Audio-Technica - AT2020USB+

Every mic will pick up some keyboard typing, but cardioid dynamic mics are less sensitive than cardioid condensers. I use USB condensers. I have XLR dynamic mics, but they're not cheap, and so no personal experience, budget friendly model recommendation. Have you tried shopping for a good cardioid dynamic USB podcaster mic? Th Audio-Technica [ATH-M50xSTS StreamSet](https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/ath-m50xsts) is a headset with a great gooseneck cardioid condenser capsule, at the upper end of your budget. It's very sensitive, but you can lower the gain with the mic so near your mouth. I like the Audio-Technica [AT2020USB+](https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at2020usb) even better. A-T says they both use the same capsule, but the AT2020USB+ seems to benefit from the traditional housing. It's also very sensitive, so if you're nor speaking right into it, up close, it's going to report all typing, fans running, etc. To keep it close, t's best to use it with a [boom arm](https://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/fb/O_C_White_14295_B_ProBoom_Elite_Microphone_Arm_557226.jpg). A cardioid dynamic mic on that boom arm, kept close to your mouth. Maybe the [RØDE PodMic](https://rode.com/en-us/products/podmic?srsltid=AfmBOoqlusvecTtphqjjI7KaNaN8CwrOZWHRS3efgRcxgdxoxY_VEIjS), in XLR, [USB](https://rode.com/en-us/products/podmic-usb?srsltid=AfmBOorVZWOoNNM-WJPVgFgAEj8emClLYsAo8G1hgIoDoFc31u0IYOIN), or using an [XLR to USB adapter](https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1142054-REG/polsen_xlr_usb_48_xlr_usb_interface_48v.html?ap=y&smp=Y&srsltid=AfmBOoqoJ34hTpP0EXP1HbRhb40nnoRCsggd5vZCs0mPapVg4poM3er2t_E).

I started with the Blue Snowball a few years ago and it sounded OK. I upgraded to the Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone and it is much better.

Here are a couple I’d recommend for recording music through Audacity: * **Audio-Technica AT2020USB+** – super crisp for vocals, plug-and-play with USB, works well for singing. * **Blue Yeti X** – slightly more feature-heavy than the regular Yeti and still beginner-friendly. Great for vocal clarity and doesn’t need an audio interface. * **Rode NT-USB** – clean sound, durable build, and plays nice with laptops and Audacity. It even comes with a pop filter which helps with plosives. If you're recording regularly, consider investing in a mic cover or flag to cut down on ambient noise and give your setup a more polished look. I got mine customized from **Chief Swag Officer**—they do cool mic covers that add some personality to your setup and help reduce unwanted pops.

I've been using an AT2020+ and have been happy with it. When my first one stopped working, I got a new one of the same model. There's a USB and an XLR version.

Shure also makes lower cost SM7B alternatives that include USB connections. For example the MV7 series has USB and XLR port options and costs a couple hundred less. While being similar in sound to the SM7B. (I have both an SM7B and original MV7). There also a version of SM7B (the SM7db) that includes a USB port, but it's more than the SM7B. Personally I'm a fan of Audio Technica mics. (I have an AT2020USB+ on one machine)

I had a lot of problems with my USB AT2020 + found the XLR version to have a tinny, hollow sound. Get a dynamic mic for the same price and learn to mix!

Good call with the SM58, it’s a solid beginner mic for vocals and it’ll still be useful as you level up. For home recording, you’ll need an audio interface to connect the mic to your computer and headphones. Something like the MOTU M2, Scarlett Solo, or even the cheaper Behringer UMC series will do the job. If at any point you decide to switch to USB, Audio-Technica AT2020 USB or Shure MV7 are both excellent and more plug-and-play. But with the SM58, you're starting with something versatile that’ll last.

You could go for a mic with a built-in audio interface. For example: Shure MV7 – it has a USB output and is based on the legendary SM7B, the favorite mic of many podcasters. The sound is a bit different but still very similar. It’s a dynamic mic, so it’ll cut out a lot of background noise. You mentioned that noise isn’t a problem for you, BUT even if the room is quiet, an untreated space will still have nasty echo and reverb. Dynamic mics help reduce that. Rode NT-USB – this one’s condenser, not top-tier but still miles ahead of the mics you listed. AT2020USB – also a solid condenser option. If you’re okay with having a few more devices on your desk, getting a mic + external audio interface combo will give you noticeably better quality. Some good budget interfaces: Focusrite Scarlett Solo – some people say it’s overrated, but I wouldn’t agree UAD Volt – nice SSL 2 – from the company behind the mixing consoles used on half the hit records ever made And for mics to pair with them: - Audio-Technica AT2020 - sE Electronics X1s (i personally very like it🙃) - Rode NT1 --- No mic should ever be right up to your mouth. Even stage vocal mics are meant to have a bit of distance. For all the ones I mentioned, keep roughly 20 cm (about 8 inches) away. Personally, I don’t even pay attention to how far mine is — it’s on a boom arm, sometimes ends up half a meter (around 20 inches) away, and I just don’t care. It still sounds fine, since most apps for calls and stuff already do some loudness leveling. But if you actually want better sound — stay around 20–30 cm (8–12 inches).

AudioTechnica AT2020 USB is a good mic (I use it for most of my YouTube videos). It doesn't require XLR or a separate audio interface. If you already have an audio interface though, with XLR and phantom power, then look into getting a pencil condenser microphone instead. I record in OBS (because I'm screen recording too) and edit in Audacity, but you can record straight into Audacity.

Get the AT2020usb mic. It’s affordable, sounds incredible & plugs directly into the computer so you dont need an interface. PS gift is not a verb