Audio Equipment - Microphones
Audio Equipment - Microphones
For Social Audio Hosts, Podcasters, and Audio Content Creators
The world of social audio continues to grow and expand. We have seen many large global brands join the social audio movement, which has led to many social audio hosts and contributors to conversations investing in a wide array of audio equipment. Spurred on by the pandemic, many had already invested in technical equipment typically reserved for video and audio experts. People continue to purchase high-quality web cameras, lighting, audio mixers, cables, and microphones that would have previously been using the standard microphone and camera set up on their laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
Regarding social audio, podcasting, YouTube, and a host of audio content creation areas, there is a growing demand for microphones from users who want to improve their overall sound quality. While there are many different microphones to choose from, we have listed some of the more popular brands audio professionals use. If you are creating audio on Twitter Spaces, Clubhouse, LinkedIn, Wisdom, podcasts, YouTube, or have other audio requirements, upgrading your audio equipment might be a consideration.
Many audio experts can have differing views on the combination of audio equipment, which can change from smartphone to desktop, depending on your use case. The platforms have varying levels of audio quality, and additional items such as bandwidth quality can play a part.
The vast majority of people continue to use their smartphones to connect to social audio, which is convenient, portable, and instant. The quality is suitable for most people and remains a reason why investing in additional equipment may not be a requirement for many users.
Social audio hosts holding regular discussions are likelier to invest in other equipment, similar to a podcast creator or a YouTube channel host. There are so many audio setups available, and it can often be a good idea to seek professional advice from audio experts in this area.
An excellent way to begin your audio journey is to join a discussion on one of the social audio platforms with your smartphone and connect with several hosts and experts in this area. You can see our Top Social Audio Voices series here.
The Microphones
Shure SM7B
Popular dynamic mic choice. For podcasters and social audio hosts.
Reduce unwanted noise with a cardioid pickup pattern.
A vocal mic that picks up what's right in front of it, often delivering quality in many situations that other microphones can't deliver on.
Heil PR40
A wide frequency range for a dynamic microphone, covering 28Hz to 18kHz (‑3dB).
The Heil PR40 dynamic mics always impress with a tight polar pattern that produces almost perfect rear‑rejection.
The PR 40 is a chosen microphone for podcasters, radio stations, artists, and engineers for its studio-quality sound.
Samson Q2U
Ideal for podcasting, live sound, and music recording applications
USB/XLR dynamic microphone
High-quality analogue-to-digital converters provide excellent audio reproduction.
MXL VO: 1-A
Harlan and Marshall Electronics created the MXL VO: 1-A.
Admirable quality and depth of audio.
FET condenser, designed for voiceover use.
Rhode Procaster
A versatile microphone with quality sound.
Broadcast microphone, affordable price compared to others.
The Rode Procaster dynamic microphone produces broadcast quality sound.
Blue Yeti Pro USB & XLR
Four pickup patterns: Flexible cardioid, omni, bidirectional, and stereo pickup patterns
USB and XLR microphone.
USB mics can be convenient for recording. However, you're typically getting fewer options than a separate mic and audio interface and possibly less quality. This mic has both options.
There are so many microphone choices, and this list is by no means exhaustive. If you would like to share a microphone option that you feel needs highlighting, please get in touch and let us know. Every audio content creator, social audio host, podcaster, or voiceover professional will have a personal microphone and audio setup preference.
What is the difference between a Dynamic and a Condenser Microphone?
If you are wondering about the difference between dynamic and condenser microphones, outside of the way they convert sound into electric signals. Here is some helpful information. When you start exploring the world of audio and the vast array of options available, it pays to do a little research into each area before taking the plunge and spending the money, only to regret the purchase a little further down the road on your audio journey.
Dynamic Microphones
Dynamic microphones are durable and typically good at handling loud signals without distorting. One of the benefits of a dynamic microphone is the rejection and ignoring of unwanted ambient noise. A dynamic microphone can handle a wide array of tasks. Dynamic mics are good at capturing loud and isolated sounds in noisy environments, which is very helpful for many people.
Condenser Microphones
Condenser microphones are good at picking up quieter sounds and subtle nuances. A condenser mic delivers a natural reproduction of the source. However, a more sensitive microphone to louder sounds can experience distortion when the incoming signal exceeds the maximum sound pressure level. Using a condenser microphone in a noisy environment may be more challenging, as they may pick up the background noise.
What is the difference between XLR and USB?
If the world of XLR and USB microphone audio setup is a little confusing at first, here is some information that may be helpful.
You will find an XLR connector used in professional audio, a connector for microphones, and sound equipment, which is different from the typical home audio setup. An XLR connection is typically three prongs or pins, which can be used for microphones, audio and video mixers, studio equipment, amplifiers, and other devices.
USB microphones typically have the analogue-to-digital converter built in and are often referred to as 'plug and play,' all you have to do is plug the USB microphone into your computer. The downsides of cost-effective USB mic solutions can be that you may experience latency, build quality issues, driver glitches, and overall sound quality degradation. (Computer hum or fan buzzing!) Some USB microphones are better and can be a good starter option for many people. However, it might be time to consider an XLR connection with an audio mixer and microphone, allowing for upgradable solutions over time.
Read More
Top Social Audio Voices - Part 1
Top Social Audio Voices - Part 2
Top Social Audio Voices - Part 3