Best Classroom Podcasting Microphones: Summer 2022 Edition

Are you searching for the best equipment for your podcasting studio or classroom audio/video club? Over the years I have had the opportunity to test out a ton of great equipment and have listed my recommendations on both my Classroom Podcasting Equipment and my Studio Podcasting Equipment Pages.

In this post, we are going to look at my favorite podcasting microphones for the summer of 2022. This year, I am looking to not only update the equipment that I use with my students but also purchase new equipment for my mobile broadcasting when I attend conferences such as ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education).

Each of these microphones below are ones that I either own or have used in the past and have extensive experience testing out. If you would like to reach out and discuss your next equipment purchase, please do not hesitate to select a time to talk on my booking page.

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Microphones that Sit on a Desk or Table

RODE NT-USB MINI

The RODE NT-USB MINI microphone is a studio-quality condenser microphone that features a directional cardioid polar pattern to help reduce sounds found in noisy classrooms. The microphone has a built-in pop filter to reduce awkward sounds that come from heavy breathing.

The NT-USB Mini works with any Windows, MacOS or Chromebook computer along with most tablets.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE FROM AMAZON

BLUE YETI

The famous (or infamous) BLUE YETI is a USE microphone that can be used either on your desk or attached to a boom arm. The YETI features a multi-pattern design that allows you to record vocals in both 180 and 360 degrees. The YETI will always have a safe place in my equipment bag as it was the first podcasting microphone that I bought, and I still use it today for special projects.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE FROM AMAZON

Microphones that Clip on your Shirt

RODE SMARTLAV+

The RODE SMARTLAV+ is a broadcast-grade lavaliere microphone that is designed to be powerful enough to record a clean sound yet small enough to be hidden inside of clothing when on video. The SMARTLAV+ features a 3.5mm TRRS interface and comes complete with a clip and windscreen shield to protect your recordings from excess noise and wind.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE FROM AMAZON

RODE LAVALIER II

If you wish to kick your mobile audio game up a notch the RODE LAVALIER II premium microphone might be the right one for you. Featuring a low-profile design, superior sound, and several professional features, the LAVALIER II is my mobile microphone of choice for this summer”s conferences. The RODE LAVALIER II, when paired with the AI=MICRO can attach to any desktop, laptop, or mobile device providing the best mobile unit for creating an intimate 1:1 podcast conversation.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE FROM AMAZON

Microphones that Hang from a Boom Arm

RODE PODMIC

The RODE PODMIC is a USB/XLR microphone that is robust, durable, and features all-metal construction. This was the microphone that I purchased in bulk when I started my middle school broadcasting program. The microphone runs just over one hundred dollars and includes an internal pop filter. The RODE PODMIC works great both as a desktop microphone or when held in place by a boom arm such as the RODE PSA 1 SWIVEL MOUNT STUDIO MICROPHONE BOOM ARM.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE FROM AMAZON

Microphones that Work with Apple Devices

RODE VIDEOMIC ME-L

Another microphone that will be in my gear bag this summer is the RODE VIDEOMIC ME-L. This compact but very high-quality microphone comes in 3 versions for iOS, Android, and Headphone connection and is the perfect companion for video setups using your phone or tablet. My favorite feature of this microphone is the 3.5mm headphone port so you know that your mobile device is receiving clear audio into your favorite recording application.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE FROM AMAZON

 

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Looking Back … What a Wild Road!

I will always remember spending hours packing up all my gear and setting sail for conferences such as ISTE.  I probably had 1-2 bags full to the brim with wires, mixers, and dongles for every occasion. I don’t want to think about how much I probably paid in baggage charges at the airport.

Podcasting equipment certainly has come a long way since then. The equipment is much smaller, the prices are cheaper, and the strain on your back during long days of walking are long from over.

I’m looking forward to attending this year’s ISTE conference and would love to run into you while in New Orleans.  Don’t forget to find me on Twitter @TeacherCast and tackle me in the conference hallways if you see me running in-between interviews!