
Best of the Rest Samson Q2UĮngineered for home and studio use, this microphone also works well when recording on the go or live on stage. 57.0dB re 1 Volt/Pascal (1.60mV 94 dB SPL) +/- 2 dB 1kHzĬheck the latest price on Amazon.
#Rode podcaster usb dynamic microphone alternative Activator#
An inline mic activator such as a Cloudlifter or similar would work well here to avoid you having to crank up your preamp which could introduce excessive noise. Like the Shure SM57, it’s gain hungry which is common in dynamic mics so make sure that you give it enough clean gain to perform well. There are no doubts that this microphone is of broadcast quality which is amazing given the price. Other features include an internal pop filter, an in-built shock mount, and a cardioid pickup pattern for voice isolation. The frequency response range is impressive as is the build quality – holding it in your hand, you wouldn’t think it was a budget mic. It performs brilliantly and delivers a rich sound that’s both crisp and warm. However, the budget line PodMic is a brilliant, lower price point alternative that punches well above its weight. The Rode Procaster is probably the more well-known model in Rode’s lineup of dynamic podcasting microphones. Frequency response range:Ĭheck the latest price on Amazon. Here are the key spec details you need to know. Other design features to note include a pneumatic shock mount system and supplied swivel adapter for mic stand mounting, although we recommend an external shock mount and pop filter system for podcast use. This mic is extremely rugged as you’d expect from something that was designed to be taken on the road and used live on stage so it should last you a long time. The sound it produces is clean, bright, and used with good microphone technique, warm and rich which will make your podcast shine thanks to the contoured frequency response which ranges from 40 to 15,000 Hz. The pickup pattern of the SM57 is a uniform cardioid one which makes it extremely effective at cutting out background noise and therefore isolating your voice. See our article Best Preamps for the Shure SM57 for more information. The SM57 is gain hungry so you’ll need a strong preamp to give it what it needs to perform well. The mics do look slightly different though and that’s because as mentioned above, the SM57 was originally designed as an instrument mic whereas the SM58 was designed as a vocal mic so features a ball grille with a built-in pop filter. They both share the same cartridge design and therefore sound very similar.

The SM58 could also be an option as there are few differences between them. In some circles, it’s even regarded as a viable Shure SM7B alternative. Can I use a Dynamic Mic with Phantom Power?Īlthough intended as an instrument mic, Shure’s SM57 makes for an excellent low-cost dynamic podcasting microphone.When Would You Use a Dynamic Microphone?.Are Condenser Mics better than Dynamic?.

We’ll then move onto the runner up and the best of the rest. Read on to see our top picks for dynamic microphones under $100 and for those of you in a hurry, let’s start with our overall favorite. What other options are available though, are low-cost alternatives available? Well, yes there is, and we’ve gone ahead and done the research into them for you. The only downside is the price, it’s not really for those looking for a budget dynamic microphone. The build quality is excellent and it features an air suspension shock-mount system, an in-built pop filter, and shielding from electromagnet hum. With it’s warm, smooth, and clean sound, it produces a very natural tone with lots of presence. One of the most popular dynamic mics for podcasting is the Shure SM7B. For more information about recording in an untreated room, see our article on the best microphones to use in a room with echo. See our article on the differences between a condenser and a dynamic microphone to learn more.

A dynamic mic in this environment is a real advantage due to their low sensitivity meaning that less of the stray, bouncing soundwaves get back to the capsule, and therefore echo and reverberation is reduced. They allow you to achieve good audio in less than ideal locations and let’s face it, the majority of podcasts are produced from people’s homes in rooms that aren’t acoustically treated. We’re huge fans of dynamic microphones for podcasting. Please assume all links on this page are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases when you use one of our links. Affiliate Disclosure: The Seasoned Podcaster is supported by its readers.
