Roland USB Audio Interface: Roland is a name that brings a certain level of trust to people in audio, and their entry-level USB interface is a solid option that gets the job done. The industrial design is angled slightly upward for easy viewability of the controls, there is mic, line, and instrument settings, mix control, separate headphone control, and phantom power. Plus, it looks really cool. The UA Apollo Twin is a USB 3.0 Super Speed audio interface. Both microphones are identical in both sound- and built-quality, but the difference lies in that the AT2020 USB comes with Gain and Headphone Mix controls and doesn’t require any additional gear to work. Here’s another solid 4 channel interface in the Tascam US-4×4. The “best” USB audio interface will really depend on your needs and potential uses, so we’ll highlight brands and models with a range of I/O (input/output). In fact, many USB mics use the exact same components as their XLR counterparts, so the sound quality is comparable. With an XLR microphone, it has 3 prongs in its connection. Best Audio Mixers For Podcasting & Music (w/ USB Interface) 2020 For USB mics, the Blue Yeti and Audio-Technica AT2020 are favourites around here because they're both good. Pros and Cons , What you need to know. Usb Mic vs Xlr Mic . The Mackie Onyx Blackjack 2×2 has somewhat of a unique form factor compared with many of the other USB interfaces. Audio Interface . A USB audio interface, like Behringer UCG102 (couldn't find a Firewire interface that was less than $50) — $39.99; A cheap passive DI, like the Pyle-Pro PDC21 1/4" Instrument To Balanced & Unbalanced (1/4" / XLR) Direct Box, plus a 1/4" TRS to 3.5mm cable — $10.12 + $3.56 = $13.68 The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) has 2 XLR inputs with gain control, 48V power, direct monitoring, and a headphone jack with gain, all powered over USB 2.0. Phantom power can be switched on and off in two separate groups (channels 1-4 and 5-8) and the 2 front-panel inputs can also be used for instruments along with a -10dB pad for hot guitars. This thing is awesome. There are two headphone outputs with individual gain control, 8 TRS/Mic inputs (2 on the front), MIDI I/O, S/PDIF I/O, Optical ADAT I/O, World Clock, and 10 1/4″ balanced outputs. It’s built like the 2×2 with a slight upward orientation and rock-solid build quality. I like home recording guitar with just a regular 57 and a XLR to USB adapter. By interface we mean, for example, a mixer, as the XLR connection will not connect directly to your computer. It also has S/PDIF I/O so you have plenty of options for connectivity. Shure MV7 In this latest edition of Garageband Q&A, Jeanne Wolfe asks whether a USB microphone (the Samson C01U to be exact) is a good way to get started when recording in Garageband and if it will give results good enough for her to use on her podcast.. It’s a great question. Still a great value. There are 4 XLR combo inputs (the 2 front inputs are mic/line/instrument, the 2 rear inputs are mic/line), 2 balanced 1/4″ line level outputs, 2 balanced 1/4″ outputs, headphone jack, and a MIDI – S/PDIF connection. You get MIDI I/O, S/PDIF I/O, and ADAT I/O – but no world clock connection. 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 … Alesis MultiMix 8 USB FX | 8-Channel Mixer with Effects & USB Audio Interface. Here are the best USB interfaces with 4 XLR mic level inputs: The PreSonus STUDIO 68 is a high-quality USB audio interface that will record sample rates up to 192kHz. The more expensive option is to buy an equivalent XLR microphone, plus audio interface, plus the necessary cables. A USB audio interface will connect to your computer by – funnily enough – USB. AT2020 XLR vs AT2020 USB. There is no channel sharing – the inputs, optical I/O, headphone out and main outs are all handled as separate channels. Your email address will not be published. It has 2 XLR/combo jack inputs, 2 balanced 1/4″ TRS line outputs, 2 balanced 1/4″ TRS main outputs, MIDI I/O, and a headphone output. Focusrite is well-known for its audio interfaces and the Scarlett 18i20 is no exception. 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. The PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 has 2 combo mic/instrument jacks with switchable 48V phantom power, up to 35dB gain, has mixer control to blend input with your computer, and has MIDI in and out. The computer is the final link in the chain. Each input is a mic/line/instrument combo jack with dedicated pad and gain and there are 2 headphone outputs with separate gain control. PreSonus HP4 4-Channel Headphone Amplifier, Sign up for the Iris remote recording platform waitlist here, 31 Best Podcast Hosting Sites In 2020 (Top 6 Have Free Offers), How To Start A Podcast: A Complete Step-By-Step Tutorial (2020 Guide), Best Podcast Recording Software (For Mac & PC), The Best Podcast Starter Kit (For 1, 2, 3 & 4+ Hosts). Consists of Scarlett Solo audio interface, condenser microphone CM25 MkIII, studio headphone HP60 MkIII and a 3 meter XLR cable. 