USB vs XLR Microphones | Which One Do You Need?
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- Опубликовано: 30 мар 2022
- What's the difference in quality and functionality between USB and XLR microphones? Are XLR microphones better? Are USB microphones lower quality? Should you buy a USB microphone or an XLR microphone and an audio interface? In this video, I'll help you decide which one you need based on how you plan to use your new microphone.
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-- USB MICROPHONES --
Audio-Technica AT2020USB+
- Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/Vyj3eM
- zZounds: geni.us/pCNAZo5
- Thomann: geni.us/thomann-at2020usb
- Amazon: amzn.to/3JULVyJ
- Guitar Center: guitar-center.pxf.io/DVMzGa
- B&H: bhpho.to/3qQauFk
Deity VO-7U
- Amazon: amzn.to/36ZOzES
-- XLR MICROPHONES --
Audio-Technica AT2020
- Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/0JXNWJs
- zZounds: geni.us/poPVA
- Thomann: geni.us/thomann-at2020
- Amazon: amzn.to/36USanv
- Guitar Center: guitar-center.pxf.io/ZdYmx1
- B&H: bhpho.to/35od3XJ
Shure SM58
- Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/zaXV76
- zZounds: geni.us/ocdm
- Thomann: geni.us/thomann-shure-sm8
- Amazon: amzn.to/372Sh0s
- Guitar Center: guitar-center.pxf.io/Vy2QBO
- B&H: bhpho.to/35KU5qS
-- AUDIO INTERFACE --
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
- Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/kjQqxd
- zZounds: geni.us/rNLaRpX
- Thomann: geni.us/thomann-focusrite-2i2
- Amazon: amzn.to/3JPI8ma
- Guitar Center: guitar-center.pxf.io/6bVxEG
- B&H: bhpho.to/3zV4TAL
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To me the XLR audio has noticeably more body with the mids feeling richer. Not to say you can’t make good music on a USB! Cool video
Thanks for watching, Hip-Hop Mint!
My observation as well, the USB one is just slightly thinner in certain areas like the low mids
same
Yeah, I haven't used an XLR yet but I have a USB Mic and even without comparison you can feel a bit malnourished in the mids, it's got a thinner sound that is difficult to make up for with plugins
Why does it sound thinner… is it because of the internal A/D conversion ?
Dude, thank you for the extremely simplified explanation of the differences between the two. I just want to play with vocals on beats so I think usb will do everything I need
Wow this video was so legit, im surprised how straightforward it is. Dude you're on a whole other level of great!!!!!! Thank you!!!
So glad I found this channel. Even though I understand the basics of audio, your simple and straightforward explanations of these concepts are super helpful especially for somebody like me. I've learned most things through trial and error so I fall somewhere in that awkward not beginner but not quite intermediate level. Having you be able to put that all into words so consciencely is able to fill in some of those gaps for me.
I’m glad to hear this, GrandeSizelt! Thanks for watching!
This is the best explanation I’ve found so far, for its conciseness, completeness, thanks for the upload!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!
Great video, information is distilled and very clear. Thank you.
Great comparison and information. Thanks!
I already bought the USB version for simplicity's sake so I don't have to deal with all the extra cords in my tiny home studio. But it does seem like the XLR version is a tad richer. Great vid!
Love your videos Kyle - very clear and understandable for an amateur like myself.
Have you ever considered doing a video on dynamic range compression?
Great idea, Paul! Thanks.
I am so glad I found this channel and especially this video, but I still have some questions. For some context, I currently have an extremely capable PC that I built, which I play games on. I am interested in streaming, but have also gotten interested in making synth music. I've had my mic for awhile (usb blue snowball). I also use VB Audio and Voicemeeter to make my voice sound better. Additionally, I use Nvidia Broadcast to hide my AC unit's fan (I cannot get rid of the AC, I live in South Carolina). My speakers are just run-of-the-mill logitech speakers that work perfectly fine (imo) when it comes to enjoying games, podcasts, and music in the comfort of my room. My headphones are just regular turtle beach headphones
About a week ago, I excitedly bought an Arturia Microfreak and a Focusrite Solo. While I have (sort of) figured out how to record from the synth, my whole situation is a mess. I'm constantly in the scenario of switching cables just because I need to go from headphones to speakers. Voicemeeter and VB Audio work well, but I have to be careful when opening these programs because sometimes things just don't work if I do it in the wrong order.
