Best Budget Podcast Microphones (FAQ Series)

Support the Channel by Checking out Sweetwater’s Content Creator Deals: bit.ly/2lSXRLs
In today’s video we look at the best entry level and beginner podcasting microphones. All options are under $80, and some even come in around $50-$60 for a full setup.
Buy the Behringer XM8500: imp.i114863.net/bXb7k (Affiliate Link)
Buy the Behringer UM2: imp.i114863.net/3QA7d (Affiliate Link)
Buy the AT2005USB: imp.i114863.net/NLBN2 (Affiliate Link)
Buy the Samson Q2u: geni.us/samq2u (Affiliate Link)
Buy the ATR2100USB: geni.us/2100usb (Affiliate Link)
Intro/Outro Mic - Austrian Audio OC818: imp.i114863.net/xMEnv (Affiliate Link)
Intro/Outro Preamp - Universal Audio LA610 MKII: imp.i114863.net/Do0Ld (Affiliate Link)
Intro/Outro Interface - Universal Audio Arrow: imp.i114863.net/rM4g3 (Affiliate Link)
As an affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.
00:00 - Intro
00:45 - Advertisement
01:26 - Behringer XM8500
02:11 - Samson Q2u
03:17 - Audio Technica ATR2100USB
04:14 - Audio Technica AT2005USB
05:10 - Least Favorite Entry Level Option
06:17 - Why No Blue Yeti or Condenser Mics?
07:14 - Outro
Subscribe For More Videos: kzbin.info?su...
Become a Member: / @podcastage
My KZbin Kit: podcastage.com/studio
My Favorite XLR Mics: podcastage.com/rev/favxlr
My Favorite USB Mics: podcastage.com/rev/favusb
NOTE (FULL DISCLOSURE): If you purchase an item using my amazon link, it provides me a small referral fee. For more info check my FAQ page links below.
Check the Frequently Asked Questions: podcastage.com/faq
Vote For What You Want Reviewed: podcastage.com/vote
Check Out This Stuff TOO:
Website: www.podcastage.com
Discord: www.podcastage.com/discord
Merch: podcastage.com/store
Personal: www.bandrewscott.com
#Sweetwater #Sponsored

[@jorgefnx]

Lol I wouldn't mind watching ads like that every day of the week

[@Podcastage]

Thanks Jorge. I tried to make it fun so even people who hate ads or don’t care can get something out of it. Hope it brought some fun to folks Friday.

[@hooshangmaster]

@@Podcastage i wouldn't mind 18+ ads. so get to it!

[@5daboz]

Try Terrible Writing Advice, he has the best ads segments, they are sometimes more developed than the rest of the video.

[@Leftism11]

Thank you so much for creating these videos and comparing all of the microphones, and offering your recommendations. Every time I am looking for information on a mic, or comparing two mics, your videos come up, and I immediately watch them, knowing that I'll see a great review and practical recommendation.

[@Simisola124]

Thank you for the advice on the microphones! I believe you one of the most honest reviewers on KZbin, and I appreciate that.

[@ruthless3253]

I'm so happy you got a sponsor!!!!!!!! This channel is blowing up and you 100% deserve it my dude

[@danmagoo]

I recently got 3 of the XM8500 mics -- from Bandrew's sponsor, in fact! -- for $60 and it's pretty amazing, certainly for the price. But the Q2U still beats them all for signal to noise ratio, in Windows -- at least by ear, and compared to using the XM8500 with the Behringer UM2 interface (I tried both, as well as the 2 AT mics, as a budget set-up for a friend). I'd recommend either of those over the AT2005 or the ATR2100, because the last 2 are certainly good but just too quiet, at least with USB in WIndows. My AT2005 has developed an asymmetrical wave-form (looks like dripping blood, and it messes-up post processing), and does not have the lifetime guarantee that the ATR2100 has.

