Guide to Mics and Recording Equipment

GPcp

Aug 14

The best microphone is the one you have. However, a good mic can help your podcast sound great.

Whenever possible, try different mics in your price range to figure out your preference. Some mics sound “warmer” than others. Some work better with different recorders. Some are better for the type of situation in which you want to record. There are lots of choices out there, and most will get the job done.

Please note: This is not a comprehensive list. PRX does not endorse any particular model or brand of microphone.

HOW MICROPHONES WORK

Pickup pattern: Microphones work differently from the human ear. Each microphone has a pickup pattern, which is how it “hears” sound. When selecting a microphone, you will want to keep your microphone’s pickup pattern in mind as well as where you will be doing your recording.

Environment: You will generally want to record in as quiet a place as possible. If you are recording at home, you may want to record under blankets or in a closet full of clothes. If you are recording out in the world, you may need to ask someone to move to a quieter area, turn off a fan or heater, close a window or wait out a siren passing by outside. Too much sound in the background can ruin your recording, no matter how great your microphone is.

Proximity: You’ll generally want to record fairly close to the source. For most mics, you’ll want to be about a hand’s-width away from the microphone. To avoid “popping,” (when someone says the letter “P” too forcefully) you’ll want to move your microphone a few centimeters sideways so you’re actually recording at a slight diagonal from your mouth.

Recording Levels: Whether you are recording into a portable digital recorder or your computer, aim for a recording level that is between -12 and -6 db. Further, keep in mind that recording level is different from your headphone volume. Headphone volume is for your comfort. Recording level is the quality of your recording. Too low and your audio will be hard to hear, too high (often called too “hot”) and your recording will be distorted and unusable. How do you know if you’re recording too “hot?” Most recorders will flash a red light, or the visual audio bars or wavelengths on your recorder will be hitting the top of the level meter. Keep an eye on those recording levels!

MICROPHONE TYPES

OMNIDIRECTIONAL MICROPHONES

Looking for a durable microphone for reporting or field interviews? An omnidirectional mic might be for you. Omnidirectional mics capture sound equally around the microphone, and work best when you can record close to the sound you want to capture. They also do well in situations where there is wind, and they are a bit more forgiving with those p-pops mentioned earlier.

Some models to consider:

Electro-Voice RE50 or RE50N/D-B (approx $150 to $200 USD)
Shure VP64A (approx $80 USD)
Audio-Technica AT8010 (approx $170 USD)

CARDIOID MICROPHONES

Cardio mics have a heart-shaped pickup pattern which captures sound in front of the microphone more than on the sides of or behind the mic. Some handheld microphones have a cardioid pickup pattern, while nearly all professional studio vocal microphones are cardioid mics. Although cardioid mics don’t give you as wide a pick-up pattern as an omnidirectional mic, they do pick up details and characteristics of the environment you’re recording in.

Some models to consider:

Handheld
- Shure SM58 (approx $100 USD)
- Sennheiser MD46 (approx $200 USD)
Studio Mic (if you are setting up a studio)
- AudioTechnica AT2020 (approx $240 USD)
- Shure SM7B Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone (approx $400 USD)
- Electro-Voice RE20 (approx $450 USD)

SHOTGUN MICROPHONES

A shotgun microphone is often long and narrow. Its pickup pattern is highly directional. This means it captures sounds right in front of it, minimizing other sounds in the environment. For example, if you record someone on the street with a shotgun mic aimed at the person’s mouth, the shotgun will pick up the person’s voice but not a lot of the surrounding street noise.

Shotguns can be very sensitive to handling noise and wind. You will want to either wear gloves or use a pistol grip to hold the mic. You’ll want to use a windscreen, too. And because they are so directional, you can easily get off axis – or outside of the microphone’s pick-up pattern – and miss sounds.

Some models to consider:

Rode NTG2 (approx $270 USD)
Sennheiser MKE600 (approx $330 USD)
AudioTechnica AT8035 (approx $270 USD)

USB MICS

These mics record directly into a computer and have become popular among podcasters. Their pickup patterns can vary.

PRICE: Most models we recommend run in the $170-$230 range.

Some models to consider:

Apogee MiC 96k (approx $230 USD)
Rode NT-USB (approx $170 USD)
Audio-Technica 2020USB (approx $125 USD

RECORDING ON YOUR PHONE

If you’re recording on your phone, generally a mic attachment is substantially better than the built-in mic. A fun detail with many of the attachment options is that they allow you to change the mic’s pickup pattern – you can get them to act more like a shotgun or omnidirectional mic with the click of a button.