It seems like I have a couple of options: First would be to replace my speakers and microphone with studio speakers and an XLR mic, as well as replace my "gaming" headphones with studio headphones. This at least sounds very expensive, and it seems like I would need to get all three things at once for it to work. Also, having studio speakers just seems like overkill. If I'm really focused on sound quality I wear headphones, but when I'm just sketching out chord progressions or melodies I prefer to use speakers. I'm on the computer all day usually and get tired of wearing headphones.
The second option would be to stick to using virtual synthesizers, only use the Microfreak as a midi controller (or return it in exchange for a cheap keyboard) and stick to what I already have. That's basically what I'm doing for now because it's enough to stream on twitch. It feels extremely limiting when making music though, and I don't like that I spent a pretty big chunk of money on a synth and audio interface that I'm not getting much out of.
This is a long-ass youtube comment. I hope it made sense. Would love if anyone can help, even if it's just a link to a playlist. I am not an audiophile and am not trying to go pro, but I would like to be able to make music that's at least suitable for a synthwave channel. Thanks for reading!
What a great video! Thanks for the explanation, that was so clear and concise, I wish I could like this video more than once.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for this video. I have a Samsung qu2 on usb and do simple voiceovers. This helped me realize that for what I do there is not much benefit in spending money on a preamp.
Glad to help!
Great video! Very informative and nicely explained. Thanks man
Glad to help!
Have the Focusright Scarlet 2i2 and an AT 2035. Never really considered a USB mic, for a lot of the swapping issues you pointed out early on in the vid.
Great to see an objective breakdown done by someone who is not blindly recommending XLR because it's better, but actually makes it clear what purpose a USB mic will suffice. I'm just looking for a decent mic on an arm to use with my PC so I don't have to use a headset mic. Good to know USB is not a waste of money for me
Yup, and the AT2020+ USB is fantastic even for music! Recommended
Both are good. I think it comes down to intended use. For a podcast or voice over I think either would do. In terms of music I think the XLR would be better. It picks up mid frequencies better. The USB would do fine for music if on a budget and just starting out. I’d say go with the XLR if you’re looking to do both or not sure what your goals would be long term. If just doing RUclips or podcast I don’t see why the USB microphone wouldn’t be sufficient.
You have an awesome channel here! Thank you.
Glad you enjoy it! Thanks for watching, Lushinjilo Kasanga!
Thank you, this was helpful
High thank you so much for the video, very helpful, if you can please help me understanding something, if i record the guitar and the vocal at the same time plugged in different inputs of the interface,wont the the vocal mic will catch some sound of the guitar strings, let say when i am strumming the strings
Very good explanation. It is clear that it is better to have XLR microphones if you want to interview someone. But I happen to have a USB microphone that has multiple capsules and one of the configurations allow me to use two of them that 180º from each other, thus I can record myself and an interviewee simultaneously. There's one thing that I would like to know which is about latency. By using the headphones connected to my USB microphone, it reduces latency substantially. I have a weekly show and I like to record it live, meaning, I don't edit at all. I prefer it like this, so my voice will reflect the my reaction the songs in real time.
I gave it a thumbs up because you did such a good job with the information and it was so clearly laid out but spoiler alert, that ending stunk. ha ha
Curious why you recorded the two mics separately instead of recording simultaneously and swapping back and forth in the edit. Is mic positioning critical enough that you couldn't do a good job testing both at once?
Would love to see a review of the ATH-M20x headphones, btw, little brother of the -M50x, for us super-budget folks.
This was great - but could you do another one just on the differences in sound
I heard more low mids on the XLR, and more presence on the USB
I am about to buy a USB mic, would love to know more about the subtle differences between the XLR and USB sound
Are people in the comments right to say that some deficiencies show up on the final recording when you are using a USB mic ?
I ask because on balance, I preferred the clarity of the USB one
Thank you very useful video
Good lecture. Just a note - Not all USB mics record everything from itself like illustrated there. I use a Samson CO3U and it has like 3 controls as to how you can record the vox (left side only, right side only, both) , these USB mics are mostly meant for easy vox recording (I usually call my studio a mobile studio). Just like the subtle difference demonstrated by the two audio signals there, whilst an XLR to soundcard to PC may have seemed better than the USB, I find it easier and cost efficient for me to use USB (for vox) . The signal differential is determined by the audio drivers (just like the capabilities shown by a soundcard).
