Are you interested in starting the next big comedy podcast like Kill Tony, Bad Friends or maybe even the Joe Rogan experience?
Have you thought about why random strangers on the internet will care about what you have to say? And how you say it?
If so, you're in the right place.
While they're hundreds of thousands of podcasts in existence, the ones that survive are the ones that have a clear plan on what they're trying to say and how they're trying to say it.
Most stand up comedians think just because they're the big fish in a small pond in their local town or career, people on the internet will care to hear them banter randomly with their other comedian friends.
WRONG!
You need to let your listeners know what value they're going to get from listening, whether that be entertainment, motivation, news or anything else.
Once you know what your podcast is about, figured out a name and have a good structure and concept nailed down, it's time to figure out the production.
Again, there is no point reading onwards unless your podcast is well thought out and you know how to get viewers engaged and listening in people and things they care about. The best mic won't matter for two dudes rambling.
Importance of Having a Good Microphone
The first piece of that is having a good microphone. If your audience can't hear you, then they won't care to listen.
Welcome to the world of comedy podcasting!
If you’re a comedian looking to share your humor through a podcast, the right microphone can make a huge difference in how your audience experiences your content.
You want your podcast to sound professional but given you will be recording in comedy clubs, green rooms, restaurants, hotel lobbies and anywhere else with a lot of background noise, you need the versatility the recorders in this list offer.
The best podcast mics for for comedy podcasts can record with built in microphones and internal SD card storage, but also allow you to plug in better microphones via XLR inputs so that you can get even better sounding quality.
These days a Zoom H4 or H6 recorder with two Shure SM58 microphones can sound as good as radio station if you record in a quiet room and don't shake the microphone too much.
Here, we’ll explore what you need to know about the getting the best comedy podcast mic, the best greenroom comedy mic, and maybe even the best live podcast comedy club mic.
Understanding Your Audience’s Needs
What to Look for in a Podcast Mic as a Comic
Technical Specifications: High audio quality, durability, and easy setup are crucial. You want at least 16GB of storage in your SD card also.
Usability: Your mic should be versatile enough to handle both loud laughter and quieter tones without distortion. It should be battery powered but also switchable to DC inputs for those longer conversations.
Budget: Find the best options across different price ranges without compromising on quality. The Zooms usually are all you need to sound great. Once you get a fan base you can expand to the Shures.
Comparisons: We’ll see how our selected mics stack up against each other.
Best Comedy Podcast Mics for Comedians
So what are the best podcast mics for comedians and stand up comedy podcasts? The best podcast mics for comics are:
Zoom H4n Pro
Zoom H6
Zoom H4n Essential
Zoom H6 Essential
Shure SM 7B
Shure SM 58
Let’s take a closer look at four top mics from Zoom that are perfect for comedic podcasting. These are basically portable studio recorders and the number one mistake newer comedians make is they try to buy the most expensive microphones before using these products to grow their podcast to 10,000 listeners first.
Ideal for mobile podcasters, the H4n Pro is renowned for its clear sound and portability. Its built-in X/Y microphones capture a wide area while maintaining focus on the voice. This makes it excellent for recording sketches or stand-up routines.
I would recommend all comics start here as their first recorder.
You can record up to 2 people talking to each other with studio quality sound, and also use this microphone to record your comedy sets (or just your audience laughs).
I sold my podcast to Amazon in 2019 for the price of a few cars, and i did that on a this recorder. So anybody who says otherwise is lying to you. You can keep going down this list as all these recorders are great, but remember more expensive has nothing to do with if your podcast will get more popular.
Content is king!
This model steps up the game with its interchangeable input capsules, allowing you to customize your recording setup for different environments. It’s perfect for recording multiple speakers during a live podcast, offering both breadth and depth in sound capture.
I would advise this for green room type of podcasts where you think you'll have around 3 or 4 comedians each holding their own microphone, so you can plug those wires directly into this and get the entire conversation recorded clearly and you can minimize editing.
A run and gun podcast like Kill Tony in it's early days probably used this microphone. Once you get a following you can upgrade to having a sound engineer come along to monitor this.
A streamlined version of the H4n Pro, this mic offers the core features needed for high-quality audio but at a more accessible price point. It’s a great entry-level option for those just starting their podcasting journey.
If you want the touch screen and visual display this is a great bet as an introductory microphone.
Retaining most of the functionality of the H6, the Essential version is priced for budget-conscious podcasters who need to record multiple audio tracks simultaneously without breaking the bank.