Some models to consider:

Shure MV88+ Video Kit (approx $250 USD)
IK Multimedia iRig Mic Studio (approx $150 USD)

OTHER AUDIO EQUIPMENT

DIGITAL RECORDERS

Digital recorders offer a few advantages: they are portable and can record multiple sources (called inputs). Many also come with built-in microphones. Still, if you can afford it, we recommend you use an external mic so you have more control. We also recommend that you buy a model with XLR inputs, because these mics are more durable. Generally, you will transfer your recording to your computer to edit or to share the files.

Most recorders are built to last. This doesn’t mean you should go swimming with one. But the one you get will most likely be your recorder for years to come.

Some models to consider:

Zoom H5 or H6 (approx $280 USD and $330 USD)
Tascam DR-100mkIII (approx $300 USD)
Marantz Professional PMD-661 MKIII (approx $350 USD)
Sony PCM-D10 (approx $500 USD)
Sound Devices MixPre-3 (approx $550)

HEADPHONES

Whenever you’re recording, wear your headphones! It is the only way you can hear what is being recorded. In general, we recommend headphones that go over your ears instead of earbuds. These headphones typically sound better and give you a clearer sense of what an environment sounds like.

Some models to consider:

Sennheiser HD-280 PRO (approx $100 USD)
Sony MDR-7506 (approx $100 USD)
Audio Technica ATH-M50x (approx $150)
Beyerdynamic DT 770 (approx $180)

XLR CABLES

You’ll need XLR cables when using external microphones. The price range depends on the length of the cable. We recommend buying cables that have a lifetime warranty. It’s worth the extra $20 USD!

Some models to consider:

Mogami
Pro Co
Livewire
Pig Hog

Material complementario de Podcasting 101: Cómo grabar

El mejor micrófono es el que tengas tú. Sin embargo, un buen micrófono te puede ayudar a perfeccionar el sonido de tu podcast.

Cuando sea posible, prueba diferentes micrófonos dentro de tu presupuesto para saber cuál prefieres. Algunos micrófonos suenan más "cálidos" que otros o funcionan mejor con grabadoras distintas. Algunos son más apropiados para el tipo de situación en la que quieres grabar. Hay muchas opciones en el mercado, y la mayoría servirá para lograr tu objetivo.

Ten en cuenta que esta no es una lista completa. PRX no avala modelos ni marcas específicas de micrófonos.

CÓMO FUNCIONAN LOS MICRÓFONOS

Patrón polar: Los micrófonos no funcionan igual que el oído humano. Cada uno tiene un patrón polar, es decir, una forma de "escuchar" el sonido. Cuando elijas un micrófono, deberías tener en cuenta el patrón polar además del lugar donde vas a grabar.

Entorno: Por lo general, querrás grabar en un lugar lo más silencioso posible. Si vas a grabar en tu casa, es recomendable hacerlo debajo de algunas mantas o en un armario lleno de ropa. Si vas a grabar en otro entorno, tal vez debas pedirle a alguien que vaya a un área más tranquila, que apague un ventilador o la calefacción o que cierre una ventana, o esperar a que pase alguna sirena. Más allá de la calidad de tu micrófono, el ruido de fondo excesivo podría perjudicar la grabación.

Proximidad: Lo más recomendable es grabar bastante cerca de la fuente. Con la mayoría de los micrófonos, la distancia adecuada es de una mano. Para evitar los "pops" (cuando alguien pronuncia la letra "p" con demasiada fuerza), recomendamos mover el micrófono unos centímetros hacia un costado de manera que tu boca esté levemente en diagonal a él cuando grabes.

Niveles de grabación: Independientemente de que vayas a grabar con una grabadora digital portátil o con la computadora, procura hacerlo a un nivel de entre -12 y -6 dB. Además, recuerda que el nivel de grabación difiere del volumen de los auriculares. El último es para tu comodidad. El nivel de grabación es la calidad de la grabación. Si es muy bajo, el audio será difícil de escuchar; si es muy alto, la grabación sonará distorsionada y no se podrá usar. ¿Cómo saber si el nivel de grabación es muy alto? La mayoría de las grabadoras mostrarán una luz roja, o las barras visuales de audio o la longitud de onda de la grabadora llegarán a la parte superior del medidor de nivel. No olvides monitorear los niveles de grabación.

TIPOS DE MICRÓFONO

MICRÓFONOS OMNIDIRECCIONALES

¿Necesitas un micrófono duradero para informar noticias o hacer entrevistas de campo? Un micrófono omnidireccional puede ser lo que buscas. Estos micrófonos captan el sonido en todas las direcciones y funcionan mejor cuando puedes grabar cerca del sonido que quieres captar. También tienen un buen rendimiento en situaciones donde hay viento y reducen mejor los "pops" de la letra "p" que mencionamos anteriormente.