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The world of podcast equipment can be confusing to novice audio editors and first time on-air talents. Dozens of brands tout the best microphone for podcasts, but which reigns supreme? That answer is multi-faceted, so allow Top Podcast to walk you through it. 

One important distinction in choosing a podcast microphone is deciding USB or not to USB. It can be difficult to create a multi-microphone USB setup when producing a podcast, for this reason many professionals opt to record without a computer, saving directly to SD cards.

For a Single Microphone connected by USB – we recommend the Blue Yeti USB Microphone.

The Blue Yeti is an industry favorite. It’s perfect for shows recorded over Zoom or video chat. On the back of this mic there are condenser and pickup pattern options which allow podcasters to find their sound in pre-production. The downside of this mic is it’s inability to operate with other audio devices. You cannot use two Yeti mics on the same computer to record a podcast. 

In order to record multiple microphones via USB – we recommend the Behringer Q1202USB 12-Channel Mixer.

Do not be deceived by the name, this device fits four XLR microphones not twelve. The Behringer mixer takes all four audio channels and distills them into one stereo track. Pair the Behringer Mixer with up to four XLR Microphones to create a full in-house podcast studio. This mixer can also be used for music production.  

To record without a USB plug-in or laptop, consider the Movo Smartphone Podcast Recording Microphone Kit. This kit offers two microphones that connect directly to an iPhone. When I began podcasting in 2016, nothing of this sort existed. The Movo Smartphone Podcast Kit is an example of innovation within the field, mirroring its predecessors like the traditional Zoom Podcast Recording Kit.

Many of your favorite podcasts are likely recorded on a Zoom Podcast Recording Kit, an early accessory to the podcast industry. This device allows for use of four microphones and the audio is then saved onto an SD card. Regardless of recording method, investing in a high capacity SD Card will allow you to store all of the audio and other content that comes along with your podcast.

These set-ups vary in cost, but none cross the $500 threshold. Be on the lookout for companies attempting to charge $1,000+ for this type of equipment.

The March 2021 Top Podcast “Podcast of the Month” is: James Acaster’s Perfect Sounds

James Acaster’s Perfect Sounds is a music podcast where host & comedian James Acaster attempts to prove that 2016 produced better music than any other year. Acaster starts each show by explaining that in 2016 he experienced a breakdown and to help cope he bought hundreds of new records, specifically records produced in the year 2016.

This show is produced and distributed by BBC Sounds, which is a “is a streaming media and audio download service from the BBC that includes live radio broadcasts, audio on demand, and podcasts.” BBC Sounds launched in 2018. Acaster is a popular British comedian with multiple hilarious Netflix specials, who often appears on panel shows like “Mock the Week.”

This show is a great introduction to new musicians. Acaster’s strange music taste unearths a variety of the strangest albums you’ll ever hear, but he also discusses how this project has reignited his interest in pop music. Whether you’d like to hear the breakdowns of masterpieces like Frank Ocean’s Blonde, Beyonce’s Lemonade, or Bon Iver’s 22, a million; or you’d like to discover genres like grindcore, jazz rap, and math rap; Perfect Sounds has something for you.

James Acaster will have you convinced that 2016 was the best year in music history, or at least make you consider why you disagree.

Listen to: James Acaster’s Perfect Sounds on BBC Sounds