silver legend. Moreover, it features two slide-switches for the pad and a low-cut filter.

We would recommend it to anyone doing voice recordings either in a professional studio or at home. It does a great job of picking up sound from different directionalities and focusing on the main sound source.

The Drawbacks

The biggest issue we had with the model is not the microphone itself but the equipment. When purchasing the product, you get the impression the accompanying equipment will be included. However, the AT2035 doesn’t come with an XLR cable or pop filter when being bought on Amazon. We would need to buy them separately as the product won’t perform without them.

Although the mic is quality-built, the accessories for it are not. A lot of the users claimed their pop filters and mic stands broke after only a few weeks.

One thing to keep in mind as well is that we wouldn’t recommend this model to anyone who wants to record their singing. It doesn’t capture the low-end sounds well so your vocals might come out sounding muddy or dull.

Pros:

Well built, reliable manufacturer
The best podcast microphone for narrators and podcasters
Durable and versatile

Cons:

All the equipment needed is sold separately
Not the best choice for singing

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10) Blue Snowball iCE — Budget & Beginner Friendly Condenser Microphone

The last but certainly not least microphone we are going to talk about is the Blue Snowball iCE. Another excellent product from Blue that is versatile and easy to use. We would recommend this to anyone doing any kind of vocal recording as it is one of the best if not the best budget podcast microphones.

The Features

The Snowball iCE has a custom condenser capsule capturing audio no computer microphone can match. It also features a cardioid polar pattern and has a USB port that is easy to use and great for beginners.

The frequency response of the Snowball is 40Hz – 18kHz. The model also comes with an adjustable base stand and is Windows and Mac compatible, making it one of the best plug-and-play mics we’ve seen so far.

It is most commonly used for improving audio quality on Skype, Twitch or any other voice software. We highly recommend it for creating podcasts or narrating audiobooks and even home movies.

There are no drivers to download for this model. It was made for the complete audio novice, and we won’t need any added equipment or accessories to get that pristine sound quality.

As with other models from Blue, the build quality is exceptional as is the sound. Furthermore, it does a great job of blocking out background noise even though it is a condenser microphone.

The Drawbacks

The first minor issue a lot of the users had with it is the red light that indicates that the microphone is switched ON. The biggest complaint was that the light was too bright and directly at the top of the mic, so it shines directly at you. However, this is a minor issue and putting some tape over it would fix the problem easily.

While it is advertised as plug-and-play, a lot of the customers who had Windows 10 installed claimed that their computers wouldn’t recognize the device. Windows 10 users beware because Blue still haven’t fixed their drivers to make them compatible for this operating system.

However, the biggest issue we found is with Blue’s customer support. Most of the bad reviews online state that when they tried to reach out to Blue’s customer support, their questions went unanswered. Some even report that when they sent back their defective products, Blue wouldn’t reach out to them for a replacement.

Pros:

Best podcast microphone for the price
Great for beginners or hobbyist
Easy to set up

Cons:

Not compatible with Windows 10
Poor customer support

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Conclusion

Lately, with all the advancement in technology it is safe to say that what you can do with a good condenser podcasting microphone is only limited by your imagination. For the new beginner, you need one of the Best podcast microphones reviewed above.

Even the pros know that it is possible to increase the effectiveness of spoken words with the right type of microphone. Now that you know what podcasting is and how it can be done, what exactly are you waiting for to get started? The sooner you get your hands on a budget friendly podcasting microphone the more effective will be your spoken words.