Budget USB microphone recommendation please

drofluf

My current set up is a Zoom H2 recording either to SD card or via USB. It’s not a user friendly set up and the level is very low, although that could be user error. 

So I’m looking for something less than £50 that I can plug into my Mac and record with Audacity. 

Not looking to produce a Grammy winner just acoustic guitar and some voiceover work that my wife does.  So quality on a par with the Zoom. 

For example I found this https://www.gear4music.com/Recording-and-Computers/Marantz-Pod-Pack-1/2BPI

fretmeister

I got one of these for Zoom use and dictating software and I've been very pleased.

I got it quite a bit cheaper from AliExpress but it did take a month to get here. 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Microphone-Fifine-Condenser-Recording-Videos-669B/dp/B06XQ39XCY/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=4G4YQTE6VFMZ&keywords=fifine+669&qid=1656925072&sprefix=fifine+669,aps,63&sr=8-2-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUE5N1FHQ0o0Q0tONFEmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA5NTkzNzQyR0xTUUQ1VUFZSFdLJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAyMTgxOTQyWTVZRTNUWjRSSDY0JndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ&th=1

drofluf

Thanks - I actually got the Pod Pack discounted from Amazon. Gave it a quick try last night and initially it fits the bill - easier to use than the Zoom and quality seems as good.

vasselmeyer

drofluf said:

My current set up is a Zoom H2 recording either to SD card or via USB. It’s not a user friendly set up and the level is very low, although that could be user error.

On the Zoom, have you experimented with the "mic gain" switch on the side of the mic? You can do H/M/L. Also, in the menu settings for the mic there is a limiter/compressor. I've got some quite decent quality recordings out  of mine.

drofluf

@vasselmeyer yes, having used the one in the pod pack I think I had unrealistic exceptations of how loud it should be as they are both equally "quiet". But that's on a very unscientific test of comparing the output of Audacity through the speakers with Apple Music's level.

roundthebend

I have a Tonor thing I bought for about £25 on Amazon, including a small tripod with shock mount and pop shield. It was for zoom calls but I tried it for recording acoustic guitar and it's immensely good.

roundthebend

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07W6ZZZWK?ref_=pe_3187911_248764861_302_E_DDE_dt_1