I'm always recording video reviews and tutorials and it seems like I'm now doing more than ever. So I started looking at my equipment and looked for things that could be improved. While I didn't really have any complains with my Blue Snowball mic, I just wondered if there was something better? Like anything you can spend a little or a lot, but the real question is "does spending a lot on a USB mic get you any better results?" As I've said in the past, I'm not really an audio expert and have been feeling my way through this stuff for years. So I decided to test out a couple of new Mics to see which one I liked best.
The Rode Podcaster USB Mic
Well it has "Podcast" in the name, it must be perfect right? All kidding aside one of the things that drew me to this setup was not only did it look like a more professional solution, but it came with an adjustable arm that clamps onto my desk. This way I can easily position the mic where I need it and move it out the way when I don't need it. There's enough crap on my desk already, so this was a big plus. The Sound quality seemed really good, but honestly to my ears it didn't really seem any better than the Snow Ball. Again I'm not an audiophile so YOU may be able to tell a big difference, but I couldn't. However, the design won my heart and I knew that anything else would have to compete with that!
Hear it for yourself. My latest episode of the Adobe Creative Suite Video Podcast was recorded with this mic:
The MXL Studio 1
This was another Mic I bought at the same time as the Rode Podcaster. Honestly it took me several weeks to even take it out of the box because, well I was satisfied with the Rode Podcaster. However, I needed to record a video on my MacBook Pro instead of my Mac Pro desktop so I decided this was a perfect opportunity to test out the MXL Studio 1. Now this one comes with a table top stand. It seems to be more geared towards picking up more ambient sound and guess what? It does! It almost seemed too sensitive and I ended up lowering my input level quite a bit. However, in an interview situation or panel discussion or any situation where I would have more than one person talking, this would be my choice.
Hear it for yourself in this video I recorded for BestAppSite.com:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpVtgKaM8qQ
The Bottom Line
All of these mics are good! I can't say that one significantly outperforms the other. So it really comes down to the setup and how you plan to use them. I will tell you this and that is that the Rode Podcaster is going to be my first choice for my regular recordings. The MXL Studio 1 would be my least favorite choice for regular use.
The Rode Podcaster goes for about $290 here.
The Blue Snowball (still an awesome choice) goes for about $126 here.
The MXL Studio 1 goes for about $80 here.
So there you have a good, better, best choice/price range.
Terry, I find that your are talking to me personally with the MXL Studio one, in the Best Apps site video. Thanks for the reviews.
I’m very happy with my Snowball, though I use it for music more than spoken word.
I would have liked more than two or three microphones reviewed in an article that claims it will describe the “best” podcasting microphones. You don’t include Shure or Samson.
I can only include what I’ve tried or have. Like all my reviews they are the things that I have first hand experience with. Unless these companies are willing to send me mics to review, I’ll review what I have. Donations gladly accepted š
I’ve used the Rode Podcaster to produce all my podcasts at InstantInDesign.com. The quality of this microphone is nearly as good as the studio mics I’ve used for recording professional video training. In fact, if you’re recording at home, it’s better than using a professional mic, because it’s not as sensitive.
Just make sure you record in a room that is well insulated from sound.
Terry,
I thought you sounded better with the MXL. However, that might change if you were closer to the Rode. It almost sounded like you were using a speakerphone…much quieter and further away.
Troy
Hi Terry,
this is a bit off topic, but I thought you might want to know. Since a few days ago, the pictures in your blog do not show in my Google Reader. I wonder if this happens to others? Or maybe I am have a weird setting? It’s only for your blog .
Still a fan, though =)
Ana