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Here are some excellent microphone options for your mixed-use needs: **Best Overall Value: Audio-Technica AT2020** ($99-150) A studio-standard condenser mic that handles everything well. Clear, detailed sound for podcasts and calls, and it picks up your voice naturally for gaming. You'll need an audio interface or USB version (AT2020USB+). **Most Versatile: Blue Yeti** ($100-130) Perfect starter USB mic with multiple pickup patterns. Switch between modes for solo podcasts, interviews, or tight gaming focus. Plug-and-play convenience, though it's quite large and picks up keyboard noise if positioned poorly. **Best for Podcasting: Shure SM7B** ($400+) Industry standard for spoken word. Incredible broadcast-quality sound and excellent noise rejection. Requires a robust audio interface or preamp (like Cloudlifter). Overkill if you're just starting out. **Budget Gaming/Streaming: Elgato Wave:3** ($130-160) Designed specifically for content creators. Great software for mixing multiple sources, excellent sound quality, and compact. Very good for gaming and calls. **Premium USB Option: Rode NT-USB Mini** ($100) Professional sound quality in a compact USB package. Great for close-mic podcast work and video calls. Less versatile than the Yeti but better sound quality. **Considerations:** - **USB vs XLR**: USB is simpler (plug-and-play), XLR gives better quality but needs an interface - **Condenser vs Dynamic**: Condensers are more sensitive (better for quiet rooms), dynamics reject more background noise - **Your room**: If you have keyboard clatter, AC noise, or untreated space, consider dynamic mics (SM7B, Shure SM58) or the Elgato with its noise suppression For your mixed use, I'd lean toward the **Audio-Technica AT2020USB+** or **Blue Yeti** as the best balance of quality, versatility, and price. What's your budget and how noisy is your recording space?