I’m a grooming editor with a podcast. This is the only mic I want to u

I’m a grooming editor with a podcast. This is the only mic I want to use.

Written by Krystin Arneson | Published May 11 2026, 02:42 PM EST

Ready to finally start that podcast you’ve been talking about? Grooming expert and podcast host Adam Hurly shares why the Rode Procaster Cardioid Dynamic Broadcast Microphone is his favorite mic to use for every show.

There’s no great podcast without a great mic. If you’re thinking about finally getting that podcast started you’ve been talking about for ages, there’s only one mic to use, according to longtime grooming expert and podcast host Adam Hurly.

“This is my second version of the same Rode Procaster Cardioid Dynamic Broadcast Microphone that I bought in 2017,” Hurly says. “Rode is one of the most prominent names in podcasting microphones right now.”

How to pick out a podcast microphone

“There are two main types of microphones that you should know about: dynamic and condenser,” Hurly says. “Condenser mics are better in environments that are sound-treated, but they’ll pick up all the different sounds in that place. So they condense all of the sound sort of into one flatness. It’s not going to pick up all the sounds that are around me.”

Of course, it all comes down to where you’re recording. “I'm not sitting in a tiny closet where I can pad it and make sure the sound is great inherently,” Hurly says. “I live in a noisy area. There are airplanes flying over often, and I'm able to have the AC directly above me on low with a fan blasting, and the microphone doesn't pick it up.”

Plus, “it's got a really nice heft to it. It feels like a trophy or something in your hand. It feels really heavy duty,” he says. “I have dropped it a few times and it has remained steady.”

One thing to think about, however, is that it’s not made for a boom mic. “It’s not lightweight, so it really should have a heavy stand for it,” Hurly says. “People are using more of the hanging overhead setups. It looks super cool, so I do wish it was lighter sometimes. But I would feel really authoritative if I was out in the field with the Rode, interviewing people. There’s so much presence to it.”

Before you get going with your first episode, there’s one more step: You’re going to want an interface. Hurly has the perfect pick to pair with Rode’s mic.

“There are also different interfaces that you can connect your microphone to. Some plug right into your computer,” Hurly says. “Some might have a portable interface that can take four different microphones at once. The one that I use is called the Audient iD14 10 x 6 USB-C Audio Interface. This was recommended to me by my expert sound guy at the time, and he likes pairing that with the Rode.”

There are also different interfaces that you can connect your microphone to. Some plug right into your computer,” Hurly says. “Some might have a portable interface that can take four different microphones at once. The one that I use is called the Audient iD14 10 x 6 USB-C Audio Interface. This was recommended to me by my expert sound guy at the time, and he likes pairing that with the Rode.

Why it works

The reason this stands out: “It’s not going to pick up all the sounds that are around me,” Hurly says.
Many microphones feel light and flimsy: “It’s got a really nice heft to it. It feels like a trophy or something in your hand,” he says. “It feels really heavy duty.”
You notice the durability immediately: “I’ve dropped it a few times and it has remained steady,” he says.

After a few weeks, you’ll notice the top tier audio quality: “I live in a noisy area. There are airplanes flying over often, and I’m able to have the AC directly above me on low with a fan blasting, and the microphone doesn’t pick it up.”

Dynamic vs condenser mics

Condenser microphones: Made for sound-treated spaces, they pick up all the sounds in that environment and condense them into one flatness so you can hear everything clearly.
Dynamic microphones: Ideal for podcasting and streaming, these mics prioritize your voice and help block the background noise happening around you.

Key Specs / Attributes

Keep scannable - look for similar sites and see what mic characteristics they call out to build on below

Type: Dynamic mic
Power: Corded
Weight: 1.53 lbs.
Ports/connectivity: XLR (the standard mic cable connection)
Requires audio interface and sturdy stand
Best for podcasting, streaming, and voice-focused content

$239 at Sweetwater

Pros

✓ Blocks out background noise so only your voice shines through
✓ Heavy-duty build holds up over time
✓ Ideal for spaces that are not sound-treated

Cons

✕ Corded design isn’t travel-friendly
✕ Hefty build makes it difficult to use on the go

Expert Spotlight

Adam Hurly is a longtime editor for the men’s grooming industry. Before launching his own platform, Blue Print, in 2024, he was GQ’s grooming editor for 9 years, and other clients include Esquire, Robb Report, and Men’s Health. He is a South Dakota native and lives in Lisbon.

If These Walls Could Talk” operates independently and exercises sole editorial discretion in all content decisions. While certain brands, products, or services referenced may have current or prior relationships with our affiliated marketing agency, such relationships do not influence our editorial content. We disclaim any liability for conflicts of interest, omissions, or outcomes arising from reliance on our content. All information is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as professional or individualized advice.