Shure - SM57-LC

A cheap interface (say a Scarlett 2i2) and a cheap mic (sm58 or sm57) will take you a long way. You can find both of those things used for very low prices.

I’ve got an Audio Technica AT-2020 that I still use today, just felt no need to change it. It was under £100 if I recall, can’t remember the exact amount though. I also own a Shure SM57 for live stuff, I play midwest emo influenced music with tapping on the guitar while singing, and find the lack of grille allows me to see more of my fretboard when I’m performing these sections. It’s basically an SM58 but without a grille. But you can buy an external pop shield for recording situations, and also use the mic for instruments so it’s more versatile.

My current setup: 1. PreSonus Audiobox GO ($75) 2. Shure 57 ($99) 3. Cables/stands (~$50) 4. Reaper ($0; I promise, one day I'll buy it) ...and that's it. If I want to record vocals, I wrap a piece of foam over the 57. You can also find 57/58s or similar used for quite cheap. It is 100% worth it for getting decent-sounding recordings at home. As others have said, just don't let the GAS (gear acquisition syndrome) creep in once you have a working setup. Nothing wrong with recording on your phone in the meantime. People used to (and maybe still do) record entire albums on cassette players.

Shure sm57 is the way to go.

not a huge fan of the at2020 or 2035 for much. Theyre a bit harsh, and id take an sm57 or 58 any day over em

Well, FWIW I own an SM57, DR-40x, and two Neumann KM-184s, and I took apart my DR-40x to see how it works. And I have to say, it actually tastes pretty good. The memory card is a nice garnish, plus you can use the battery acid to make a good sauce if you heat it up with a little maple syrup. The SM57 was OK but it was a little too crunchy and bitter for my taste. I only ate one of my KM184s, it was so delicious that I'm saving the second one for a special occasion!

$100 interface and an SM57 and call it a day.

Dynamic mic with cardioid or hyper cardioid pattern. I use a Shure sm-57 with speakers, works great. The closer you can get it to you, the better.

57 is fine for loud instruments in live performances. But if you really want to hear what you sound like or want to record at home in general, you need a condenser microphone. They work more like human ears. You also need an audio interface to power it if you don’t have one already. Focusrite Solo interface goes for about $90 and then pick a $60 large diaphragm condenser microphone that does best in reviews and comparisons.

Good recommendations, except for the microphone. 57 works best with loud instruments, 58 is a live vocal mic. The AT2020 has a very weak bottom end, but that’s usually the way you’ll mix pop/rock/metal vocals anyway. Still, I’d probably go for something more neutral and learn the common mixing habits. Behringer and some other brands make large diaphragm condenser mics that really are pretty ok, as low as $50. Scarlett Solo is a solid choice.

The SM57 is a workhorse, but it's not great for nuance, it's more the indestructible spare that every producer has for a rainy day.