Reddit reviews Behringer Ultravoice XM1800S Dynamic Cardioid Vocal and Instrument Microphones, Set of 3,Black

Not amazing quality but Behringer can get you started for cheap. This is probably the cheapest way to get started without all crowding around one microphone.

• Cheap 3 mic set
  
• Cheap Mixer with compressors and usb
  
• Cheap cables
  
• Cheap foam windscreens to use as pop filters
  
• Free audio editor / recording software
  
• Free automatic audio post-mixer (You may have to download the app from here)
  
• Ultra basic video of how to use Audacity and Levelator for ultra cheap audio editing / mixing
  
• Free RSS host
  
• Free RSS conformer for itunes
  
• Free audio hosting
  
  Also consider Cheap RSS and media hosting from Libsyn
  and See behringer's whole range of basic mixers. You might also want to check out cheap mic stands. I would also reccomend using a backup recording device connected to your mixer like a Tascam / Zoom / iPhone in case your recording software crashes during the session.

A full setup that will record four local mics, max, or two local mics and a Skype caller. A choice of mics.

Behringer UMC404HD interface for $100 (needs a USB cable I think)

https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-UMC404HD-BEHRINGER-U-PHORIA/dp/B00QHURLHM/

Behringer HA400 headphone amp for $25

https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-HA400-BEHRINGER-MICROAMP/dp/B000KIPT30/

Needs two TRS 1/4" stereo cables, one for the headphone amp and one for Skype. $10

https://www.amazon.com/Hosa-CSS-105-Balanced-Interconnect-Cable/dp/B000068NYF/

Behringer XM1800S three pack of good enough mics for $40

https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-XM1800S-BEHRINGER-ULTRAVOICE/dp/B000NJ2TIE/

or a slightly better Behringer XM8500 at $20 each

https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-Ultravoice-Dynamic-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B0002KZAKS/

or a very nice Blue enCORE 100 at $60

https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-enCORE-100-Studio-Grade/dp/B002SQJL9U/

A couple 9-foot XLR cables for $12 or vary as you see fit

https://www.amazon.com/2-Pack-Cable-Male-Female-Microphone/dp/B074KYQ66J/

On-Stage, desk stand for $13 (lots of options)

https://www.amazon.com/Stage-DS7200-Adjustable-Microphone-Stand/dp/B0002M3OVI/

You need some RCA to 1/4" TS cables. Technically two though there are reasons up to four and this six pack is cheap at $8. Wish they were shorter.

https://www.amazon.com/GLS-Audio-Patch-Cable-Cords/dp/B0010XVYGA/

or you can get by with one of these.

https://www.amazon.com/Hosa-CPR-201-Stereo-Interconnect-Cable/dp/B000068O16/

and my personal favorite, the UCA202 for $30

https://www.amazon.com/BEHRINGER-U-Control-Low-Latency-Interface-Digital/dp/B000KW2YEI/

This gives you full Skype access to the other rig for Two local mics.

!

Don't use one mic for a group of people. The quality never comes out great. Here's what I use and it totally fits your budget. [Zoomh4n] (http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/H4N?utm_source=CSE&utm_medium=PPC&zmap=H4N&zmac=7&zmas=1&zmam=89202644&SID=0)
mics
cables
splitters

I give this out a lot. I use all of these, and they were recommended by another podcaster who uses them too.

Here is my short list. I personally have used these. I still use everything but the mic (I upgraded) Everything together is less than $125 USD. Good luck!


Mixer https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EK1OTZC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Mics (You get 3, so you can have others on (they will need their own mixer for this setup) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NJ2TIE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Mic Stand, pop filter https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EBDZHNQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

Sound paneling https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071VDDVHQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

These things and Audacity (which is free) will help you make a professional sound on a budget.

I upgraded to xlr back in November and haven't regretted it for a second. Everything sounds so crisp and you can modify the sound to a T, plus there's none of the issues I had with usb.

