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Awesome use case trio — gaming + calls + podcasting — means you’ll want something that’s easy to use now, sounds clean in a normal room, and can grow with you. Here are strong, current picks by scenario: Top picks (quick take) Shure MV7+ (USB/XLR, dynamic) — Great “do-everything” mic with USB and XLR so you can plug-and-play today and add an interface later. Strong built-in processing and better plosive control than the original MV7. Ideal for calls, streams, and podcasts in untreated rooms. SoundGuys RØDE NT1 5th Gen (USB/XLR, condenser) — Studio-quality mic that uniquely offers both USB and XLR plus 32-bit float over USB, which saves you from clipping. Sounds natural and quiet; great if your room is reasonably quiet or you plan to add some treatment. The Podcast Host Logitech Blue Sona (XLR, dynamic) — Broadcast-style look with an internal preamp so it’s easier to drive than classics like the SM7B. Excellent for podcasting/streaming in less-than-perfect rooms (needs an audio interface). SoundGuys +1 HyperX QuadCast 2 S (USB, condenser) — Plug-and-play with improved sound and handy controls; gamer-friendly with RGB (optional, of course). Great for streams and calls when you want simplicity. The Verge Budget “start right” (USB, dynamic) — Samson Q2U or Audio-Technica ATR2100x. Both are forgiving dynamics with USB (and XLR for later upgrades). Excellent value for first podcasts and everyday calls. The Podcast Host +1 Still-solid all-rounder (USB, condenser) — Blue Yeti remains a versatile, affordable pick with multiple patterns (handy for two-person recordings). Tom's Guide Other notable USB options — RØDE NT-USB+, Sennheiser Profile, RØDE PodMic USB, Elgato Wave family — good mixes of sound + software for streamers. MusicRadar New budget Shure (USB) — Shure MV6 pares back features to hit a low price while keeping Shure’s clear vocal tone (fewer controls). WIRED How to choose (fast guide) USB vs XLR: USB = simplest; XLR = best for long-term flexibility (but needs an interface). Hybrids (MV7+, NT1 5th Gen) give you both. SoundGuys +1 Dynamic vs condenser: Dynamic mics (MV7+, Blue Sona, Q2U) reject more room noise — great for untreated spaces and gaming. Condenser mics (NT1 5th Gen, QuadCast 2 S, Yeti) capture more detail but hear more of the room. SoundGuys +2 The Podcast Host +2 Software & controls: Streamers often value onboard gain/mute and included software mixers. Shure’s MOTIV and HyperX Ngenuity are solid; Elgato’s Wave Link is popular with streamers. SoundGuys +1 Suggested short list by use One mic for everything (calls/stream/podcast): Shure MV7+ or RØDE NT1 5th Gen (pick dynamic vs condenser based on your room). SoundGuys +1 Untreated/noisy room, mostly gaming & podcasts: Shure MV7+ or Logitech Blue Sona (with interface). SoundGuys +1 Plug-and-play, minimal fuss: HyperX QuadCast 2 S or Blue Yeti. The Verge +1 Tight budget, want to grow: Samson Q2U / ATR2100x (USB now, XLR later). The Podcast Host If you tell me your budget and whether you’re okay adding an audio interface, I’ll narrow this to 2–3 perfect picks and include a simple setup chain (boom arm, pop filter, settings) for your exact desk and software.