Have you ever listened to your favorite podcast and marveled at how smooth and professional the audio sounds? While fancy equipment can play a role, the real secret to podcasting with a mic that sounds great lies in proper microphone technique.

Improving Podcasting Audio

Whether you’re using a podcast mic, a mic for podcast recording, or even a simple $10 mic, getting your microphone placement and settings right is essential. In this post, we’ll break down the essentials of mic technique, microphone placement techniques, and how to hold a microphone for podcasting so you can elevate your podcast audio and keep your listeners engaged.

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Microphone Types and Characteristics

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Before we dive into mic positioning, let’s briefly cover microphone types. Two common types used for recording podcasts are:

• Dynamic Microphones Are known for their ruggedness, dynamic mics are great for live podcasting and situations where background noise might be an issue. They’re less sensitive than condenser mics, making them more forgiving in less-than-ideal recording environments.
• Condenser Microphones offer greater sensitivity and capture a wider range of frequencies, resulting in a richer, more detailed sound. They’re perfect for studio podcast recording, where you have more control over the environment. However, condenser mics can also pick up more background noise and are often more delicate than dynamic mics.

Another important factor is the microphone’s polar pattern, which determines how it picks up sound from different directions:

• Cardioid: This is the most common and arguably best mic position for podcasting. Cardioid microphones (like many popular podcasting mics) primarily pick up sound from the front, rejecting noise from the sides and rear. This helps to focus on the host with a mic and minimize background distractions.
• Omnidirectional: These microphones pick up sound equally from all directions. They’re more suitable for group podcast recordings or situations where you want to capture the room’s ambiance.

The Art of Microphone Placement: How Far Should a Mic Be From Your Mouth?

The right mic placement is crucial for optimal sound quality. Here’s what you need to know:

• Microphone Distance From Mouth: The ideal distance between your mouth and the microphone (how far to hold a microphone) is usually between 6 to 12 inches (15-30cm). This sweet spot minimizes the “proximity effect” (a boost in bass frequencies when you’re very close to the mic). Deeper voices might benefit from being slightly further away to avoid excessive bass.
• Angle: How to Hold a Microphone: Experiment with both on-axis (directly facing the microphone) and off-axis (angled slightly to the side) positions. Speaking slightly off-axis (about 30 degrees) can help reduce plosive sounds (those popping “p” and “b” sounds) and sibilance (harsh “s” sounds). Also, holding the mic below your face can help prevent your breath from hitting the mic directly.
• Number of Hosts:
  • For solo shows, focus on finding your voice’s perfect mic distance and angle.
  • If you have multiple hosts, you can use separate microphones for each person (ideally with similar models and settings for consistency) or experiment with positioning yourself around a single microphone. If using a single mic, maintain a consistent distance to ensure balanced audio levels.

Advanced Mic Techniques and Accessories

Here are a few more tools and techniques that can help you fine-tune your sound:

• Pop Filters are essential for reducing plosive sounds, especially if you’re using a condenser microphone or have a naturally “poppy” voice. Pop filters create a barrier between your mouth and the mic to diffuse the air blasts that cause those pops.
• Shock Mounts: If you move around or tap your desk while recording, a shock mount can help isolate the microphone from vibrations, reducing unwanted noise.
• Fur Covers (Windscreens): These furry covers are designed to reduce wind noise and plosives in outdoor recording situations. While less common for indoor podcasting, they can be helpful if you have a fan or air conditioner running in your recording space.