So in the end it's all about preferences. NB: - obviously recording through a soundcard has many options like well said (more instruments etc) but for digital sounds... Just plug and play
Wtf you call vox ?
@@renaldsunset I wouldn't tolerate you calling names sir/ma'am. A polite ask won't make you inhuman... Anyways vox/vocal
@@bundleboxstudio So you can spell ‘’vocals’’ apparently. Thx ! And it’s MA’AM !! 🤣
@@renaldsunset My bad, I have not seen that by the time I typed
@@bundleboxstudio I’m just fokking with you 😆
I notice the USB mic had a more present, up front or less room sound which is not bad but I'm old school and prefer wired mics. Make sure you all use good cables.
You should be able to select the usb mic as your input and your speakers or interface as your output 😉
Gert vedio very nice information thnx Bhai ji 😎👍
Might be a stupid question, but can you connect minijack mic to a combo xlr input with a jack adapter?
How about the raddle of the cable of your headphones if their plugged in the microphone.
I hear that the USB low end is less or cut off at a certain frequency than the XLR. That's the only difference I heard.
The USB mic usually has 3 switches (as in sides that take in sound). Probably he used just one of these so you could hear that difference. After all, the scarlet amp usually puts that energy on it.
2:37 can't I record electric guitar by audio interface, while usb mic for vocal? rather than a xlr mic and guitar both go into audio interface
I have the usb version and recently during stream I’ve noticed I get a static sound when I get sorta loud or exited and it’s pretty bad is it broken or an east fix
Very helpful!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.
Hi! I only want to record my vocals will this usb AT2020 do as I don't play instruments? Many thanks
I feel like, there is one thing we need to add to the fundamental differences. While there are very few very expensive usb microphones, USB microphones below 300 USD usually have no information about their self- or system-noise. No matter if it’s a Samson Q2U, Blue Yeti, RØDE NT USB, HyperX Quadcast or Shure MV7. Wherever you look, you get information about neither the microphone‘s, nor the preamp’s noise.
If somebody with the technological knowledge and interest in it takes a look at the boards inside, you see why. And to be honest, what’s inside makes me feel pessimistic about it. The hardware in there is the bare minimum to even drive the microphone capsules. So even if the microphone capsule itself was decent: It can only be as good as the board that amplifies the signal and converts it to a digital one (and vice versa if the usb microphone has a headphone out.) And what’s inside leaves me pessimistic about the performance that I can get.
A quite strong example on cheaped out usb microphones is the Blue Yeti Pro, which also has an XLR output. Over time a lot of RMA cases have accumulated, due to unusually high noise levels. This goes to show, that they have no definitive number for noise for a reason.
USB microphones can be sufficient, if you are lucky with your individual microphone or if the environment is rather noisy, because in that case, you struggle to differentiate between self-noise and ambiance noise to begin with.
But even if you do: It’s not only the noise that can vary a lot, but also the longevity. I have been incredibly lucky with my Blue Yeti so far, racking up 12 years of function with a sufficient low noise, at least in front of my tower PC. But I know I am lucky here.
One last thing: Because the manufacturers of usb microphones need to cheap out on all the contents, often enough the advertised pickup pattern isn’t fully realized. Especially cheap usb microphones tend to be far from a real cardioid pattern.
Another great video, Kyle.
Thanks, Emiel!
@@AudioUniversity Thank you!
There is Audio Interfaces with usb entries... Can I connect USB Mic to Interface and headphones too?
Audiobook narrators, do not do the USB route. Just don't. The low frequency rumble/static/gurgle Will show up after export. You wont hear it in your DAW....but it's there. Once you export and it gets published, listen and crank it- the static *will* be there. If you care about your craft, go XLR. If you're narrating with a USB, #1 do NOT tell the client that if you want to get hired and #2 just save up for XLR.
I learned the hard way after 37 audiobooks went live and i finally listened. I don't normally listen once the book is pubbed, only during QC in my DAW But now I'm straight and got me a sweet XLR setup🙌
Thanks for sharing your experience!
if the price of the plugin device makes xlr mics more expensive than usb mics, how do you not factor in the computer you have to plug a USB mic into?
XLR mic can plug directly into a mixer, or anything with XLR inputs.
Great video! I wasn't listening at much level so couldn't tell the difference in them.