[@birdsonthehoodeatingpopcor415]

I own a Berhringer XM 8500 and a UM-2 directly due to Bandrew! Thank you, Dude!

[@Alex_3311DesignCo]

I just upgraded my setup with the xm8500 and love them. Good to record my podcast on location without needing massive preamps. Or my mixer. They work well with zoom h4n. And for the price they are a helluva deal Still run at2020 if I want to go condenser and phantom power route.

[@mattyclad9185]

I use the ATR2100 in xlr mode and its fantastic. My utility room is directly behind the wall my computer is on and it does not pick up a sound from my furnace or AC when the fans are blowing. And it sounds great too. I always get comments on how good I sound without much adjustment.

[@Jeerven]

i have The xm8500 Plugged in to a umc22 Interface. Sounds Great.

[@caseyonlocation8257]

Thanks for the tip about the Audio Technica dual XLR/USB mics being able to both plug into a computer and XLR audio mixer/recorder at the same time for simultaneous recording. I thought it was only one or the other. I'm going to give it a try.

[@romari2706]

Great selections. The USB connection is crucial to lower the cost barrier to podcasting.

[@orestes1984]

It allows you to plug straight into the best camera you have in your pocket which is an iPhone most likely and start recording straight away.

[@StephensCustomModels]

You're such a wealth of knowledge and have saved me from potentially pulling the trigger on bad entry level mics. Thank you!

[@GetawayCultureClub]

best video on the subject and great that you didn't just offer audio technica and Samson q2u like everyone else. so thanks for throwing in the behringer. Like.

[@bradleytrim7280]

Can't vouch enough for the Samson Q2U. Use it while gaming on PC and I'm frequently complimented on the sound quality. And people claim they can't hear my mechanical keyboard or children in the background. So the noise rejection is great. Edit: My ONLY complaint is that, when using it via USB, I have to unplug and replug the USB cable anytime I start or restart my computer. Not too big of a deal as I usually unplug the mic at the end of the night anyway.

[@Podcastage]

Awesome feedback and critique there. That seems to be a really common issue with a lot of usb device on windows. No idea what causes that, if it’s windows, or the drivers for these devices. Regardless, thank you so much for sharing. It’s alwYs amazing hearing real world use case feedback, and hearing someone finding the right mic. ❤️

[@linkinjay]

You can update the firmware at their website. samsontech.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360045374974-Q2U-Firmware-?mobile_site=true

[@gyozakeynsianism]

I have the same problem. If you don't, it'll start buzzing, right?

[@gyozakeynsianism]

I've had a few USB mics for my Windows PC and it's just the Samson Q2U that had this problem.

[@gyozakeynsianism]

Back! I found the firmware on Samson's website, updated the mic, and the issue with having to reconnect the USB cable is gone. It works fine now!

[@Veo87]

I have the Audio-Technica ATR2100 for podcasting, so seeing you recommend it makes me feel good!

[@danboud8135]

Gave a like for the Sponsor Sheep!

[@LiraeNoir]

Honestly, it felt a touch cringy. Having such a heavy sponsor time on a FAQ episode… meh. Especially being at the beginning of the video.

[@danboud8135]

@@LiraeNoir Oh no! A KZbinr making a buck from his efforts and being a little self-deprecating about it by making the ad intentionally corny? What a douche! Bruh...

[@gyozakeynsianism]

From the sound of the cough, I think Sheryl needs the cash for medication. Insurance doesn't cover all of that, you know ...

[@jwcurry83]

The Q2U has been a perfect entry level mic for me! Been running it via XLR with the UM2... highly recommended for the best bang for your buck with XLR.

[@johnsmithjr.9321]

Do you use anything extra, like a pop filter, cloud lifter, etc.?

[@CiciASMR]

would you recommend Q2U for vocals?

[@mason5137]

yep, they are better at back.noise removal. And byes, i do agree with your choises

[@thorstenhitzemann3644]

Nice video, very helpful. Tx! If you had to chose, which of those 4 would be your favorite?

