Shure - MV7

# Gear Setup * **Cameras**: Canon EOS M50 or Sony ZV-E10 for individual shots; Logitech C920 for budget-friendly options. * **Mics**: Shure MV7 or Rode PodMic with an audio interface like Focusrite Scarlett 4i4. * **Lighting**: Softbox kits or ring lights for even lighting. * **Recording Software**: OBS Studio (free) for video and audio capture. # Editing Software * **DaVinci Resolve** (free): Great for video/audio editing. * **Adobe Premiere Pro**: Flexible and powerful. Set up a wide shot and individual close-ups, and record a screen for visual displays. If you need help editing to make your podcast look sharp and professional, we’ve got you covered. Good luck! 🎥🎙️

I'd get the Shure MV7. USB and XLR output so you can flex if your needs change. And you can get it with a boom arm and a good set of headphones for half your budget.

Keep in mind that with something like the Shure SM7B, you will need an audio interface for your PC that has an XLR input. You'll also probably either need to buy the model that has a built-in pre-amp or buy one of your own. Personally I recommend the Shure MV7. The one I have has both USB and XLR so I was able to get started with just USB and then upgrade to an audio interface down the line. I'm very happy with the sound as are a number of my streamer friends. I've used it both for Twitch and for recording voice-over for YouTube videos. It's also less expensive than the SM7B if you're trying to save a little money starting out. I will say that in my experience this type of microphone does best being reasonably close to your face, if that's going to be an issue for you while painting miniatures and such I might look into a lapel mic or something as well

Big fan of the Shure MV7! Myself and lots of friends use them. They have a new one now that has an on board interface, haven't used it though. My old Focusrite Solo interface started acting weird after about 7 years, so I just replaced it with a Behringer UMC204HD that I've been happy with so far

I'm a big fan of the Shure MV7. I've had mine for about 5 years now and it's grown with me from USB to full XLR with an interface. A little cheaper than the SM7B, though I'm not as familiar with the new models

I’ve used both USB and XLR setups for my podcast, so here’s my take. USB mics are definitely simpler and more plug-and-play. If you’re doing solo episodes or just starting out, they work fine. But once you start adding multiple guests or want more control over sound quality, XLR is the better route. I switched to an XLR mic (Shure MV7) with an audio interface, and the difference in clarity and background noise was noticeable right away. The other advantage is flexibility, you can upgrade individual components like the interface or preamps over time. For recording, separate audio tracks using software like Audacity, Riverside, or GarageBand are usually better than relying on the camera’s built-in audio. It makes editing and syncing cleaner and gives you more control over each speaker’s sound.

Yes, these often have microphone inputs too. The Fiio KA11 doesn't appear to have microphone input. There are others available such as https://amzn.eu/d/68yGZ3T and https://amzn.eu/d/aDp9fNq (for balanced microphones) but they do take up desk space. We use Shure and Røde microphones in the studio and these are really good but not cheap by any stretch of the imagination. If it's just for yelling abuse at people in COD, go for a cheap logitech https://amzn.eu/d/frqVbHK but if you absolutely need clarity, the Shure MV7 is a good choice and a microphone arm doesn't have to break the bank (again, the more expensive ones are luxury)

I think both are solid mics. I’ve used the MV7 but not the Podmic USB. That said, I’ve been very impressed with Rode’s other devices.  I would probably give a slight edge to the Podmic USB, but I don’t think either one is a bad choice. 

You can also look into the Shure MV7. It's like the SMB7s little brother...

I don't own a SMB7 so i can't really compare the two but the mic does what it is supposed to do for sure. I watched some videos before buying it and liked the sound of it better than the SMB7... But to be real with you i own two mics: The MV7 and a Rode NT1A which isn't much more expensive and i exclusively use the Rode for recording (screaming vocals that is) because i think it has a richer sound...

I’m an audio engineer with an MV7. It sounds nearly identical to the SM7B when used with an interface. AudioHaze has a solid video on it. Great starter mic.

Agreed. I’m also an audio engineer and while the mv7 is solid as a budget or beginner mic, it lacks the sound that is expected for a professional project. It may sound near identical to the SM7B, but no one is using that for v/o work either.

I personally use the Shure MV7 which is at the upper end of that price range. I've heard good things about the Samson Q9U which is a little bit cheaper.

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).