What microphone are you currently using?
Hey everyone!
As we continue the theme of AV for the month April, I want to dive into some hardware questions to you all!
One of the most important tools for creating your online courses is your microphone.
Having a high-quality microphone will allow you to speak clearly for your audience. With the higher quality of the microphone will also reflect the overall quality of your courses as well.
So, let’s kick things off with a question:
What microphone are you currently using?
Feel free to comment your microphone and specs in the comments below!
Comments
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I use the shure sm7db, which I really recommend!
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Thank you, @MarinaT for opening this space for us to share!
Over the years, I’ve used several microphones in my teaching journey on Udemy. My first mic was a very basic Tonor I bought on Amazon. It was simple, but for the price, it really helped me get started, and I have no complaints about the value it provided.
After that, I recorded most of my courses using a Blue Yeti X, mounted on a RODE arm with a shock mount. The audio quality is excellent. However, since I create a lot of tutorial-style content using two screens, I noticed that when I turn my head, the audio drops — something quite frustrating.
So recently, I invested in a Shure SM35 headset microphone, paired with a Focusrite Scarlett Solo. I haven’t recorded a full course with it yet, but the tests sound great — and more importantly, it solves the issue of voice inconsistency when moving my head.
For talking head videos, I also use a RODE Wireless mic connected to the camera, which works well for that format.
If you have the budget and you plan to record tutorials where you'll be looking in different directions, I strongly recommend going straight for a headset mic. It really makes a difference, and looking back, I wish I had made that decision sooner.
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Dynacaster SE
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It's interesting to see other microphone names here, aside from the classic "Blue Yeti." 😁 Thank you so much for sharing, everyone!
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I just updated my microphones this January and I was surprised how many new "affordable" options have popped up over the past couple of years - all the options now are quite overwhelming.
I used to use the Samson Q2U via XLR and audio mixer, which works great. But to simplify things and de-clutter my desk space, I switched to USB and now use the Maono PD200X and Fifine AM8 for screencast recordings. My primary is the Maono mic because it comes with audio interface software that allows you to fine tune your mic, which is good enough for audio amateurs like myself.
For talking head videos, I tend to use the Godox XT1 wireless lav mic or Movo VXR10 shotgun mic that attach to my cameras, which both work well. The shotgun mic is fine if you're standing or sitting still, but if you're going to move around, a wireless lav is a must.
There are lots of options now in 2025 beyond the classic Blue Yeti - do you research and you'll easily find quality mics in your budget.
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Shure SM7B here. An oldie but goodie!
Attached to a Rode boom arm, and running through a CloudLifter and Blue Icicle ADC. I hear the USB version of the Shure is pretty good too, and a lot simpler.
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I personally use a Blue Yeti and I'm very satisfied with it. I also make some improvements to the audio recording afterward (removing background noise, balancing the voice, etc.). That last part definitely makes a difference.
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I started with Blue Yeti in 2014 when I first started at Udemy.
Later, I changed to Rode Podcaster and added RodeLink (wireless) as well to directly add a better audio to my DSLR.
Recently, I have been using a Shure SM7dB.
Why did I change my microphone? … Every 3-4 years, I feel an urge to get/try something new. Otherwise, all these microphones are good.
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I use iPhone 16 Pro Max as camera and mic, so far so good.
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