Multiple Microphone
While a multiple microphone setup is preferred for audio quality, there are multiple pieces you need to purchase. The microphones with this setup can be much lower in price point, which can keep the total setup fairly close to the single microphone arrangements. This setup uses XLR microphones which cannot connect directly to your computer / laptop.
You will need to connect to an audio interface, which allows you to adjust multiple inputs individually. The audio interface then connects to your computer / laptop via USB. You can record each microphone on its own track using a DAW like Reaper. This gives you more power in editing, as each voice is on its own track rather than all combined into one like with a single microphone setup.
Equipment
Introductory Microphones
The Neewer NW-800 is an introductory XLR microphone that provides average audio quality. Separating each track into it’s own audio sample, even with lower end microphones, provides your show with significantly cleaner sound. This microphone also comes with a pop filter, which is a must.
The microphone also comes with a shock mount, which protects from feedback and movement noise. For lower end XLR mics, you have to sound test initially to determine the best angle to record from. In my experience, you set up the microphone so the brand label is facing you for the cleanest sound.
An XLR cable will need to be purchased separately, as this microphone comes with an XLR to Aux cable. Don’t worry though, a 20 foot XLR cable only runs around $9.95. If you have a compact setup, you can find a four pack 3 foot XLR cables for $14.99. For the price, this is a great place to start.
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Another option for starting out is the Shure PGA48. Shure is a well-known and respected brand for microphones, and this is a wonderful introductory price point for a basic mic. In addition to the standard mounting for a microphone of this style, the Shure PGA48 includes a 15′ XLR cable.
The microphone claims to have a pop filter “built in,” but it’s best described as non-effective. A more honest description would be “virtually non-existent.” You’ll want to pick up your own. The price point ranges from $5 – $10 depending on what brand you pick.
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The Behringer XM8500 is another introductory microphone that has a low price point. Most impressively, this microphone has ~4,000 reviews on Amazon and sits at 4.5 stars out of 5.
It also boasts a “built in” pop filter, meaning it doesn’t come with one. This microphone also does not come with an XLR cord, so you’ll need to pick one of those up as well.
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The UHURU XM-960 has a solid reputation for being an introductory microphone for podcasts and streamers alike. It has a very low total of reviews, although the only negative on this microphone seems to be that it does not come with an XLR cable.
It does come with it’s own stand, something the other microphones on this list cant say. This mic also boasts a “built in” pop filter, but picking one up would be a safe bet.