My setup works perfectly for a 3 or 4 person show. I have the [Behringer XENYX 1202] (http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-1202-BEHRINGER-XENYX/dp/B000J5Y282/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1456941958&sr=8-11&keywords=xlr+mixer) mixer which costs about 75 used but I managed to find one for 50. The only issue with this is that it all records to one track so if you want to isolate someone while editing, no luck. You could probably pay an extra 50 bucks to get a multitrack mixer but I don't think it's worth the money.

For microphones, I use the [Ultravoice XM1800S] (http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-ULTRAVOICE-XM1800S-Cardioid-Microphones/dp/B000NJ2TIE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1456942042&sr=8-1&keywords=microphone+3+pack), which come in a 3 pack for about 35 bucks. I really love this microphone even more than my $60 condenser microphone because they don't pick up a lot of background noise so nobody will be bleeding sound onto each others mics!

I also got a 5 pack of cheapo xlr cables on Ebay for less than 10 bucks and a 5 pack of foam pop filters for less than 5 bucks.

Hope this helps and let me know if there's anything else you want help with.

Edit: Multitrack mixer costs 50 bucks more, not 5.

Some recommendations:

• A self-contained portable recorder like the Zoom H5 or H6. It'll avoid all the "PC support" tech support nightmares you'd otherwise have to deal with. Patrons could even be responsible for bringing/using their own memory cards.
  
  
• Even cheap mics are surprisingly good. These 3-for-$39 Behrenger mics are a great deal.
  
  
• Similarly, these $16 Monoprice headphones sound as good as $100+ consumer "style" brands like Beats.
  
  
• Speaking of Monoprice, get all of your audio and computer cables from there.
  
  If you want to see more options, I'm building an open source guide here. It's very much under construction, but there are some good gear lists there.
  
  Post back as you have questions!

Thanks for this. I just ordered a whole pile of stuff on Amazon with Prime. Came out to be a good bit cheaper than your estimate. I traded down on a couple of things like the vocal mics (Behringers for 1/3 the price) and direct boxes (half the price). The big thing I skimped on to make my budget was the mixer - I got a Behringer 12-channel mixer with great reviews for about $90. Hopefully it will get the job done.

Definitely couldn't have figured out what to buy without you. Hopefully this is everything we need for a great summer and beyond!

So first of all, a USB mic isn't going to connect to a mixer. They're designed to go straight to the computer, but mics that connect through XLR are going to give you a better audio signal, so definitely go that rout if possible. Personally, I recommend the Behringer XM1800s or the CAD D32 if you need multiple mics, or if you have a bit more saved up then the Audio-Technica Pro 41. There are plenty of other great mics out there, but these are all good quality at a relatively low price, so I think they are great for people just getting in to using audio equipment.

​

For the mixer, as long as you aren't streaming live then you can go with an audio interface instead of a full mixer. The interface takes the input from your mic, boosts the signal to a usable level, and has an analogue-to-digital converter that makes the signal usable by your computer. Most mixers will do all that (there are a few that don't convert to a digital signal, but those are usually older models), plus allow you to add EQ or other effects to your audio. If everything is getting recorded though, all those effects can be done more precisely in your DAW (digital audio workstation, the software you record and edit with).

There are plenty of good interfaces with two XLR inputs, and some of them even have multiple headphone outputs. If the interface (or mixer) you get only has one, you will need a splitter, but with only two headsets you shouldn't need anything else just to record. If it's not working, then you can look into headphone amps, but usually they aren't something you will need.

​

For the mic stands, basically any cheap stand will work. Unless you are using a mic that's heavier than average (like the SM7B), there isn't going to be any issue. Pop filters are the same, you can even just use the cheap foam wind covers. Pop filters are designed to help reduce plosives (the puff of air from the 'p' and 'b' sound hitting the mic), but the biggest thing to get rid of them is to speak slightly off-axis to the mic, not directly into it. Dynamic mics usually have some sort of built in pop filter as well, so don't worry too much about what you get for a pop filter.

​

Audacity is a great free DAW, and will work great. It's not perfect, but for the price I haven't found anything better. Personally, I use Reaper, but which software you use is less essential than being familiar with whatever it is that you use. Get comfortable messing around with the effects, and figure out what stuff does. Audacity has everything you need for recording and editing.

