Shure - SM58

A microphone by itself will not work, you need something to connect it (a cable) to the device that is connecting it (an interface) to whatever they are using to record it (a computer). The Shure SM 58 is a good mic, I use it for everything. Last time I bought one they were about $100usd.  This is a thoughtful gift but if you don't know what they are recording with and they don't know, may as well get them a gift card to a music store. 

For the Roland SP-404MKII, you’ll need a dynamic microphone that plugs straight into the 1/4” jack. Most ultra-compact mics (like mini shotguns or lavaliers) actually require power, which the SP-404MKII doesn’t provide. So, most tiny mics won’t work directly—people usually recommend standard dynamic mics like the Shure SM58 with an adapter, but that’s not exactly “short.” Among the smallest options mentioned on forums, the Saramonic SR-XM1 is worth a try—it’s designed for cameras, but some users have reported it works as a mini mic with the SP. However, there’s no 100% guarantee it’ll work perfectly. Generally, the recommendation is to use a compact dynamic mic (something like the Akai ADM-80/40/60 or similar with a short body), but there aren’t many options that are truly tiny “stubs,” due to the lack of phantom or plug-in power. If you want that OG 404 vibe, the closest option is the Saramonic SR-XM1, or maybe an old-school dictaphone mic with a built-in battery (so it provides power).

It can be a combination of both, though it depends. If the vocals are always harsh, then it's usually due to the quality of the microphone. Low end condenser capsules tends to be harsh in the top end. I much prefer a vocalist using an SM58 to almost any sub $500 USD condenser microphone. If the vocals are only hash during the esses, then it's possible that the singer is lacking in technique. I have a lot of experience with this, also being a professional singer myself. I can adjust how I deliver an ess sound if it sounds too bright or too loud. It could also be that the mic is not a good match, though less likely, IMO.

Scarlett 2i3 and Shure Sm58. Why would you want a USB mic?

You probably don't need a 1000$ mic but if you get that it would of course probably a be a great mic. A 100(ish)$ Shure SM58 might do. It is designed as a stage mic so it is very well shielded from noise from 'behind the mic' if positioned well with regards to the pickup pattern, and it generally makes pretty good audio and is widely considered to be unbreakable.

A cheap interface (say a Scarlett 2i2) and a cheap mic (sm58 or sm57) will take you a long way. You can find both of those things used for very low prices.

Depends on your setup. For USB: Blue Yeti or Audio-Technica ATR2100x. For XLR: Shure SM58 or Rode PodMic. I us an ATR2100x with Podcastle AI for podcast editing - . Unless you're doing in-person interviews regularly, start with USB and upgrade later if needed .

Get a second hand sm58

I use a Shure SM58

It doesn't need to be that expensive, either. The Shure SM-58 has been a standard vocal mic since the beginning of time. It's around $100 US. Every music store should have it. They will also want a Mic Cable (XLR Cable) and an audio interface sot they can plug the mic into their computer. A Focusrite Scarlet Solo is a little over $100. Altogether, I think you're at $250 for a complete setup. \- [https://www.amazon.com/Shure-SM58-LC-Cardioid-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B000CZ0R42/](https://www.amazon.com/Shure-SM58-LC-Cardioid-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B000CZ0R42/) \- [https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Audio-Interface-Tools/dp/B07QR6Z1JB/](https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Audio-Interface-Tools/dp/B07QR6Z1JB/) \- [https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Basics-Microphone-Speaker-Conductors/dp/B01JNLUA5G/](https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Basics-Microphone-Speaker-Conductors/dp/B01JNLUA5G/)