If you’re thinking of starting a podcast, all you need is a decent microphone, and you’re good to go. Most USB microphones have a simple plug-and-play mechanism that makes them instantly compatible with laptops, PCs, and even smartphones. You don’t need to wade through the complexities of an audio interface to get started with your podcast. And while a soundproof studio helps boost the quality of the audio recording, a good cardioid microphone and clever post-processing can achieve comparable results. So, without further ado, here are the top 10 podcast mics priced under Rs 10,000.
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In This Article
Sennheiser Profile Streaming Set
The Sennheiser Profile Streaming Set comes with a USB microphone and a boom arm, making it one of the most comprehensive podcast mics you can buy under Rs 10,000 right now. Its cardioid pickup is ideal for a podcasting environment where you need to curb the background noise. The audio recorded by this microphone is studio quality. The best part is that it is entirely plug-and-play. You can hook it to your smartphone or laptop and start recording right away. The boom arm provided in the box easily attaches itself to table ends and facilitates smooth movement. For more details, read our Sennheiser Profile Streaming Set review.
Pros
- Detailed sound
- Good build quality
- Boom arm
Cons
- Bass could have been better
Audio-Technica AT2040
Audio-Technica is one of the biggest and most reputable audio outfits around. Its AT2040 USB mic has a hypercardioid dynamic pickup pattern. The integrated shock mount limits any shock, noise, or vibration that may be transmitted to the mic through a stand, boom arm, or mount. The internal pop filter lets you record your voice from a close distance without worrying about any annoying pops creeping into the mix. The microphone’s XLR output can easily connect to professional mixers and recording interfaces. There’s a built-in headphone jack and volume control on the mic to monitor your voice.
Pros
- Great vocal pickup
- All-metal build
- Good internal pop filter
Cons
- Does not come with a stand
Rode NT-USB Mini
The Rode NT-USB Mini is one of the best podcast mics you can buy under Rs 10,000 right now. Its cardioid pickup pattern focuses on the voice of the speaker and curbs the background noise of the room. It allows the user to plug in their headphones and monitor the sound with zero latency. The frequency range of this microphone is between 20Hz – 20kHz. The integrated swing mount allows a 360-degree movement. The mic can easily be attached to a desk stand or a boom arm. The Rode Connect companion app gives users access to the microphone’s processor and provides a recording interface when multiple mics are in use.
Pros
- Great recording quality
- Easy operation
- Integrated swing mount allows free movement
Cons
- Does not have gain controls
AKG P120
The AKG P120 has an all-metal body that can withstand rugged everyday use. The diaphragm microphone has a low-mass diaphragm that’s ideal for speech, singing, and instrument recording. It has a maximum sound pressure level of 150dB and a 24 mV/Pa sensitivity. The switchable bass-cut filter gets rid of rumble or footfall noise. The condenser microphone’s frequency range lies between 20Hz – 20kHz.
Pros
- Good build quality
- Warm sound
- Great price
Cons
- Gets a bit noisy when the gain is increased
FDUCE SL40+
The FDUCE SL40+ dynamic mic is designed for professional podcasting setups. Its cardioid pickup pattern registers the voice of the speaker while ignoring unwanted background sounds. The environmental noises are further curbed by the mic’s digital audio processing technology that performs equalisation and mute functions seamlessly. The device supports USB and XLR output, making it easy to plug into a laptop, smartphone, or a recording interface. There are two volume controls and one mute button on the microphone. Long-pressing the mute button lets you switch between the microphone gain and headphone volume functions.
Pros
- Comes with a stand and boom arm
- Easy to use
- Affordable
Cons
- Does not come with an XLR cable
Tonor TD510
The Tonor TD510 dynamic microphone’s frequency response range lies between 50Hz – 14kHz. It has a maximum sound pressure level of 110dB. The cardioid pickup pattern reduces ambient noises from creeping into the recording. The device has a signal-to-noise ratio of 95dB. Its built-in noise reduction technology ensures that the sole focus lies on the speaker’s voice. The TD510 supports USB and XLR outputs. You can plug it into a laptop, PC, smartphone, or gaming console and start recording right away. Alternatively, the XLR output allows it to be managed by a recording interface.
Pros
- Clean design
- Headphone support
- XLR and USB input
Cons
- Audio can sound a bit flat
Kreo Kast Dynamic Mic
The Kreo Kast dynamic microphone has a precise cardioid pickup pattern. The dynamic capsule facilitates studio-grade audio recordings. It supports USB and XLR output. The speaker can plug their headphone into the microphone to monitor their voice in real time. The microphone comes with a desk stand that allows a 270-degree swivelling motion. The mic can be detached from this stand and attached to a boom arm for more flexibility. The boom arm is not included in the box. The all-metal build of the device makes it highly durable.
Pros
- All-metal body
- Good audio quality
- Affordable
Cons
- Boom arm not included in the box
Audio Array AM-C46
The Audio Array AM-C46 is one of our favourite podcast mics in the sub-Rs 10,000 price bracket. Its frequency range lies between 20Hz – 20kHz. It has a 192kHz/24-bit sampling rate and a 71dB signal-to-noise ratio. The 14mm diaphragm has a maximum sound pressure level of 130dB. The AI-powered noise cancellation technology gets rid of the background noise in the mix. The attractive RGB lighting is an added bonus if you intend to have a video feed to go along with your podcast or streaming session. The microphone set comes with a pop filter, shock mount, boom arm, and tripod.
Pros
- Good sound quality
- AI noise cancellation
- RGB lighting
Cons
- Plastic build
Maono DM30
The Maono DM30 gaming and podcast microphone has a simple USB plug-and-play mechanism. The microphone comes attached to a desk stand. While its all-metal build makes it relatively heavier than its plastic counterparts, the DM30 is still a portable microphone. The USB Type-C port and 3.5mm headphone jack are positioned at the bottom of the device for a clean look. The control knob takes the centre stage up front. The RGB lighting is carefully integrated along the lower margin. For more details about the performance, read our Maono DM30 review.
Pros
- Solid build
- RGB lighting
- Plug and play
Cons
- Tends to pick up minor background sounds
Hollyland Lark C1
Thinking of going wireless? The Hollyland Lark C1 is one of the finest wireless microphones you can buy under Rs 10,000. Its lapel clip mechanism is minimal and effective. It does not attract too much attention from the viewer and allows the speaker to record their voice completely hands-free. This makes it ideal for vlogging and podcasting situations where the guests need to be mobile. The lavalier microphone has a 650ft functional range and a latency of just 0.08s. On a full charge, it offers an 8-hour battery life. The charging case holds an additional charge that’s good for another 24 hours.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Good range
- Versatile battery life
Cons
- Pricey
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Final Thoughts
These are the top 10 podcast mics you can buy under Rs 10,000 right now. If you don’t need to buy a microphone right away, we recommend waiting for seasonal Amazon and Flipkart sales to get a good deal on these products. Need a more personalised recommendation? Let us know more about your podcasting setup in the comments!
