Decent starting mic?

[Schmarvin]

I'm looking for a decent starting Microphone (USB of course), but under $100. Preferably around the $50 mark. I'd be using it for video commentary, discussions, webinars, and gaming. So, I'd like it to be a mic with a bit of static/noise cancellation. I did see Blue was a nice maker of mics, but a bit steep on most of their prices. Any others? Oh, and as a note, I'm only looking for desktop microphones at the moment.

[Bluejay0]

http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Snowball-Microphone-Textured/dp/B000EOPQ7E

 

Blue Snowball. Excellent Mic

[Mooshi]

Just don't travel hardcore with the Snowball. I moved so many times and with each move of things banging into other things on the road, my Snowball mic needs replacing. You shouldn't have any trouble if you don't really move around and leave it propped on your desk. The issue mine has is that the USB contacts in the back are kinda dodgy so it cuts out when moved too much. Gets pretty annoying.

 

 

Another thing to consider is that the mic is uber sensitive to background noises if this is an issue for you. Because I live in the southern US, I refuse to turn off my cooling in my room just to make it dead silent, not gonna happen.

[Youbetternot]

For 10 dollars zalman clip-on mic, 30 dollars if you can find a modmic available if you use headphones

Blue snowball if for just a mic 

[CoolBeans]

ModMic but that isn't USB so Blue Snowball

[Smashbow]

Blue Snowball, I got one.

[techswede]

The M-Audio producer usb is a pretty good mic for around 40$

i've dropped mine more times than i can remember but it still works^^

The software that's included is not a personal favourite though. but the mic is pretty much just plug n' play.

[Schmarvin]

Just don't travel hardcore with the Snowball. I moved so many times and with each move of things banging into other things on the road, my Snowball mic needs replacing. You shouldn't have any trouble if you don't really move around and leave it propped on your desk. The issue mine has is that the USB contacts in the back are kinda dodgy so it cuts out when moved too much. Gets pretty annoying.

 

 

Another thing to consider is that the mic is uber sensitive to background noises if this is an issue for you. Because I live in the southern US, I refuse to turn off my cooling in my room just to make it dead silent, not gonna happen.

 

I do move around a bit, and I do usually have on a small-ish fan. Aside from that, there is usually background noise in my apartment.

 

How good are Samson microphones?

[Mooshi]

The M-Audio producer usb is a pretty good mic for around 40$

i've dropped mine more times than i can remember but it still works^^

The software that's included is not a personal favourite though. but the mic is pretty much just plug n' play.

 

That sorta looks like an electric razor.

 

 

I might be interested if it's as durable as you say..how good is it at noise cancellation?

[MayflowerElectronics]

Blue snowflake is what I recomend. It's very small and will fit in your pocket. It's also pretty durable, I dropped it a few times and it's OK.

 

If you want to step up, check out the samson meteor mic.

[techswede]

That sorta looks like an electric razor.

 

 

I might be interested if it's as durable as you say..how good is it at noise cancellation?

Personally i think it's alright at noise cancellation. I'll see if i can upload some old footage with it in use so you can decide for yourself^^

[ShearMe]

Audiotechnica ATR2500 for another option.

[Schmarvin]

ShearMe, looks like a decent one, definitely under $50. Have you ever used it before?

[ItsOmnomz]

There's a lot of videos on YouTube of samples recorded on the Blue Snowball.  I'd listen to them along with recordings of the ATR2500.

 

Sample of ATR2500: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udb8vTH1ASo

[Patramix]

Audiotechnica ATR2500 for another option.

 

its what i am using atm, got it for about 60$ up in canada a few months ago

 

been working good, good quality, it sounds perty natrual i find, it even works ok when recording a low lvl, i did some recordings at night, while trying not to wake up the house and it did very well, dint pick up too much ambient noise and sounded perty good.

 

for a low cost solution it isnt bad

[ShearMe]

ShearMe, looks like a decent one, definitely under $50. Have you ever used it before?

 

Lol, no, I just use a mod mic as I don't do recordings. Have heard good things about it though.

[Rekhyt]

I do move around a bit, and I do usually have on a small-ish fan. Aside from that, there is usually background noise in my apartment.

 

How good are Samson microphones?

 

 

Can't speak for any of the others reputation aside, but the Samson meteor is what I have and it's really good. Plug and play, good quality, good design.

[FanOfKOTOKO]

There's the Audio-Technica ATR2100 if you want a dynamic alternative; I have one and it sounds great for ~$35 (on Amazon), methinks.