​

The one thing you didn't mention that I consider to be very important is acoustic treatment. This can be as simple as stringing up old blankets, or you can buy acoustic panels, but having some soft material between you and the walls to cut the reverb and echo in the room is an absolute must. Without treatment, even the best of mics will sound harsh from all the echo, but with a well treated space even cheap mics can sound good.

​

If you ever have any questions, feel free to ask. And good luck!

The Zoom H6 has a ton of other applications besides just making podcasts. If you work in media, it's a tremendous investment to make that will pay for itself over time. And it's tremendous for podcasting. If you wind up recording more then two people, you have the flexibility to record up to 6 independent tracks. I also have a hack that I can use it to record skype interviews straight to the recorder. I whole heartedly recommend you buy one.

Mics are really up to you and what sound you want. I use these mics for my podcast, and they sound fine for my purposes. Not great, but good enough. I love them because they are not sensitive enough to pick up to much bleed from other mics.

https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-Ultravoice-XM1800S-Instrument-Microphones/dp/B000NJ2TIE?ref_=bl_dp_s_web_2529020011

The type of headsets you want are called broadcast headsets and NOT chat headsets. These broadcast headsets are used by sports broadcasters at events to minimize background noise and maximize voice fullness and clarity. The BPHS-1 is the cheapest one I've found.

I'd highly caution against sharing microphones. I'd much rather see you go with a cheaper microphone per person like the Behringer XM1800s than share a microphone.

The other issue I'd caution against is hand-holding the microphone. You'd be much better off having a floor stand that is not connected to the table to eliminate table bumps and noises.

Sweetwater.com sometimes runs a 2 for 1 sale for the Blue Encore 100. It's a great microphone at $100 and if you can get it for $50 on the 2 for 1 deal it's a steal. But it is also terrible for handling noise.

I bought this three pack of mics for my podcast and they sound great. Super great deal.

Make sure to put your final bounced .wav through a program like Levelator and you're set.

Lightworks is the place to go for editing, if you don't mind the learning curve, though for simpler things, you can mix the audio using audacity and cut it together in Avidemux

For microphones, I typically use some fairly simple vocal microphones particularly these or a pocket recorder like this one and get pretty good sound out of them. It's also worth noting that this microphone is often recommended for beginners in Let's Plays and podcasts alike and might be more your speed.

A built-in pop filter is probably not recommended. For the vocal microphones you can pick up some pretty cheap pop filters or position them slightly to the side (though still pointing at your mouth). For pocket recorders and the Blue Snowball, it's a non-issue, as you're not speaking right up on it.

Get some dynamic mics there's a 3 pack of behringers for 40$that sounds just fine. Your probably using an omnidirectional condenser. Your gonna want some dynamic mics and you'll be good to go. I used to have the same issue. You have to eat the mic but you will have zero bleeding. These are my favourite super cheapos

BEHRINGER ULTRAVOICE XM1800S https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NJ2TIE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_nuGNAbXRX5EST

My current go to is this bag:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0768VGRYM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
that contains:

• 3 tabletop mic stands
  
• 3 6' long XLR mic cables
  
• 1 Zoom H4NPro
  
• 6 AA Batteries
  
  ANd then a three pack of these Behringer mics for $40
  
  https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-Ultravoice-XM1800S-Instrument-Microphones/dp/B000NJ2TIE/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=behringer+1800&qid=1573491424&s=hi&sr=8-2

It would... work. But not well. Remember that you're working with a pure-audio medium, so sounding good is almost as important as having good content. If you have to use this setup, here are a few issues you'll run into-

• Ambient sound- imnidirectional mode will pick up a little of everything. Literally. Echo? Done. Noise from outside? Yup. Literally everything but what your listeners are there for? Possibly.
  
  
• Lack of depth- to get that rich vocal range, you gotta be at the right distance from the right mic. You will have neither with this rig.
  
