Best (cheap) multipurpose mic?

[aCruz]

I was looking for a mic, preferably under $100USD (can go up to $200, probably, if its features are justifiable) that fits the criteria of the following:

 

• improved speaking quality, compared to my Kraken headset mic
• decent at capturing singing vocals
  The following are optional, but highly encouraged
• can capture the sound of drums and/or a violin/viola well
• can serve as a podcasting mic, and is cost effective enough to buy multiple, or capture the sound of at least three people sitting at a table or something
• has "ok" resale value, for "just in case" I no longer need it
• idk if this is even possible, but can be connected to a camera

 

I understand that these features are a lot to ask for in a "budget" microphone, but I would be satisfied if at least the first two features on the above list are met. The pandemic has made us turn in online recordings for choir, and I just wanted a better solution for that. The microphone can either be the kind that sits on a stand on your desk or mounted to an arm, or of the "shotgun" style. I am also fine with buying a dedicated microphone for each purpose, if none are good enough for being "multipurpose".

Also, suggestions for a soundboard/mixer/interface (i forgot the proper name for what im thinking of lol) would appreciated. Like, a device where I can plug in multiple microphones or instruments and multiple outputs to a computer.
Thanks for y'all's advice!

[H713]

Under $100, my microphone recommendation continues to be the Shure SM57- you'll want to get a windscreen for it. I tend to prefer that solution over the SM58. The SM57 generally has a hot enough output that preamps in most interfaces will be sufficient. SM57s can and generally do sell relatively easily on eBay.

 

For audio interfaces, the Behringer interfaces (UMC202) are reasonably for what they cost. If you can swing the budget, something along the lines of a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 or a MOTU M2 would be a worthwhile upgrade. The sound quality won't be drastically different, but the build quality and driver support does tend to be a little better. The M2 is particularly clean and low distortion, if that matters to you.

 

 

[aCruz]

1 hour ago, H713 said:

Under $100, my microphone recommendation continues to be the Shure SM57- you'll want to get a windscreen for it. I tend to prefer that solution over the SM58. The SM57 generally has a hot enough output that preamps in most interfaces will be sufficient. SM57s can and generally do sell relatively easily on eBay.

 

For audio interfaces, the Behringer interfaces (UMC202) are reasonably for what they cost. If you can swing the budget, something along the lines of a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 or a MOTU M2 would be a worthwhile upgrade. The sound quality won't be drastically different, but the build quality and driver support does tend to be a little better. The M2 is particularly clean and low distortion, if that matters to you.

 

 

Thank you! Yeah, I did some googling and the Sure SM57 seemed the best for me. I'll take your interface suggestions into account.