Reddit reviews Hosa HMIC-010 Pro Microphone Cable, REAN XLR3F to XLR3M Connectors, 10 feet Cable Length, Silver-plated REAN Connectors, 20 AWG x 2 Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC) Conductors, 90% OFC Braided Shield

Keep in mind that if you want to upgrade to a higher-quality microphone or bigger setup, you may have trouble integrating USB gear into that setup, and a better USB microphone will cost much more than an equivalent analog microphone. So, if you see yourself upgrading to a better microphone in the future, or getting a more "professional" sound system, you may want to stray away from USB. If you go for an analog microphone and an audio interface, you will usually have better sound quality at the same price points as well.

With that said, I would go with the MXL 770 and a Focusrite iTrack Solo. I use a Focusrite product myself. These are very capable and well-regarded budget home recording devices.

Now how do we get this in budget? In audio, it's not a bad idea to go used or open box. For example, you can grab a Focusrite iTrack Solo from eBay right now for for $70 or less. Buy the MXL 770 from Amazon, a Neewer boom stand, and a XLR cable, and you've got yourself a very capable and easily upgradable kit for $165. Then, if you want to upgrade in the future, you can jump up to a more pro-level microphone and still support it on the iTrack, or if you need to plug in more microphones or instruments, you can get another interface and still use the MXL 770.

TL;DR I would highly recommend going for a non-usb microphone like the MXL 770 and a budget audio interface. With an extra $25 and some smart shopping, you can get some equipment that sounds better AND will save you money with future upgrades.

Feel free to ask me any questions you have.

Source: Amateur radio producer, person who spent too much and thought too little on his initial audio purchases.

If you want simple and cheap, Pyle has a lightweight double-DI box for $15, and you will need two [speaker cables] (http://www.amazon.com/Rapco-Horizon-SRS18-3-StageMASTER-Connectors/dp/B00HB78DSQ). You will also need XLR cables to go from the DI to the recorder.

What you need is:
Chromecast -> 3.5mm to 2x TS -> Subwoofer -> 2xXLR -> Each monitor

Well, here is a Hosa Pro 5 foot HMIC-005 cable

https://www.amazon.com/Hosa-HMIC-005-XLR3F-XLR3M-Microphone/dp/B004TP4IZU

and a 10 foot HMIC-010

https://www.amazon.com/HMIC-010-XLR3F-XLR3M-Microphone-Cable/dp/B004TPDBGC/

which is a common length election since you didn't suggest what you wanted.

The audio on cheap cables is likely the same but better cables have better shielding which is nice but not a huge deal for short runs at home, and better connectors with better strain relief so they are less likely to be damaged and need to be replaced. There are better cables but they are three or more times as expensive for little gain. And Hosa Pro have a lifetime warranty.

!

Neewer Mic Stand
$15 ish

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DY1F2CS/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_cu8Zxb1WCA7N5

AT2020 $88


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006H92QK/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_kv8ZxbDDA21QD

Scarlett Solo $100

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01E6T56CM/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_3y8ZxbHHPDGMC

Hosa XLR cable $12


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004TPDBGC/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_sC8ZxbZJZGRXD

This is almost identical to what I used for a while, besides us having a gen 1 2i2 instead of a gen 2 solo. You can upgrade the microphone down the line without upgrading the interface.

Whether or not you can get free shipping will probably impact shipping a lot, we have prime so I'm not sure how much shipping will cost.

I would recommend you to try the stuff out before buying audio equipment if possible. I feel like with this much money you shouldn't leave anything to a leap of faith, plus what mic suits my voice can be a lot different than what suits yours.

Edit: I forgot to mention: I hate the Neewer stand, but I can't possibly recommend the Rode PSA1 to someone with a 200-300 budget.