Image by Podcast Movement.

Choosing a podcast microphone typically involves some testing. With such a wide variety of options to choose from, we tested some for you live and give recommendations and a clear understanding of condenser vs dynamic microphones.

Wondery is still up for grabs, Joe Rogan is now Spotify exclusive and QCode just gained a former Apple Podcasts exec. That's not all, tune in to hear more.
Thank you to Elisa for sitting down with Todd to talk about her show In the Business of Change.
Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know.
Recorded live from two well-separated and socially distanced podcast studios in northern and southern Michigan; here’s Podcast Insider.

News:

Apple Podcasts Connect will require 2-factor sign-in starting in February 2021.  In a note sent to podcasters...

“Starting February 2021, additional authentication will be required for all users to sign in to iTunes Connect. This extra layer of security for your Apple ID helps ensure that you’re the only person who can access your account. If you haven’t already updated your account, you can enable two-step verification or two-factor authentication now in the Security section of your Apple ID account or in the Apple ID section of Settings on your device.”

A Spotify employee has supposedly removed a Joe Rogan Episode.

Survey says that young adults replace TV watching with listening to podcasts.

QCode hires Steve Wilson, Former Apple Podcasts Executive. Congrats Steve!

Less than 2 weeks left to submit your show to the Ambies. Deadline December 15th.

Amazon may buy Wondery for $300 million. Don't take our word for it.

Best Practice:
How to choose the right microphone for you. Three different microphones, three different price points.

Electro-Voice RE20 $450 (Todd uses the Shure SM7B $400)
Sennheiser e835 $100

Audio-Technica BPHS1 Headset Mic. $200

Dynamic vs. Condenser



Dynamic is better for noise rejection

Examples:

Heil PR40, SM7B, RE20, SM58, ATR2100 and the new MV7

The condenser is more “full” sounding

Examples:

Snowball, Blue Yeti, Any built-in mic for Portable Recorders, Blue Mickey and the REALLY expensive Neumann U 87 ($3600!)

Expensive vs. cheap

Is a $400 microphone $300 better than a $100 mic?

What is your budget?

Does YOUR voice sound good on the mic you choose?

Some voices do not sound good on some microphones.  For instance, often times women’s voices do not sound as good on the Heil PR40 as they do on the Heil PR30 or the SM7B.  If you can borrow a mic to test with, test with as many as you can.

What is your podcast environment like?

Dynamic mics are better if you have background noise or for recording in the field.

If you are very sound-proofed room, or the coat closet, a condenser microphone could work for you.

USB vs. XLR

Bottom line, if you find one that works for you, you can check it off your list of things to do.  Don’t overthink it.

Blubrry News:

Microphone giveaway! It's the last few hours of our Instagram giveaway for an ATR2100x-USB. To participate, follow us, like the Instagram post and tag 3 friends, it ends tonight Dec. 4 at midnight EST.