I am a big sound guy, and as such I've currently got an xlr microphone.
(Sorry about the xlr portion there is more to it then USB)
As you may already know, there are 2 types of microphones, USB and XLR. USB are all in one devices with everything built in, including an interface. XLR microphones on the other hand are just that, a microphone, and any other parts you'd need to purchase. Both can have varying features like how wide of an angle they will pick up noise with optimal sound and what not.
USB as stated are very easy to use and for the most part are a good bang for the buck. Think Blue, microphones like that are exactly what USBs are. Here is a reputable microphone in this category under 100.00 bucks
Blue Snowball - very clean microphone and very reputable in the $50 range. I've gotten to use it at a friend's of mine and was very surprised by the quality in sound
XLR microphones are fun to get set up but can be confusing. The setup is made of 3 parts, the microphone, an xlr cable, and an audio interface / mixer. I say it can be confusing because you're plugging everything into one another, but it's pretty easy to setup. The most complex thing is the interface, which can have gain, equalizers, all that mumbo jumbo. Despite that, XLR is generally considered to be better because the parts used are much better in quality and thus create nicer sounds.
If you're curious, I use a NEAT king bee and Yamaha XG10XU, but for starting here is an easy setup (both dynamic and condenser)
Shure PGA58-XLR (dynamic - close to face) - my first dynamic, Shure is a reputable brand with microphones such as SM7b, and these smaller mics are no different. This is a great mic for the price
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TTQM94Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_QJB99KQBPBQXG9SYQF8Z
Marantz Pro MPM1000 (Condenser - far from face) this was my first condenser microphone, and it is very nice in it's sound quality.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C05AL4C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_XMS711VSFVV1D9NC597V
BEHRINGER UM2 Interface - my first interface. It only has a gain knob so it's stress free and simple, so you won't need to worry about equilization and compression and all this other stuff with it
Xlr cable - these are required, I use the Amazon brand because it's cheap and works great
As an example as to why I prefer XLR and why it can produce nicer sounds, here is a video from Linustechtips who showcases mics for under $50 and highlights an xlr for the final microphone. Listen to how it sounds! Crazy just how much cleaner it is, and that is exactly what sold me on xlr, it can be better bang for the buck
Let me know if anything needs more explaining of course
Gave it a quick edit to just include the blue snowball since it is a great mic and added descriptions as they are required
Thank you so much!
You will want a mixer. They are really cheap so no need to panic.
The good news is a setup including the XM8500 is still below $80!
Behringer Xenyx 502 Mixer - $40
Windscreen - $3 Note I would recommend you get a Windscreen. They're cheap and versatile.
You're the absolute best. Okay, so. I'm going to give you everything I have and if you'd be so kind to verify.
MIC / ARM -
Interface-
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QR6Z1JB/ref=ewc_pr_img_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
XLR Cable (probably comes with it, just to make sure though lol)-
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01JNLTTKS/ref=ewc_pr_img_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
Pop filter just because-
Oh shit yah I forgot. Make sure you have headphones with a 1/4 adapter or just 1/4 male end because that’s the output for the Focusrite headphone jack. Also if you have speakers make sure you have cables that go from the speaker amp/speakers to the Focusrites L and R 1/4 outputs. Lastly BUT MOST IMPORTANT you need a cable. All of em are pretty much the same so amazon basics is the cheaper way to go. No point in buying expensive ass cables. Learn how to fix cables if you don’t wanna buy new ones when they crap out but mine have lasted for years and I roll over them with my chair and drop the ends all the time lol. Also I’m not sure if it comes with a mic stand. I know it comes with the shock mount and pop filter but I honestly don’t remember about the stand.
So list: 1/4mm headphone adapter (or just if you have headphones like that) Proper speaker cables (if you have speakers) XLR Male to Female mic cable Mic stand (maybe)
Do remember though condensers aren’t indestructible like dynamic mics you see on stage. So when transporting them or removing them from a stand treat them with proper care. I’m always worrying about mine dropping or falling over but when it comes to my SM57 I’ve knocked it over countless times.