For most people recording interviews for podcasts, video blogs, or even voice notes, choosing the right microphone is one of the first decisions to get right. Microphones are relatively affordable, but it helps to know what to look for before buying one.
There are dozens of microphone types, but only a handful work well for interviewing. A condenser microphone, for example, which typically comes with a small stand and USB adapter for recording directly to a computer, works best when interviewing someone in the same room as you.
We tested and researched 5 of the best microphones for interviews, covering shotgun and lavalier options with their features, specs, pros, and cons.
Best Microphones for Interviews
1. Sennheiser MD 46
Sennheiser is known for delivering quality microphones for recording, and the brand stands out for caring about its customers, including offering replacement parts if equipment breaks. The MD 46 is one of its standout interview-focused mics.
In our testing, the MD 46 proved to be a powerful, widely used reporter mic for recording interviews. Its omnidirectional pickup makes it one of the best choices for interviews, and it handles handling noise well.
While capturing background audio, the mic maintains clarity, giving recordings a realistic feel at a reasonable distance. The dynamic capsule helps keep wind noise out and supports low handling noise overall.
The design feels decent in hand and travels well. Build quality is dependable, and it includes a double-layer grille basket.
It uses a shallow polar pattern that reduces signal level once the speaker is about 2.5 inches from the mic, and the recorded sound nearly fades out entirely once the source moves about 10 inches away. The frequency response is 40Hz to 18,000Hz.
In our testing, the sound captured felt realistic and clear, picking up some ambient background audio that adds a sense of the surrounding environment. The mic balances low noise with clear signal optimization well.
This mic suits a wide range of recording tasks, but it’s best known for recording interviews even outdoors, and it pairs well with cameras for clear audio input.
Pros
- Double-layer grille basket
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Cardioid dynamic capsule
- Performs well in noisy environments
Cons
- Volume regulation could be better
2. Rode VideoMic Pro
Rode offers a wide range of microphones across different price points, balancing quality and performance for different types of users.
The VideoMic Pro is a strong example of Rode’s work, well suited for use with video cameras like DSLRs. Many YouTubers use this mic alongside DSLR recording to capture clear audio for vlogs.
Its polar pattern is designed to minimize background noise as recording focuses more tightly on a specific person or sound source. It includes a two-step high-pass filter, solid battery life, a shock mount, and a foam windscreen.
In our testing, the design and build quality felt decent, with a durable feel that holds up to regular use, and a clean finish that looks good when taken out and about.
It has a supercardioid polar pattern with a frequency response of 40Hz to 20kHz, in a lightweight body. Powered by a 9V battery, it offers low noise, high sensitivity, and three-position level control, along with a 1/8 inch (3.5mm) mini-jack output.
With these specs, the VideoMic Pro delivers good audio input, the kind you’ve likely heard in YouTuber vlogs where the sound comes through clear in headphones.
We would recommend this mic for anyone conducting interviews, recording lectures, or capturing messages for others, thanks to its supercardioid polar pattern.
Pros
- Very durable
- Includes a windshield
- Effective at isolating sound
- Battery life up to 70 hours
Cons
- Not compatible with some devices
- Occasional slight buzzing sound
3. Rode Reporter
Rode is known for releasing strong microphones at reasonable prices, particularly its condenser mics. The Reporter is another solid product in that lineup.
The Rode Reporter is an omnidirectional microphone built specifically for recording and reporting interviews. It’s constructed from metal and is weather-resistant.
It uses an internal shock-mounted capsule, which helps reduce handling noise. This makes it well suited for canceling background noise while preserving audio quality.
Despite its larger cable, the design is simple and reliable, built to last even in tough weather conditions, making it a solid choice for field interviews.
It has a frequency response of 70Hz to 15kHz and records decent audio quality. The omnidirectional polar pattern is a clear plus for this kind of use.
Sound quality is the main draw here. It records clear audio even in rough conditions and picks up sound from all directions effectively.
This mic works well for reporting and podcasting, covering most of what you’d want from a microphone built for quality interview audio.
