Your average USB mic might do the trick for your average podcasting hobbyist, but sE Electronics takes USB microphones a lot further. Their USB2200a has both XLR and USB outputs as well as a number of tasty features to monitor and optimize the sound going directly into your computer.

Owen O'Malley takes the opportunity to use one to interview sE's Bob Reardon about manufacturing processes and how sE's Chinese factory is not what you think of when you think of outsourced Chinese manufacturing.