Let’s get you sounding at your best and an edge above the rest with the best dynamic microphones for podcasting.
Quick Answer: You can’t go wrong with the Shure SM7B. It’s the top choice for every serious podcaster.
If you’re on a budget, a great option is the AKG Lyra. You’ll get great quality sound, with the ability to record two speakers at once from the front and back of the mic.
In order to get an edge over others, you need to make sure that you’re on top of your game. And given that podcasting is purely audio format, you want to give your listeners the best audio possible, and this starts with the right mic. So continue on to the article, where we review of top selection of dynamic mics.
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Top 10 Best Dynamic Microphones for Podcasting
- Shure SM7B
- AKG Lyra
- Shure Super 55
- Electro-Voice RE320
- Shure MV7 USB Podcast Microphone
- Samson Q2U
- The Rode Podcaster USB
- Rode Smartlav+
- Audio-Technica ATR2100X-USB
- Blue Yeti Pro USB
Best Dynamic Microphones for Podcasting Reviews
Shure SM7B
Pros
- Internal noise rejection
- Excellent vocal reproduction
Cons
- Heavy
- Needs a preamp to get better results
See price @ Amazon / @ Sweetwater
Shure SM7B is one of the most widely used mics for podcasting and speech recording. It’s a direct descendant of SM7 with a more modern and durable design.
Best features and specs
Shure SM7B has a built-in passive EQ that gives you an opportunity to choose between a linear frequency response curve with a full spectrum, a low cut filter, and a mid-frequency boost.
User impressions
Users say that Shure SM7B is the absolute best in ignoring background noises meaning that it can be used in the untreated room, but it won’t be noticeable in any way. It’s very well-built, durable, and reliable.
What we think
We believe that Shure SM7B has the best cost-to-value ratio on the market. It has an outstanding build quality and a very consistent sound.
Bottomline
Shure SM7B is the best choice for someone who is looking for one of the best dynamic microphones on the planet. After all, it was used on Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” as a main vocal mic, what else do you need to know?
AKG Lyra
Pros
- Retro design
- 4 polar patterns
- Very sound sensitive
Cons
- Only for studio usage
- Limited usage with only one built-in preamp
- Needs to be placed only on a solid surface
See price @ Amazon / @ Sweetwater
AKG Lyra is a 4 capsule USB microphone that lets you choose between 4 polar patterns. It has an additional 3.5 mm headphone jack for direct monitoring and a mute switch.
Best features and specs
AKG Lyra has built-in A/D conversers, a sound resolution used in most professional sound applications and the mic itself has a full frequency range response with a very flat curve.
User impressions
Users like AKG Lyra for giving clean sound and ultra HD sound quality. This mic looks very stylish with a notable retro feel. Also, this mic is versatile and gives you truly mind-blowing results.
What we think
Thank to its figure-8 pattern, you can record one-on-one interviews using just AKG Lyra. And, of course, USB connectivity means you don’t have to use any additional gear except for a laptop.
Bottomline
AKG Lyra is a great choice for someone who is looking for an extremely versatile and convenient USB microphone with great sound quality and refreshing looks.
Shure Super 55
Pros
- Great sound capturing
- Looks stylish
- Doesn’t require phantom power
Cons
- Sensitive to popping
See price @ Amazon / @ Sweetwater
Shure Super 55 is a dynamic microphone with a super-cardioid pickup pattern and a very distinguishable vintage look. An earlier iteration of this mic was used to record the most famous Martin Luther King’s speech.
Best features and specs
Shure Super 55 has a rather aggressive low cut at 60 Hz, which means that you needn’t worry about a low-frequency rumble. And the frequency response curve is specifically adjusted to complement voice.
User impressions
Users like Shure Super 55 for the glimpse of nostalgia of those awesome retro times as well as giving you the crispiest, richest, and most detailed sound possible. Users note that this mic was designed specifically for recording speech and vocals, therefore, it cuts unwanted noises off pretty well and performs equally well in the studio and during live gigs.
What we think
This may not be particular your cup of tea, but flamboyance and swagger were always a major part of show-business. And this mic exists to remind us about that.
Bottomline
Shure Super 55 is the best choice for someone who is looking for a very decent broadcast microphone encased in a very bold and vintage body. There’s no better way of adding a flavor to your broadcasting studio.
Electro-Voice RE320
Pros
- Humbucking coil
- Cardioid polar pattern
Cons
- Not exactly budget-friendly
See price @ Amazon / @ Sweetwater
Electro-Voice RE320 is a dynamic microphone with a cardioid polar pattern and 2 position EQ switch that lets you choose between linear-frequency response and the one with high and low shelf boosts.
