You already know the answer, the question is how to do it in a way that's not expensive and complicated. I'd recommend these:
https://www.amazon.com/Soundcraft-Notepad-5-Small-format-Analog-Console/dp/B075SK443L/ref=sr_1_2_sspa
Soundcraft's notepad mixer line is a low-cost, high-quality analog mixer. I use the biggest-brother of this model and like it very much. This smallest one has the inputs you need, plus some goodies for as you grow--it's also a USB audio device, so you can route straight into your computer to record, when you inevitably decide you're going to want to do that. Once you learn it, it's not complicated anymore. $109
https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-Ultravoice-Dynamic-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B0002KZAKS/ref=sxin_4_ac_d_rm
This Behringer microphone isn't going to win any awards, but it's cheap and fine. I use this very model with my band when we're on the road because they hold up to all manner of abuse and are cheap to replace and sound fine. $23
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Tripod-Boom-Microphone-Stand/dp/B019NY2PKG
I like the Amazon Basics tripod mic stand. Again, there are way more expensive and "better" ones out there, but this one's cheap and fine. I like a boom stand rather than a straight one because it's much more flexible. $20
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Male-Female-Microphone-Cable/dp/B01JNLUMMW/ref=sr_1_1_sspa
You'll need a mic cable. Again, Amazon Basics for the win. You want more length than you think you need, because eventually you'll find a way to need it. $11
So this complete shopping list is $163 plus tax.
Incidentally, it's a true fact about beginning musicians that one way to make sure you don't give it up is to put some money into gear. You can hold that investment over your own head when you don't feel like practicing. Little top-tip from a pro there. ;)
Is your co-host local? If so
Behringer Q1202 USB Mixer - $100 (Amazon)
Behringer XM8500 X2 - $20ea (Amazon)
Good XLR cables - I've been told you should be spending around $15 per cable, but buy what's your comfortable with.
If they aren't local? I know blue makes some higher tier USB mics.
150 seems high. You can get the Q2U on amazon for 70 bucks, and you can get cheap boom arms for 15-20usd, including a foam "popfilter". The nice thing with the q2u is you can change to xlr when you have the money.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FKG8PGZ/ https://www.amazon.com//dp/B00DY1F2CS/ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002GXF8Q/
Now that that is out of the way.
I would consider instead of going for the q2u, to look at the XM8500
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002KZAKS/
For the money its super hard to beat, and personally I feel it sounds better than the q2u.At a normal price of 25usd (on sale on amazon for 19usd currently) you can easily pick up the cable needed, a foam tip and boom arm as above, along with a xlr interface.
The reason I would go this way, is that you then set yourself up for a nice upgrade path down the road. As for what interface to get, there is a lot to chose from, but for streaming I would go with the wave XLR interface from Elgato. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09738CKKX/
The interface itself isnt anything special, its not bad, not great, but does a good job. The reason to pick up that interface over say Focusrite, is the Wave software it comes with. The software will let you adjust volume easily independent between what you hear and what stream hear, along with routing audio wherever you want it. For the price, there really isnt anything like it.
Just editing in the comparison from podcastage.
https://youtu.be/o42-oX6BPYU?t=547
So I am no pro but I recently set up a home karaoke system and I will tell you my thoughts.
First, in my experience normal TV/computer speakers are probably not going to be loud enough to be satisfying. If a loud singer is about the same volume as the amplified music... it just doesn't sound right. (I used my big-ass home theater speakers for a while because they can get loud enough... but I was always anxious listening for clipping and didn't want to damage them.)
So, I started using a powered standalone DJ style speaker. I happened to have it on hand for outdoor music and it works well for karaoke. What is important for you is that it is not only loud, but it has a small mixer built in.
This is what I have and it works ok for the money, but there are many such gadgets at all prices and quality levels.
https://smile.amazon.com/Rockville-Sistema-altavoces-8-pulgadas/dp/B00KL66FVG
So anyway, a powered DJ speaker WITH a 3 channel mixer built in (Music left + music right + mic), a microphone + XLR cable, a laptop computer with Karafun, and an audio cable from the computer to the speaker ... and you are in business.
For a mic, the Behringer XM8500 is $32. (oh man they used to be $23!) No it does not sound as good as a $100 Shure, but price is a factor here, and any sound system you have at your price point won't let you hear everything a better mic offers anyway.
This XLR cable will work fine.
If you get into it, you could then expand the system with an external mixer. This would give you more mic inputs and possibly other goodies like compression and vocal effects.
Ideally someone will be the "KJ" and run the karaoke app. The music you play may have different audio levels so it is helpful if someone can adjust the mixer levels as needed, too.
Sadly there is nothing you can buy an Amazon that can make you a good singer. :)
Hi, I'm the co-editor for podcast production and I think I may be able to help with your questions.
Mics: Depending on your current recording space you have 2 options, Condenser or Dynamic Microphones. Condenser mics are very good at picking up detailed sound but they are most of the time to sensitive to be used without some sort of sound proofing or acoustic treatment to the room as they are really good at picking up even the quietest of sounds. but if you have a treated room or a acoustic shield then that might be an option to look into. Dynamic mics however are really good at capturing loud sounds and because of that, they are mostly used for singing and instruments. however they are also often used for narration because you don't have to go all out with the sound proofing as they are less sensitive. now since my talents are in post production, I don't need an expensive microphone to get a good sounding recording, so I just use a $20 Dynamic microphone from amazon, they're great in fact I bought 4 of them for a podcast I was doing, I can give samples if you would like. As for price, Condenser are on average going to cost more because of everything that goes into it. Dynamic mics are older tech, so they aren't as expensive. my friend who does the vocal recordings has the Rode NT1a, a rather expensive condenser microphone $229, and I record using the Behringer Xm8500 Dynamic mic $20 on amazon. so it's really up to your budget and editing know how.
You will also need a audio interface if you're going to be using XLR mics, which I highly recommend you do. Here's the one I use, although you may not need that many channels
Software: I use Adobe Audition around $20 a month subscription. However I have in the past used Audacity and if you know how to use it, you can get some really good results. If you are looking to get into industry standard software I would recommend Pro Tools also I think $20 a month.
Yes, people who don't use a studio generally record to their preferred Audio editor and mix/edit then upload to a hosting website for their podcast, the production I work for uses Blogtalk which I think has a free option. However there are many options for hosting websites (E.g. Acast, Podbean, Libsyn, Ect.) I recommend reading this website for hosting options.
People typically find voice actors through Casting Calls which they themselves set up or by going through a casting call website, and yes voice actors are typically paid although some may offer volunteer if they're just getting out there or for charity. For the sake of professionalism always assume you are paying for their services, that way if they decline payment then that's their choice as an actor.
If your podcast gains enough listeners then yes, you can definaty make money through podcasting, but you should never go only for making money. because one, it takes a while ti gain listeners and two it's just no fun if your only in it for the money.
I remember being exactly where you are now asking these questions, so If you need any help don't hesitate to ask. I hope this helps :)
TL,DR
Mics: I use a $20 Dynamic mic which gives me great recordings, although there are more expensive and higher quality options out there.
Software: I use Adobe Audition to edit everything but there are a myriad of other audio editing options out there including the free software Audacity.
Yes it can be as simple as Record/Edit/Post depending on what your doing and the type of podcast your going for.
You find actors through casting calls, and typically you always pay actors for their services. Always expect to pay.
Yes you can make money through podcasting depending on your listenership and Ads and things like that.
A bad mic can really be a downer. With that said, you can get a pair of these for just a little bit more and it will serve you nicely.