It’s so important to get good audio quality for your podcast as it will make a huge difference in who sticks around to listen. There are pros and cons for both with the main pro for USB mics being their simplicity – if you’re happy to do a bit of extra research and learning however the XLR’s are well worth it. The secret lies in the capsule and its limited frequency range (50Hz – 15kHz). A new dynamic mic will get you where you need to be and you can make due until you start getting more mics. The main benefit of this mic is that it looks cooler, and the on/off switch is a little smoother so it doesn’t create as large of a click when you mute the mic. Like the other mics mentioned in this roundup, the XM8500 can be bought from Amazon. The built-in pop shield ensures that your vocal take remains free from breath noises and plosives. Ever been asked to record a tuba quartet? Samson Q2U … This mic actually shares a lot of features with the more expensive models on this list. This is the last USB microphone you’ll ever need, and the price tag indicates that quite well. And it’s easy to see why. At under $200, it’s hard to fault! A couple of complaints come from the lack of an on/off switch however this might be a blessing in disguise. Despite being a budget mic, the audio quality is surprisingly OK. The styling of this mic is absolutely gorgeous. But most importantly is the sound, and for all the features crammed in here, it sounds great, as it was tuned by Lewitt !!! Their hassle-free design enables you to record anything from loud amps to spoken voice with ease. We think, for a starter microphone, spending less than $100 can still get you a professional sound without breaking the bank. Just a quick one to help you look out for the right microphone for you. It does have a fuller low-end and it sounds a bit more crisp in the top end. This great-sounding mic will please your listeners and help you to grow and help your fan base with its accomplished sound. The Neewer NW-700 is the perfect starter microphone for those on a tight budget. Accidentally forgetting to turn the mic on is an impossible task if it’s always active, just remember to unplug it when you’re done. The beauty of these dynamic mics is their versatility. You’ve got a couple of options including the popular USB method or the more professional XLR connection. The frequency response runs from 15hz-15khz giving a truly transparent, clear sound with high intelligibility. Purposefully designed for vocals, this mic has set the standard for sound quality and durability. Our top pick goes to the Shure SM7B, and it’s easy to see why. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Audio quality is how well an original sound is reproduced to a listener and your mic takes the lead role in ensuring the sound is captured accurately. It doesn’t matter if you’re a broadcaster, singer, or someone who enjoys recording cannon fire in their free time. This is the main reason the dynamic mic has a solid rating of 4.2 stars on Amazon! This pickup pattern minimizes any off-axis sounds. If you’re serious about podcasting, it’s time to get serious about your gear – starting with your microphone. It’s also nice to see that the mic includes a detachable windscreen. The SM58 features a 50hz – 15khz frequency response and carries an extra emphasis on the mids, a smooth high-end, and bass roll-off. Including a built-in headphone jack that’s completely controllable from the mic itself, this mic is useful to have around in any scenario. Best XLR Dynamic Mic Under $100: Blue Encore 100i, Best XLR Condenser Mic Under $100: Audio Technica AT2020, USB Mic vs XLR – The Differences Explained, Click here to see the latest price on Amazon, Click here for more information and to get the latest price on Amazon, How to Write a Great Podcast Intro Script (with Examples), Audacity vs Garageband for Podcasting & Voice Over, Libsyn, Buzzsprout, Blubrry & Podbean Compared, How to Practice for a Podcast: Tips for Guest and Hosts. So how did Behringer manage to make it so cheap? Perfect for very loud singers, this mic ensure that youll cut through the mix. Boasting a supercardioid pattern, this mic instantly sounds fantastic in a live setting. Still found in both broadcast and music studios across the globe, this mic delivers an instantly recognizable tone that is loved by all podcasters and voice-over artists. The Samson Q2U is incredibly versatile, so much so, only half of it belongs on this list. Finding the right one can be difficult, especially on a budget. And thanks to the shock-mount system, any handling noise gets absorbed… leaving you with clear, interference-free sound. Samson Q2U. Let’s be real here, this is not a mic for high-end studio recording. Condensers are usually the choice for recording vocals in a studio because of their higher sensitivity. In your search to find the right tone for your music or voice, you’ll need to get a few different dynamic mics for your gear set up. Included with the microphone is a desktop tripod stand, stand extension, mic clip, USB cable, and an XLR cable. Typically made from layers of a semi-transparent material, the filter reduces any popping sound caused by fast-moving air. Buy it on Amazon: https://geni.us/2100usb. And thanks to the swing clip design, it works perfectly with table-top stands, as well as regular boom arms. This presence allows vocals to cut through for added clarity. If you’ve ever tried to record yourself saying “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers”, then you’ll know how essential a pop filter is! So if you wish to take the stage at your local venue or record in your apartment, the Sennheiser will get the job done. The simple design has allowed Sterling Audio to focus on the audio quality, clearly shown by some fairly impressive specs including; an extensive 20hz – 18khz frequency range, 32mV/Pa sensitivity, and a 134dB max SPL. Whilst your initial investment might be higher than outright buying a plug and play USB mic, XLR mics allow for continuous upgrading of individual parts of your setup – saving money over time.