Essential positioning and accessory tips:
- Optimal distance: 6-12 inches from mouth, adjusted based on mic sensitivity and gain
- Off-axis placement: Position mic slightly to the side to reduce plosives and sibilance
- Pop filter placement: Install 1-2 inches in front of microphone capsule
- Mic stand selection: Choose boom arms for flexibility or desk stands for stability
- Consistency matters: Maintain exact positioning across episodes for uniform sound
In this episode of Podcast Pro Tips, we focus on a few essential pieces of podcasting that are often underestimated—microphone positioning and podcast microphone accessories. Getting these elements right plays a key role in improving your podcast’s audio quality and helping you build a loyal audience that appreciates the professionalism of your sound.
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Transcript:
Why Mic Position Matters
We’ve all experienced a podcast where the host sounds too far away, like they’re in a tunnel—or too close, making it uncomfortable to listen to. Ideal microphone positioning is crucial in podcasts. You want the podcast microphone to be placed 6 to 12 inches away from your mouth, depending on its sensitivity and how your gain is set up. Additionally, positioning the microphone slightly off-axis helps avoid unwanted distortion and plosive sounds like “p” or “b.”
Placing the microphone too close can cause clipping in the podcast recording, while placing it too far away will capture too much room noise, making your voice sound distant. Mastering this balance will lead to a clear, professional podcast production.
The Importance of Pop Filters
Pop filters are essential for podcast hosts that help eliminate harsh plosive sounds like “p” and “b” that distort audio. A pop filter sits between your mouth and the microphone, diffusing those unwanted sounds. Simply attach the pop filter to your podcast microphone or your mic stand, positioning it about an inch or two away from the mic. This small podcast accessory can make a world of difference in your recording quality.
Choosing the Right Mic Stand
Microphone stands play a bigger role than many podcasters may realize. A good-quality podcast microphone stand helps maintain the mic’s distance and direction relative to the speaker. While you can make adjustments in post-production, capturing the cleanest sound at the source is always ideal.
There are various types of mic stands, but the three most common for podcasters are:
The key is to choose one that is sturdy enough to hold your mic in place without drifting, even for heavier models like the Shure SM7B. This stability ensures consistent audio quality throughout your recording session.
Key Takeaways for Better Podcast Audio
- Mic Position: Position your microphone 6-12 inches away from your mouth, slightly off-axis, to avoid clipping and distortion.
- Pop Filters: Use a pop filter to reduce plosive sounds and achieve a cleaner recording.
- Mic Stands: Invest in a sturdy mic stand to keep your microphone in the ideal position for consistent audio quality.
By following these simple tips, you’ll improve the quality of your recordings and make your post-production process much easier. Your listeners will appreciate the professionalism, making it easier for them to focus on your content rather than poor audio quality.
If you need more personalized advice or would like to hire one of our engineers to consult with them about your microphone setup, you can always book a free discovery call with us here at The Podcast Consultant.
What We Discussed in this Episode of Podcast Pro Tips
- Podcast Equipment Bundles: The Comprehensive Guide
- Podcast Microphones: The Ultimate Guide
- Shure SM7B Microphone
- Pop Filters
- Boom Arm Stand
- Desk Mic Stand
- Mounted Desk Stand
Frequently Asked Questions
Position your podcast microphone 6-12 inches from your mouth, adjusted based on microphone sensitivity and gain settings. Dynamic microphones typically work best at 6-8 inches, while more sensitive condenser mics may require 10-12 inches. Placing the mic too close causes clipping and distortion, while positioning it too far captures excessive room noise and makes your voice sound distant.
Off-axis microphone positioning means angling the mic slightly to the side rather than speaking directly into the front. This technique reduces plosive sounds from P and B consonants, minimizes sibilance from S sounds, and prevents unwanted distortion. Position the microphone at a 15-30 degree angle from your mouth while maintaining the 6-12 inch distance.
Pop filters eliminate harsh plosive sounds that occur when bursts of air from consonants like P, B, and T hit the microphone diaphragm. The filter’s mesh material diffuses these air bursts before they reach the microphone, resulting in cleaner recordings with fewer distortion spikes. Position pop filters 1-2 inches in front of the microphone capsule for optimal performance.
Essential podcast microphone accessories include a pop filter to eliminate plosives, a boom arm or quality mic stand for stable positioning, a shock mount to isolate vibrations, and XLR cables for reliable signal transmission. Optional upgrades include foam windscreens for additional plosive protection and cable management solutions for cleaner studio aesthetics.