Best features and specs
Electro-Voice RE320 comes with its own shock mount and case, which is nice considering that this is the most expensive microphone on the list.
User impressions
Users say that Electro-Voice RE320 that they love this mic for giving the best sound possible and being extremely versatile. It’s very well-built and has cool looks. Though, some add that they wished this mic had more than one polar pattern and was less gain-hungry.
What we think
Electro-Voice RE320 is a broadcast microphone and it sounds exceptionally good. It has a very crisp sound that at times sounds somewhat compressed, which is absolutely perfect for podcasting or any speech recording that you want to sound professional.
Bottomline
Electro-Voice RE320 is a great choice for someone who is looking for a premium broadcast microphone with a very satisfying sound.
Shure MV7 USB Podcast Microphone
Pros
- Superb vocal reproduction
- Has a supportive app
- Voice Isolation Technology
Cons
- None
See price @ Amazon / @ Sweetwater
Shure MV7 shares its electric circuitry with an SM7B but with the addition of a very convenient USB circuitry alongside the conventional XLR output.
Best features and specs
Shure MV7 is equipped with a dedicated Shure+ Motiv desktop app that comes with a very impressive library of DSP effects, which means that you can tailor and customize the sound in whichever way you like.
User impressions
Users agree that Shure MV7 is, without a doubt, a versatile and well-built microphone that gives you exceptional quality. Users add that with the supportive app, it’s easy to work with the sound. Also, this mic is especially good at focusing and capturing the voice of various timbres.
What we think
We found that having both XLR and USB outputs is extremely convenient, even if most of the time, you’d prefer one over the other.
Bottomline
Shure MV7 is a great choice for someone who is looking for a microphone with great sound quality and the ability to choose between multiple output options.
Samson Q2U
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Internal noise rejection
Cons
- Doesn’t have an adapter to use with phones and tablets
- Needs a pop filter
See price @ Amazon / @ Sweetwater
Samson Q2U is a hybrid dynamic microphone with both XLR and USB outputs and a 3.5 mm headphone jack for direct monitoring.
Best features and specs
Samson Q2U has a cardioid pickup pattern. It comes with an impressive amount of accessories that include both XLR and USB cables, a tripod stand, a microphone clip, and a windscreen.
User impressions
Users are quite impressed with Samson Q2U because of its versatility and durability, as well as the fact that it comes from a very trustworthy and respectable manufacturer. The only thing that some users wished this mic had is a pop filter to catch the plosives, and others noted that having a storage case would also be nice.
What we think
Considering how reasonably this mic is priced, you’d naturally expect some catch. And it turns out that the catch is that there isn’t one. Samson Q2U is as good as advertised and maybe even better.
Bottomline
Samson Q2U is a great choice for someone who is looking for a budget-friendly mic with both XLR and USB outputs and very good sound quality.
The Rode Podcaster USB
Pros
- Internal pop filter
- Provides a solid signal
Cons
- Mic stand isn’t included
- Heavy and bulky
- Isn’t exactly budget-friendly
See price @ Amazon / @ Sweetwater
The Rode Podcaster USB is a broadcast dynamic microphone with a cardioid polar pattern and a frequency response range of 40 Hz – 14 kHz.
Best features and specs
The Rode Podcaster USB gives you USB connectivity with 18-bit resolution audio and a sampling rate of 48 kHz. This microphone was specifically designed for podcasting, which means that it suits voice recordings perfectly.
User impressions
Users like The Rode Podcaster USB for having a solid built quality, providing clean, clear, rich sound. Also, this mic has a built-in pop filter and shock mount.
What we think
The Rode Podcaster USB is a very capable and decent microphone that delivers high-resolution audio like a champ. But it has a very noticeable bump at 10 kHz, which makes it sound noticeably bright.
Bottomline
The Rode Podcaster USB is a great choice for someone who is looking for a decent broadcasting USB mic with a very bright sound and a refreshing design.
Rode Smartlav+
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to use
- Portable
Cons
- Cable is too short
- Isn’t particularly good for complex sound
See price @ Amazon / @ Sweetwater
Rode Smartlav+ is an omnidirectional lavalier mic with a frequency response range of 60 Hz – 18 kHz and a very impressive SPL of 110 dB.
Best features and specs
Rode Smartlav+ has a very robust mounting clip and a cable reinforced with Kevlar, which makes it ideal for very aggressive day-to-day use.