[@chaosinternational3584]

7:00 it also depends if the people you are podcasting with (if you have guests on the show) are disciplined with a mic. a lot of people drift away from the mic, and this could be a problem for the dynamic microphones.

[@mauresmorantes]

I use the XM8500 and it sounds so good for the price, additionally I love the design, color, texture, materials and finishes of the microphone, personally I highly recommend it. Thanks for the video. PS: greetings to the sheep 🐑 😂😂😂, I loved it

[@knightsljx]

Excellent video. I was considering between the Q2U and AT2005 and needed a good comparison between the 2

[@theiammike123]

I did mic-to-motherboard back then. Now having an audio interface, it was a huge relief. But I've learned an awful lot from the previous one, when it comes to audio processing, and making the most of what we have. 😊 I still have a BM800, but I'm gonna have a lot of fun with it before buying an AT2035. 😁

[@markhodgen7386]

You have excellent mic technique because I heard fewer plossives than I expected on these types of mics. The Q2U sounded best to my ears. Thanks for the comparison!

[@pinktea3632]

What do you recommend for a start up podcast USB microphone i a regular home that is pretty silent untreated

[@Carrion2k]

Sweetwater is a great company! Awesome that they've started sponsoring you.

[@getmetoadoctor]

For me the Q2U has been brilliant. What would have been nice to hear was the handling noise rather than the mic on a stand. The Q2U handles it pretty well.

[@shinerstef]

SM58 is perfect for podcasts in my view. 🎤👍

[@mikethomas8997]

Good choice of mics. I would possibly change out the 2005 for a SM58. It would be interesting to run the ATR2100/Q2U comparison between USB, XLR and XLR via a 286s.

[@md.adnanchowdhury9754]

Sir, I'm using audio technica atr2100 via USB. The sound is extreamly low. How can I fix that?

[@txsilentknight]

Wtf...🤣😂 love the ad lmao. Everyone is so serious these days on channels like this. Pleasantly surprised

[@yamanalmasri1976]

Much appreciated. Very helpful video.

[@SAKA-92]

Just bought the Behringer for £14 on Amazon 🔥 I think a good video series to do would be an entire budget/beginner versus setup. Mic, audio interface, boom arm/stand, XLR cables and room treatment all with future proofing in mind 👍🏼

[@wadebradshaw3522]

I love the Samson Q2U. I bought it because of your review that you did on it over a year ago.

[@Furiac.]

Same here.

[@gyozakeynsianism]

I love the Q2U and I did indeed buy it based on Bandrew's recommendation. BUT ... the unit I got was faulty. If you left it plugged into your computer (mine is a Windows PC) and restarted the computer, the mic starts buzzing really badly. Sounds like a circuitry problem, and I've read similar complaints on the web. Pity, it really did sound good, especially for the money.

[@gyozakeynsianism]

Nevermind, I found the firmware update on the Samson website and it fixed the problem.

[@riteshpandya466]

do you need a sound card or just plug in in your pc usb port ? for noise cancellation ?

[@boobyrajput3855]

@@gyozakeynsianism 9th92œw8q

[@stalfhcorner]

do i need to set up a high gain when i connect XM8500 to the scarlet solo for better sound? is it effect the sound? specially on high notes ?

[@bettyyang9203]

I love this video. It's so helpful.

[@taunbeddes7055]

I've had great luck with Sweetwater. Sales person checks on me a few times but isn't pushy. I would buy from them anytime.

[@FullTimeRookiee]

Definitely a thumbs up for this video....thanks for all the great videos....you're the best out here on mics

[@gmarcoux]

great review! well rounded, not too long. On another note I agree with you about the yeti. Im dont know much about microphone but I have a yeti myself and I feel like the yeti is more of a jack of all trade mic. it does a lot with mild result but doesnt sound very proffesional for more precision work. Singing and podcast doesnt sound that good. But I did have good result with it while doing a DND campain to get everyone voices in the room.

