No matter how experienced you are at podcasting, unwanted noise is an issue we will all encounter at some point (and in some cases, on a regular basis).
The best way to deal with this is to firstly record your podcast in a quiet location and then to ensure that some form of acoustic treatment is being used in the room. In post-production, a good noise reduction workflow can help to clean things up ready for publishing but you should always try to get things as best you can at the point of recording.
One key part of that is choosing a suitable microphone for the job so today we are looking at some of the microphones that help to reduce background noise.
Table of Contents
Microphones that Reduce Background Noise
While for obvious reasons we can’t be sure of your exact situation – and what microphone is the perfect match for you, we have made sure that this list covers microphones of all shapes, sizes, and varieties, giving you a plethora of options to choose from.
We encourage you to take a good look at what type of microphone you will most benefit from, and with the help from our top picks, you should be able to make an informed choice about which product is for you.
Shure SM57
Mic type: Dynamic
Frequency range: 40 Hz – 15 kHz
Sensitivity: 1.6 mV
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Connectivity: XLR
Description: While the SM57 may have been initially made for recording instruments, this microphone is incredibly adept at reducing background noise. Being directional and dynamic means that this microphone is passively attenuating unwanted noise out of the box, and unlike its vocal counter, the SM58, the 57 has a much more pronounced proximity effect.
Thanks to the change in bass response at different proximities, with some careful placement you can negate most if not all mechanical transmission sounds. Pair this with a shock mount and a pop filter and you will find that although typically not the first choice for vocal recording, the SM57 is a cheap, low-noise microphone.
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Instrument Dynamic Mircophone, SM57-LC (SM57-LCE) | View on Amazon |
AKG C414 XLII
Mic type: Condenser
Frequency range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Sensitivity: 23 mV/Pa
Polar Pattern: Multi-pattern
Connectivity: XLR
Description: The AKG C414 XLII is an incredibly versatile microphone. With 9 polar patterns, bass roll-off, and signal attenuation, you can tailor the response and directionality of this microphone to fit just about any setup. With a frequency response curated to boost presence in vocals, the C414 strikes the perfect balance between all the advantages of a condenser microphone, while still remaining more than capable of reducing background noise.
If condenser level quality is a must-have, but you are struggling to find a condenser microphone that doesn’t pick up all those unwanted sound artifacts, then you should consider investing in the AKG C414 XLII.
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AKG Pro Audio C414 XLII Vocal Condenser Microphone, Multipattern, Black | View on Amazon |
Rode NTG3
Mic type: Shotgun
Frequency range: 40 Hz – 20 kHz
Sensitivity: -30.0dB
Polar Pattern: Supercardioid
Connectivity: XLR
Description: The defining feature and draw to shotgun microphones is their incredibly focused directionality, and the Rode NTG3 is no different. Designed to reject ambient sounds around the microphone in favor of what is right in front – the NTG3 is a dream for podcasters in noisy locations.
This microphone has great sensitivity and a wide frequency range with a response that ensures your vocals remain warm yet clear. While typically found at the end of a boom pole on a film or television set, if you are looking to record high-quality audio in a less than favorable environment, then a tight polar patterned shotgun microphone such as the NTG3 will get the job done.
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Rode NTG-3B Shotgun Microphone,Black | View on Amazon |
Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB
Mic type: Dynamic
Frequency range: 50 Hz – 15 kHz
Sensitivity: -59 dbV/Pa
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Connectivity: USB/XLR
Description: Our next pick is the ATR2100-USB by Audio-Technica. While this microphone may look similar to an SM58 from the outside, it has a few key differences that make It adept at reducing background noise. Being designed for vocals, the ATR2100 has a frequency response that provides a boost in high-end clarity and presence, while subtly rolling attenuating all frequencies under 100Hz.
Another way this microphone reduces noise is via the USB input. Having the option to record via USB negates another potentially overlooked source of background noise – interface preamps. If you don’t have the cash to spend on a clean and transparent preamp, then the option of USB connectivity is a sure-fire way to get the cleanest signal from your microphone.
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Audio-Technica ATR2100X-USB Cardioid Dynamic Microphone (ATR Series) for Windows and Mac Bundle with... | View on Amazon |
Shure Super 55 Deluxe
Mic type: Dynamic
Frequency range: 60 Hz – 17 kHz
Sensitivity: -53.0 dBV/Pa
Polar Pattern: Supercardioid
Connectivity: XLR
Description: The Shure Super 55 Deluxe is popular not only thanks to its vintage look but also for its incredible performance due to its frequency response and polar pattern. As a Supercardioid, this microphone is incredibly effective at reducing any off-axis noise, and allowing for incredibly high levels without any coloration, ensuring your vocals stay front and center.
With a shock-mounted cartridge, the Super 55 Deluxe is an incredibly quiet piece of kit, and if that weren’t enough, its vintage style frequency response places heavy emphasis on the frequencies that make your voice pop, while attenuating those problematic noises.
Audio-Technica BP40
Mic type: Dynamic
Frequency range: 50 Hz – 16 kHz
Sensitivity: -48dB
Polar Pattern: Hypercardioid
Connectivity: XLR
Description: The Audio-Technica BP40 is a great choice for recording vocals due to its large diaphragm which is more than capable of capturing the nuances of your voice. Unlike most large diaphragm microphones, however, the BP40 is hypercardioid. This polar pattern is incredibly tight, rejecting the vast majority of off-axis sounds.
The BP40 is Audio-Technica’s first broadcast microphone, and it is packed full of features helping reduce background noise. Not only does the microphone come with an external shock mount, but it also features internal suspension ensuring minimal mechanical transmission is recorded. Pair that with the onboard bass roll-off controls and you have a microphone that is sure to eliminate any unwanted noise.
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Audio-Technica Dynamic Microphone (BP40) | View on Amazon |
sE Electronics V7
Mic type: Dynamic
Frequency range: 40 Hz – 19 kHz
Sensitivity: 2.0mV/Pa
Polar Pattern: Supercardioid
Connectivity: XLR
Description: Thanks to its Supercardioid polar pattern, creating a narrow focus on the sources only immediately in front of it, the sE Electronics V7 is a great mic for reducing background noise. The all-metal housing also contains a built-in windscreen, reducing not only background noise but also those intrusive plosives you may find front and center.
Inside the microphone is an aluminum coil custom made to cater to vocal performances. Thanks to the attention to detail both interior and exterior if you stick with the V7 you are guaranteed to get a crisp and natural-sounding vocal recording with very little background noise.
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blucoil sE Electronic V7 Supercardioid Dynamic Microphone Bundle 10' XLR Cable, Pop Filter, and... | View on Amazon |
Rode PodMic
Mic type: Dynamic
Frequency range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Sensitivity: -57.0dB
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Connectivity: XLR
Description: As the name suggests, the Rode PodMic is tailor-made for podcasting and vocal work alike. It should come as no surprise that this microphone is incredibly effective at reducing background noise, the low sensitivity and cardioid polar pattern means that any recorded vocals will be clean and clear – keeping your vocals in the spotlight.
While dynamic low-sensitivity dynamic microphones such as the PodMic excel at achieving a clean and focused sound, it is important to note that this often comes at the expense of signal level. Microphone levels can be gain boosted via interface preamps, or if you are after a transparent form of gain, you could invest in a Cloudlifter or mic activator alternative.
Final Thoughts
These have been our top 8 microphones that reduce background noise. If you are recording in an untreated room or are looking to take your show on the road, these microphones will ensure that you get clear audio quality no matter where you are. Think outside the box, and if there is a microphone that we haven’t included that will help you get the cleanest audio possible, then trust your gut – your setup is unique to you!