Reddit reviews GLS Audio Vocal Microphone ES-58-S & Mic Clip - Professional Series ES58-S Dynamic Cardioid Mike Unidirectional (With On/Off Switch)

Welcome to the world of podcasting! If someone asked for my recommendation with 4 mics and a budget, below is what i'd do:

• 4 - GLS Audio ES-58's ($29.99 Each)
  
• 1 - Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 ($309)
  
• Audacity Recording Software (Free)
  
  Now I know its hard to say budget and $300 for an interface in the same sentence, but trust me... it will be worth it in the end.
  
  I've also written some resources you can learn from if you want to read a little.
  
  
• How To Start A Podcast Blog Post
  
• My Book, Podcasting Pro Basics PDF
  
• Podcast Equipment Recommendations Blog Post
  
• Podcast Editing Tips & Tricks
  
  

If you want decent and dirt cheap, the GLS Audio ES58 is an outstanding Shure SM58 clone. I have 2, and the only major drawback is the handling noise (so try to keep it in a stand). Otherwise, it's extremely difficult to distinguish from the real thing, and appears to be almost every bit as durable.

Of course, there's no shame in owning the authentic, original tried-and-true SM58. It's right at the high end of your budget, but it will almost certainly last you a lifetime. You don't have to take my word for it, either. The '58 is, without a doubt, the single most used microphone in the world.

Maybe an Audio Technica 2020.

Edit: Here's a list of Amazon Links for mics that should do fine for under $100. Mind you, these aren't going to be as good as more expensive mics.

http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT2020-Cardioid-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B0006H92QK/ref=sr_1_2?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1397680493&sr=1-2&keywords=audio+technica+at2020

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CZ0RLK/ref=s9_simh_gw_p267_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1HB6SGG69DC63CE0W94T&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1688200382&pf_rd_i=507846

http://www.amazon.com/CAD-U37-Condenser-Recording-Microphone/dp/B001AIQGUO/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1397680546&sr=1-1&keywords=cad+u37

(This next one has a used one for under a hundred. Just over a hundred for new.)

http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Yeti-USB-Microphone/dp/B008F4USMS/ref=sr_du_2_map?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1397680579&sr=1-2

Edit 2:

If you want something pretty good even cheaper, this one will actually do you fine. You might notice a difference, but you also might not. It should be perfectly adequate if you don't intend to do anything more than amateur work.

http://www.amazon.com/GLS-Audio-Vocal-Microphone-ES-58-S/dp/B000RKVH0K/ref=pd_cp_MI_0

https://www.amazon.com/GLS-Audio-Vocal-Microphone-ES-58-S/dp/B000RKVH0K - it's a knock off but it's a good one.

For the microphones, I can't recommend (for the price range you're looking at), the GLS ES-58. It's a really really good knockoff of a SM58, for a third of the price- important when you need 5.

we use 3 GLS ES-58 for betterkind gamecast. It works really well for us. It compares to the Shure SM58.

Now we also use an audio interface because it is a XLR connection so if you're looking for USB it won't work for you.

We use two of these $30 GLS brand Shure SM58 knockoffs in my studio interchangeably with real SM58s and we can't tell the difference. Same is true for their SM57 knockoffs. For vocals you want the SM58 because of the built in pop screen and wider cardioid pattern.

Here's a desk mic stand for $13.

Eventually you may want to step up to a large capsule condenser mic which will need phantom power, but the GLS will do a great job for you in the mean time.

The Mackies look good - affordable but well-reviewed. I assume I want one pre-amp for each microphone, right? So probably 4, unless 6 is within range. Maybe the 1202-VLZ4?

And then obviously a microphone for each person - I've heard good things about these GLS ES-58s, and at a price like that I find it tough to argue - would it be reasonable to start with a set of those and then upgrade the mics the next time we have some money to spend, do you think?

And then I guess I need something in between the mixer and my laptop that does a USB or Thunderbolt in - is that a separate piece of hardware, or just an adaptor?