Microphones (WIP) #
Let me tell you which microphones to start with.
I own more than 20 microphones.
So I have strong and nuanced opinions.
I know that isn't helpful when you're starting your podcast or livestream,
So I've limited it to four.
I've chosen these four on their ability to build from one system to the next.
I haven't been able to finish the detail sections of my recommendation.
So, if you don't trust me, Bug me on twitter…
COVID CAVEAT #
Many of these items have limited stock or prices have been inflated.
I've added B&H product links because they provide stock notifications.
Heads up: Amazon links are affiliate links.
For $60: Samson Q2u #
Why it works #
- It sounds good
- It rejects background sounds really well
- It inludes all the accessories you need to start
- It supports USB so you don't need additional hardware
- It supports XLR so you can upgrade it with a better interface
Meh #
- It's not a great looking mic
- You'll outgrow the included accessories pretty quickly
Suitable and similar alternatives #
I used the AT2100USB to record the 2016-2018 episodes of Bird Call Review.
The two mics above are newer versions of that mic.
These are very similar to the Samson Q2u but don't include the same useful accessories.
They also sound "thinner" to my ears and they have a blinding, blue "on" LED.
But, pretty close if you can't find stock of the Samson Q2u.
Why this works #
- USB plug-n-play but "upgradeable" to
- Beginner accessories included
- Better isolation from background sounds that popular USB mics (Blue Yeti, et al.)
Why you might need to upgrade #
- Multi-personal, local recording
- Need better source files (24-bit vs 16-bit)
- Electro-magnetic interferance from nearby monitor
For $200: Beringer XM8500 mic + Elgato Wave XLR #
I know $60 to $200 is a big jump.
If you can't spend at least $200, you're going to be best served by my $60 recommendation.
Buy the mic: Amazon, B&H
Buy the interface: Amazon
What you get for the extra money #
- Better audio
- 24-bit files are far more editable than 16-bit
- ClipGuard protects peaks from sounding terrible
- Helpful software
- Wave Link is audio mixing software that's only available for Elgato Wave mics. It makes mixing audio sources a breeze
- Freedom to explore better (pro) mics
Why this works #
- The Elgato Wave XLR is cheap, sound good, and has decent output gain
- Elgato Wave link makes mixing audio SUPER easy. This is notoriously difficult on a Mac
- Good isolation from background sounds
- A dedicated interface will give you access to 24-bit recording and multi-track capabilities
Why you might need to upgrade #
- Recording low-volume sources (a quiet voice or far from the mic)
- Electro-magnetic interferance from nearby monitor
(Details coming...)
For $300: Rode M2 + Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22 interface #
Buy the mic: B&H (Rode doesn't provide warrantees to Amazon customers)
Buy the interface: Amazon, B&H
What you get for the extra money #
- More natural tone
- Better isolation from background noise
Why this works #
- The Rode M2 is a "stage condensor" with excellent isolation from background sounds and a high signal-before-noise output
- The has good enough preamps to drive easily drive this mic for most any voice, even at a distance
- Superiour rejection of electromagnetic interferance from monitors
Why you might need to upgrade #
- Looks
(Details coming later...)
For $650: Shure SM7B + MOTU M4 #
Buy the mic: Amazon, B&H
Buy the interface: B&H
What you get for the extra money #
- The SM7B is extremely photogenic with integrated shock obsorber and pop filter
- Loop-back functionality (this allows you to record one remote guest to an isolated track)
Why this works #
- The SM7B looks good if you're recording video
- The SM7B requires fewer appandages, with internal shock obsorber and pop filter
- The MOTU M4 is the only prosumer interface that can drive SM7B without noticable noise
Meh #
- The SM7B captures more background sounds than the Rode M2
Why you might need to upgrade #
- Live recording and/or streaming
- On-site recording
- A local sound mixer
- Hardware limiters (for yelling)
Don't I need a Cloud Lifter or FetHead for the SM7B? #
No.
Those are for interfaces with worse preamps.
The MOTU has preamps with a higher EIN (Equivalent Input Noise) than the Cloud Lifter and FetHead.
(Details coming...)
For $1100: Shure SM7B + Sound Device MixPre-3 (my setup) #
Buy the mic: Amazon, B&H
Buy the interface: Amazon, B&H
What you get for the extra money #
- Looks good on stream
- Laptop free multi-track recording
- Local mixing
- Mix-minus recording (isolated guest tracks)
- Hardware limiters for sudden loud sounds
- Pre-fader high-pass filter
Why this works #
- Sound Devices makes rock solid on-site recording hardware
- The preamps are second to none
- Record in-person at conferences without my laptop
- Analog limiters mean no unintended distortion during streams
Meh #
- The SM7B captures more background sounds than the Rode M2
Why you might need to upgrade #
You don't.
You have everything you need.
Rent the rest if/when you need it.
Don't I need a Cloud Lifter or FetHead for the SM7B? #
No.
Those are for interfaces with worse preamps.
(Details coming...)
This doc is a work in progress.
The recommendations aren't likely to change any time soon.
But I'll flesh out the decision-making nuances a bit.