XLR is "better" than USB overall, but $150-worth of USB mic will give you better results than $75-worth of interface and $75-worth of XLR mic. USB Microphone Cable 10Ft, HOSONGIN USB Male to XLR Female Mic Link Converter Cable Studio Audio Cable Connector Cords Adapter for Microphones or Recording 4.3 out of 5 stars 788 $15.99 $ 15 . There is no difference in the actual microphone itself. An audio interface is specifically designed to take the sounds from your live audio sources and send them to your computer for playback or recording â and unlike the built-in 3.5mm microphone jack or sound card on your computer, it actually preserves the quality of the sounds, which is essential if you want professional-sounding audio. Another reason you would invest in an XLR mic setup is quality. For USB mics, the Blue Yeti and Audio-Technica AT2020 are favourites around here because they're both good. The key difference between the two is that the USB version has, effectively, a built in recording interface. Learn more about Your audio interface! Therefore , Xlr mics need an Audio Interface which would in turn connect to a computer. A USB mic connects directly to the USB port on your computer, while an XLR mic requires an external recording interface or a digital I/O. 0% interest for 36 months* i. In this video we compare a XLR to USB Cable with an Audio Interface to show you what you should consider if you're looking to buy one!EQUIPMENT FEATURED IN THIS VIDEO:XLR To USB Cable: https://geni.us/5SJbFocusrite Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface: https://geni.us/IySmHAKG C3000B Condenser Mic: https://geni.us/QQ8ZqShure SM58 Dynamic Mic: https://geni.us/owIGKtSShure SM7B Dynamic Mic: https://geni.us/tQXECloud Lifter: https://geni.us/uLHCu1XLR Cable: https://geni.us/YmA0yKUSB-C Cable: https://geni.us/h3uV0lOther Great Audio Interfaces To Consider:Presonus AudioBox: https://geni.us/Ui94HSSL Logic SSL2: https://geni.us/wa9OEIKMotu M2: https://geni.us/nI8vZXThese are affiliate links and I may earn a commission from Amazon (and others) on qualifying purchases. Should you buy a USB mic or take the plunge with an XLR mic + audio interface? For instance, the XLR mic input can be used for the ¼ guitar jack input. Enter our giveaway here to win brand new kit : https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/893ce4c63/? The combination of inputs in one port is applied for smart design. Having an audio interface can save you money overtime. Difference between USB and XLR Microphones XLR Microphones require additional equipment to be used, like an Audio Interface or a Mixer, while USB microphones are designed to be connected directly to the computer, negating the need for additional hardware. Mackie Onyx Artist. I was wondering what would be the best way to connect it to my PC. I was wondering either a XLR to 1/4" then 1/4" to 3.5mm or something like a Blue Icicle (XLR to Usb Preamp). With an XLR microphone, it has 3 prongs in its connection. It has both XLR and USB connections, so it will work just as well with an audio mixer as it does plug straight into your computer. Well, here are some note-worthy key factors for sticking to the XLR mics: You can avail personalization because the audio can be projected over an interface. It will need various other cables too for different types of processes . (Itâs a standard USB printer cable). Photo: ⦠You could upgrade each individual part of your setup instead of spending more money on a new all-in-one usb mic. If you want to simplify it, youâre converting XLR to USB (in the case of a microphone). Of course, youâll also get a ¼â jack and a 3.5mm ⦠Not only do modern audio interfaces handle the important job of digital conversion, many also provide multiple headphone outputs, flexible routing, metering, I/O expandability via ADAT and modern connectivity such as Thunderbolt or USB-C with a few products out there priced in the higher ends of the market offering DSP for plug-in processing. Hello lovely people! In fact, many USB mics use the exact same components as their XLR counterparts, so the sound quality is comparable. A USB mic plugs directly into the computer and is ready to be used, with the downside that only one track can be recorded at a time. A USB microphone connects directly to the same port on your computer, while an XLR microphone requires a connection via a recording interface or a digital interface. The number and type of inputs and outputs that an audio interface has will matter greatly in the decision-making process. Thus, you grab more chances when it comes to scalability and adaptability of the XLR microphones. You will need a MIDI to connect your keyboard controller. 8 of the Best XLR to USB Adapters. However, many USB mics and some interfaces have a mini USB port. None of the above options can be called bad or good. Ideal for producers and small bands who want to record audio from a wide range of sources, the Studio 1810c 24-bit/192 kHz, USB-C ⢠audio interface records up to 18 simultaneous inputs, and sports 8 outputs and 4 microphone inputs with XMA * Factory Refurbished - This item has been 100% tested for proper operation and carries the full manufacturer's Limited Warranty. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) For several years now, Focusriteâs Scarlett interfaces have ⦠Neither option is inherently better than the other. So I have decided to purchase a Audio Technica AT2020. Often you will get a USB cable in with the audio device, but if not it is a simple matter of checking the connections and ordering the correct cable. On the low end, there are several options for $100-250 that will fit your needs (amazon affiliate links): Presonus AudioBox USB 96 CHAPTERS:0:00 - Introduction0:44 - XLR to USB Cable1:15 - Audio Interface2:00 - Pricing \u0026 Specs2:15 - XLR to USB Demo4:15 - Audio Interface Demo6:30 - Summary7:40 - Final ThoughtsBECOME A MEMBER OF OUR CHANNEL FOR PERKS \u0026 EXCLUSIVES:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5JoIc8Mi6glGdfDTm3KCQg/joinCAMERA EQUIPMENT:Camera: https://geni.us/T6fO9XLens: https://geni.us/PylhMGbMicrophone: https://geni.us/JI5DApVideo Recorder: https://geni.us/GNEgVYOUTUBE OPTIMIZATION:Tubebuddy: https://geni.us/Md6vVidIQ: https://geni.us/dqUyDRev Video Captions (Save $10): https://geni.us/LpVWOGeniusLink: https://geni.us/vss0PWebsite: https://kettnercreative.