Once you’re seeking to purchase a podcast microphone, you will hear so much about XLR and USB connections. However what is the distinction and which one is finest for you?
On this information, we’ll clarify the variations between XLR and USB and the professionals and cons of every. We’ll additionally advocate which one you must select based mostly by yourself price range and desires!
What is the distinction?
XLR mics are the audio trade normal and are utilized by rock bands, radio stations, and podcasters worldwide. Most mics available on the market are XLR, and most professional audio recording gear is designed for XLR microphones.
These mics require an interface to make use of. They seize an analog sign utilizing three-pronged female and male connectors.
A USB mic options the identical capsules and condenser parts as an XLR however plugs proper into your pc’s USB port. This protects you the trouble of buying further audio gear.
XLR vs. USB: Professionals and cons
Neither USB nor XLR mics are higher than the opposite. Which one is finest for you relies on your setup, price range, and what you favor in a mic. Listed below are some professionals and cons of each mics that will help you determine what’s finest for you.
USB microphones
Benefits of USB mics
USB mics are simple to make use of, and for those who report solo, the one accent you want is a set of USB cables. When you report with a couple of particular person, you’ll want an audio interface just like the Scarlett Focusrite 2i2.
USB mics are reasonably priced and provides comparable sound high quality to XLR mics. Many available on the market even include USB and XLR hookups.
Disadvantages of USB mics
The largest downside to USB mics is the dearth of choices available on the market. USB mics additionally restrict your choices must you need to increase your setup later.
When you report with a number of folks, some computer systems can even have problem distinguishing between USB mics.
XLR microphones
Benefits of XLR mics
XLR mics are the best choice for those who report greater than two folks. You too can simply swap microphones, interfaces, and cables and develop your podcast setup sooner or later.
USB and XLR mics have comparable sound high quality. Nonetheless, you’ll discover higher-quality audio for those who put money into a higher-end XLR mic ($200+).
Disadvantages of XLR mics
XLR mics are dearer than USB mics and require extra equipment. You’ll must buy both a mixer, discipline recorder, or audio interface to seize your audio.
An XLR setup is much less handy to journey with and is usually out of the price range for newbie podcasters.
Which one must you select?
USB microphones are an amazing choice for solo podcasters or two cohosts podcasters who report utilizing software program like Audacity. Additionally they work effectively for those who conduct your interviews utilizing software program like Squadcast or Zoom.
XLR mics are finest for those who’re recording greater than two folks concurrently. They’re additionally a very good match if you wish to customise your podcast setup over time. You probably have the price range, investing in an XLR mic opens up numerous choices.
Greatest XLR microphones
Every of those XLR mics requires an viewers interface and applicable adapter. They’ll get you glorious audio high quality however include a better price ticket.
Disclosure: A few of these product hyperlinks are affiliate hyperlinks, which implies Buzzsprout may obtain a small fee for those who determine to buy.
Rode PodMic | $99
The Rode PodMic was designed with podcasting in thoughts. It comes with a number of options normally reserved for higher-end microphones.
The PodMic contains a built-in shock mount and pop filter to forestall unintentional vibrations from affecting your audio recording.
The Rode PodMic has a brighter tonal high quality, which may also help your podcast sound crisper and fewer muffled, paired with good mic method.
Rode Procaster | $229
The Rode Procaster is knowledgeable broadcast high quality dynamic microphone.
It has a cardioid polar sample and frequency response tailor-made for spoken-word audio. These options assist the mic filter out ambient background noise.
The Procaster has an inner pop filter, however we nonetheless advocate getting an exterior pop filter or windscreen to chop down on plosives.
We predict the Rode Procaster is the most effective bang-for-your-buck in XLR mics.
Shure SM7B | $399
The Shure SM7B is a extremely beneficial mic popularized by podcasters like Joe Rogan. It is a versatile mic with stand-out high quality, particularly when utilized in a sound-treated surroundings.
The SM7B is a quieter microphone. To seize a high-quality recording, you may must put money into a preamp just like the Scarlett 2i2 audio interface or a lift system like a Cloudlifter.
When you’re prepared to spend a little bit additional on equipment, the Shure SM7B is a superb pro-level mic.
Greatest USB microphones
These dynamic mics all have USB connections and are suitable with Mac and Home windows working techniques and any podcast recording software program.
Samson Q2U | $49
The Samson Q2U is a powerhouse with versatility and an reasonably priced worth level. It’s an amazing all-around microphone that captures vocals effectively and minimizes ambient background noise.
The Samson Q2U options each XLR and USB connections and has a built-in headphone jack for zero-latency monitoring to remove any delay.
The Q2U additionally comes with an XLR cable, a USB cable, a easy mic stand, and a foam cowl.
The Samson Q2U offers your voice a barely deeper, fuller sound than the Audio-Technica ATR2100. You possibly can take heed to audio samples of each microphones to see which one you want finest.
Audio-Technica ATR2100x | $84
In blind sound exams, the ATR2100 compares favorably to dearer microphones and is a superb microphone for podcasters, dwell streamers, and voiceover work.
The Audio-Technica ATR2100 is a flexible mic with each USB and XLR connections. This implies it’s going to work simply as effectively with an audio mixer because it does plugged into your pc.
This mic additionally has a built-in headphone jack, so you may monitor your audio immediately from the microphone and alter your headset quantity through the quantity management on the mic.
The ATR2100 comes with a number of important equipment out of the field. This mic additionally comes full with a mic stand, USB cable, and XLR cables.
Rode Podcaster | $229
When you’re a solo podcaster on the lookout for a pro-level USB microphone, we advocate the Procaster’s brother – the Rode Podcaster.
The Podcaster options the identical inner elements and frequency response because the Procaster with the simplicity of a USB connection.
Why we do not advocate the Blue Yeti
The Blue Yeti is a well-liked suggestion attributable to its handy USB connection. It has a wide range of polar patterns (omnidirectional, bi-directional, stereo, and cardioid) and a built-in headphone jack for zero-latency monitoring.
#1. It’s a USB condenser mic
Condenser microphones decide up a broader vary of frequencies, that means extra background noise in your recording. When you use this mic, you’ll must report in a well-controlled recording studio to get first rate sound high quality.
#2. You need to converse carefully into the mic
The Blue Yeti has bi-directional or omnidirectional polar patterns. These settings technically make it simpler to report a couple of particular person at a time. However, you must converse fairly near the microphone to get a clear recording.
When you’re utilizing it to report a number of folks, you’ll get a better high quality recording by giving every visitor their very own mic.
Closing ideas
For many podcasters, we advocate USB mics just like the Samson Q2U. These mics have an reasonably priced worth level, glorious sound high quality, and require no further gear to make use of.
You probably have the price range and report with a couple of particular person, we advocate investing in an XLR mic. XLR mics can provide you even higher sound high quality and extra flexibility in your podcast setup.
Alban Brooke
Alban Brooke is the Head of Advertising at Buzzsprout and the co-host of Buzzcast. Have any questions on this information? Attain out on Twitter.
FAQs
What’s the distinction between a USB and XLR mic?
The largest distinction between these mics is their setup. USB mics hook straight into your pc’s USB port and require no further gear, whereas XLR mics require an audio interface.
Which sort of mic is finest for podcasting?
USB microphones are finest for solo podcasters or podcasters recording with one cohost. When you report with three or extra folks, we advocate investing in XLR mics for extra gear choices and most flexibility.
