Best XLR Microphones For Podcasting & Voice Recording (For Every Budget)
Do you want an xlr microphone to use for podcasting and voice recording? When choosing the best xlr microphone,there are two main things you want to consider:
- Dynamic or condenser
- What your budget looks like
In this article, we ranked and reviewed 15 best xlr microphones to use for podcasting and voice recording.
What is the Best XLR Microphones For Podcasting & Voice Recording (For Every Budget)?
Here is my top picks for the 15 best XLR microphones to use for podcasting and voice recording this year.
- Audio-Technica ATR2100x
- Shure SM7B
- Shure SM58
- Heil PR-40
- Rode NT2-A
- Electro-Voice RE20
- Audio-Technica AT2020 & AT2035
- AKG C214
- Telefunken M82
- Rode Procaster
- Electro-Voice RE27N/D
- Neumann U87
Shure SM7B
The Shure SM7B is my #1 pick for the best XLR microphones to use for podcasting and voice recording. This mic is well recognized and considered as a standard broadcasting quality cardioid polar pickup pattern dynamic mic that works great for your home podcasting studio.
This microphone boasts its frequency response from 50Hz to 20kHz.The SM7B is designed to protect against electromagnetic static and hum generated from computers and lights.
However,It comes with a built-in windscreen, mounting bracket, and “air suspension” shock mount. You still want a microphone boom arm to set up the mic perfectly on the table.
You will be provided everything you need in one package as a great-sounding XLR microphone for podcasting. To get the sound quality from this mic you want a Cloudlifter cl-1 for an easy volume boost.
Audio-Technica ATR2100
The Audio-Technica, the ATR2100 is one of the best xlr microphones for beginners.Check out this detailed review to learn more about this microphone.
In short,its dynamic cardioid microphone with both input/XLR output that allows you to use both mic outputs simultaneously.This mic comes with two forms:usb and xlr version.In both versions,you get an usb & xlr cable shipped with this mic.
Heil PR-40
The Heil PR-40 is a dynamic high-end podcast microphone widely popular in the podcasting community.This is dynamic cardioid condenser microphone has a built in frequency response range of 28Hz to 18kHz, It uses a sizeable 1″ diaphragm internally built in shock-mounted and a pop filter.
You also get a mic clip and a leatherette carry bag with a molded foam insert for easy and secure travel.
Shure SM58
The Shure SM58 is a cardioid Polar pattern dynamic vocal mic that is commonly used for live performances, sound reinforcement, and studio recording.
You will get a Frequency response of 50 Hz – 15 kHz that is tailored for vocals, with brightened midrange and bass roll-off. This is a perfect vocal microphone for both studio recording and live performing on stage.
Audio-Technica AT2020 & AT2035
The AT2020 PLUS is an XLR version of Audio-Technica AT2020 USB. It is a cardioid polar pattern condenser microphone, ideal for solo recordings.This mic comes with a shock mount and includes a switchable high-pass filter, a 10dB pad, a higher SPL, and a more dynamic range.
The AT2020 & AT2035 model is compatible with Windows 7, Vista, XP, 2000, and Mac OS X. All of the things that make the AT2035 an easy choice while you want to stay with a mic under $150.
Rode NT2-A
The Rode NT2-A is a large-diaphragm multipattern condenser microphone that gives you the most flexibility compared to any other microphone I have recommended here.
It comes with everything you see in the picture: You will get Rode SM6 shock mount ,Detachable pop filter,3-pin XLR microphone cable and Carrying bag.The frequency response you get with this mic is from 20Hz to 20kHz, and it is powered with 48-volt phantom power..
Most of the mics with similar capabilities cost twice as much compared to Rode NT2-A. This mic is making itself an amazing value for money with various recording applications.
AKG C214
The AKG C214 is a cardioid condenser XLR microphone with its built-in shock mount and windscreen.It’s a premium-grade mic designed for multiple recording applications. They gain popularity as a cost-effective alternative to the renowned C414 microphone; this microphone uses the same 1″ capsule but in a single diaphragm.
Telefunken M82
I really like the TelefunkenM82 because of the EQ switches.You can use this mic for recording vocals, and it is way better than the other mics around the $400 price point.Note that Telefunken M82 isspecifically designed with a kick drum in mind; this large-diaphragm dynamic instrument microphone is great for a wide range of other sources as well.
Electro-Voice RE20
The Electro-Voice RE20 is a broadcast announcer Microphone with a Variable-D design. This masterpiece mic was first released in 1968, and you have probably heard people using it more than you realize. It has an internal element shock-mount that greatly reduces vibration-induced noise.
The unique Variable-D feature of this mic reduces the proximity effect and will forgive even inexperienced mic users for not speaking in the “perfect spot”.
You get a frequency response range of 45Hz to 18Khz with this mic.Like other professional level dynamic mics, you’ll always want a microphone preamp to avoid excessive noise when you turn the gain up.
Rode Procaster
The Rode Procaster is an excellent studio-grade mic alternative compared to other “pro” level mics below. This mic is a perfect solution for every application where a great-sounding, robust microphone with superior ambient noise rejection is demanded. It has a 75Hz – 18kHz frequency response and an internal pop filter.
It uses a cardioid polar pattern to pick sounds from the speaker, making it great for a 2-4 person studio so that you don’t pick up each other speaking.
Electro-Voice RE27N/D
The Electro-Voice RE27N/D is just an upgraded version of the RE20 mic mentioned above. The term N/D stands for neodymium, the element design that brings 6 dB more sensitivity. with a 45 – 20,000 Hz frequency response, integral wind, and blast filters that make this mic worth its price.For an extra $50 spending, You can easily upgrade to this mic compared to the RE20; this is a solid upgrade.
Neumann U87
Lastly, I want to recommend the Neumann U87 if you have over $3,000 Budget for your next mic. The price point of this mic reflects its class. It’s a three-pattern condenser mic: omnidirectional, cardioid, and figure 8. You also get a -10dB attenuator and a low-frequency roll-off.
This mic is designed to bring warmth, especially for vocals and podcasting, and It handles EQ exceptionally well. It is a perfect mic for you only if you have a great preamp and a suitable studio.
Final Thoughts
Dynamic microphones are often less background noise-sensitive than condenser microphones, and they are a great choice when recording multiple people’s podcasts in the same room.
You will need to be very close to the mic so that the microphone can pick up your voices. Live performers commonly use these kinds of mics.
Condenser microphones are more sound sensitive and provide precise sound quality when recording with them in quiet environments. I want to let you know that they always require phantom power, which most decent digital audio interfaces have.
In summary, choosing the best xlr microphone for podcasting and voice recording is not difficult. If you are tied to the budget,get the shure sm7b ranked #1 on this post.In the lower end,get the Audio-Technica ATR2100-USBx for podcasting.Shure sm58 is also good for voice recording purposes only.
