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10 Best Pulpit Microphones 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Shure MX418/C Cardioid Condenser Microphone, 18" Gooseneck with Attached XLR Preamp, Shock & Flange Mount, Snap-Fit Foam Windscreen

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,135
Polar Pattern
Sensitivity
Mounting Options

Most important from
298 reviews

Polar Pattern
Sound quality and sensitivity are noticeably better, especially when the speaker is off-axis of the cardioid pattern.
Sensitivity
Sound quality and sensitivity are noticeably better, especially when the speaker is off-axis of the cardioid pattern.
Mounting Options
Flexing it isn't as silent as hoped, but much less noisy than traditional goosenecks.

The Shure MX418/C Cardioid Condenser Microphone is designed primarily for applications like lectures, presentations, and streaming, making it an excellent choice for users who need a reliable, high-quality microphone at a pulpit or conference table. One of its main strengths is its cardioid polar pattern, which effectively focuses on sound coming from the front while minimizing background noise. This feature is particularly beneficial in environments with potential distractions, ensuring clear audio capture.

The microphone also boasts a wide frequency response and high sensitivity, allowing it to reproduce sound accurately across a broad audio spectrum. This means that whether you're using it for speaking or singing, you can expect a crisp and clear output. The included shock mount is another highlight, providing significant isolation from vibrations, which is crucial for maintaining sound quality in settings where movement might occur.

In terms of build quality, the locking flange mount allows for a secure attachment to lecterns or tables, ensuring the microphone stays in place during use. The snap-fit foam windscreen is a thoughtful addition that helps reduce wind noise and plosive sounds, further enhancing audio clarity. There are some considerations to keep in mind. While the wired connectivity through an XLR connector offers a stable connection, it may limit mobility compared to wireless options. Additionally, the microphone's unidirectional characteristic means it may not be ideal for group settings where multiple speakers are present, as it can miss sounds coming from the sides or back.

For those looking for a microphone that excels in focused audio capture and offers professional-grade features, the Shure MX418/C is a solid choice despite its limitations in mobility and multi-directional use.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,135
Polar Pattern
Sensitivity
Mounting Options

Most important from
298 reviews

Polar Pattern
Sound quality and sensitivity are noticeably better, especially when the speaker is off-axis of the cardioid pattern.
Sensitivity
Sound quality and sensitivity are noticeably better, especially when the speaker is off-axis of the cardioid pattern.
Mounting Options
Flexing it isn't as silent as hoped, but much less noisy than traditional goosenecks.
#2

Desktop Gooseneck Wired Microphone System - Table Mounted Corded Voice Condenser Mic with Pop Filter - XLR to 1/4'' Sound Cord - for Karaoke, Conference, Studio Audio Recording - Pyle PDMIKC5 Black

Rating
9.6
Mounting Options
Connectivity

Most important from
654 reviews

Mounting Options
Perfect for vocalists who play keyboard as it sits nicely on top of the keyboard and eliminates the need for a large microphone stand.
Connectivity
Works well with 9V batteries and even better with 48V phantom power. No need to replace batteries frequently when using phantom power.

The Pyle PDMIKC5 is a desktop gooseneck wired microphone system designed for various voice applications such as karaoke, conferences, and studio recordings. It boasts professional sound quality with high signal output, low noise circuitry, and a pop filter to minimize breath and pop noises. The adjustable gooseneck neck allows for comfortable positioning and clear vocal capture, making it ideal for extended use.

The unidirectional polar pattern ensures that the microphone picks up sound primarily from one direction, reducing background noise effectively. The frequency response range of 40Hz to 16kHz covers a wide spectrum, making it versatile for different voice types and applications. Connectivity is straightforward with the included 26-foot XLR to 1/4'' audio cable, ensuring compatibility with a range of equipment such as amplifiers and speakers.

Constructed with durable metal and PVC, and featuring a robust steel mesh grill, the microphone is built to last and withstands regular use. However, one potential drawback is its reliance on a 9V battery, which may require regular replacements, especially with frequent use. Additionally, while it excels in voice applications, users seeking more specialized performance for musical instruments or other detailed audio capture might find it less suitable. Ideal users for the Pyle PDMIKC5 include individuals needing a reliable and versatile microphone for public speaking, home karaoke, and basic studio recordings. The build quality, sound performance, and user-friendly adjustments make it a strong contender in its category.

