Best microphone for a beginner

Highly recommended is the

Blue Microphones Snowball Ice USB Microphone

from Blue Microphones

The Snowball USB microphone family from Blue Microphones and according to the manufacturer is the number one selling line of USB wired condenser microphones on the planet. A unique design and proprietary condenser capsules make this microphone very capable for everything from podcasting to recording instruments.

Easy to install on both PC and MAC as its both driver less and plug and play on both. Perhaps not profession broadcasters choice but its never been easier to upgrade your computer;s built in microphone as the quality of the Snowball will blow it away.

The Snowball iCE features a unique swivel mount located on the bottom center of the mic body. Make sure that you included desktop stand or on a standard-thread counter-weighted tripod mic stand.

For reduction of low-frequency rumble and additional positioning options, mount the Snowball iCE in the Blue Ringer, available separately.

Placing the Snowball iCE over the center leg of the stand will prevent tipping. Once mounted, you can easily adjust Snowball iCE back and forth for optimum positioning in front of the sound source.

Stand out with a Microphone Stand

from Urmi

A highly recommended Microphone Arm Stand from Urmi. Upgrade the standard tripod stand that comes with your Snowball with an Adjustable Boom Studio Scissor Arm Stand with Mic Clip Holder and Table Mount.

If you are recording your own vocals bring the microphone to just the right position with the flexible boom arm and reduce the low pitch rumbles of desktop tripods.

The stand is available on Amazon here

And another cracking gift for a 60th wedding anniversary ..