Like you said, XLR just gives more flexibility in how it can be used. USB can be the right choice for a podcaster if they just need simple.
Question: Does the headphone out on the USB version come straight from the mic or can it get the return signal from the computer? Maybe depends on make/model. Return signal would be more useful but may have latency.
What budget audio interface compatible to android Phones?
I think I just saved a few hundred bucks. Great video explainer!
Glad I could help! Thanks for watching.
I hear them clearly on my sony xb550ap .. the difference is huge ❤️
i tried use mic with 3.5 jack audio but voice so noice.. may anyone can help this problem? thanks
Can you recommend some usb mics that have 0 latency monitoring? I live in Argentina so price is a problem, for example this mic cost the same as what u earn working for a whole month, so maybe 60-100 mics would be grate.
(I would love to take the better route and invest on xlr mic + audio interface, but the cheapest interface is pretty expensive here)
I'm planning to buy a dynamic mic for gaming and streaming. As I would be alone and wouldn't need multiple mics for multiple people and I also would not be using the mic for singing or music instruments (just my voice) I think a USB mic would be good enough for me right now because I have tight budget also. I'm thinking of buying Fifine AM8 as it is in my budget and also has XLR output for my future audio interface upgrade. How's that? or should i go for some other mic in the same budget? I want the mic to be XLR capable for being future proof as I'm planning to buy audio interface in future. An suggestion from anyone would be helpful😊
So I'm just trying to do a RUclips channel where I just open cards what would I need?? I will be trying to use my android phone, a Sony camera and I do have a okay laptop. Any help would be appreciated
I know I might be a year late to your decision but I think USB would be a better option
That being said, you will need to deal with USB noise (like a very quiet guitar amp with the gain set to like 9)
I am from old school ,XLR is the best ,USB is okay ,but as a professional musician XLR, u get an A+ from me,
Thanks, Joe!
Nice, man
Does using XLR help with latency? I notice using my USB mic seems to have natural latency and the audio comes out slightly delayed in recordings/streams while everything else is synced.
It may be your buffer size. Check out this video: ruclips.net/video/zzM4yk3I8tc/видео.html
XLR is the way to go as it give you the choice of A/D to use.
I purchased the a2020usbx I mostly do RP on RDR2 server : so many people have told me IC and OC how much better my voice sounds compared to my old headset
Hello
Thanks for the information. I will follow all the posts with interest.
I'm a DJ and I want to take a step towards live music sound.
When the time allows, upload any information in this area on the channel, especially everything you can know about working with an analog mixer.
Thanks
respectfully.
PS: please excuse any mistakes they are from Romania and do not speak English well.
Thanks for watching, Marian! Check out this video: ruclips.net/video/MJAnfSpFtuY/видео.html
@@AudioUniversity
Thanks
I didn't miss a thing.
I saw the clip
A friend bought two simular USB-Micros to record two signals at the same time. Unfortunatly the computer didn‘t accept the second one because it could not recognize the difference between the microphones (it would have worked with another type of USB-Microphone). Now he works with an Audio Interface and some XLR Mikes…
Thanks for sharing this story! Hopefully it helps others to avoid making the same mistake.
really? the computer could not recognize from two different usb ports? XD
The USB sounds a bit more dry but they are pretty close. Prefer the range on the XLR since it has a more mid/bass to it but an EQ would probably help add that to the USB version.
what is the difference? is there any difference? i can't hear and i'm watch this video with headphone.
I use a USB microphone for voiceovers / narration and with either of the video editing software I use (or the Windows voice recorder), I always get a hissing sound in the background.
Thanks for sharing, Peter. You can do your best to reduce noise in your room, but there isn’t much you can do about the noise inherent to the microphone and preamp that you’re using. Hopefully this will help others avoid that noise.
That happens because of a problem with the Windows generic driver for USB mics since Windows 8, you could use Voicemeeter or ASIO4ALL 2.14 version to get a solution to that problem
I bought the usb version for smule app…i got the xlr version with scarlett solo and the mic plays only on the left side….is there a fix for this?
Check out this video: ruclips.net/video/ZXWla3nsBN4/видео.html
The XLR is a tiny bit crispier.
i have the at2020 usb but it has a lot of white noise it doesn't sound like yours, any recommendation?
It might be your room noise. Do you hear any computer fans or HVAC in the room?
