Samson Technologies - Q2U USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone with Accessories

If you have a sound treated room and no thin walls, and no background noise then you can go condenser mic as those pick up basically everything in a room and you'll need a bunch of filters just to get it to sound decent. (USB Mic basically) If you don't have any of that and you just have a basic room just go with a dynamic mic, dynamic mics pick up sound directly in front of it and are really good for just picking up your voice, Samson Q2U is really good for this as it's a dynamic mic but it has the option of just plugging in with a USB instead of XLR and still have the benefits of being a dynamic mic, you just need to use USB based audio mixing software the difference between the two on this specifically is small and normal people aren't going to be able to tell the difference. If you are in a room with an echo or wood/concrete flooring you will still need to sound treat the room regardless

For noisy environments skip the blue Yeti, get a dynamic mic like the Audio Technica ATR2100x USB or Samsung Q2U, both isolate your voice far better and stay under $100.

I started with a budget kit on Amazon too, and upgraded later as my show grew. A good starter setup: I’d say grab a simple USB mic like the Samson Q2U or ATR2100x and a set of closed back headphones. Add a cheap boom arm so you’re not holding it. Or Mike stand, That’s enough to get going without spending too much. I personally use my iMac as they are superb over windows IMO. If there are co-hosts (I think I saw that there are) you just double. the mics and headphones. It is a labor of love.

Shure SM57 and a Samson Q2U. Depends on which boom I have plugged in ATM.

Came here to say this. I still use the USB mic I started with, but was able to move to a mixer because it has both USB and XLR ports. ATR2100X is what I use but Samson Q2U is pretty identical as well. [Auphonic](https://auphonic.com) really is a lifesaver for me.

I would probably advise you to go with the Samson Q2U. I have 3 mics: Rode NT-1 5th Generation, Fifine K688, and the Samson. I believe the Samson is the best sounding for my setup, or let's say the easiest to deal with in terms of noise and clarity - I record in a room with some basic sound treatment.

I bought the Samson Q2U because it's a budget mic that has noise cancelling properties. Is it the best ever? no. Has it lasted forever? Also no. But it's a mic that a lot of bands or stages use because its' affordable and designed to highlight only the speaking voice (not the crowd). It has USB connection. I can't speak to the other options and what's good or bad, though.

For voice overs a condenser mic is typically used. The challenge is that you need a well treated recording space, soundproofed, etc. If you don't have such a space, it's better to use a dynamic mic, as it minimizes background noise. There are several options available. I personally use the Samson Q2U, which offers great value and includes both XLR and USB connections. *Moderator required disclosure: I'm founder of* [Podstatus](https://podstatus.com/)*, a service to monitor rankings and reviews of podcasts*

Samson Q2U, used it for years and the quality is still excelent. *Moderator required disclosure: I'm founder of* [Podstatus](https://podstatus.com/)*, a service to monitor rankings and reviews of podcasts*

Samson Q2U is my favorite. Used for years. Good quality and good price. *Moderator required disclosure: I'm founder of* [Podstatus](https://podstatus.com/)*, a service to monitor rankings and reviews of podcasts*

Samson Q2U is a tank, budget a good quality mic. *Moderator required disclosure: I'm founder of* [Podstatus](https://podstatus.com/)*, a service to monitor rankings and reviews of podcasts*

Samson Q2U, used it for years and never disappointed. *Moderator required disclosure: I'm founder of* [Podstatus](https://podstatus.com/)*, a service to monitor rankings and reviews of podcasts*

Samson Q2U. Affordable, good quality and both, XLR and USB. *Moderator required disclosure: I'm founder of* [Podstatus](https://podstatus.com/)*, a service to monitor rankings and reviews of podcasts*

Using a Samson Q2U in an untreated room near a window (like you) without problems. *Moderator required disclosure: I'm founder of* [Podstatus](https://podstatus.com/)*, a service to monitor rankings and reviews of podcasts*

I use a Samson Q2U since years and I am really happy with it. *Moderator required disclosure: I'm founder of* [Podstatus](https://podstatus.com/)*, a service to monitor rankings and reviews of podcasts*

Samson Q2U. Good price, good quality. XLR and USB. *Moderator required disclosure: I'm founder of* [Podstatus](https://podstatus.com/)*, a service to monitor rankings and reviews of podcasts*

I recommend buying a dynamic microphone. Almost any dynamic mic will do the job. Try to avoid condenser microphones like the Blue Yeti unless you have a properly soundproofed space for recording. I’ve been using the Samson Q2U for years, and I’m really happy with the results. Fits perfectly within your budget. *Moderator required disclosure: I'm founder of* [Podstatus](https://podstatus.com/)*, a service to monitor rankings and reviews of podcasts*

For under $100 you could get the Fifine AM8, Samson Q2U, or if you can find it on sale the Samson Q9U. You'd have to get a mic arm to go with those mics and that'd add $20-50 depending on which one you get.

I recommend the Samson Q2U, good quality overall and has both XLR and USB connections. I'm very happy with the performance, I have a noisy gaming laptop sitting 2 feet behind it and it's not a problem...