If you’re determined to find a great ribbon mic for under $100, check the used market.Ī microphone’s pickup pattern describes its ability to record sound sources from various directions. Making a high-quality ribbon mic involves a lot of careful labor, which is why they often cost more than dynamic and condenser mics. It’s possible to find a brand-new ribbon microphone for under $100, but these are generally not great quality. When air vibrates the ribbon, it induces voltage in a transformer. A ribbon mic suspends a metal ribbon between a magnet’s poles. They’re also more fragile, and require external electrical current, known as phantom power, to work. Compared to dynamic mics, condensers tend to be more sensitive, picking up audio nuances like breaths, as well as extremely high and low frequencies.
A condenser mic uses capacitance - a change in electrical voltage - to create audio signals. Dynamic mics tend to be the most affordable you can get a high-quality model for little money. The force of air causes a tiny metal coil suspended within the mic to move, creating an electrical current that transmits the audio. Dynamic mics use magnetic fields to generate audio signals. You can maximize your budget by going for a dynamic mic or condenser mic. You have three choices when selecting a mic: Dynamic, condenser, or ribbon. To match your microphone with the right use case, keep the following technical considerations in mind: Mic type
It retails for just under $100.Īs you search for the perfect mic for your podcasting needs, you’ll find boundless options. The PodMic has an internal pop filter and an internal shock mount to cut down plosives (the kinds of sounds usually associated with the letters p, t, k, b, d, and g) and jolts, respectively, that can sometimes sully podcast recordings. It’s an XLR microphone, which means you’ll need an audio interface to use it with your computer or tablet. The PodMic is no exception and is specifically built for podcasting. Australian-based Røde has built its name by combining stellar sound quality with fair prices. The Blue Yeti is somewhat heavy, so be sure to use a mic stand with a weighted base.
It also comes with its own tabletop mount, but you can also place it on a traditional shock mount with a microphone stand. It can do multiple pickup patterns including cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional, and stereo. It’s a large-diaphragm condenser mic, and it draws power through its USB mic cable. Blue Yeti.The Blue Yeti regularly tops the list of best USB microphones for podcasting, and with good reason.Like the SM58, the E 845-S has a rugged, all-metal construction, which you can use and abuse without compromising functionality. One advantage the E 845-S offers is an on/off switch on the microphone that instantly cuts audio. The E 845-S Dynamic Super Cardioid Microphone is German-based Sennheiser’s answer to the SM58 both use XLR connections and both sell for $99. The SM58 currently costs $99, and Shure hasn’t changed the price for decades. These are great mics for podcasts or just about anything else. And they can survive all kinds of abuse (though you, of course, should treat them with care). They provide an accurate representation of just about any speaker, singer, or instrument - nothing sounds artificially enhanced or distorted. What makes these particular XLR mics so beloved? Their neutrality and durability. The Shure SM58 isn’t just one of the best mics under $100 - it’s one of the best mics, period. In terms of great mics for podcasts that cost $100 or less, here are five models to consider: