??? A Quick Guide to Podcast Microphones: Start Strong Without Breaking the Bank

Hey Podcast Fam,

Welcome back to our newsletter series! Today, we're diving into one of the most common questions we get: What microphone should I buy?

One of our aims is to bring podcasting to the masses, and we know gear can be a huge obstacle. Do I need this microphone? Do I need that mixer? Which one shall I buy? The truth is, you have all the tools you need to start a podcast right now.

If you'd prefer to learn about this topic with a video, Sunjay Vyas created a brilliant tutorial about it which you can watch here!

Getting Started for Free ??

You don't need to spend a single penny to kick off your podcast. Here's how you can get started with the tools you already have at home and still sound professional.

The Secret Sauce: Mic Proximity

The number one factor for a professional-sounding podcast is mic proximity—how close the mic is to your mouth. You’ll notice in many video podcasts, the microphone is visible, often positioned very close to the host’s mouth.

Practical Tips

• Keep It Close: No matter which mic you choose, keep it close to your mouth for the best sound quality.
• Environment Matters: Record in a quiet space to minimise background noise.
• Test and Adjust: Spend some time testing your setup. Small adjustments can make a big difference in audio quality.

Using Your Phone ??

Believe it or not, one of the best microphones you already own is your phone. With the voice recorder app, you can start recording high-quality audio right away. Make sure to keep the phone close to your mouth to apply the mic proximity rule.

To enhance the audio quality, use a windshield to minimise sound interference. You can also use a simple tripod to hold your phone steady during recording.

Different Types of Microphones and Their Uses

Sunjay goes into a lot of detail about these microphones in his video but here's a brief overview of what they are and when to use them:

1. Boom Microphones: Perfect for talking head videos or delivering content for YouTube. They stay out of the way while maintaining a consistent distance from your mouth, ensuring clear, professional audio.
2. Handheld Mics: Great for interviews or dynamic environments where you might be moving around. You can hold it close to your mouth for that deep, radio-quality sound.
3. Lapel Mics (Lavalier): Ideal for on-the-go recordings or when you want a more discreet setup. They clip to your clothing, but remember, proximity is key—make sure it’s close enough to pick up your voice clearly.
4. USB Mics: Excellent for beginners. They’re plug-and-play, meaning you can connect them directly to your computer without needing an audio interface
5. XLR Mics: These are a step up in quality, often used by professionals. They require an audio interface or mixer but offer superior sound quality and control.

We've created an Amazon storefront dedicated to podcasting gear! ??

We will keep adding/reviewing the list but there’s a selection of microphones, audio interfaces, and more to help you elevate your podcasting game.

?? Explore Our Storefront Here

When you make a purchase through our storefront, we earn a small commission. This commission will go directly back into supporting this community.

So, whether you're upgrading your setup or starting from scratch, check out our storefront and let us know what you think!

Your support means the world to us and helps us continue providing valuable content and resources to our community.

External Microphones and Accessories ??

For those looking to improve their setup, consider investing in an external microphone. Here are a few options:

• Basic Headset Mic: These often come with your phone and can be a great starting point. Ensure the mic is close to your mouth for the best sound.
• Behringer XM8500: This affordable microphone, paired with a simple audio interface like the Behringer UMC22, can significantly boost your audio quality.

An audio interface allows you to control your audio levels more precisely, ensuring consistent, high-quality sound.

Final Thoughts

You'd be surprised how far technology has come. You can start a high-quality podcast with just the gear you have at home. Remember, the most important thing is to start creating content. As you grow, you can invest in better equipment.

Got any questions about podcasting gear or want to share your own setup? We’d love to hear from you! Drop us a line or share your thoughts in the comments below.

Join Our Community ??

Ready to connect with other budding podcasters, access exclusive resources, and get support on your journey? Join our growing community, Behind The Mic. It's all free, and we'd love to have you with us!

??? Behind The Mic Community: Join here!

Thank you for being a part of this journey, and we hope you enjoyed this week's newsletter.

If you have any success stories to share, comment below because we would LOVE to hear about them.

Anisha & Sunjay

Connect with Us:

?? Website: www.pharmacistdiaries.com

?? LinkedIn: Anisha Patel and Sunjay Vyas

?? YouTube: Watch Pharmacist Diaries and Anisha and Sunjay

??? Behind The Mic Community: Join here!

?? Discount: Sunjay used to spend (waste) ages looking for free royalty free music on the internet. If you’ve ever tried to find images, music or video that is unconditionally 100% free, you’ll know how difficult it is.

He now use Audiio for all his music whether its client work or for our own projects. Use this link to get 70% off your first year of Audiio pro!

?? Check out our Amazon storefront dedicated to podcasting gear! We will keep adding/reviewing the list but there’s a selection of microphones, audio interfaces, and more to help you elevate your podcasting game.

?? Explore Our Storefront Here

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