Maono - PD300X Dynamic Microphone

Assuming you want flexibility with the mic I would go with the Moano PD300X. Had USBC and XLR hookups, and the software you can download to fine tune the mic is really awesome.

There is no world where a Maono mic is the best mic under $120. The FiFine K688 is an absurd deal for under $80. As a podcast editor, it’s hands down the best usb/xlr mic I’ve heard under $100. I would also take the Samson Q2U and ATR2100x over Maono. I’ve not had good experiences with guests using Maono equipment. Similar to my experiences with people using FiFine’s Yeti knockoffs. I’d also question recommending condenser mics to beginner podcasters like the FiFine K669 and Rode NT-USB. Condensers cause so much more work for any podcaster recording in typical podcaster environments. I’m curious why there’s so much focus on sample rate and commentary that would lead someone new to podcasting to think that higher sample rate = better mic.

I tested my ATR2100 (connected via XLR but also has USB-C option) against a Maono PD300X last month (same interface options) with my Focusrite. [Video here](https://youtu.be/2BEIOjn9T48?si=ydi_vPoAMRLkQlkm) if you're curious, but all in all I landed on the Maono. I also cannot stand Blue Yetis.

I'm back with another solid budget-friendly mic option after I got to test it out: Maono PD300X (USB and XLR). I'm a huge fan of anything under $100, and it's currently discounted on their site to just under that (plus I think you get a coupon if you're a first time buyer there). I'm not sure of any other ancillary equipment you might have, but it has a few on-mic features that give you some control over gain, audio monitoring, muting, and even EQ settings with their app. I even think it's a great mic for someone who plans to be a frequent podcast guest. Plus it looks a bit similar to a Shure (do not get me started on how people sometimes just want to buy that because "all the big podcasters use it").

The most solid recommendations you'll see again and again will be for the Samson Q2U and the very similar ATR2100X. I usually suggest the AT because it has newer converters, doesn't restrict you to 16 bit and has USB C. I've always thought they sounded much the same but came across [this](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=p4J4Nbus6NU&t=2s) vid last night which really highlights the differences. While in some ways I prefer the warmer sound of the Q2U I have to say its very low output level and high noise floor are borderline unacceptable. Now the mics in this comparison are second hand and I can't rule out a technical problem with this particular Samson unit, as I haven't encountered these issues in other comparisons. Of the alternatives, I've always thought the Maono HD300t is a good value package, coming with a usable stand and pop filter, and I just like how it looks, but it is a bit on the bright side. Check it out amongst the comparisons to the Fifine K688 [here](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bZQ0NiQnlrk) If you want that SM7B look without paying for it (and dealing with the low output XLR issues) I think Maono's copycat mics sound a little better than the Fifines - the PD100X, 200X & 300X; but just now, going back to that vid I linked which I haven't heard in a while, I think the K688 sounds pretty balanced.

DJI mic mini has been great for me! also have a moano podcast mic which sounds great too

I ordered a cheap podcast USB mic from Amazon 3 years ago, called the Maono microphone. I'm still using it, and it sounds great, and it was about 70$ USA

maono and fifine are great value. pd100x or am8 perform pretty similarly. seiren is pretty spartan when it comes to features. hyperX is good but pricey

I vouch for maono/fifine. Gamer brands are overpriced. Just a heads up, if the mic is an XLR jack, you'll be needing an audio interface tho. That I cant say much about it.

Have you watched the reviews/sound tests on YouTube? I'm definitely not the right person to give any advice as I only have experiences with cheap chinese microphones. 😁 But since you said it's just for hobbies, Maono has some great choices to choose from and there are a bunch of reviews on YouTube testing & comparing them out in different condition. You'd definitely want a mic with a gain control if you also play an instrument as mics for singing are usually only good for close-up singing. I personally own two Maonos. 1 for singing up close, 1 for casual instrument playing. I don't have any room treatment or whatsoever but their microphones naturally reduce background noises and I'm not interested to upgrade as I'm not willing to invest that much for a hobby.

Get one with a shock mount if you can. The desk mics will pick up every little bump and nudge when you hit the table kahit very minor. The maonos are great value for the money if you're on a budget.