[@pratapnaik6168]

super useful! lovely video...thanks!

[@agambhasin]

The XM8500 is my favourite! I use it for my podcast and voiceovers with a Behringer UMC22 on my laptop & PC & with my Zoom U-22 audio interface on my iPad & its totally amazing!! I would love to see a review of the Zoom U22 from you Bandrew! Pls consider it!!

[@fightermma]

Where's your podcast?

[@Kaiderman]

Shure sv200 or XM8500? I gonna use with a interface Behringer UMC 22.

[@kesamek8537]

Super useful and highly entertaining. Wish all of KZbin was like this.

[@SinisterSkip]

I first though that the Q2U would easily win, but WOW, that XM8500 imo sounds more balanced EQ wise. Probably the best 20 euro mic ever :)

[@knightsljx]

unfortunately it doesn't have USB, which means you need to factor in the cost of an XLR interface

[@ClohOrtega]

I got the Behringer XM8500 inside the POSCASTUDIO 2 USB (or smth like that) set over at Costco here in Mexico. So far so good! I was mainly looking for a pair of headphones but saw these and went "hhmmmm". It came with the mic, a Xenyx302 USB, a pair of HPM1000 headphones, and a small tripod. It's nowhere near a pro setup, but it does the job pretty well imo. I don't do recording, just chilling, but you can use this kit as a better solution for audio on your setup.

[@daystarinspectionsinc3250]

I have the Samson Q2U and it's my first experience with a dynamic mic. With my voice and the need to get close to the mic, a pop filter is necessary. No big deal. One issue I do have with this mic is the handling noise. Unusable as a handheld mic. Is this common with this type of mic? If so, could you address how to deal with this in an upcoming video and also rate the handling noise of handheld mics in your future reviews? Much appreciated, Love your channel!

[@Basilisks666]

Hello! I have a watched a handful of videos of yours to see what was my best option for starting recording voice overs of texts (dramatic readings) and finally decided on the behringer xm8500 (seen as you always complained of background noise with the USB connected mics xDD). Now my question, after trying to document myself a little bit, I've still got one: Having the mic connected to the Behringer UM2, with what kind of wire do I connect the Behringer UM2 to the computer? Many thanks for all the insights you provide with your videos :) PS: does the mic or the Behringer UM2 need some kind of powering? If so, what kind of power adapter?

[@mmmike3426]

Greetings!!! You always mention questions in your videos, maybe you can help me out. I bought a Q2u based on your recommendation and have been wondering, what would be the benefit of setting the software volume to 25%? I can't think how that would really affect anything once normalised? Secondly, is there a significant difference between the USB interface and running through the XLR? I'm having some noise issues and am not sure where to invest into next (besides room treatment)

[@SDisonYT]

I’m trying to decide between the two Audio Technica options.

[@HatnSneakerz]

What are your thoughts on: BandLab Link Series Audio Interface BLB-01100 and BandLab Link Series Audio Interface BLB-011001

[@ChrisGardinerBill]

I use the XM8500 and honestly I can’t fault it for the money I spent on it ~$35 Aussie.

[@brianphuket5951]

Can you use any of these mics and do talking on social media calling like FB, LINE, Viber or any of these going thru my imac? Thank you

[@DukeFavre]

Haha. I love the Blue Yeti, but He's totally right. I live in a noisy city. The Q2U is cheap and fantastic. But you may need a mixer.