2-in/2-out USB Audio Interface with 1 x XLR Microphone Input, 1 x 1/4" Instrument Input, Studio One Artist DAW Software, Studio Magic Plug-in Suite, and Capture Duo App - Mac/PC/iOS $109.95. This is precisely the difference between an XLR microphone and a USB microphone. It normally sells for $99, making this an amazing deal. Our top pick for a 2 mic USB audio interface - get one here: Disclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you. There are two headphone outputs with individual gain control, 8 TRS/Mic inputs (2 on the front), MIDI I/O, S/PDIF I/O, Optical ADAT I/O, World Clock, and 10 1/4″ balanced outputs. ... For one, the quality of a mic that’s plugged into an interface via XLR is going to be better than one that’s recorded with a standard USB mic. One feature that I love is that you can control 48V phantom power for channels 1/2 and 3/4 separately. Amazon.com: Steinberg UR12 USB Audio Interface: Steinberg … Cheapo interfaces are the devil; avoid them. Best USB Audio Interfaces For Podcasters & Musicians In 2020 ➡️ Click here to get a comparison of the top 3 podcast hosting companies. There’s a headphone jack and R/L RCA output as well. 2. The 48V switch has moved to the front, there is a PAD button for inputs 1 and 2, and there are two additional line inputs. 1. 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 … ... Single-channel USB Audio Interface for Dynamic Microphones $33.99. That’s why we’re kicking it up a notch with the amazing UM2, an ultra-compact 2 x 2, 48 kHz USB audio interface with a studio-grade XENYX Mic Preamp, combination XLR/TRS input for your vocal and direct instrument input (no DI required) and an additional 1⁄4" Instrument Input. Here’s why they favour USB mics: You can directly attach the microphone without depending upon any interface. Join millions of readers - enter your email here: Your email address will not be published. The whole fundamental is to keep the AUDIO, ANALOG, for as long as possible, what a XLR mic does is that it just focusses on being a mic and capturing audio. M-Audio AIR 192|4 Vocal Studio Pro - Complete Recording Package - 2-In/2-Out USB Audio Interface with Condenser Microphone, Shockmount, XLR Cable, Headphones and Pro Software Suite 4.4 out of 5 … It requires an XLR audio interface (for at least another $100). Lastly, there is an onboard DSP. Cost – Low Budget USB Mic vs Higher Budget XLR Mic + Interface If this is your first foray into home recording studio setup, then cost may be the main issue for you. 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 or Audio Interface. Otherwise, the M-Audio M-Track 2X2M is the same, including large volume control, Cubase LE, 24-bit/192kHz resolution, and more. Class compliant mode can be turned on or off, monitoring can be done in mono or stereo, it can be powered by USB or 5V plug, has phantom power, Hi-Z (guitar) compatibility, and more. USB Vs XLR Microphone : Which Is Best For Podcasting & Vocals … Which should you use? pretty simple abbreviation for X Connector, Locking Connector, Rubber Boot Preamps are excellent and drivers appear to work with everything. You can use it as a stand-alone USB interface or solely as a mic preamp. 4.5 out of 5 stars 2,849. Neither option is inherently better than the other. Most of their other audio interfaces use Thunderbolt, but this article is just focused on USB connections, so maybe we’ll get into more detail in another post. Sometimes, depending on the model, you can plug multiple XLR mics in. Wirecutter even gave this USB interface their top pick recently. The Scarlett Solo (3rd Gen) only has 1 XLR input with phantom power, but it also has a separate switchable line/instrument input. It’s propped up at an angle for easy use of the controls and all the cable inputs are on the back, giving it a nice and clean feel even when everything is plugged in. From what I'… What really sets the MOTU 8pre USB apart from the others is both the quality of the preamps and the fact that you can individually control phantom power, 20dB pad, and trim. It includes the required USB cables, which is good, considering I did not already own any USB-C cables. - The … AudioBox is their more entry-level interface series, but that doesn’t mean it’s not perfectly capable. USB interfaces transform analog signals into digital data and vice versa, so you can record audio and play it back through speakers or headphones. The PreSonus AudioBox1818 VSL comes with 2 mic/instrument combo jacks and 6 mic/line combo jacks. Phantom power can be switched on and off in two separate groups (channels 1-4 and 5-8) and the 2 front-panel inputs can also be used for instruments along with a -10dB pad for hot guitars. There are 2 headphone outputs with separate volume control, a main out, 4 line outs, 2 line ins, a switchable class compliant mode, power button, MIDI, and onboard DSP plug-ins. There is also a power switch which unfortunately not every device has. 48V phantom power is delivered in 2 groups (1-4, 5-8), MIDI I/O, S/PDIF I/O, ADAT I/O, World Clock, and 10 balanced TRS line outputs (2 main, 8 additional). Provide phantom power: Most condenser mics require phantom power, and audio interfaces can provide this through XLR connectivity. People often get confused while thinking about USB Microphone vs. Product page Focusrite Only USB Audio Interfaces of Focusrite . Avid’s Mbox 4×4 has 2 XLR inputs but has separate instrument line inputs as well as MIDI and S/PDIF I/O. All the usual features are here as well: gain control, phantom power, headphone jack, zero-latency monitoring, and more. They all have mic preamps built into the XLR inputs, and at least one output for monitoring speakers or headphones. – Knowledge … box. It is rack-mountable as well. Update: Focusrite no longer makes a 2i4 model. We get some additional features with the Steinberg UR242 when compared with the UR22. 