In relation to sound recording, you would want a microphone that records at least 16-bit CD quality, so this is something to check when shopping for USB microphones for podcasting. It affects the loudness or softness of a sound, as well as file size and bit rate. CDs have 16-bit depth, while DVDs and Blu-ray discs have 24-bit depth. Bit depthīit depth refers to the number of bits present in an audio sample. However, there are some mics that offer other pickup patterns such as omnidirectional - which might be more suitable for recording music or other sounds made from a specific environment. Generally, podcast mics are cardioid mics, which means they pick up most of the sound on the front of the mic. Multi-pattern mics provide a switch that lets you choose a pickup pattern, whether it be cardioid or omnidirectional.īased on these facts, you can then make a decision on how you want your mic to capture sound. Omnidirectional mics capture sounds from all directions, including ambient noise. The way that your mic picks up sound will greatly affect the sound recorded for your podcast.Ĭardioid mics capture sound from the front and faintly from the sides. Microphones capture sound from one or many directions.
The answers to these questions will determine the ideal design for the mic that you want. Do you need a mic that sits on a desk? Do you want to suspend it on a mic stand? Is the mic going to be in front of you or beside you?