The 5 Best Budget-Friendly Microphones For Podcasting In 2023 – SlashGear

If you’re not sure whether an XLR or USB mic is right for you, or plan to use both at some point, then the Samson Q2U is a perfect choice, because, unlike most microphones, it natively has both connections. That means you can record your podcast using a mixer or by plugging directly into your computer. This is especially useful to podcasters just starting out who either can’t afford additional equipment or want to wait and see if podcasting is right for them before making the commitment to buy more gear. You can start with the USB connection to your computer, and if you want to keep podcasting after a few episodes, then commit to buying XLR-compatible mixing equipment.

Alternatively, you could use the dual output of the Samson Q2U simultaneously, and record both to a mixer and your computer, so if one device fails, you’ve got a backup copy of your recording. Or you can record locally with the XLR while using the USB to chat with a guest or co-host through Zoom, FaceTime, or another app. At $50.99, the Samson Q2U podcasting pack also comes with a mic clip, desktop stand, cables, windscreen, and headphone jack, so this is a  pretty good deal. However, the audio quality isn’t quite as good as other, slightly more expensive microphones, and it’s not omnidirectional, so you’ll need one mic per person in the room that you want to record.