  
• So much editing- considering that you're likely going to be using Audacity (nothing wrong with that at all), you'll have so much editing to do, and with no idea of what the mic is picking up (see below) to prepare you. Audacity is not the best for really mixing down audio, so you'll be putting a lot of responsibility on a program that isn't the best choice for it
  
  
• No zero-latency monitoring- this is actually huge. You'll either be plugged into the computer while your brain tries to be in the present while also listening on a lag (ugh) or you'll be flying blind (double ugh) since you can't just throw on some cans and monitor in real time. This doesn't seem important, but it super is. Being able to hear what the mic hears with no lag is a game changer.
  
  
  Here's what I'd recommend instead:
  
  Behringer XM1800s 3-pack - the products most often purchased together will run you about $55 (less than a Blue Snowball), and includes a 5-pack of windscreens, and 1 10-foot XLR cable. Personally I would replace that with 2 of the 6-foot versions- I use that exact cable with an AT2020 and for the price it's excellent. By shopping for a good deal you can spend less- buying used or on sale or even from a fellow podcaster who has moved up to more serious gear can help you out there.
  
  To get those sweet vocal tones from the mic to the computer, you'll need an interface. I use an Audio Technica AT2020 run through a Scarlet Solo, but it's just me, and their 2-mic version is excessive for what it brings to the table. Consider the Behringer Xenyx Q802USB interface. The mixer.controls will help you dial in your audio, reducing editing time/effort and reliance on Audacity.
  
  Now, I'm well aware that that is basically double the budget that you have in mind. I don't enjoy giving you that news, but- and this is important- spending ~$130 isn't that big a deal over the long term, and if you wind up taking this more seriously it will give you a massive advantage right out of the gate, and will make the process of recording so much easier, leaving you more time and energy to focus on content and enjoying the process. Because, let's be honest, that's what you start a podcast for; enjoyment. With the mics I recommended, a mic stand isn't crucial right out of the gate, but even if you really just want stands, getting a cheap boom or scissor is totally doable for $30 or less.

Unfortunately, $300 for a 4 person set up is going to be hard to make work well since you're basically starting from scratch. That's not to say it can't be done. Unfortunately, I'm going to give recommendations based on what I know is cheaper from a reputable name and hope none of these are right out terrible.

Behringer Q1202USB 12-Channel Mixer. 4 mic inputs, USB connection, $100.

Behringer Ultravoice Xm8500 Dynamic Vocal Microphone, Cardioid 4 at $20 for $80. Alternatively, BEHRINGER ULTRAVOICE XM1800S is a pack with 3 mics for $40, with one from the last link, gets you 4 mics for $60.

Cable Matters 2-Pack Microphone Cable (Mic Cable/XLR to XLR Cable) 6 Feet 2 packs of 2 at $15 for $30.

NEEWER Adjustable Microphone Suspension Boom Scissor Arm Stand 4 at $12 for $50. Alternatively AmazonBasics Tripod Boom Microphone Stand if a desk mounted stand is not ideal or possible, 4 at $20 for $80

I'm also not sure the diameter of those mics but I recommend whichever one of these fits. On Stage MY325 Dynamic Shock Mount Microphone Clip or On Stage MY330 Wireless Shock Mount Microphone Clip both about $10, so $40 for 4.

Depending on what compromises you're willing to make, this is a pretty budget 4 person set up at $280-$330, and I'd recommend saving the last $100 or so you need for it.

So, I don't know the most technical differences, but I can tell you the major difference between Condenser and Dynamic.

Condenser mics are going to pick up a lot of ambient noise. You'll probably see these in a recording studio, and they work well in that setting because studios are designed to incorporate them. Some condenser mics require phantom power to power them, the Blue lineup does not as they are powered by the computer.

Dynamic mics are going to be more focused, picking up the sound directly in front of them. I prefer the Dynamic, as I think you can get a better, more isolated sound. Especially if your recording space isn't ideal or acoustically treated.

The Blue Microphones (Snowball and Yeti) are condenser mics. So, if you're using a Yeti, you're going to be picking up a lot of the noise in the room, and outside the room (and even the building, depending on your recording space). So, if you have animals, roomates, Air Conditioning, fans, any little thing that makes noise, it will be picked up.

We used to record with a Blue Snowball, and while it's nice for capturing the sound of multiple hosts, the cons outweigh the pros.