Pros
- Good build quality
- Affordable pricing
- Effective at canceling background noise
Cons
- Not especially loud
4. Electro-Voice RE50/B
Electro-Voice produces professional audio equipment across many categories, including drivers, enclosures, and waveguides. The RE50/B is one of its top models for interview recording.
The Electro-Voice RE50/B is built to record interviews reliably, and it’s a recommended option if you want one of the best microphones in this category. Several news reporters and public figures have used this mic, since it holds up well across different weather conditions and extreme temperatures.
The RE50/B is an omnidirectional dynamic mic capable of supporting different polar patterns, making it a versatile choice for interview recording. It delivers a background cancellation effect that helps produce clearer, more audible sound.
Design and build quality are simple, with a dark black finish that’s easy to hold, and a build that holds up well over time.
It has an omnidirectional polar pattern with a frequency response of 80Hz to 13kHz, an impedance of 150 ohms, and an audio sensitivity of 1.6mV/Pa.
In our testing, the recorded sound was some of the best quality in this list, particularly for news-style recording. The microphone did a strong job canceling out background noise.
The RE50/B doesn’t require a battery or phantom power, making it convenient for interviews and podcasts. Streamers can also use it for delivering clear audio in their content.
Pros
- Strong at isolating and canceling out noise
- Doesn’t require an external power source
- Durable and reliable
Cons
- Limited extra features
5. Sennheiser MKE 400
Sennheiser is known for quality microphones backed by good customer service, including replaceable parts if equipment breaks.
The Sennheiser MKE 400 is a compact shotgun microphone well suited for recording interview audio, primarily designed for use with cameras through a shoe mount and external mic input.
Despite its small size, the MKE 400 is durable and built from metal. During video recording, it performs well with strong noise rejection thanks to its super-cardioid polar pattern, and it can be adjusted to record both long and short distance voices.
This shotgun mic includes a built-in shoe mount and an attractive design. It’s relatively affordable compared to other options on this list, while still offering a sturdy, durable body. The metal construction gives it a sleek, attractive look.
It has a supercardioid/lobar polar pattern with a frequency response of 40Hz to 20kHz. It includes an integrated shock mount and runs on a single AAA battery for up to 300 hours, along with a coiled 1/8 inch (3.5mm) mini-jack.
In our testing, the sound quality impressed us, with precise frequency response and effective noise elimination thanks to its windscreen.
This is a strong option for anyone shooting mobile or camera video who wants a reliable microphone for clear audio, and it works well for organizations recording interviews with multiple people.
Pros
- Durable metal construction
- Switchable sensitivity
- Long battery life, up to 300 hours
- Compatible with different cameras
Cons
- Doesn’t fully cancel static sound
- Not compatible with some smartphones
Shotgun vs Lavalier Microphones for Interviews
Microphones for interviews generally fall into two categories: shotgun microphones and lavalier microphones. Both offer strong features with slight differences depending on the type of interview you’re recording.
Both types work well whether you’re conducting an interview or recording a podcast. The main advantage of a lavalier microphone is that it can be placed much closer to the person you’re recording.
Shotgun mics offer a more precise pickup pattern. With a super-cardioid or hyper-cardioid pattern, they deliver excellent audio quality, especially when distance or background noise is a concern.
FAQ
Which microphones are best for indoor interviews?
Condenser microphones work well in studio environments, offering strong sound capture with very low noise. Shotgun mics are also a good option thanks to their sharp, focused pickup.
What are the best wireless microphones for live streaming interviews?
Wireless options like the Countryman E6 or Shure BLX14R work well for live streaming interviews. Our guide to 5 best wireless headset microphones for church covers similar wireless technology worth considering.
Conclusion
All five of these microphones perform well for recording interviews, each with its own strengths in design, specs, and polar pattern. If you’re still deciding, the Sennheiser MD 46 stands out as one of the most popular and reliable picks for interview recording.
Before buying, check the latest price and availability, since pricing and product availability can change over time. If you want more guidance on getting clean audio from any setup, see our guide on easy hacks to improve microphone sound quality.