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kettnercreative/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kettnercreative/Twitter: https://twitter.com/kettnercreative/Kettner Creative is an experienced team of audio-visual professionals. It helps to save space in the devices, but at the same time itâs possible to use only one of them at a time and simultaneous use is impossible. Focusrite Scarlett Solo USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools. Weâll start with the smaller units and move down the page toward the larger ones. These type of mics have a capsule too just like that of a Usb mic , but I would say a better quality as compared to that of a Usb mic. It allows you plug in an XLR microphone, or a microphone or other audio source with a 1/4 inch jack, a 1/8th inch microphone jack, or even RCA left and right (red & white) audio cable. The Behringer 302 USB mixer provides you with quite a bit more capability than the XLR to USB adapters earlier on this list. Audio interfaces also allow you to capture independent signals from multiple XLR microphones. Welcome to The Home Recordings The ATR2100 also features a built-in headphone jack, so you can monitor your audio directly from the microphone and adjust the headphone volume with easy-to-use controls on the bottom of the microphone. The audio interfaces enable you to feature amazing quality sound and high-quality audio. 9.2. ×. It will need to be connected to an interface and then to your computer. 24-bit/44.1kHz Portable Recorder and USB Audio Interface with 4 XLR Inputs, 4 Sound Pads, Headphone Outputs, and Switchable Phantom Power $ 199 .99 Or $6 /month § for 36 months i This is what enables you to connect it directly to a computer or mobile device. Itâs a question of budget, quality and flexibility. This is where the audio interface comes in. With a USB microphone, it can connect directly to your computer. Audio Interface: Which one is the best? Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time ... Blue Microphones Icicle XLR to USB Microphone Converter/Preamp. For XLR, the sky's the limit. If youâre planning on hosting any tournaments, LAN parties or couch co-op competitions with multiple players, a USB mic isnât going to cut it â itâs time to pick up an audio interface and a few XLR ⦠... Single-channel USB Audio Interface for Dynamic Microphones $33.99. By interface we mean, for example, a mixer, as the XLR connection will not connect directly to your computer. 20' XLR Female to USB-C Interface Cable - Black $69.00. An audio interface can include XLR input and ¼ââ jack. We create tutorials, comparisons, demonstrations, and reviews for home studio equipment under $500 including audio interfaces, audio mixers, microphones, and more.https://kettnercreative.comDisclosure: If you purchase an item or service from an outbound link, we may receive a referral fee, which helps to support Kettner Creative. With a usb mic, youâd have to spend more money to get a completely new microphone. Studio 1810c *. USB Audio Interface The USB Audio Interface is by far the most robust and reliable solution for you to connect your XLR microphone to your computer. XLR Mics have to be connected to an Audio Interface which has to be connected to the PC via USB or Fire-Wire. 99 $18.99 $18.99 USB Microphone vs. As discussed earlier, many microphones require phantom power to produce a signal, something that most audio interfaces have and most XLR to USB cables do not. Learn about the difference between a Preamp vs. Interface; How it works. Compare. Most of the audio interface is regarded similar to USB soundcards. The âbestâ USB audio interface will really depend on your needs and potential uses, so weâll highlight brands and models with a range of I/O (input/output). Read more useful information about microphones on microphonetopgear. To get the best results from your new, shiny microphone, it might be time to fork out for an audio interface. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. In this video we compare a XLR to USB Cable with an Audio Interface to show you what you should consider if you're looking to buy one! Mackie is a well-known brand which is largely associated with high-end ⦠MXL Mic Mate Pro XLR to USB Preamp. Free 1-Year of Roland Cloud Pro Membership & 46 ZEN-Core Sound Packs, a ⦠Why do professionals favour XLR ones in the battle between USB vs XLR mic? Powered by Genesis Pro with the Mai Delight Theme, How To Record Keyboard and Vocals at the Same Time, Audio-Technica AT2020 XLR Mic + Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 (Side by Side Comparison), Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ Voice Recording (Side by Side Comparison), Audio Technica AT2020 XLR Mic + Focusrite Scarlett Studio 4i4 (Max Resolution 192 kHz 24-bit), Record Your Keyboard or Piano On Your Computer Step-By-Step, How To Connect a Microphone To Your PC Computer, Laptop, Mac or iPad, Audio Cables Explained: A Complete Guide to Audio Cable Types For Home Recording Studios, Home Recording Studio Setup For Beginners. Most interfaces and keyboards connect via the USB B to A as shown above. The back of the AudioBox iTwo features a five-pin MIDI input and output, a USB Type-B output, a USB port, and an audio output to connect the interface to a speaker. Best All-Around. A good one will be really easy to use and have some cool features, while also being affordable. Cheapo interfaces are the devil; avoid them. Shure X2U XLR to USB Signal Adapter. Most interfaces have at least 2 quarter-inch jack outputs to connect to studio monitors, and at least 2 inputs that for either a microphone or direct line input, but more can be useful depending on your needs. Letâs go back to the AT2020 USB Mic vs the AT2020 XLR Mic. They donât have an Audio Interface built into it. Shure X2U XLR to USB Signal Adapter. The interface will come bundled with a USB cable. If you're an audiophile and want â¦