Now, if you're able to treat the space with either acoustic foam, or even something as simple as hanging blankets up, and putting some on the floor if you don't have carpet, this will help your acoustics.

Or, if you're a one-person show, you can record in a closet, as well Just be mindful of any ambient noises you might not think of.

However, depending on how many people you're planning on having, here's the setup I recommend, for your price range:

1. Behringer Xenyx 1202 with 4 XLR inputs. - This $80 mixer gives you some room to grow.
   
   
2. Behringer Ultravoice 3-Pack - This affordable $40 dynamic microphone bundle will let you and any additional hosts get started with a decent sound. You could always upgrade to more expensive mics later, but even the affordable Behringer XM8500 is a great mic that comes in at $20.
   
   
3. Pick up the cables, which should run you between $20–$30: 3 XLR cables, plus the line out from the mixer to your laptop/computer.
   
   
4. Audacity. Free, easy-to-use editing software that I've been using for 6 years and is perfect for my show's needs. There are a lot of online resources to support Audacity and all of its functions.
   
   
5. A hosting site: Podbean, Shout Engine, Libsyn, Archive.org, etc. This is where you'd upload your show and use your RSS feed to get into iTunes. I personally use Podbean, but to have a decent go of it, you'll have to pay. We pay around $100 a year. Shout Engine and Archive.org are free alternatives, and I've personally used Shout Engine without issue.
   
   
6. Some people like to use headsets to monitor their sound, but it's not super necessary to start. You can gauge your volumes by watching the recording track in Audacity and see if anyone needs to be turned up or down. Using dynamic mics and a mixer will give you a lot of volume control pre-recording. Down the road, you could look into an Audio Interface which would allow for multitrack recording, giving more control over everyones levels post-recording.
   
   And there you go. For about $150, you'll have a decent starter setup which will capture a good sound right away.
   

Looks like I replied to the wrong person originally. Here are a couple of links:

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/XM1800S--behringer-xm1800s-dynamic-vocal-instrument-microphones-3-pack

https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-Ultravoice-XM1800S-Instrument-Microphones/dp/B000NJ2TIE

Like /u/roobyroobyroooooo mentioned, stands/arms are very helpful (I recently did an "away" episode where everyone held the mics, and I had to spend so much time editing the handling noises out of the show), and I got extra foam covers for them to help with plosives.

But that aside, I'm pleased with the sound quality for $14 mics.

For the love of god, do not buy a Blue mic. I don't know how they got a reputation for making good mics. I think they are terrible.

The best cheap mic I've heard is the BEHRINGER ULTRAVOICE XM1800S (affiliate link). But, it comes in a pack of three for $40. Could work if you can find friends to split with. Still all three are cheaper than the ATR2100 (which is in fact an amazing mic).

There was a booth at Podcast Movement in which I was able to test about a dozen different mics. If you want to listen, it's up on my Dropbox here. The Behringer is the first mic on this test. You can even listen to how much background noise the Blue Yeti picks up. Awful, awful mic in my opinion.

EDIT: Just noticed there's also a Behringer Ultravoice Xm8500 (affiliate link), that goes for $20 for one. I would suspect (and the Amazon ratings suggest) it's as good as the three-for-$40 model.

EDIT EDIT: Also just realized the ones I listed above are XLR. You'd need an XLR to USB cable, about $10.

sure, if you don't mind.

My group and I have been talking about starting our own podcast for a while now (I swear, we've been talking about this since well before we knew that the Glass Cannon Podcast was a thing). For the past year or so we've been recording our sessions using a Blue Yeti in the middle of the table. Just listening to an episode of GCP told me that was not going to work anymore. Just the background noises that I couldn't edit out and the people talking over one another and the difference in natural speaking voices between us all adds up to a nightmare in editing.

Now, we realize this and are looking into equipment to get to address these issues. We already have this mixer. I was pointed towards these microphones as well as pretty good quality mics to start with. I am also of the understanding that this mixer will work with these mics because they are Dynamic mics and don't require phantom power, allowing us to use the 1/4" inputs on the mixer for some of them.

