For most live situations, especially if they’re mostly speeches or small rooms, you really don’t have to dive too deep into the complicated world of microphones. A few solid choices will do the trick. And for gaming, streaming, home recordings, or podcasting type applications, what you really need is an easy to use but great microphone. We have some recommendations for you.
Since we use microphones for so many different applications, it can be really confusing finding the best microphone. And there are just so many types out there. Dynamic ones, condensers, ribbons. And they come with so many recording patterns – omnidirectional, cardioid, figure 8. It can easily become too much.
Shure SM58-LC Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone
Best Overall
There’s a reason why the SM58 is the industry standard. It sounds great and won’t cost you an arm and a leg. It’s also easy to use and easy to hold. It’s a dynamic mic, so works great in live situations where you don’t want to catch a lot of bleed. And its pop-filter design is classic.
GLS Audio Instrument Unidirectional Microphone
Best Budget
This SM57 clone is a great choice for when you’re working with a tight budget. You can use it in as varied as situations as you would use the original, and it still has great response and sensitivity. It’s great with off-axis rejection of sounds so is perfect in a stationary position where you want to avoid bleed.
Fifine USB Condenser Microphone
Best for Podcasts
Even though you can record a podcast directly on a phone or computer, if you want it to sound professional you need a dedicated microphone. The Fifine is a USB mic, so you can easily plug-and-play, and get professional sound right away with no extra cables or preamps.
These microphones are all easy to use and budget friendly. But don’t let their prices point fool you. These microphones do the work. And they’ll give you a more professional sound right away, even without any other expensive software or analog equipment.