Also, speaking loudly in close proximity to the microphone helps… Louder signal, less preamp gain needed, less room noise and other noise.
I have the USB version of this mic and I have been using it whenever an audio interface was not available or for simple video conferencing.
But a major drawback for me is the fact that (at least on a PC) you can only record in 16bit format, which means not being able to increase the amplitude of the recording in post if you need it, without raising the noise floor significantly!
Great point! I forgot to include the sample rate and bit depth limitations of many USB mics. Thanks, ravishi77!
when i try to record with my usb microphone and charge my laptop at the same time.. the audio gets so electrically distorted..
can an xlr mic can help me with that??
what should i do??
It’s possible that a different USB mic or an audio interface (with XLR mic) could fix the problem. It depends on what is causing the problem - the mic or the laptop.
@@AudioUniversity its the laptop when im charging.. i record well when im not charging.
@@VeeVex A power isolator/cleaner like the Audiophiles use.. will possibly help you to clean the noise in the electrical circuit of your Laptop. Can try one in a good Speaker shop. I dont think they will charge you for testing this. If the test is good then plenty of second hand good deals to buy from.
Hi! I have the AT2020USB+. It's been with me for like 5 years, I managed to record very high-quality vocals with it but right now I'm facing a problem.
I don't know why, but right now the low frequencies of my mic lost their energy. Now the mic sounds like an old radio. I don't know if this is normal for USB microphones when they get old.
And it's strange because this microphone looks like new, I only used it on rare occasions maybe 3 to 5 times in one year. I never dropped or did any harm to the mic capsule.
Have you experienced something similar before?
That's the reason why it's better to get XLR mic.
Hello sir!! Thanks for the video, BBUUUT you might want to edit this video because you are wrong. As audio out you may use ANY other source of your choice. You may keep your audio interface using speakers or headphones as audio out and simply the USB Mic as audio in. Regards.
That’s true - you could use different devices for input and output. But I f you have an audio interface already, I would not recommend buying a USB microphone. Thanks for watching!
My headphones dont connect to the mic
Does all xlr Mic uses audio interface
If you want to record the mic with a computer, then yes. You can use XLR mics for other purposes though, such as live concerts using a mixer.
XLR cables have a jack input right? Why cant i put it directly in my computer?
i think you need more electricity to do that. so youre still gonna need phantom power
@@JzR0911thanks I bought an AT&T that connects via USB.
I feel the XLR version has a wider range of sound.
That's because of the preamp he's using mostly, if you were to use a basic interface the XLR would sound pretty much equal to the USB version (that has also a basic preamp inside of it)
Hi sir , if i play my digital piano and sing , is it buy a USB microphone would do ?
If you want to record both your piano and your voice at the same time, you will probably want an audio interface and XLR microphone.
@@AudioUniversity Noted with thanks . I just want to sing without record it , just like live kind . That's why need your advice 🙏
For just playing, you will most likely need a different type of system. Check out this video: ruclips.net/video/Avaa4_702eM/видео.html
Appreciate it for your reply and help . Will check it out ☺️🙏
So I don’t need an audio interface
Just imagine a wireless Neumann 103
That USB version sounded inferior to the XLR when it came to your voice.
Music wise, you strumming on that acoustic guitar, I couldn't tell the difference.
I think if you go USB, you're going to have to pay more for a higher tier USB model, to get better mic capture compared to the XLR.
Going model to model, price to price, the XLR is superior.
IM not saying usb are better but USB microphones are good for vocals all that matter is using high audio settings,good lyric deliverance and a treated room❤
The XLR have more depth
You *really* have to look for the difference because it's almost identical to me
Will the usb version work with an iPhone or i still need an audio interface? Thank you
Bro ? Did you watch the video????
XLR for me then, thanks
Glad to help, John! Thanks for watching.
4:19 xlr
4:37 usb
the difference is just more or less 5% in favor of XLR
❤
the real question is there a difference in audio quality ...
Did you hear a difference in the audio demo, Andrew?
@@AudioUniversity tbh not much if any at all i guess it come out more to the hardware itself than the signal
Nice work! Check out our latest video on the JBL IRX108BT if you get a chance 👍
I thought the USB was clearer 🤷♂️
there really isn’t a difference but the xlr cord you can hear a slight gain to it and it sounds a tiny tiny bit more clear
Pp