The Top 5 microphones for NGOs, non-profits and charities
5 mics for podcasting, content creation and life
Every project you’re working on needs good sound. Recording good audio makes you and your content sound amazing and professional. We know that budgets are tight, so here is Secret Agents’ Top 5 microphones for NGOs, non-profits and charities. Whether it’s for Zoom calls, podcasts or national conferences, sound great!
4 Rode NT-USB MINIs using Rode Connect software
1. Rode NT-USB MINI USB Microphone ($129 CAD)
This USB microphone delivers a professional, broadcast-quality sound in a small and simple package. If you want great sound, but the thought of setting up a small studio is daunting, get this mic. It offers a warm and clear sound. It minimizes ‘room noise’ and records only what's directly in front of the mic. The Rode NT-USB MINI also comes with a built-in windscreen to avoid vocal pops and plosives. Simply plug up to four of these mics to your Mac or Windows PC and record directly to your hard drive using the free Rode Connect software.
2. RODE Wireless GO II ($259 CAD)
I love our Wireless GO II. It’s an ultra-compact and versatile wireless mic system with a dual channel receiver and two clip-on microphone transmitters. It has tons of features and is universally compatible with cameras, mobile devices and computers, plus over 40 hours of on-board recording.
The best part is you have two microphones that are super easy to use. Clip them on and start recording or add a more discreet Rode Lavalier II microphone. You can even use the Wireless Go II as a reporter mic with their handy Interview GO adapter.
Organizations that choose either of my top 2 will love the free RODE Connect Software for Mac and Windows to connect up to four podcasters to a single computer with any combination of compatible microphone. If you’re not a ‘technical’ person, this is for you!
Blue Yeti & Blue Yeti Nano
3. Blue Yeti & Blue Yeti Nano multi-pattern USB Microphone ($163 & $125 CAD)
The Blue Yeti is the world’s number 1 selling USB microphone. Both mics have a good sound, but I find there’s not much difference in audio quality between the two microphones. Either is a solid choice, but not as good as the Rode-NT mini.
4. RODE PodMic dynamic broadcast microphone ($129 CAD)
Secret Agents uses the Rode PodMic and RODECaster Pro audio interface (see below) to record all of our podcasts and other content. The PodMic is a broadcast-quality dynamic microphone made for podcasting, live-streaming and other vocal applications. It has rich sound with an internal pop filter, shock mount and integrated swing mount.
5. Shure MV7 USB-XLR Podcast Mic ($319 CAD)
Inspired by Shure’s legendary SM7B, the Shure MV7 is a dynamic microphone with both USB and XLR outputs for use with computers and professional audio interfaces. Connect via USB for more set-up features and Auto Level Mode their ShurePlus™ MOTIV app, to control your vocal tone, and distance from the microphone. With Auto Level Mode, you can let the microphone do the work for you. Overall, this is a solid mic, but it is a bit expensive.
Shure MV7
The ultimate podcasting setup for NGOs, non-profits and charities
If you and your organization have decided that podcasting is a great communications tool and you want to start podcasting right away, be sure to buy the best podcasting gear you can afford.
When it comes to ease-of use, great sound and simple setup, your organization should consider investing in RODE equipment and software. It’s great for content creation of all kinds, podcasting, live-streams, Zoom calls and it opens up a ton of possibilities for your next annual conference.
Rodecaster Pro II; 4 x PodMics, PSA1+ studio arms & XLR cables; plus ROD-NTH100 over-ear headphones.
To setup your podcasting studio like the one pictured here, you’ll need:
Rodecaster Pro II ($929 CAD) or Rodecaster Pro ($799 CAD)
4 Rode PodMics ($129 CAD ea.)
4 Rode PSA1+ studio arms ($109 - $169 ea.)
4 XLR-to-XLR cables 8ft. ($13 CAD ea.)
Rode XLR-ID Colour Coded Rings 8-pack ($13 CAD)
Good quality headphones are also essential - for your guests and for editing your content. The folks in the photo are wearing Rode ROD-NTH100 over-ear headphones ($199 CAD ea.). They’re great headphones, but they are a bit expensive.
A really comfortable and more affordable option is the Sony MDR-7506 ($119-$149 CAD) over-ear headphones. They’re lightweight, comfortable and have great sound. They’re also used in professional studios and radio stations all over the world.
This ultimate podcasting setup starts at roughly $2,300 CAD, plus applicable taxes. It’s a small investment for an NGO, non-profit or charity that would empower a Director of Communication’s content creation dreams for many years - without needing an upgrade.
