Shure MV7 Dynamic Podcasting Microphone - Review

In use, the Shure MV7 is a dream for beginners, or anyone who needs a mic but doesn’t necessarily need to know how it works. It is, in every sense of the word, a plug-and-play mic which will ensure it appeals to a variety of users. The traditional XLR output means the MV7 will connect to your audio interface or mixer as you’d expect, while the USB output enables you to connect directly to your computer or smart device and function as an interface itself. You can, thankfully, use both connection methods simultaneously which is great for recording a backup, although it’s worth pointing out Windows users might encounter some issues if using both the MV7 and a USB audio interface. This isn’t Shure’s fault - Windows famously isn’t great at handling multiple audio sources - but it is worth keeping in mind. Mac users simply need to create an aggregate device to use both at the same time.

If you do opt for USB, either into your computer or your smartphone/tablet, you’ll gain access to the complementary MOTIV app. MOTIV gives you a stack of options and functionality which go above and beyond what you’d expect. Everything from changing the tonality of your recordings through to auto-level control, which adjusts the mic’s input levels to ensure you’re not clipping your sound, elevating the MV7 above its competition in our eyes.

What impressed us about the Shure MV7 was the fact it aims to do two things, and it achieves them both successfully. For less tech-savvy users, the MOTIV app and ease-of-use you get from the USB connection is ideal. It works in exactly the way you’d want it to, and is as simple as it gets thanks to helpful tools like the auto-level mode and voice isolation technology. Put simply, if you’ve got a voice it’ll sound great through the MV7.

For studio users on the other hand, or anyone with the necessary extra gear, it functions as a simple, great quality ‘regular’ dynamic microphone. Neither group will feel short-changed, although the extra functionality gained from using the MV7 in USB mode will be a significant draw for podcasters, streamers and voice-over artists in particular. If you’re in that world and looking to upgrade, or even taking your first steps, there really are few better options than the Shure MV7.

BluBlue Yeti x Professional USB Microphone - Review

The Blue Yeti has become synonymous with a number of different applications. From Twitch gaming to YouTube tutorials, this mic is perhaps the best known out there, and for good reason. It's easy to use, sounds superb thanks to its three condenser capsules, and doesn't cost the earth to buy. Its multiple pattern selection feature is particularly neat. You can choose to either have the mic pick up the sound being directed straight into it, which is great for podcasting, or you can set it to pick up audio from a wider angle. This makes it the perfect choice for recording group sessions, where a single mic is placed in the middle of a table.

Over time, Blue has expanded its range to include higher-spec models capable of dual USB/XLR output (Blue Yeti Pro), a smaller scale version (Blue Yeti Nano), and even a model with functionality specific to game streamers (Blue Yeti X). Whatever your creative requirements, there’s a Yeti to suit you.

Rode Procaster Broadcast Dynamic Vocal Microphone - Review

Some of the mics on this list are equally happy recording vocals, guitars, streams or Skype chats. Not so, the Rode Procaster. The second Rode mic on this list is built specifically for vocal recording, and more specifically for speech. It’s pitched as a broadcast microphone, which means it could feasibly be used for TV, radio or other high-pressure situations.

The way it copes with ambient noise stands out; its tight polar pattern means that no matter how noisy the environment, what you record will sound extremely focused and clear.

Audio-Technica AT2035 Cardioid Condenser Microphone - Review

As a well-respected name in audio production and recording, you can reasonably expect the Audio Technica AT2035PK to perform well in the podcast arena. Thankfully, it does not disappoint. This cardioid patterned condenser reduces pickup of sound from the sides and rear, making for superb isolation of the voice. Perfect for podcasting or streaming.

The addition of headphones, a boom arm to connect to a desk, and an XLR cable makes for a great starter package too.

Rode NT USB Studio-Quality USB Microphone - Review

Australian brand Rode has genuine pedigree in the world of microphones. Hence why we were drawn to the Rode NT-USB. As a specialist USB desktop mic, you're not likely to be taking it out in the field very often, but as a set-and-forget desktop option it's ideal.

Included in the pack is everything you need, including a 6 metre USB cable, so if it were required to move away from the desk and into the music studio it could comfortably work its magic on acoustic guitars, for example. For less demanding requirements, there’s also the neat Rode NT-USB Mini, which boasts many of the same features only using a smaller footprint.

