Ready to dive into recording your audio course and want the top of the line equipment? You’ve come to the right place. This article will provide you with options on microphones over $100 that are good for anyone from a complete beginner to a professional looking for their next mic. The quality of the microphone will be pristine from the get-go, causing you less stress on the back-end trying to edit out hissing noises and excess sounds. More of your time can be focused on creating the best content for your course, instead of worrying about the audio quality.
Questions to ask yourself:
Before looking at microphones, it's important to answer the questions below to save yourself time later on when trying to decide on which is best and ultimately becoming overwhelmed.
1. Will you be stationary while recording the course? Any interviews on the go? Will two people be talking into the same microphone?
2. What’s your budget? Is there a difference to you in a $170 mic versus a $300 one?
3. Does it matter if your mic plugs directly into your computer (Mac or PC)?
4. Who will you be recording? For example, the microphone may vary depending on if you’re recording musicians and/or instruments frequently.
What to know before buying a microphone:
What’s the difference between cardioid and omnidirectional microphones?
Cardioid microphones are best for single-person audio and little head movement; staying stationary produces the best audio. Omnidirectional microphones do better with picking up groups of people and presenters that are moving around (think trying to cook and teach at the same time). Due to the nature of the spherical pickup pattern for omnidirectional microphones, they will pick up background noises easier than Cardioid mics, with an up and down pattern.
Do you need a pop filter?
A pop filter is an additional attachment that can be purchased online on sites such as Amazon and Sweetwater. The pop filter is placed in front of the microphone to reduce the amount of air entering the microphone when you speak. Essentially, it makes the sound less harsh on the audio file. It’s more of a personal choice in preference on whether you should get one or not. A lot of the higher quality microphones are good enough to reduce the pop as is, but for additional support, it may be worth the investment.
Pro-tip to reduce the “pop” noise without a pop filter: push the mic a little further away from you so the air when you speak has further to travel. This will naturally reduce the amount of force the air reaches the microphone with.
What is a condenser microphone?
A condenser microphone is also called a “capacitor microphone” by the English, who named them after the physics definition of capacitors. In physics, capacitors are two metal plates in close proximity to one another. Same with condenser microphones. There is also a diaphragm (membrane) inside of the microphone that is electrically conductive, moving back and forth when the sound waves hit it. Since there is not much energy stored in the capacitor, external power is required to enhance the magnitude of the sound waves.
Due to the structure of the low-mass diaphragm of condenser microphones, they can follow sound waves more accurately and tend to have a superior transient sound. In other words, the microphones can accommodate for both higher and lower noises, without compensating on sound quality for either.
XLR vs USB
It is important to pay attention to the type of connection required to use a microphone before buying it. The two modes of connections are XLR or USB. XLR would require an audio interface or mixer in order for the computer to register the audio. This would require an additional $50 to $200, depending on the quality you wanted. USB microphones can be directly plugged into your computer, without any additional attachments needed.
The Microphones:
SM7B $399.99
- Frequency: 50Hz-20kHz
- Cardioid pattern only
- XLR connector (not USB)
Procaster $229.00
- Frequency: 75Hz - 18KHz
- Cardioid pattern only
- XLR connector (not USB)
Rode NT-USB $199.99
- Frequency: 20Hz - 20kHz
- Cardioid pattern only
- Mac and PC compatible (USB)
HEiL Sound PR-40 Dynamic Studio Microphone $327.00
- Frequency: 28Hz –18 kHz
- Cardioid pattern only
- XLR connector (not USB)
Audio-Technica AT2020 USB+ $293.00
- Frequency: 44.1 Hz - 48 kHz
- Cardioid pattern only
- Mac and PC compatible (USB)
Blue Yeti $179.99
- Frequency: 48Hz - 48KHz
- Cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional & stereo
- Mac and PC compatible (USB)
Start building your Avocado Audio course
You’ve got your microphone picked out, now it’s time to decide what you’re going to teach. Check out our article, How to Find a Wildly Profitable Online Course Topic for ideas on where to start!
