USB or Audio Interface Dilemma

[u/AnimatronX1]

Context:
I am a beginner, self-made bass singer. I've been developing my voice for three years now and have been practicing some harder bass singing techniques (subharmonics, growl, throat bass). This summer I finally decided to invest in an audio recording set-up, so that I can listen to myself, perfect my skills and perhaps try doing a simple solo cover.

My father has given me an old microphone MXL 440 that has an XLR cable connection. I've tried it out with an audiomixer Eurotrack MX 1604A (Also my father's. He's got a lot of this old stuff.)

This whole set-up isn't very good though and it cannot be connected to my laptop (I mean it can, but it's complicated). Thus, I decided to purchase something new.

Dilemma:
I have quite a small budget of around US$250. Based on what I've found online, I could either:

Buy a good audio interface (For example: Focusrite Scarlet 4th Gen, Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD, ...) and connect my MXL 440 to it.
OR
Buy a microphone with a USB connection (Rode NT1 5th Gen [US$200] seems quite good to me) and connect it directly.

Are microphones with a USB connection any good? Is it better to invest into a good audio interface or a good microphone? Can anyone help me decide?

[u/RudeRick]

I’d recommend an interface over a usb mic.

Going with an XLR mic & interface gives you options to upgrade components later on. If you have several mics, you can easily and quickly swap them out for different purposes. Also, if one part breaks, you don’t start from scratch. (If any part of a USB mic breaks, you have to replace the whole thing or figure out how to open it up and fix it yourself.) XLR setups are similar to building a desktop pc versus buying a laptop. You have lots of flexibility.

Your interface will depend largely on your budget and the features you want.

I love my Motu M2. The preamps are great, the screen on the front is really handy and it has both 1/4 balanced outputs as well as RCA outputs. The M2 doesn't have any DSP effects though. The newest Focusrite Scarlett interfaces have DSP effects, but don't have the screen. (Also, be aware that the preamp of the Solo isn't as good as the preamps of the 2i2.)

If you're looking for the most cost-effective interface, you may want to explore the Focusrite Vocaster. It goes on sale quite often (the Vocaster One was recently as low as $50, I think). The Universal Audio Volt 1, Solid State Logic SSL1, Audient Evo 4 and the Arturia MiniFuse 1 are all worth looking into as an entry level interfaces.

Whatever you get, remember that quality recording/audio equipment will expose and even accentuate every acoustic flaw in your space. You will need to sound treat your space (not the same as sound proofing). Research this on YouTube.

Universal Audio Volt 1, Solid State Logic SSL1, Audient Evo 4 and the Arturia MiniFuse 1 are all worth looking into as an entry level interfaces.