Podcast Summary: Just One Tip from Your Podcast Performance Coach

Episode 224: Podcast Coach’s Top 3 Podcast Microphone Review (Mics for Every Budget)
Host: Tim Wohlberg
Release Date: December 10, 2024

Episode Overview

This quick-hit episode zeros in on one of the most crucial gear decisions a podcaster faces: microphone choice. Podcast coach Tim Wohlberg distills his 30 years of audio expertise into actionable advice, reviewing three microphones at different price points and debunking common myths around popular mics, all to help podcasters upgrade their audio quality, strengthen their brand, and sound like an authority.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Why Microphone Choice Matters

• First Impressions: The mic is “the gateway to your listener’s earballs,” and poor audio immediately undermines your authority and brand. (01:32)

• Audio Quality is Non-Negotiable: Subpar sound signals “subpar” authority. Tim literally tunes out podcasts with bad sound.

  “As soon as I hear [poor audio]... it makes me think subpar. It makes me think low rent. It makes me think mediocre.”
  — Tim Wohlberg (02:11)

Condenser vs. Dynamic Microphones

• Common Pitfall: Many new podcasters gravitate to the Blue Yeti due to its fame, but Tim warns it’s not suited to most home environments.

  “Seriously, unless you want your podcast to feature every creak, squeak, and distant dog bark, steer clear of the Yeti.”
  — Tim Wohlberg (03:08)

• Bottom Line: Condenser mics are for studio use; dynamic mics are more forgiving and capture less unwanted noise.

Tim’s Top 3 Podcast Microphone Recommendations

1. Budget Pick: Audio-Technica ATR2100 (USB/XLR)

• Price: ~$80 USD
• Why Tim Recommends It: USB and XLR; versatile, plug-and-play, clean audio for beginners.
• Demonstration: Raw USB feed vs. EQ/compressed output (05:17).
• Best Use: Solo podcasters, starting out, traveling.
• Quote:
  > “It's affordable and delivers great sound quality. This is the raw USB feed right into my computer. And this is the ATR 2100 with a little EQ and some compression.”
  — Tim Wohlberg (05:56)

2. Mid-Range: Shure MV7 (USB/XLR)

• Price: ~$250 USD
• Why Tim Recommends It: Step-up in noise rejection and build, physical gain control, muting, software enhancements, both USB and XLR.
• Demonstration: Raw and processed sound sample (07:19).
• Notable Caution: Be careful not to accidentally hit the mute button.
• Quote: > “It offers a few more bells and whistles like gain control right on the mic itself... This will run you around 250 bucks.”
  — Tim Wohlberg (07:42)

3. Pro Level: Electro-Voice RE320 (XLR Only)

• Price: ~$350 USD
• Why Tim Recommends It: Professional quality, “rich, full sound,” superior background noise rejection, built tough.
• Demonstration: Raw XLR vs. post-EQ and compression (08:28).
• Requirement: Needs an audio interface; no USB.
• Quote:
  > “It's an investment, but it will make you sound more like a pro. It's rich and full and does a great job at eliminating the background sound. And by the way, this thing is built like a tank.”
  — Tim Wohlberg (08:45)

High-End Alternatives & Pro Insight

• Top-Tier Mics Mentioned:

  • Electro-Voice RE20 (~$450, radio classic)
  • Shure SM7B (~$400, e.g. Joe Rogan mic)

• Tim’s Take:

  • Both are industry standards with “big and full” sound, sometimes bordering on “muddy.”

  • For raw audio, he prefers the brighter, more lively RE320.

    “I almost find both of these to be a little on the muddy side... for raw audio, just the way it comes in, I prefer the cheaper RE320.”
    — Tim Wohlberg (10:58)

• Caveat: All pro mics in this class require XLR connections and an interface, adding at least ~$200 more to your setup.

Beyond the Mic: Environment & Technique

• The Environment:
  • Treat your recording space: “Think soft—carpet, couches and curtains, acoustic panels.”
  • Recording in an untreated room negates a good mic.
• Mic Technique:

  • Good technique is crucial: “You can make a great mic sound like shit with poor technique.”

  • Golf analogy: Gear matters, but skill matters more.

    “It's not the clubs, it's how you use them...”
    — Tim Wohlberg (14:01)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Avoiding Poor Sound:

  “Poor audio will rob you of your podcast success. It’s the easiest thing you can do to increase your authority without even saying a word.”
  — Tim Wohlberg (15:06)

• On Upgrading:

  “My three no-brainer choices for podcast microphones are the Audio-Technica ATR2100, the Shure MV7, and the Electro-Voice RE320.”
  — Tim Wohlberg (13:30)

Quick Reference: Microphone Recommendations

| Price Point | Microphone | Connection | Price | Key Benefit | |-----------------|----------------------------|------------|--------|--------------------------------------| | Entry | ATR2100 (Audio-Technica) | USB/XLR | ~$80 | Easy, high-quality, versatile | | Mid | Shure MV7 | USB/XLR | ~$250 | Pro features, upgrade-friendly | | Pro | Electro-Voice RE320 | XLR | ~$350 | Broadcast quality, robust, rich | | Top Tier* | EV RE20 / Shure SM7B | XLR | ~$400–450 | Broadcast standard, “bigger sound” |

*Requires dedicated audio interface ($200+).

Final Takeaways & Call To Action

• Mic matters: Your mic choice is directly tied to your podcast’s perceived authority and trust.
• Environment and technique: No mic can save you from a bad room or sloppy speaking.
• Personalized help: Tim offers free coaching calls for help selecting and setting up the right mic.

“Don’t let a poor mic or poor audio rob you of your podcast success... I’d love to hear about the mics that you use or love. Reach out!”
— Tim Wohlberg (15:31)

Resource links and booking info can be found in the show notes or at PodcastPerformanceCoach.com.