RØDE - NT-USB

I use a Shure MV5, sized as a tennis ball, and as an alternative you can try Rode NT-USB. Both are from hi-quality professional brands but not too expensive. You can get also transport cases for that models.

Using beyerdynamic DT990 with a rode NT-USB for about 8 years now. Love it.

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).

Dude, the Nt USB is way better

As they say in drag racing, "Run what you brung..." ;) Seriously - no one has to see what you record with or know what mic you use. If it sounds good, it is good. Now, a microphone will never sound better than the space it is in, so focus on making what you have sound as good as possible. If your budget is $150, that's what you have. No shade. No issue. Invest wisely. You could likely get a Rode NT-USB and use that until you can upgrade. Rode (Australian brand - for which we all thank you!) is solid. High value. Consistent hardware. Great customer service. Now I will also say that we live in a time of riches for recording gear. The Rode NT1 Signature is a ridiculous value and a decent interface - Scarlett 2i2 Gen4, for example - will probably be fine for the next 4 or 5 mics you get. Cables will outlast your wardrobe. Good treatment for the recording space should be fine for the next 5 years at least. So as you book gigs and have working capital, prioritize what you need next. As far as "re-recording"? Naaahhh.... If a client is concerned, offer to send them a sample. Australia is a little different than the US market, where about 99.9% of our opportunities are audition-based. You all do tend to rely on pre-recorded demo's. But from what my Aussie compatriots are saying, most are set up to record from home these days. However, you never have to show the client where you record. Mics - [https://justaskjimvo.studio/microphones/](https://justaskjimvo.studio/microphones/) (including USB mics) Interfaces - [https://justaskjimvo.studio/interfaces/](https://justaskjimvo.studio/interfaces/)

I'm using the Rode Nt-USB. It's pretty convenient and with the right filters on OBS, it matches my voice quite well. Plus, it's sturdy and well made.

I use a Rode NT1 USB but maybe switch to a XLR mic in the future. Any recommendations here? Budget would be roundabout $600.

All these are resealably price and damn solid options. I own them all and can say that they definitely hit higher than what their sold for, really solid options. Audio Technical AT2020 USB Rode NT1 USB AKG Lyra USB Blue Yeti USB

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.

A condenser mic would be a better option sitting that far. And I should be clear, I’m not saying that condenser mics are inherently bad. The reason I would t suggest them is because they are incredibly more sensitive than dynamic mics and will pick up every single noise in your room. Your pc fans, your mouse clicks, your keyboard, your controller. You can eliminate some of this with things like noise suppression or a noise gate. A dynamic mic will still work from 2 feet, but you’ll have to crank the gain and even then it might not be enough and often comes with noise. Not to mention your voice will sound terrible and thin. There are good options for desktop mic stands that can position your mic closer to your mouth and still be out of the way. If you have a quiet enough room, or just don’t care about background noise, then it’s perfectly fine to go with a condenser mic if it works better for you. Like I said, they’re not inherently bad. And in that case, I would recommend the Audio Technica AT2020 USB or the Rode NT USB. Both can be had for around $100 and will sound great.

I would recommend the mic arm in the link below. It’s low profile and can be swung out of the way when you’re not using it. And if you want to stay within your budget, you could get the Fifine AM8 + the mic arm for around $100. The build quality of the AM8 isn’t quite as good as the Podmic or the AT2040 that I mentioned, but the audio quality is just fine as long as you set the gain right. There are plenty of YT videos you can look for on how to set the gain. And again, if you don’t want the mic directly in front of you, a condenser would probably be a better choice. You could also forgo the mic arm and just use a desktop stand. It’ll just be more sensitive to room noise and background noise. Fifine, Maono, and HyperX have budget condenser mics that sound pretty good for around $50. Mic arm: https://a.co/d/bicWLbT Fifine condenser: https://a.co/d/eLbgYUw HyperX condenser: https://a.co/d/5zfFhN5