The best microphone for podcasting depends on your setup and recording environment. For beginners, a USB condenser microphone offers plug-and-play convenience with excellent sound quality. Our UM700 fits this purpose perfectly. If you have a treated recording space or plan to record multiple voices, a dynamic XLR microphone provides professional-grade audio with better background noise rejection. Our popular dynamic mic choices include the UM6 and CastMic.
Dynamic microphones are great for noisy environments because they pick up less background sound and are more durable. Condenser microphones, on the other hand, are more sensitive and capture richer detail, making them ideal for studio-quality podcast recordings. If you're recording in a quiet space, a condenser mic is a great choice. If you record in a less controlled environment, a dynamic mic might be the better option.
To minimize background noise, use a dynamic microphone, record in a quiet space, and position the mic close to your mouth. Adding a pop filter and foam windscreen can also help. If you're using a condenser mic, consider soundproofing your space with acoustic panels or recording in a smaller, quieter room.
If you're using a USB microphone, you don't need an audio interface—it connects directly to your computer. However, if you're using an XLR microphone, an audio interface (or mixer) is necessary to convert analog sound into digital format and give you more control over your audio quality. Interfaces like our MDX-2 and Phantom are popular among podcasters for their reliability and ease of use.