Around late-September/early-October every yr, I get a Slack message from Greg asking whether or not I’m keen on writing a present information (or two). “Sure,” I say, by no means anticipating simply how a lot of a slog the following two months are going to be for {hardware} information/critiques. Putting collectively a roundup like that has the determined advantage of forgetting what a ache the entire thing may be.

I used to write down a “Best Gifts for Travelers” every year. And then this world pandemic factor occurred, at which level I shifted to “Best Gifts for Working from Home.” Fittingly, this yr I’ve dedicated myself to each, as myself and others semi-cautiously reenter the world.

My course of for placing these collectively is getting in no matter potential merchandise I can get my arms on. It’s simpler stated than carried out generally, however an essential a part of recommending merchandise is definitely making an attempt them your self. I do know it sounds simple, however you’d be stunned.

The previous few years have been a little bit of a quiet revolution for teleconferencing. Some of us are completely content material utilizing their computer systems’ built-in digital camera and microphone, be it for the sake of simplicity or value. Honestly, that’s positive for like 99% of the individuals 99% of the time. I had my hand compelled on each of this stuff for 2 causes. First, I overview devices for a residing. Second, I’ve been hosting a podcast for just under 10 years and the pandemic required a shift from in-person to distant.

For a wide range of causes, I haven’t gone again.

I’ve written about my in-person cell podcasting setup in these pages various occasions. It was the results of a number of years of refinement by way of trial and error. Putting collectively my at-home setup hasn’t been all that totally different, actually. In specific, I’ve gone by way of various totally different USB mics.

If I had extra time and money, I’d in all probability have a extra skilled auto interface with a correct XLR microphone. My stage of dedication has, as a substitute, been searching for out my platonic best USB microphone. Up to now, I’ve been fortunately recommending the Audio Technica ATR2100-USB. It’s a great-sounding, directional stick mic, with each a USB-C and XLR enter that’s not dissimilar from the type I used for face-to-face interviews.

I’m a fan of directional microphones for various causes, and have lengthy thought they should be the trade normal, notably for newbies. Here’s the soiled little secret in all of these: You can get fairly good sound from most USB mics over $100 (and a number of other beneath), however the interface is nearly deliberately troublesome.

Many of those microphones characteristic three, 4 or 5 directional settings. Beginners will virtually invariably select the fallacious one, by chance flip the achieve up full power and wind up sounding worse than they might have with a pair of earbuds or a default system microphone. The ATR2100-USB mounted that with easy, out of the field setup. But the Shure MV7 takes issues even additional.

The design appears like a extra compact model of the legendary studio/podcasting SM78. I’m not going to say it sounds pretty much as good as a correct studio mic with a correct studio interface, however I’ll say I doubt most individuals would be capable to select the distinction. The MV7’s sound is wealthy, full and heat — all the things you need out of a vocal mic. Like the ATR2100-USB, it sports activities each an XLR and USB-C output. Given how good it sounds, nevertheless, I don’t really feel any want to modify to the previous.

Also just like the Audio Technica system, it simply works. Plug it in, make sure that your software program is accessing it and you need to be good. Better nonetheless, there’s a contact panel with inexperienced lights that permits you to regulate the amount on the fly. There’s additionally a headphone enter if you wish to monitor your voice in actual time by way of the mic.

A number of downsides. First is value. At $250, you may get mic at half the value. This, nevertheless, is a good mic. If sound is essential to you, splurge somewhat. Second has extra to do with the directional design. If you absentmindedly shift loads in your seat whereas talking, this won’t be the mic for you. I do this generally, and I’m simply making an attempt to power myself to be extra conscious of these actions.

Third, it’s pretty heavy. If it’s simply going to stay on your own home desk, no biggie. It mounts on both a mic stand (I’ve a small one I exploit) or an arm. For a further $20, the corporate will toss in a mini tripod. If you intend to take it on the highway, it could possibly be a bit extra of a difficulty, but it surely’s removed from a dealbreaker, particularly given the small dimension (simply bear in mind to pack a stand).

I’ve been recording episodes of my podcast completely on the MV7 and haven’t seemed again since.