Best Microphone for Video Podcasting

Every video podcaster knows how important quality is. Compelling graphics and quality content maintain your viewership. However, achieving high quality content is more than just how your program looks—your audio matters too.

A video podcast with poor audio quality impacts the stream’s overall presentation and drives away viewers. Equipping your video podcast with the right microphone is one of the best ways to guarantee good clean audio. Read more about what to look for in a microphone for video podcasting and explore the options offered by Heil Sound.

How To Pick the Best Microphone for Video Podcasting

Purchasing the best microphone for your video podcast relies on several factors. It’s important to consider what qualities you want in a mic. Here are some things to consider before purchasing your microphone:

 

Your Podcasting Room

If you’re like most video podcasters, your show airs in your home. Study each possible location to decide which room offers the greatest potential for professional-quality sound. Avoid spacious rooms with little furniture; these areas create echoes and impact sound quality. Clapping your hands while walking around each room and testing the space’s natural acoustics is a good technique to determine the best room for your video podcast. If you hear a lot of echo when you clap the room is bouncing sound around. If all your room options bounce sound you should look into sound dampening options.

 

XLR or USB Connection?

There are two primary connection types for microphones: XLR and USB.

USB mics are a plug-and-play solution, but can have a lower ceiling for sound quality. XLR mics require extra hardware to send the audio signal, but can be part of a more professional set up.

 

Your Budget

Deciding how much you’re willing to spend on a microphone helps you narrow down your options. Mic prices vary greatly depending on type and manufacturer. Aim for purchasing a video podcasting microphone that’s durable but doesn’t break your budget. Factors such as your microphone requiring extra pre-amps or special interfaces can affect the real cost of the microphone. Looking for a microphone that sounds great right out of the box can help cut costs while achieving professional quality sound.

Qualities of a Good Microphone for Video Podcasting

You’ve done your homework, and now it’s time to purchase your video podcasting microphone. But how do you know which one is right for you? Here are some qualities that make a good microphone for video podcasting:

 

Enhanced Rear Rejection

Video podcasting from your home means you’ll have to deal with ambient noise. A microphone with good rear rejection characteristics means your viewers will hear only what is directly in front of the microphone.

 

Ideal Polar Pattern

Knowing your mic’s polar pattern helps you understand where your mic picks up sound. There are three main types of polar patterns you will encounter when considering which type of microphone you should get for your video podcast:

 

Cardioid

The cardioid polar pattern works well for video podcasting because it reduces background noise by capturing sound directly in front of the microphone. Mics with a cardioid polar pattern are ideal for video podcast shows with one host.

 

Supercardioid

Supercardioid mics have a similar pickup pattern as cardioid microphones but offer narrower sound sensitivity. These mics also have a greater ability to reject ambient noise but require video podcasters to keep still while talking.

 

Omnidirectional and Bidirectional

Omnidirectional and bidirectional mics aren’t recommended for video podcasting because they pick up sound equally from multiple directions. While this means you don’t have to properly aim the mic at your sound’s source, it will pick up background noise and you won’t be able to separate audio channels among co-hosts or guests.

 

Professional Appearance

Presentation plays a significant role in your video podcast’s appeal, and that includes your microphone. Make sure the mic you purchase delivers a sleek and professional-looking appearance that attracts the viewer’s attention. Mics that appear sloppy or poorly manufactured give off a negative impression of your show.