What are your opinions on what we have so far? I know we will need floor/table stands to go with the mics and cords to run to the mixer as well. Are the Amazon Basics cords ok to use, or do you have a better (fairly inexpensive) option?

I appreciate you taking the time.

okay brother so far this the set up i got in my cart is there anything im missing?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XNZF99T/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A1BS2LGJ63FMIS&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00X7YJUGG/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=AB3RH2VK84JRX&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019OO4IY6/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=A3T95V05QKJ0CN&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NJ2TIE/ref=ox_sc_act_title_5?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QHURLHM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_7?smid=AV80KMVI6ZWQL&psc=1

Yes! Here is some cheap gear that you can take a look at to get you own your way, or at least know what you should be looking for.

Microphones

XLR Cable

Mixing w/ USB insert

With these you can generally record into audacity on your computer, or another recording device attached to the mixer.

You could always try this Behringer ULTRAVOICE XM1800S Dynamic Cardioid Vocal Microphones, 3-Pack (at 30-40 bucks a pop you can buy two for SIX mics) and TASCAM DR-40, and as many of these splitters as you need. We've put our mics into these splitters and they work splendidly. You'll also need XLR cables for the mics as well. If you have two friends who are louder than everyone else I guess you could also buy a mixer for a little more control.

Anyways, I have the DR-40, Behringer mics, and the splitters. They work pretty damn well for how cheap you can get them. You get great portability, as well.

A lot of these guys are probably a lot more pro than me, so they're probably the ones to listen to if you want to be super legit. If you are on a budget, though, I can confirm that this setup works quite well! Minus the mixer you could probably get everything for six people having a their own mic for ~$300.

Edit: The DR-40 comes with a 2GB memory card but you might want to upgrade it a little bit just in case. SD cards are pretty cheap now, though!

Edit Edit: You'll also want some stands, too... and these windscreens.

It might end up around like $300-$400 bucks. But when some of those Blues cost $100 per mic for the cheapest ones, it's kinda a good deal for all of the stuff you'll get. Also, if podcasting doesn't work out you now have all the equipment to start a karaoke bar.

Behringer ULTRAVOICE XM1800S. Got the 3 set for an insanely good price. Should have known better XD.

If you're looking for some solid mics that don't break budget I recommend The Behringer Ultravoice Xm8500 . Only cost 20$ for one and I have to say it's a pretty solid mic. They also sell a 3 pack of the Behringer Ultravoice Xm1800s for around 40$.

The NW-700 is a decent mic for the money but you should probably use dynamic mics instead of a condenser mic. You’ll have a lot of issues with sound bleeding with 5 condenser mics in a room.

You could get 2 of these.
3x mic pack

That way you also don’t need phantom power.

Then you can pick up a better mixer with something like this.
mixer

Lastly, you can get 5 Neewer boom arm with XLR cables inside the arm for $18

That puts tour total at about $370 for the setup or about $75 each.

I think I might pitch this to the other members of the podcast:

1 x Mackie ProFX8v2

3 x Behringer XM1800S (there's a three pack with a case on Amazon.ca)

1 x Behringer HA 400

Thank you for the advice, tehdudeabides & StargatePioneer! I'm still going to be shopping and tweaking... but thank you!

Most computers can't deal with 8 USB mics at once, on top of the fact those mics don't work well all in the same room together. I would get a USB XLR mixer and some dynamic mics.

8 people seems like a lot? This mixer goes up to 6 via XLR and is pretty affordable. Behringer is an "affordable" brand.

Speaking of Behringer, these mics are pretty decent for the price. They will slightly pick up others in the room, but nothing a simple gate in post can't fix. I don't know your budget, but if you want to get fancier, you can go with the MXL BCD-1.

I use the Focusrite 18i20, it's way more pricey.


I enjoy using Reaper.FM, it's $79 on both Mac/PC. It can record your software and edit it. I'm on Mac, I record everything with Audio Hijack first, then do my post in Reaper.

If you have more questions, let me know. I can get more specific with other stuff if you care.

I started looking around a bit more at Automix and found the XR12. Could I pair that with a couple 3-packs of XM1800S along with appropriate cables and perhaps some desktop (conference table) stands?

