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).

Having a decent mic on a stand near to you but not too near so you'd knock it might work better tbh then just process your audio well. Don't forget though that many podcasts have their mic way to close to look cool 😂. A decent mic doesn't have to be one inch from your mouth, I'm not sure why these Insta podcasters do that🤷‍♂️. I'd recommend a Rode NT-USB - buy two or three options on amazon and then return what you don't like.

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/)

Mics do not suppress noise. That is to say they hear all the room - so they will pick up background noise, echoes, reflections, etc. They are sensitive to sound - that's their job... ;) Mics will never sound better than the space they are in. So when you upgrade a mic - at any stage in your gear improvement cycle - you will likely want to maintain some budget for cleaning up the recording space - better treatment, etc. That can be as cost-effective as sound-absorbing blanket, or as attractive as custom acoustic panels (ATS and GiK both make nice stuff). The good news is that pretty much anything is going to sound better than the Snowball - an AT2020USB would be a significant upgrade, as would a Rode NT-USB. Both of those are USB-direct-connected mics that do not require a separate audio interface. The same idea as your current mic. There's really only one mic that has both XLR and USB connectivity - that's the Rode NT1 Gen5. It's a high quality mic with some pretty impressive electronics in it. It comes with a quality shock mount and pop filter. You are still going to need a proper mic stand, in addition to the treatment I mentioned. So that's a bit past your budget. I have a few resources about mics here - [https://justaskjimvo.studio/microphones/](https://justaskjimvo.studio/microphones/) There are recommended models toward the end of the article.

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.