[@marquisor]

Is there something between dynamic and condenser microphone regarding the angle of speech input? The dynamic I find too close, the condenser to wide... :-/

[@LaHoraMaker]

100% Agree that dynamic mics do wonders in untreated rooms vs the Yeti's

[@orestes1984]

The fact that a dynamic microphone is dynamic by its very nature will lead to it not having a noise floor. Do you know what a dynamic microphone needs to pick up noise? Noise.... Do you know what a small diaphragm dynamic microphone with a cardiod patterns needs to pick up noise? Even more noise... It needs a shed load worth of noise to even make a sound. Technically in a perfect dynamic microphone much more in line with the SM7B at the entry price point under $500 there shouldn't be any noise at all. and if there is while your not using it, whatever you're using to amp it is either cheap or faulty, and maybe both. Dynamics should not have a "noise floor" as such as it has to move a voice coil to make noise. Omni directional condensers such as the Blue Yetti.... Not so much, the Yetti will pick up every noise in the room and all the rreverb and dead spots in your room at the same time, that's why unless you know how to use one a polar pattern condenser microphone is probably the worst choice for someone starting out.

[@ozangul6648]

Hey ! I need ask a question can I use the behringer cm8500 directly connected to computer or should I buy mixer ? PS:I can't afford mixer right now

[@Dezal3]

I just bought a Q2U and primarily using it to connect to my 2017 Mac. So far I’ve noticed plosives are very evident in my use and I’m considering buying a pop filter. Was curious what your setup is because you have almost no plosives without a pop filter

[@theartofcompetition5965]

excellent video broskie thanks a lot

[@antoniobradley6259]

The sponsor intro is awesome very creative!

[@echofx3935]

Did you use a cloudlifter or some other kind of mic activator for the Behringer microphone, or is that the sound directly from the preamps on the audio interface? I have an older Apex 381 (I think) dynamic mic and when I used it with a Steinberg UR12, it was super quiet until I turned the gain on the interface all the way up. This introduced a lot of background noise/hiss though.

[@RayOrtega]

Sponsor. Love it. Sweetwater is well, swueet.

[@plainkady]

Will the sound from these microphones be ok to meet the apple podcast standards?

[@mypersonalphotosite]

Q2u problem. I hv gain on webcam software and DAW but volume is just loud enough. Why? Using usb and using xlr with 2i2. Seems it should be a little too loud at those settings.

[@KlydosStudio]

Have you tried the Samson C05CL? Pretty legit for it's price.

[@beatdiabetes3]

I was really, really wanting to buy a Rode Procaster for my KZbin "tabletalk" about diabetes. But while I debated and watched reviews about the Procaster (which were nearly all positive) I was currently using the XM8500. And I liked the way my voice sounded with it. In fact I liked it so much that I have decided to stick with it. In some ways this was disappointing, not to get a new, cool mic. But I just couldn't escape the fact that, to my ears, the XM8500 was doing so incredibly well that it hardly seemed reasonable to look for anything else. I may change my mind in the future, but there is no escaping that the XM8500 mic can really compete with the big boys. Makes me wonder how and why they sell it so cheap!

[@LiraeNoir]

A very important thing. New gear can be cool to open and fiddle with, but almost always it's not the road to success. If you like your voice in the XM8500, you made the right decision of keeping it. That's a proper amount of money saved you can keep, or invest in something else. And for most beginners, that something else should be room acoustic treatment, or courses/books for audio engineering. That make more of an impact than switching mics, a lot of times.

[@MrFree-vj8qj]

Smart people save the money and invest it into radio voice, singing, tactical speech, voice acting lessons in this way only they achieve new heights and success with a better and more convincing, pleasant voice

[@chilinnstream3811]

For me Shure SV200 great for my voice. Pick this mic from many others, even more expensive. I have rode podmic and se electronics v7x, and they sound awfull for my voice. So, you doing right to not buying rode.

[@eg3100]

I totally agree with you, i am using an XM8500 with a UM2 interface, and it is very well rejecting the background noise, my wife can even watch tv in the same room while i speaking to the mic. I have a Samson Meteor USB mic, and it is awfull, it picks up the the smallest noise from the room, unusable for live streaming...

[@2EOGIY]

What is the better option: look for a mic that gives me that vintage radio voice or look for flat characteristic mic and EQ it to achieve radio voice effect? Of course, In both cases, I omit the presence boost effect.