Rating
9.6
Mounting Options
Connectivity

Most important from
654 reviews

Mounting Options
Perfect for vocalists who play keyboard as it sits nicely on top of the keyboard and eliminates the need for a large microphone stand.
Connectivity
Works well with 9V batteries and even better with 48V phantom power. No need to replace batteries frequently when using phantom power.
#3

REBUILD SKILLS RBX-515SBG-18X Replaces Shure 515SBG-18X. Push-to-Talk Microphone for Paging in Restaurants, Grocery Stores. Includes 20" gooseneck, Mount, & Attached 6½’ Cord for Your Best Connector.

The REBUILD SKILLS RBX-515SBG-18X push-to-talk microphone is designed for use in fast-paced environments like restaurants, grocery stores, and transportation dispatch. It features a rugged metal body and a 20-inch chrome gooseneck that stays in place, making it durable and reliable for extensive use. Its unidirectional polar pattern helps to minimize feedback and background noise, ensuring clear audio quality. The internal vibration isolation system reduces handling noise, enhancing sound clarity further.

With a frequency response from 150 Hz to 12 kHz, the microphone captures a broad range of sounds, though it may not pick up very low or very high frequencies perfectly. The microphone comes with an attached 6½-foot cord, which offers flexibility in positioning, and it's compatible with amplifiers, making it versatile for various setups. One notable feature is its balanced wiring at low impedance, which ensures noise-free performance over long cable runs.

The push button switch is easy to use and includes an extra pair of wires for music muting during paging, which is a convenient feature if your amplifier supports it. However, the connectivity is wired and requires hardwiring to your preferred connector, which might not be as convenient as plug-and-play options. The microphone's design also includes effective noise reduction features, like an internal multistage 'blast' filter to control breath pops and wind disturbances.

Buying Guide for the Best Pulpit Microphones

When choosing a pulpit microphone, it's important to consider the specific needs of your environment and the type of use it will see. Pulpit microphones are designed to capture clear and intelligible speech, making them ideal for sermons, lectures, and presentations. To ensure you select the best microphone for your needs, you should understand the key specifications and how they impact performance. Here are the main factors to consider when choosing a pulpit microphone.
Polar PatternThe polar pattern of a microphone describes how it picks up sound from different directions. This is important because it affects how well the microphone can isolate the speaker's voice from background noise. Common polar patterns include cardioid, supercardioid, and omnidirectional. Cardioid microphones pick up sound primarily from the front, making them good for isolating a single speaker. Supercardioid microphones have a tighter pickup pattern, which can be useful in noisy environments. Omnidirectional microphones pick up sound equally from all directions, which can be useful if multiple speakers are using the microphone. Choose a polar pattern based on the typical environment and number of speakers.
Frequency ResponseFrequency response refers to the range of frequencies a microphone can capture. This is important because it affects the clarity and naturalness of the recorded voice. A flat frequency response captures sound accurately across all frequencies, while a tailored frequency response may emphasize certain frequencies to enhance speech intelligibility. For pulpit microphones, a frequency response that emphasizes mid-range frequencies (where the human voice is most prominent) can be beneficial. Consider the typical voice types and acoustics of your environment when choosing a frequency response.
SensitivitySensitivity measures how well a microphone converts sound into an electrical signal. This is important because it affects how much amplification is needed to achieve a desired volume level. High-sensitivity microphones require less amplification, which can reduce the risk of feedback and noise. However, they may also pick up more background noise. Low-sensitivity microphones require more amplification but can be better at isolating the speaker's voice. Choose a sensitivity level based on the typical volume of the speaker and the acoustics of the environment.
Mounting OptionsMounting options refer to how the microphone can be positioned and secured. This is important because it affects the ease of use and the consistency of sound capture. Common mounting options for pulpit microphones include gooseneck mounts, which allow for flexible positioning, and fixed mounts, which provide a stable and consistent position. Consider the typical setup and usage of your pulpit when choosing mounting options. Gooseneck mounts are ideal for environments where the microphone needs to be adjusted frequently, while fixed mounts are better for consistent, repeatable positioning.
ConnectivityConnectivity refers to how the microphone connects to the sound system. This is important because it affects compatibility and ease of setup. Common connectivity options include XLR, which is a standard professional audio connection, and USB, which is convenient for direct connection to computers. Wireless options are also available for greater flexibility. Choose a connectivity option based on your existing sound system and the level of flexibility you need. XLR connections are ideal for professional setups, while USB and wireless options offer convenience and flexibility.

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