{"id":10327,"date":"2022-05-02T13:30:00","date_gmt":"2022-05-02T11:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.radioking.com\/blog\/?p=10327"},"modified":"2023-12-28T11:46:13","modified_gmt":"2023-12-28T10:46:13","slug":"how-to-choose-the-right-mic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.radioking.com\/blog\/how-to-choose-the-right-mic\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Choose the Right Mic?"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/b>With hundreds of microphones out there, have you ever wondered which one to go with for your radio broadcasts?\u00a0<\/span>We\u2019ve put together a couple of industry standard microphones<\/strong>\u00a0to try and give you a better understanding of what\u2019s currently on the market.<\/span><\/p>\n

3 essential features for your mic<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

An integrated pop filter<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Pop filters<\/a> are made to cut down on vocal sibilance. They help avoid any popping sounds<\/strong> when using plosives such as \u00ab\u00a0p\u00a0\u00bbs or \u00ab\u00a0b\u00a0\u00bbs. Nowadays, many microphones have an integrated pop filter, however you can also purchase one separately for as little as $10.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A shock mounted capsule<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Not only do shock mounts allow you to attach your mic to a stand, they also help isolate the mic from any vibrations. Think of a shock mount as a kind of safety net!\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

A cardioid pick up pattern<\/strong><\/h3>\n

For a mic that will pick up your voice<\/strong> and ignore background noises<\/strong>, we suggest that you opt for a cardioid pick up pattern. Bear in mind that these mics won’t block out all surrounding sounds, so try and record in a controlled environment if possible!\u00a0<\/p>\n

What’s the difference between condenser and dynamic microphones?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Put simply, they differ in terms of how they pick up sound<\/strong> and convert it into an electrical signal<\/strong>. <\/span>Generally speaking, condenser mics<\/strong> are<\/strong> more sensitive<\/strong> and produce a sound that is a lot warmer. They also tend to be more expensive.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dynamic mics<\/strong> tend to pick up mostly what\u2019s in front of the mic<\/strong> (not background noise) and can be a lot more resistant<\/strong> to temperature and humidity.<\/span>.<\/span>
<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Neumann U87<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

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Type:<\/span> <\/span><\/strong>Condenser<\/span><\/p>\n

Characteristics:<\/strong> <\/span>Perhaps the cream of the crop when it comes to broadcasting mics. Often used by professional radio stations<\/strong> across the world, it\u2019s without doubt a gem if you\u2019ve got the means!<\/span><\/p>\n

Price:<\/strong> <\/span>around $3,200<\/p>\nBuy it now!<\/a>\n

Neumann BCM-104<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

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Type:<\/span> <\/span><\/strong>Condenser<\/span><\/p>\n

Characteristics: <\/span>Adapts to lots of voices<\/strong>. Another microphone produced by Neumann with professionals in mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

Price:<\/strong> <\/span>around $1,000<\/span><\/p>\nBuy it now!<\/a>\n

Neumann BCM-705<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

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Type: <\/span><\/strong><\/span>Dynamic<\/span><\/p>\n

Characteristics: <\/strong><\/span><\/span>Yes, Neumann\u2019s first dynamic microphone<\/strong>! <\/span>Intended for close ranged speech production, it\u2019s a good one for radio broadcasters.<\/span><\/p>\n

Price:<\/span><\/strong> around $700<\/span><\/p>\nBuy it now!<\/a>\n

Electrovoice RE20<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

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Type:<\/span> <\/span><\/strong>Dynamic<\/span><\/p>\n

Characteristics: <\/strong><\/span>Another industry standard and firm favourite, this tends to be the go to mic<\/strong> for lots of talk show hosts in the States.<\/span><\/p>\n

Price:<\/strong> <\/span>around $410<\/span><\/p>\nBuy it now!<\/a>\n

Shure SM7B<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

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Type: <\/span><\/strong><\/span>Dynamic<\/span><\/p>\n

Characteristics: <\/strong><\/span>When this microphone has MJ\u2019s Thriller<\/strong> on it\u2019s r\u00e9sum\u00e9, what more can you say. A favourite amongst radio hosts and approaching more affordable prices<\/strong> than those previously mentioned.<\/span><\/p>\n

Price:<\/strong><\/span> around $400<\/span><\/p>\nBuy it now!<\/a>\n

Sennheiser MD 421-II<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n

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Type: <\/span><\/strong><\/span>Dynamic<\/span><\/p>\n

Characteristics: <\/strong><\/span>Another well known mic in the world, incredibly versatile<\/strong> and good at rejecting feedback – you can rely on Sennheiser.<\/span><\/p>\n

Price: <\/strong><\/span>around $380<\/span><\/p>\nBuy it now!<\/a>\n

Rode Podcaster<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

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Type:<\/span> <\/span><\/strong>Dynamic<\/span><\/p>\n

Characteristics: <\/strong><\/span>Especially designed for podcasting, it plugs in directly via USB so no audio interface is needed<\/strong>. Worth looking into.<\/span><\/p>\n

Price:<\/strong><\/span> around $230 <\/span>Buy it now!<\/a>\n

The t.bone SC 400<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n

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Type: <\/span><\/strong><\/span>Condenser<\/span><\/p>\n

Characteristics: <\/strong><\/span>If you\u2019re on a budget, this mic is hard to beat. Very effective and a lot of bang for the buck.\u00a0Great for starting out<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Price:<\/strong><\/span> around $80<\/span><\/p>\nBuy it now!<\/a>\n

Note:<\/span><\/span><\/strong> Condenser microphones need external power, also known as P48 Phantom Power<\/strong>. Just make sure to look out for the \u201c48V\u201d switch!<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

On top of that, you\u2019ll probably want to look into some kind of audio interface<\/strong> in order to get the sound in and out of your computer<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Audio Interface – Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

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Discover this high-quality USB audio interface for Mac and PC. It features two combined XLR\/jack inputs<\/strong> for connecting microphones as well as synthesizers or other line-level audio sources and two balanced outputs for monitoring. The device is also equipped with two high-grade Scarlett microphone preamps with switchable 48 V phantom power.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Price:<\/strong><\/span> around $150<\/span><\/p>\nBuy it now!<\/a>\n

Final say?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Here at RadioKing, we recommend the Shure SM7B<\/a><\/strong>. A microphone that produces that warm and magical radio voice<\/strong> as well as a mic popular with lots of European radio stations<\/strong>. <\/span><\/p>\n

Nevertheless, if you\u2019ve got a slightly smaller budget, the t.bone SC 400<\/strong><\/a> is a great mic for starting out in the world of radio. Be sure to check out our list of best budget microphones<\/a> too!<\/span><\/p>\n

Don’t forget:<\/span><\/span><\/strong>\u00a0If you\u2019re opting for a slightly more expensive mic, do try and test it before you buy<\/strong> – the results\u00a0can vary depending on your voice!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

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