A USB Microphone is usually simpler and often cheaper. An interface, although more expensive as you may still need to buy a microphone, offers greater control and more flexibility for recording.
Let’s compare a popular USB interface with a popular USB Microphone. For this comparison we’ll be using the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface, and the Blue Yeti USB Microphone as examples. There are cheaper options for USB mics and interfaces, many of which will do a great job.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (+-$160 EXCLUDING A MICROPHONE)
USB Output
Headphone output
Headphone Volume Control
Left and Right Line Outputs (TRS)
Line Out Volume Control
2 Microphone / Line / Instrument Inputs with 48v Phantom Power
Microphone Gain Control
Halo Level Indicators
USB Powered
Blue Yeti (+-$130)
USB Output
Headphone Output
Headphone Volume Control
Microphone Gain Control
Microphone Pattern Selector
USB Powered
Both the Blue Yeti and the Focusrite 2i2 come bundled with entry level recording software. The Yeti comes with Studio One Artist and Izotope Nectar Elements. The Focusrite comes with Ableton Lite, a Focusrite plugin bundle and Pro Tools First. (Honestly Pro Tools First is “free” anyway but extremely limited). If you’re on Windows try Cakewalk or if you’re on Mac stick to GarageBand, and then play around with trial or free/lite versions of various recording apps until you’re ready to invest.
Learn more about the ListenDeck audio production system.