User impressions
Users say that Rode Smartlav+ is really a lifesaver as it’s portable and lightweight, still being capable of producing excellent sound quality. The only thing that some users point out is that this mic easily catches the sound of walking or wind, so it’s better not to use it outside.
What we think
Lavalier mics are something to consider if you want to minimize gear visibility on a production set or if you prefer to record your podcasts outdoors or in public places.
Bottomline
Rode Smartlav+ is a great choice for someone who is looking for a top-shelf lavalier mic with professional sound quality and exceptionally durable construction. This mic also pairs with a dedicated Rode recording app that works with most of the operating systems.
Audio-Technica ATR2100X-USB
Pros
- Portable and lightweight
- Easy to use
- Versatile
Cons
- Flimsy stand
- You need a couple of mics for an interview
- Sound input isn’t that sensitive
See price @ Amazon / @ Sweetwater
ATR2100X is a hybrid dynamic microphone with a cardioid polar pattern and both USB and XLR connectivity. It provides great versatility due to its extended frequency response range.
Best features and specs
Its built-in converter outputs 24-bit audio resolution with a sample rate of 192 kHz.
User impressions
Users like Audio-Technica ATR2100X-USB for being a go-to mic for beginners as it allows easily start a professional sounding podcast. Also, this mic is portable and lightweight, and compatible with a range of devices. The only thing that you need to keep in mind is that it isn’t possible to share this mic with a couple of guests.
What we think
If you prefer more traditional and conventional ways of recording audio, there’s a chance that you might be a bit skeptical of using USB microphones. So let us assure you that there’s no reason to be concerned. USB mics nowadays are as good as conventional microphones and, at times, are even better.
Bottomline
Audio-Technica ATR2100X-USB is a great choice for someone who is looking for a USB microphone with very decent sound quality and the ability to use a conventional analog output as a backup.
Blue Yeti Pro USB
Pros
- Versatile
- Can be shared between a few people
- Portable
Cons
- Doesn’t have XLR
- Oversensitive in picking noises
- Heavy
See price @ Amazon
Blue Yeti Pro USB is a premium digital USB mic with 4 polar pickup patterns and onboard audio controls. It comes with its own dedicated Blue VO!CE software that has an impressive amount of onboard effects, including modulation.
Best features and specs
The mic stand lets you adjust its recording position relative to the sound source and 3 capsules let you record both in mono and stereo.
User impressions
Users say that Blue Yeti Pro USB is a great choice for those who intend to interview people in person as it can be easily shared between a couple of guests. The only thing that you need to keep in mind is that this mic is very sensitive so that it will pick up any sound, including ones from your PC, so it’s better to use it in a treated room.
What we think
If we’d challenge ourselves with dismissing the skepticism around USB microphones, we’d choose Blue Yeti Pro USB to do it with.
Bottomline
Blue Yeti Pro USB is a great choice for someone who is looking for a premium USB microphone with exceptional sound quality and almost unprecedented customization options.
Dynamic Microphones for Podcasting Buying Guide
As we mentioned before, the field is very competitive, which is why you have to thoroughly think over what you’re looking for.
What is a dynamic microphone for podcasting?
A dynamic microphone is a microphone that uses an electrically conducted diaphragm to convert mechanical soundwaves into electric energy via electromagnetic induction.
Why would you need a dynamic microphone for podcasting?
Oftentimes podcasters will choose condenser mics due to its higher sensitivity and overall accuracy. But condensers mics usually cost more than dynamic ones and require constant phantom power, which makes dynamic microphones a more convenient and less expensive option. If you are recording with a condenser you will absolutely need a microphone shield and isolation. Condensers are so sensitive that they will pick up a pin drop from across the room. Dynamics generally won’t, and so they are often the microphone of choice for professional radio and television presenters, as well as podcasters.
Important features
In order to choose the mic thoroughly, you should keep in mind the durability of the microphone, its sensitivity, and its design.
Durability
Podcasts are the tough gig and the microphone should be chosen accordingly. It has to be very reliable and require as little maintenance as possible.
Sensitivity
Although post-processing could fix a lot of issues, ideally, your mic should be sensitive enough to record even the quietest speech but not sensitive enough for air conditioning unit or chair squeaks.
Design
This is only important if you intend to release videos of your podcast. But even if it isn’t so, you want your microphone to be aesthetically pleasing for the sake of general atmosphere on the set.
How to choose the right one for you?
In order to choose the best dynamic microphones for podcasting for you personally, you have to make sure that it’s sensitive enough to capture useful details, and can withstand day-to-day usage, and optionally consider the aesthetic looks of your mic to suit your purposes.
