WANNA PODCAST MIXER? CHECK IT OUT... THEY'RE GRRRRREIGHT!
You want to go online and play some music? Here is what I recommend for a average player.
They are so cheap it not funny. The long term reliability is questionable, but it should be OK...
If you want to start podcasting the only problem is the adapter jack. I am quite concerned about it's ruggedness. If you want the set it up and leaving it I think it should be OK.
Here is the one I recommend: XENYX Q802USB
BEHRINGER XENYX Q802USB. An >8< channel mixer. The best all around I think... This mixer has TWO >COMPRESSORS<. This is important because it helps keep your volume consistent without touching the volume. >Set It And Furget It™<
Cost is about 129$ Canadian (99$ US)
I don't know about long term usability, but nonetheless it is excellent. >2< mic inputs and >2< stereo inputs. It just perfect... FOR MEDIUM END USE. But for these wanting to podcast with a guest, this is bang on.
PS: For those that worry about the High Frequency response (in a good mic), let me take 1 minute to explain... With today's >UNBELIEVABLE< processing power, a >little< bit of EQ is >ALL< you need to make yourself sound >GREAT<. Just turn up the HIGH FREQUENCY knob... THAT'S IT!!! No need to worry about the little bit of details >missing<, just:
>Turne Up The Knob™<
That should fix any problem (BUT >YOU< be in control, I mean if your going to sing live, you better bring a good sounding mic though).
This is the board I have at my house. And personally I think it is GREAT. I don't know about long term usability, but it is excellent. >1< mic (just 1 user user) and >2< stereo inputs. It just perfect... FOR MEDIUM END USE. But for these wanting to podcast, this is bang on.
I use the SHURE SM57.
Notice the mic clip. It is the Shure A55M. It is a bit expensive though at 39$ Canadian. But it is very well constructed. But it helps remove the noise . It "floats". It works very well. No need for the clunky mounts. https://www.shure.com/en-US/products/accessories/a55m?variant=A55M
Here it is with a foam ball (cost me about 15$ for 2)
The whole setup.
If you want some serious "tools" I have a bunch of ideas. But check out these links and get some feedback on the quality of the gear (which varies enormously from brand to brand): https://www.google.com/search?q=Best+mixer+for+Podcasting
SENNHEISER e835: IF YOU PREFER A >LIVELY< MICROPHONE
This is the mic (for now) that i recommend for live use. The hi frequency is >LIVELY<. It feels >ALIVE<. From all the mics that I've heard this is the one that does >NOT< require Phantom Power and sound like it >does< take Phantom Power (in a reasonable price range). But it is so clear that people think it is a condenser. Nope its not, its a dynamic mic.
129$ Canadian (about 99$ US)
The is the same model but with a >SWITCH<. I personally don't like them, but that's just me. I believe the the LEAST amount of "things" (switches, etc.) in the signal path is the best. But if you never plan on singing live I suppose it's OK.
But if you DO plan on singing live I strongly suggest not to get the one with the switch.