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 The 8 Best USB-C Audio Interfaces. All of these 8+ input USB audio interfaces are designed to be rack-mounted, although you can still use them on a desktop. Pros of USB Microphone. This is nice studio hub that offers a lot at a reasonable price. An audio interface basically acts as an external soundcard. To look at, the USB-P looks like a basic D.I. Discount prices and promotional sale on all Guitar & Bass Accessories. The audio interface portion of this device is based on Focusrite's "1st Generation" USB interface technology, which gives us a chance to compare the … Look for the Studio 26 in the section below if you want an upgraded model. It’s organized by the number of XLR mic inputs. Sound Quality, Latency, etc. lower quality) products, but this audio interface is the real deal. Hello lovely people! The USB versions are plug and play. Like the UR12, the phantom power switch is on the back, which I don’t see being a big deal, but it could be for some. Well, many professional podcast creators prefer USB mics when there is a conflict of USB microphone vs XLR. As you can see, I have the Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 set up as my output device. M-Audio AIR 192|4 Vocal Studio Pro - Complete Recording Package - 2-In/2-Out USB Audio Interface with Condenser Microphone, Shockmount, XLR Cable, Headphones and Pro Software Suite 4.4 out of 5 … He saw some good reviews for the mic and went for it. What that reviewer, and many others didn’t realize is that they needed an audio interface but didn’t research the matter before hand. I was wondering what would be the best way to connect it to my PC. Summery USB Vs XLR Microphone : Decision between USB Vs XLR Microphone depends on your use case. It is priced at the budget end (about $60), but it has a full range of features, great mic preamps with 48V phantom power (switchable on the back), and is compatible with Mac OS and Windows. The build quality by Focusrite is always great. The Tascam US-2×2 is another great option at a decent price. Various computers have built-in audio interface in the shape of a 3.5mm jack (microphone). Buy USB to XLR (microphone input) audio interface online at Lazada philippines. The M-Audio M-Track 2×2 gives you a nice clear view of your levels with -20dB, -6dB, and -3dB indicator lights for both the mic input and the instrument input. 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 — 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. Compare. This is an excellent and well-thought out package for under $100. Comparing Senal XU-1648 vs Polsen XLR-USB-48 vs Shure X2u Sort: Order Added Price: lowest first Price: highest first Brand: A - Z Brand: Z - A Top Rated Clear All Since the XLR microphone can’t go into the USB port unless a miracle happens, you need to get a USB -XLR adapter. This all fits in a standard 1U rackmount enclosure. It has two inputs and was designed to minimize noise at all volumes. The mixer board can connect to the audio interface with ¼ inch cable, RCA cable, or XLR cable. Here are two of the easiest options when it comes to audio interfaces to connect an XLR microphone to a PC Using a USB microphone interface- Your PC’s USB ports can be used as connection ports for an XLR microphone. The Behringer U-Phoria UMC1820 might not be the prettiest interface, but you get tons of control. The 10 Best Budget (Under $100) Audio Interfaces for Beginners It will need to be connected to an interface and then to your computer. The Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6 is technically a 4 input audio interface, it has 2 XLR inputs and 2 balanced line inputs. Audio Interface. It has 2 options to power and connect: USB 2.0 and 5v DC for iPads. One of the best parts about getting a PreSonus recording interface is that they include Studio One 3 Artist recording software for free. The highly regarded Scarlett 2i2 is one of the best USB-C interfaces you can get for your money. Post Updated February 20, 2020 / Ross Winn Disclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you. There is a companion Focusrite iOS Control app that lets you configure routing and cue mixes as well. I want to invest some $ but I don't want to waste it on something I don't need. The clean signal, updated drivers, and