The XR12 claims to be able to do "Revolutionary Dugan*-style Auto-Mixing automatically manages microphone gain sharing"

Thanks everyone for the feed back. After your suggestions I think I am going to use my Dell Inspiron to connect to the BEHRINGER U-PHORIA UMC404HD audio interface. From there connect 3
BEHRINGER ULTRAVOICE XM1800S by XLR cables. Connect BEHRINGER MICROAMP HA400 to the audio interface by TRS cable and use 1/4" to 3.5mm adaptor to connect headphones we already have. Pick up 3 inexpensive windscreens and stands. Did the pricing on amazon and it came to about $240 total, so not bad breaking it down to $80 a guy.

Amazon Links:

(Audio interface) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QHURLHM/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=ITTP0UQOZBIWX&colid=1KL6BZLXFZXJS&psc=0

(Mics) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NJ2TIE/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I30L3TMCYKWFWT&colid=1KL6BZLXFZXJS&psc=0

(Headphone amplifier) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000KIPT30/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I380FGUUPU9497&colid=1KL6BZLXFZXJS&psc=0

Finally using Audacity to start. If I missed anything or something is wrong I definitely appreciate the feedback.

You can subscribe to a service called Karafun for a one time/event use and it has most of the songs you want for karaoke, and anything else you can probably find on youtube. You'll need a laptop, if you want a monitor a small tv, a speaker, and a microphone or two. The Karaoke machines kind of suck, IMO.

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If you have DJ you can see if they can rent you microphones. If you don't, you can get a decent Berhinger Voice mic for like $30 on amazon

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18 in small tv: https://www.amazon.com/Sceptre-Clear-Brushed-Black-E185BV-SSC/dp/B07Q3T22CX/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=small+TV&qid=1562168733&s=gateway&sr=8-3

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set of 3 mics (but could do fewer/one) https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-Ultravoice-XM1800S-Instrument-Microphones/dp/B000NJ2TIE/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=behringer+voice+microphone&qid=1562168766&s=gateway&sr=8-3

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Can't vouch for this mic, but it's cheap: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ISNU3X4/ref=sspa_dk_detail_3?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B01ISNU3X4&pd_rd_w=WJtAp&pf_rd_p=8a8f3917-7900-4ce8-ad90-adf0d53c0985&pd_rd_wg=EVrCf&pf_rd_r=CEMHB0P1ZVKVVSCMGGDC&pd_rd_r=b2127a2e-9da9-11e9-b37e-594169a5e18b

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You don't necessarily need mic stands if you have long microphone cables.

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Decent PA System: https://www.amazon.com/Powerwerks-PW50-PA-System/dp/B004VQDAQK/ref=sr_1_11?crid=OH9SH5HX7LY4&keywords=portable+pa+system&qid=1562168848&s=musical-instruments&sprefix=portable+pa%2Cmi%2C149&sr=1-11

I just posted this to another person asking a similar question.

I recommend a board like this: http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-MG102C-Input-Stereo-Mixer/dp/B000Z7C9T8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397682975&sr=8-1&keywords=yamaha+mixer

It's relatively cheap, gets the job done well. You need separate microphones and XLR cables.

This is a good basic mic package: http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-ULTRAVOICE-XM1800S-Cardioid-Microphones/dp/B000NJ2TIE/ref=pd_sim_MI_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=0X64N5Q3GVRACE7BP79B

Here's a podcast I've done with the exact same products I just linked so you can judge sound quality: http://hwcdn.libsyn.com/p/e/0/c/e0cc3dc16dd225c0/BIOOS24-TheHolyBible.mp3?c_id=7057683&expiration=1397688144&hwt=cc9e95aa2fd3c505643c5285aafdc2e8

I started out with a Blue Yeti and had decent results. But as others have said, it will pick up a lot of room noise.

You could also consider using a gaming headset with a mic: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HLUZXAY/ [here] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HLUZXAY/)

I’m in a podcast group and these come highly recommend for if you want to go with XLR mics: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NJ2TIE/ [here] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NJ2TIE/)