Which Audio Microphone to use for your Podcast or Audio Book
AUDIO MICROPHONES FOR YOUR PODCAST
If you are doing any podcasting for your website or even doing an audio book you should understand what microphone (or , mic) would be the most efficient.
There are basically three types of polar patterns for different types of mics.
The first type of mic is an “OMNIDIRECTIONAL” type. This as is sounds means the mic. picks up sound from all directions, i.e. Front, Back and both sides. See topdown view of the mic.
The second is “BIDIRECTIONAL” or, figure 8 patttern where the sound is picked up from the front and back.
The third type is a “CARDIOID” mic. which picks up sound from the front but, rejects the sound from the sides and rear of the mic. This choice would be the Best for an Audiobook or Podcast.
So if you already have a mic , it is worth checking to see what type of polar pattern the mic is using.
Definition of a microphone by Wikipedia, is an “audio to electric transducer or sensor that converts sound into an electric signal”. Microphones are used in many applications such as telephones, hearing aids, public address systems for concert halls and public events, motion picture production, live and recorded audio engineering, two-way radios, megaphones, radio and television broadcasting, and even your computer has a microphone for recording voice, and speech recognition.
If, for example you are using a Cardioid Microphone for your podcast, you will want to make certain that you are positioned properly in front of the microphone so that it can receive the sound properly. The optimal distance would be about the distance from your thumb to your little finger with the fingers splayed.
If the mic is too far away, you will get a thinner sound and you will require more “gain” from the pre-amp.
If the mic is too close you may receive greater noise flow and receive excessive “Pop and Plosives”. What is a plosive? Certain words and letters such as “p’s” i.e. pizza, pepper ;”t” as in top, must; “d” as in dog; “k” as in cook, ask ; “g” dog, good create pops and plosives.
One of the ways to ameloriate this problem is to use a “pop filter” or screen in front of the mic which reduces this problem.
The best would to be in a sound studio but, you do want to reduce or avoid extraneous noises such as ticking watches, jingling jewlery, rustling cloth, squeaking chairs, and so on.
Just to sum up, there are many plug and play microphones which plug directly into your computer and do not need a preamp or mixer. They are powered from your computer and may also have a plug on the microphone for your headphones.
I hope this little tutorial has been of benefit to you. If you liked it, please give me a thumbs up.
Recent Comments
11
Hi Randell,
Thank you for your kind info,,
This what I've been looking for,,
what is your recommendation? is Samson go mic good enough for screencasting?
Hi Ramadyan,
Thank you for your contact. I know a little about the different types of mic's but am not knowledgeable about all individual mic's. I happen to use an Rode (Australian) Mic which works well for me for Audiobooks which I produce. It is a desk mike connected with USB cable to my laptop and has a plugin on the mike which is powered through the computer.
I suggest you go to Amazon and pull up the model of the mic you are interested in and often you will find a review there of your mic and several others.
All the best!
Yes, rode is a great Mic, have been read some reviews in youtube and amazon but a bit expensive :) I think I'll choose samson.. thank you Randel, great info
There is website that sums all of this kind of stuff up wonderfully.
Something about
Voice At Home
or something like that... Look it up, it's very educational!
:)
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Very useful information thank you.
You are welcome Bo!