Sontronics Podcast Pro Supercardioid Dynamic Microphone - Review

Launched in early 2020, the Sontronics Podcast Pro is a dynamic microphone which has, as you may have worked out from the name, the world of speech recording in mind. This unique-looking broadcast mic is designed and built in the UK, and is geared entirely towards the spoken word. Its supercardioid pickup pattern does a great job at rejecting pretty much everything that isn’t spoken directly into it, although does work against it when trying to record multiple voices at once.

With many podcasts now doubling up and offering video alongside the traditional audio, you could do a lot worse than invite one of these stylish mics into your studio. There’s substance to its charms too, however, and it comes at a very reasonable price.

Shure SM7B Vocal Microphone - Review

If you've ever been in a recording studio, or ever watched a band play live, you'll have seen Shure microphones. Simply put, they are the standard against which all other microphones are judged. The Shure SM7B adds to this reputation by doing one thing really, really well: making the audio it records sound brilliant.

There's no USB connection, no bundled gear other than a windscreen. Nope. This dynamic microphone is designed simply to deliver clean, clear audio. As one of the only dynamic mics on the list, we should point out the ease with which the SM7B copes with loud environments too.

It's the flat frequency response we we're most taken with though; essentially, none of the frequencies it receives are emphasised in any way. This means that when you come to process the audio – e.g. add compression, EQ – it sounds as natural as when it was recorded. A top-tier microphone, no two ways about it.

IK Multimedia iRig Mic HD 2 High-Definition Podcasting Microphone - Review

IK Multimedia was at the forefront of creating tools for people to unlock the recording potential of their phones and tablets. The Italian brand has a huge legacy in recording software and apps, but its iRig range brought portable device recording to the masses.

The IK Multimedia iRig HD 2 is an all-in-one USB-connected microphone that includes a built-in pre-amp, so it can be connected directly to mobile devices. The sound quality is good too, making it a solid choice for on-the-go producers, while we also like the bundled suite of apps to record and process your audio.

Blue Microphones iCE USB Microphone Snowball - Review

The second entry from Blue on the list, and also the smallest overall. The Blue Snowball is marketed as a solution for improving the quality of voice calls, yet as a podcast solution it's also pretty solid.

It's truly plug and play, so you can be recording within minutes, but the audio quality isn't going to be high enough to impress the professionals. But, as a starter for the novice podcaster, it's well worth a look.

Razer Seiren X USB Podcasting Microphone - Review

There are plenty of parallels between streaming and podcasting. Gamers, in particular, are largely behind the rise of simple plug and play USB mics so it makes sense that the big gaming brands are beginning to muscle their way into audio technology. The Razer Seiren X is a great example; you notice from its aesthetic that it’s clearly aimed at a certain type of user, but it has plenty to offer podcasters too.

We liked the super-cardioid pickup pattern, which did a creditable job of rejecting sounds we didn’t want in our recordings like footsteps outside our studio, while the neat adjustable base which allowed us to find the ideal angle for recording is a nice design touch.

MAONO AU-PM421 Professional Cardioid Condenser Podcast Mic - Review

While we often fill these articles with top choices from big brands, we’re always pleased to find great quality options from lesser-known manufacturers. The MAONO AU-PM421 landed in front of us one day and we were blown away by the build quality and simplicity on display. The PM421 comes as part of a kit, including an adjustable boom arm and pop filter, and is perhaps the quickest and easiest way to get the pro-studio look at home.

MAONO claims the PM421 can record at exceptionally high levels of audio quality – 192kHz/24-bit – and the all-metal construction gave us confidence it will last the course. So while it can be perilous buying from brands you’re not familiar with, there are definitely bargains to be had if you know where to look.

NEAT Worker Bee Cardioid Solid State Microphone - Review

Who says microphones have to look dull? The NEAT King Bee is a great antidote to all the usual mic stylings, and will look great in any recording studio. Behind the lively exterior there is some nice technology at work too.

The King Bee is an XLR-fed large diaphragm condenser, meaning it's great for voice applications. The sound quality is superb, and the package comes with both a shockmount and a pop filter so your recordings will benefit too. A great package, all told. They're becoming harder to track down these days, so good luck finding one!