FIFINE AmpliGame AM8 USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone

The microphones people buy first are condensers, which pick up the keyboard, the fan and the neighbour's dog. A dynamic capsule hears what is directly in front of it and ignores the rest, which is why broadcast studios use them and why this sounds better in an untreated bedroom than mics costing three times more. USB for now, XLR for later if he gets serious — that dual output is the reason to pick this one. It needs to be close to the mouth, four inches or so, which people resist and then accept. The tap-to-mute and gain dial are genuinely useful.

Rated by the Build a Boyfriend editors. How we pick and rate. An editorial score, not a customer rating.