Jun 5th 2016
Know How... 217
Pocasting Mics and Headphones
Hosted by
Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ,
Bryan Burnett
Our best picks for microphones and headphones for podcasting.
Although the show is no longer in production, you can enjoy episodes from the TWiT Archives.
We go over the best microphones, headphones, and best practices for podcasting.
XLR Studio Mics
- Cardiod Condenser Mic
- 20-20k response
- XLR Interface
- Requires Phantom power (48v)
- Side Firing
- Cardioid Dynamic Mic
- End-Firing
- 28-18k
- BIG BOTTOM! (This is a perfect mic for voice broadcast and percussion)
Pop and Crackle
- Get yourself an Anti-Vibe mount $10
- And a Pop Filter! ~$5
USB Mic
Audio Technica 2020USB+ $119
- Cardiod
- 20hz-20,000hz
- USB Powered
- 16-bit // 44.1kHz
- Mix control (both mic and headphones)
- Comes with a pop filter
- There's also the 2020USBi version that works with Lightning-enabled devices (and USB)
Field Mic
- Cardiod Dynamic Mic
- 40-18Khz (No Filter)
- 80-18Khz (Filter)
- Sell for about $280 on Amazon
Zoom H4n $210
- Up to 32GB SD card
- 90 or 120 degree capture pattern
- 2 x XLR inputs with Phantom power
- USB port to use the mic as a live interface
- Capture rates up to 24-bit 96Khz
- 11 hours on 2 x AA batteries
Headphones
The Audio-Technica MSR7 (The price is actually going UP) ~$244
- Collapsable (so they're portable)
- Some of the best sound in the industry (especially at this price) 45mm drivers
- All-day comfort, with large, cushioned ear cups, cushioned head band, and four sets of swivels
- REALLY good sound isolation
- For me, this is the silver standard for headphones under $400
- Everything the M50 has, plus:
- Detachable cables so it can be used with phones, computers, mixing boards, etc.
- It LOOKS spectacular! (If Beats are showy, these are elegant)
- NOTHING beats this set under $400
Kingston HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset for PC & PS4 ~$88
- 53mm Drivers
- USB & 3.5mm operation
- Noise/Echo Cancelling from the inline DSP
- 15kh-25Khz frequency response
- Memory foam ear pads
- Removable Microphone
- 7.1 virtual surround sound
Kingston HyperX Cloud Revolver ~$120
- Their "Studio-grade" sound product
- Memory foam ear pads
- Removable Microphone
- USB & 3.5mm operation
- 50mm drivers (Their next-gen line)
Plantronics BackBeat Pro+ $277.08
- 24 hours of power // Class 1 Bluetooth 4.0 Wireless
- Active Noise Cancellation
- Side-mounted controls
- "Whispered" status alerts
- Inline control (for iPhone users)
- Open mic (both for cancellation and for hand's free communication)
- Smart Sensor Controls (Pauses when you take off the headphones)
- Comes with a Hi-Fi USB Adapter
Connect with us!
- Don't forget to check out our large library of projects at https://twit.tv/shows/know-how.
- Tweet at us at @PadreSJ, @Cranky_Hippo, and @Anelf3