[@kdk4872]

Your videos are so so useful, thank you! I'm looking for something (probably xlr/usb) for my untreated, but quiet room that can sit on my desk in front of me and my mouth will be approx 1.5 feet from it. Budget is around £100 and I'm very keen to have the great sound you're achieving. Not sure though if that's possible with my need to be so far from it? Predominantly being used for zooming, etc, Would be good if I could also connect to iphone. Oh yeah, whilst I think of it, I have a digital piano and do fb lives with it. How could I connect it And my voice to my phone, so I can better control the volume of each, without disturbing my neighbours by having to turn the piano up? Sorry for the long message and it turning into 2 questions! Hope you can help me? Thanks so so much in advance. Karen :)

[@Cb-vg8gm]

Which one do you think is best for vocals on music bro

[@Kragatar]

I have a couple of XM8500's that I got for free with a Behringer mixer, and they seem really good for $20 mics.

[@xHadesStamps]

Free?? (With a purchase obviously). Nice!

[@lukebutler2205]

Okay let’s say I want to record a podcast using two mics, can I plug the Q2U into a Scarlett 2i2 with another mic and plug my headphones into the interface and still hear the mic? Or do I have to have my headphones plugged into the mic directly to hear it?

[@karlblanchette5217]

have you tried the Behringer xm1800s ? They come in pack of 3 and are cheaper than the xm8500, i was wondering if it was a good choice because i want a podcast with a guest so it leave me one spare microphone in case one fail.

[@evelasq1]

I have a lavalier mic that connects directly to my iPhone when I am blogging on video. It sounds good too.

[@m4p1k15]

I know this is a lot to ask but can u make a video specifically on the behringer xm8500 with a xlr to usb cable and the best settings for it INTERNALLY IN A PC NOT WITH AN AUDIO INTERFACE

[@lucaauge]

I'd like to "upgrade" my current streaming system (I have a blue snowball ice that is not working well lately) but my budget is limited, wich set would you suggest between samson q2u (70€) and xm8500 with Behringer UMC22 (67€)?

[@evergreatest7644]

I am a beatboxer, should I use a vocal Mic or an instrument Mic ?

[@jadewolf3416]

u should do a studio tour 2019! i wanna see ur studio looks nice also why does the sponsorsheep not like the sm7b? lol :(

[@matthaberek]

Hey man I really enjoy your videos and hope you see this comment . Because your the best at this and know what's up more then anyone else. I am debating between the samson q2u and the audio technicas in this video. I know you said in another video you think their pretty even. I will be using it on ios for moderate vocals on garageband and voloco etc music apps. Moneys really tight and I've had to put my vocalist dreams on hold for years. Which do you think is best for ios between the samson and audio technica ? Unless you'd recommend a different mic in a similar price range. I love the Samson but had thought about the audio technica because I heard good reviews on their headphones which is the next thing I'll need. I hope you see this I'd really love your input and advice sorry for the long message

[@TheKAZS]

I've bought the Behringer XM1800s set of three and I'm so satisfied

[@Podcastage]

I’ve heard good things about those mics as well.

[@howaboutno4586]

what would you say is the best mic for a DJ??

[@0s0sXD]

this sponsor ad is up there in my list of best ads ever

[@NotTheOnlyMattAround]

Funny. Sweetwater is where I got my first microphone, the XM8500. I recorded an audiobook with that baby. Passed ACX with no problems. Can't go wrong with any of these.

[@Podcastage]

DUDE! No way!? You recorded an audio book with the XM8500!? That's incredible.

[@birdsonthehoodeatingpopcor415]

Much respect!

[@nebli6844]

Sorry im new at audio stuff but what is no post processing?

[@habibullahsamander2798]

I want to buy Samson Q2U, but I have heard that it doesn't work well in Windows 10. Does it still have issue with Windows 10?

