4th Gen. Focusrite Scarlett Series Interfaces – Solo, 2i2 and 4i4
October 19, 2023
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Handheld microphones are exactly what they sound like – mics that can be held in your hand as you speak or sing or burp into them (gross), etc.
But, and it’s a big but(t), they don’t HAVE to be used while being held – you can certainly mount them on a stand when using them, though they are always known as “handheld” due to the shape and hold-ability.
Usually handhelds are dynamic, but handheld condensers do exist (like the Shure BETA 87A).
The classic handheld is the Shure SM-58. And classic podcasting mics like the ATR-2100USB and Samson Q2U are also handhelds.
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Most handhelds are built for stage use – they tend to be robust and able to cope with life in the road. Hence the legendary robustness on the SM58.
For podcasting, these are great for mobile use, although I would stay away from the condenser mics – they usually need more ‘care’. A dynamic will cope with whatever it thrown at if it is solidly built.
One useful handheld mic for street interviews is the omnidirectional stick mic, like the Rode Reporter. It will tend to pick up the host and guest and background noise which is okay for short ‘run ‘n’ gun’ interviews in the street.
Another handheld mic worth mentioning is the Sennheiser e835 — also a dynamic mic. I do a lot of my interviews in my motorcoach while I’m parked at various destinations, talking to other drivers, and carry two of these just for that purpose, plugged into my Zoom H6. Handling noise is extremely low — with just a bit of care, there is none. After processing, it’s difficult to distinguish the sound recorded from these compared to my Rode Procaster mic in my studio.
I also have two of the Samson Q2U mics so I’m covered if I have four people in the podcast at once. Not quite as good, but probably only a sound guy would notice. I’m very happy with them so far.