If you’re planning a podcast with remote guests, you’ll want your guests to sound just as clear and professional as the hosts in the studio. But with so many microphones out there, it can be difficult to know what to choose, especially for remote recording where simplicity and sound quality are key.
As experts in both in-studio and remote podcast production, we’ve used and tested lots of microphones from different brands here at Innobella Media. Whilst we’re big fans of Sennheiser and Shure microphones for our work in live event production, when it comes to podcasting we’ve always found the best results come from RØDE’s impressive range of podcasting microphones.
In this guide, we’ll share our top microphone recommendations that are ideal for podcasting from home or a remote location.
Before we dive into the top mics, you might also want to check out our blog post on Top Tips for Remote Contributors to ensure your recording environment, software settings, and microphone technique are all optimized for the best results.
Note: Purchasing links in this article are affiliate links, which means we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
1. RØDE PodMic USB – ⭐ Our Top Pick ⭐
Perfect for: Podcast guests looking for professional sound in a user-friendly package.
Buy on Amazon: https://geni.us/PodMicUSB
The RØDE PodMic USB is a high-quality, dynamic microphone designed specifically for spoken-word applications, making it a perfect choice for podcasting. It features a built-in preamp, which means it connects directly to your computer without the need for additional equipment, and provides studio-grade sound with minimal setup. Because it’s a dynamic microphone, it excels at minimizing background noise, so your voice remains clear even in less-than-ideal recording spaces.
- Type: Dynamic microphone (great for podcasting due to its noise-reduction qualities)
- Connection: USB and XLR, giving flexibility for both beginner and more advanced setups
- Extras: We recommend pairing with a solid desk stand, like the RØDE DS2 Desktop Studio Arm (pictured above) as well as a pair of headphones (see end of article)
2. RØDE NT-USB Mini
Perfect for: Beginners or guests looking for a compact, quality option.
Buy on Amazon: https://geni.us/RODE-NT-USB-mini
The RØDE NT-USB Mini is compact but powerful, with a built-in pop filter and a directional condenser capsule that captures voice with precision. It connects directly via USB and has a built-in headphone jack, making it an easy-to-use option for guests who may not have experience with audio equipment. While this microphone is a condenser, it’s designed to pick up sound primarily from the front, which helps with noise control, though it does require a quieter recording environment than dynamic microphones.
- Type: Condenser microphone (better for quieter environments)
- Connection: USB
- Extras: Magnetic desk stand, internal pop filter to reduce unwanted plosives. Upgrade the stand to a professional studio arm like the RØDE PSA1+ for the best experience and results
3. RØDE NT-USB+
Perfect for: Those wanting a high-quality USB mic with a bit more versatility.
Buy on Amazon: https://geni.us/RODE_NT-USB
An upgrade on the NT-USB Mini, the RØDE NT-USB+ is a versatile and professional USB condenser microphone with a wider frequency response and enhanced audio clarity. It’s particularly good if you want that high-end clarity and are recording in a controlled environment – so an ideal purchase if you may also want to record musical instruments like an acoustic guitar. Just like the PodMic, it also includes a built-in preamp for simple USB connectivity, making it ideal for a plug-and-play experience with very little tech knowledge required.
- Type: Condenser microphone
- Connection: USB
- Extras: Desk stand, pop shield, more advanced digital signal processing (DSP) options
4. RØDE NTH-100M Headphones with Headset Microphone
Perfect for: Guests looking for a microphone and headphones in one package.
Buy on Amazon: https://geni.us/RODENTH-100 (Headphones)
Buy on Amazon: https://geni.us/RODE_NTH-Mic (Headset Microphone Add-on)
For an all-in-one solution, the RØDE NTH-100M is a set of high-quality headphones with an optional integrated headset microphone. While this microphone won’t deliver quite the same quality as a standalone mic, it’s perfect if simplicity and portability are priorities. The NTH-100M offers excellent audio fidelity, so guests can hear the conversation clearly without causing echo or feedback. This option is especially useful if guests are on the move or limited in desk space and it will also double up as a great headset for work calls and Zoom meetings too!
- Type: Headset microphone
- Connection: 3.5mm or USB adapter (with an additional adapter)
- Extras: Integrated microphone, premium audio quality in headphones
5. An XLR Microphone You Already Own with RØDE AI-1 Audio Interface
Perfect for: Experienced guests or those already owning an XLR microphone.
Buy on Amazon: https://geni.us/RODEAI-1
If your guest already owns a professional XLR dynamic microphone like the Shure SM58, they can use the RØDE AI-1 USB XLR audio interface to connect it to their computer. Dynamic mics are particularly good at isolating voices in less controlled environments, and the AI-1 interface allows them to benefit from the quality of their existing gear while making it compatible with USB. This setup is especially useful for experienced contributors or guests who are used to studio equipment and might prefer an XLR mic’s sound profile. The AI-1 also has a headphone jack which means your guest will be able to hear everyone else on the podcast clearly and with no echo or delay.
- Type: Dynamic microphone with USB interface
- Connection: XLR to RØDE AI-1 USB interface
- Extras: Works well with other XLR mics, gives a high-quality audio interface for easy USB connectivity plus a headphone jack with zero-latency monitoring
Dynamic vs. Condenser Mics for Podcasts
Most of our recommendations focus on dynamic microphones. Here’s why: dynamic mics are generally better for podcasts due to the “proximity effect,” which enhances the depth of your voice when you speak closely into the mic, giving it that rich, “radio” sound. They also excel at minimizing background noise, making them ideal for guests recording from home or in less sound-proofed spaces. Condenser mics, while extremely sensitive and often favoured in studios, can pick up too much room noise if the guest’s environment is not perfectly quiet.
Why USB Microphones with Built-in Preamps are Ideal
The convenience of good quality, professional USB microphones lies in their built-in preamps, which allow guests to plug directly into a computer without needing additional equipment or technical know-how, whilst still being able to achieve professional quality audio. This is perfect for remote podcasting setups, where simplicity and sound quality are both essential. Each of the USB options we’ve highlighted provides a strong built-in preamp, delivering a solid balance of quality and user-friendliness.
Don’t Forget Headphones!
Headphones are crucial in any remote podcasting setup to prevent echo and ensure clear communication. Any pair will do, but for top-quality options, consider RØDE NTH-100, Sony MDR-7506, or Sennheiser HD280 PRO headphones. These models offer exceptional audio fidelity, so guests can hear the podcast clearly and prevent any unwanted audio feedback.
By investing in a quality microphone and a pair of headphones, your remote guests can achieve a professional podcast sound with ease. We hope this guide helps you find the perfect setup, whether you’re new to podcasting or looking to upgrade. And don’t forget to check out our full post on Top Tips for Remote Contributors to maximize audio quality and ensure your podcast sounds its best!
Find out more information about our podcast production services or contact us to discuss more!