[@Nowherechente]

Can you review Samson Q8x and Q7x please? Saludos desde Chile

[@peterbejune9433]

XM8500 Hype!!!! Upgraded to a Shure SM57 with the A81WS windscreen for my primary mic, co-host uses my old XM8500, the XM8500 sounds great for $20 though!

[@h00b00]

I bought the same setup after watching videos that it can be made to sound like SM7B but soon found out that you definitely need a Cloudlifter or Fethead for it to work properly. The -57dB sensitivity of the SM57 meant that it is not loud enough for vocals on my Zoom H4n even at full gain and my Behringer UMC204HD interface can barely get it to -18dB on the Vumeter for vocals at max gain. I ordered a Fethead from eBay but got an empty box 😒... ordered again and I'm still waiting. The XM8500 has an even lower sensitivity (as per B&H; no information on the official website) of -70dB making it even harder to drive. I wish I hadn't bought into the KZbin hype and just went with a proper vocal mic like Sennheiser E835 with it's easy to drive -3dB sensitivity.

[@xHadesStamps]

@@h00b00 The -70 dB sensitivity is rubbish. It's tested with an old method.

[@adelineinactivity]

I bought an xm8500 recently! sounds great with the sabrent usb sound card!

[@agambhasin]

Bhoopati Baboo -70Db? That is trash it is louder than the 57 or 58 at the same gain levels! Lol

[@mohammedsalih1]

So what about rode m2?

[@LesDominic]

What do you use to EQ and/or edit your microphone?

[@bwisanggeni]

You are awesome dude !

[@gimmpy123]

Is there any mic better since this vid came out?

[@ProvenSawlid]

Ok, so I make music in my phone, now using the Rode NT-USB but I’m not completely satisfied with the sound, well not really the sound it just doesn’t pick up my voice to my satisfaction, so what microphone would you recommend for making music on IOS? I like the rode for podcasting honestly but I’ve been looking at the new MV7 by SHURE being it looks good for both, but what would you recommend as far as that goes, making music on the phone and/or podcast?

[@jallantan]

I must be deaf but I listened to this recording twice and couldn’t find your recommendation for the best from the lost. So which is your best recommendation?

[@UmairVatao]

Great information. May I ask you something, - What about using a condenser mic with lowering the gain to a minimum? will it behave in a similar way...i.e. you will need to keep your mouth very close. - What about shotgun mics? assume a budget one like Diety V3. Or slightly higher budget like Rode VideoMic NTG. Context: Untreated room, with kids / road noise.

[@pyro226]

I would like to buy a gaming microphone. I was originally looking at a Samson Meteor. Saw your review of it that leads me to believe it's good enough for my use case. Looking through your channel, the most recent 2021 intermediate and better roundup led me here. I was wondering if any of these would be a better fit than the Samson Meteor. I plan to have the mic on the desk about arm's reach. The part toward the end about needing these microphones close makes me hesitate to buy unless I know what I'm getting into. If I go bare mic, I'd also need some type of desk stand as the Q2U's stand is not good / adequate according to reviews. The Meteor also seems like it's more likely to survive an accidental fall from the desk. Any suggestions?

[@eddiechoong2352]

which one would you recommend for guitar? i need a better mic for vrchat haha

[@korhanaydemir8366]

Stupid question: how do you change the input gain?

[@andik6]

Agree. Condensers are ONLY the better option if you have well-treated environment, which many of us dont have..

[@MrJmanguera]

the xm8500 is sooooo underrated!

[@JennyDarukat]

Yo, no idea if you're gonna be seeing this but I'm debating between some options for a first dedicated (..non-USB) mic setup between the XM8500 and Q2u - I'm leaning toward the UMC22 for the preamp/interface, but Thomann are recommending the Behringer MIC100 Tube Ultragain for budget setups also. I'm wondering if you have any experience with that/could give an opinion on whether or not it might be a worthwhile alternative, and what the differences would be, given that it's tube driven. I have experience with tubes for speaker and headphone audio, but I've never really heard about it for mic amplification.