SM58

A microphone by itself will not work, you need something to connect it (a cable) to the device that is connecting it (an interface) to whatever they are using to record it (a computer). The Shure SM 58 is a good mic, I use it for everything. Last time I bought one they were about $100usd.  This is a thoughtful gift but if you don't know what they are recording with and they don't know, may as well get them a gift card to a music store. 

Grab a cheap, used SM57 or 58. Keep it as a backup when you upgrade someday. It doubles as a hammer in emergencies. Can't kill the damn things and they will always sound "good". Rarely great, never bad, but always good enough.

SM58 for sure. I know it's not typically a recording mic but if you're like me and are in a loud environment or a place where you can't control background noise, I find it more consistent. I use it over my condenser. If you are in an environment where that's not an issue then I'd look for a condenser mic for vocals. But like, you can't go wrong with a 58.

It's a lot about the philosophy in the mic's design. The RE20 was specifically designed for broadcast announcers/commentators/show hosts. It's built so you really can't get close enough to the actual mic to get a lot of proximity effect and its built-in blast protection is excellent. Wide, flat frequency response makes voices sound very natural even when used very close. Mics like the SM57 and 58 have proximity effect but have built-in low-frequency rolloff, so they work well hand-held and very close to the sound source.

Same here. I used my 58's when we were playing live and 57's when I've needed more mics or have been limited on space. I've recently been using my R144 as a room mic for drums. That's the only thing I've ever liked it on. It just doesn't do it for me on vocals. I've thought about trying it paired with a 57 on guitar cabs since I don't have a royer 121, but haven't devoted the time to experimenting yet. Edit: what's the 991 like? I just bought the 990s and not the combo set.

For the Roland SP-404MKII, you’ll need a dynamic microphone that plugs straight into the 1/4” jack. Most ultra-compact mics (like mini shotguns or lavaliers) actually require power, which the SP-404MKII doesn’t provide. So, most tiny mics won’t work directly—people usually recommend standard dynamic mics like the Shure SM58 with an adapter, but that’s not exactly “short.” Among the smallest options mentioned on forums, the Saramonic SR-XM1 is worth a try—it’s designed for cameras, but some users have reported it works as a mini mic with the SP. However, there’s no 100% guarantee it’ll work perfectly. Generally, the recommendation is to use a compact dynamic mic (something like the Akai ADM-80/40/60 or similar with a short body), but there aren’t many options that are truly tiny “stubs,” due to the lack of phantom or plug-in power. If you want that OG 404 vibe, the closest option is the Saramonic SR-XM1, or maybe an old-school dictaphone mic with a built-in battery (so it provides power).

Don’t sleep on buying used gear! Reverb (the website) is a good place to get some super solid deals. If you’re buying an audio interface the motu m2 is extremely high quality for the price (currently $180 on sweetwater). The mics already suggested (dynamic cardioid) plus a motu m2 are in your budget range, a would leave some budget for a mic stand. I prefer the sm58 for vocals over the sm57, but other than the grill shape they’re basically the same. Stay away from any podcasting mic or anything that says “condenser” microphone. Those are great for recording vocals but only in perfectly quiet environments. Usually not so great for apartments or bedroom recordings. Good luck! Ps: don’t waste your time or money with foam padding or anything like that for “soundproofing”. The marketing for those products is far better than the actual results you’ll get.