I would probably buy this if I were just starting out but to be honest by Zoom H4N from 7 years ago still does the job just fine.
There is reason this mic is only $100 yet everybody still uses it, even grammy award winning singers. It's that good and it need not do anything else.
From comedians to singers to podcasters, the level of quality you get with the industry standard Shure SM58 is all you need to get started whether it's your 1st podcast episode of 100th.
And finally, the gold standard of any podcast.
For stand-up comedians branching into podcasting, the Shure SM7B microphone is an invaluable asset. My advise is you buy this once you have a good following or at least 100,000 YouTube subscribers.
What Microphone does Kill Tony Use?
The Shure SM7B of course!
Known for its rich vocal reproduction and ability to filter out background noise, the SM7B ensures that every anecdote and punchline is heard clearly, whether you're sharing backstage stories, interviewing fellow artists, or delving into the intricacies of the entertainment industry.
Its prowess in capturing spoken word content crisply makes it a top pick for comedians who demand professional audio quality in their podcasts, enabling them to connect with their audience intimately and effectively, no matter the topic.
This is what they use to get that beautiful radio studio sound as well, although now in 2024 and beyond the software on things like Adobe's tools can make cheaper microphones give you similar quality.
Detailed Comparison Table
To help you decide, here’s a comparison of their features and prices:
Feature | Zoom H4n Pro | Zoom H6 | Zoom H4n Essential | Zoom H6 Essential |
Recording Tracks | 4-track | 6-track | 4-track | 6-track |
Recording Quality | Up to 24-bit/96kHz | Up to 24-bit/96kHz | 32-bit float, up to 96kHz | 32-bit float, up to 96kHz |
Input Channels | 2 XLR/TRS combo inputs | 4 XLR/TRS combo inputs | 2 XLR/TRS combo inputs | 4 XLR/TRS combo inputs |
Output | Headphone / Line Out | Headphone / Line Out, Stereo Line Out | Headphone / Line Out | Headphone / Line Out |
Microphone Type | Fixed X/Y stereo (Unremovable) | Interchangeable capsules | Fixed X/Y stereo (Unremovable) | Interchangeable capsules |
Battery Life | Up to 10 hours (Alkaline) | Over 20 hours with AA batteries | Up to 10 hours (Alkaline) | Over 20 hours with AA batteries |
Portability | Highly portable | Portable, slightly larger | Highly portable | Portable, slightly larger |
Price (approx.) | $219.99 | $349.99 | $169.99 | $279.99 |
Additional Features | Onboard effects, tuner, metronome | Multi-channel audio interface, optional capsules | Basic recording capabilities | Multi-channel audio interface, optional capsules |
This table provides a comprehensive overview of the features of each product, helping you choose the right mic depending on your specific needs, whether for live performance recording, multi-person podcasts, or simpler setups for solo podcasts.
Differences Between 32 Bit Float Recording vs 24 Bit Recording
We could talk about 32 bit vs 24 bit all day long, but let's simplify the use cases from a comics perspective. For camera enthusiasts, you can think of it as the difference between shooting in RAW vs JPG.
Dynamic Range and Headroom
Imagine you are recording a live show with sudden loud laughter or applause, or you're capturing a quiet, intimate conversation backstage. With 32-bit float, you don't have to worry as much about setting the perfect levels beforehand. Even if the input levels are set improperly, and the recording clips, you can often recover this audio without distortion during post-production.
More Flexibility Editing
If you're recording a podcast episode in a non-ideal environment, such as a noisy bar or a windy outdoor setting, you might find it difficult to monitor and adjust levels precisely while also focusing on your content. With 32-bit float, you can adjust levels after the fact to an extent that's not possible with 24-bit.
Simplify the Recording Process
As a traveling comedian, your recording environments are likely to change frequently. One day you might be in a quiet hotel room, the next in a bustling comedy club. The flexibility of 32-bit float means that you can set up and record quickly without being a sound engineering expert.
This is very important when you have a busy guest like a famous comedian who is gracious to give you 30 minutes to record and you can't spend 20 minutes diddling with your settings before hand. You can be sure you'll get great audio regardless you can adjust in post (on the computer).
The Future of Comedy Podcasting
With ongoing advancements in technology, the future looks bright for comedy podcasting.
Expect even better sound quality and easier setups, allowing you to focus more on your guest and less tech issues. Now with the advent of AI editing software as well, it's never been easier to get your clips out.
Whether you go for the robust Zoom H6 or the more accessible H4n Essential, you’re making a sound choice for your comedic career.