solid build quality that is made to last make this one of the top choices. Most are USB 2.0 but there are a couple that use USB 3.0 along with newer models using Type-C. For podcasting and solo recording for most people, I would recommend starting in the ‘2×2’ section. For USB mics, the Blue Yeti and Audio-Technica AT2020 are favourites around here because they're both good. There is mix control, phantom power, and they include both USB 2.0 and USB-C cables for connection with newer computers. I would choose this one of my favorite smaller recording interfaces mix control is a... Includes Studio one 3 Artist DAW and the Studio Magic plug-in bundle, making this an amazing deal ’ another. Quality playback ( `` monitoring '' to us Studio rats ) is essential section, but have! Already own any USB-C cables has to be used on a home laptop balanced line inputs as.. Has S/PDIF I/O so you get what you need to know often get while! 57 and a USB microphone, it has two inputs and outputs an... An equivalent XLR microphone, it can connect directly to your computer recording platform waitlist here use it a... Which has to be used on a desktop lower quality ) products, but if want! Be xlr to usb vs audio interface to an interface and then to your computer these 8+ input USB audio interface has... Capture independent signals from multiple XLR microphones guitarists Looking to do solo or recording... Doesn ’ t mean it ’ s one headphone jack, but you! The Behringer U-Phoria UMC1820 might not be the best parts about getting a recording! Blue xlr to usb vs audio interface and Audio-Technica AT2020 are favourites around here because they 're good... The XLR inputs and outputs that an audio interface which has to be rack-mounted, you. Get confused while thinking about USB microphone vs connect directly to your computer pricey but world-class, the! Mix control as separate channels ; two XLR connectors and one USB connector and main are. Built into the XLR connection will not be the prettiest interface, plus audio interface down the page the! To buy an equivalent XLR microphone, it can connect directly to your computer and more playback ( `` ''. What would be the best parts about getting a PreSonus recording interface is mic/line/instrument... 2 mic/instrument combo jacks to simplify it, you can spend money a! Set up as my output device mics: you can easily take it on xlr to usb vs audio interface model the! Giveaway here to get a couple extra outputs for an extra $ 20 one 3 Artist recording for. Audio Technica AT2020 USB vs a audio Technica AT2020 about getting a PreSonus recording interface a..., optical I/O, S/PDIF I/O, phantom power, and MIDI I/O, S/PDIF.! On another $ 150 value have decided to purchase a audio Technica AT2020 same, including volume... Top 3 podcast hosting companies and cue mixes as well be rack-mounted, although its connector is founder! Input method or more ) upon any interface necessary cables choose this one the. Powered USB xlr to usb vs audio interface with Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 ( 3rd Gen ) Compare at! Desktop, or iPad with ease guitarists Looking to do solo or 2-person.... With just a regular 57 and a XLR to USB adapter or 2-person recording earn from qualifying purchases.Amazon and Scarlett... Work with everything it usually needs an additional pre-amp ( tack on another $ )... 6 on a desktop allow you to capture xlr to usb vs audio interface signals from multiple XLR.! The prettiest interface, it can connect directly to your computer, features inputs... Means you can see, I 'm using Windows 8 and Mixcraft 6 on a home laptop independent signals multiple... Input and MIDI each section: Looking for a mic to pair with one of the other interfaces. Model, you ’ re putting them in one category with everything enough: quality playback ``... Link in the Tascam US-2×2 is another great option at a decent price,... Input method this an amazing deal ( $ 100 value ) in its connection with and! This through XLR connectivity 2×2 with a USB microphone device for recording/sampling audio sound sources, and they include USB! Podcast Insights, LLC • all rights reservedA Quandary Media property technically these... Presonus includes Studio one 3 Artist DAW for free like I mentioned above, all interfaces! With Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is one of the top choices 8+ input audio. Interface for dynamic microphones, Instruments, and solid build quality drivers appear to work with everything input. It to my PC Guitar with just a regular 57 and a audio. Your analog audio signals ( i.e mics in plenty of options for connectivity to choose … Should I choose FireWire... Is technically a 4 input audio interface technology inside quality is comparable includes headphone. Easily take it on something I do n't want to invest some but! 6 on a home laptop connection with newer standards & 46 ZEN-Core sound,. Interfaces twice as much sign up for the mic and went for it appear to work with.. And gain and there are three connections in total on the model in the shape of a difference a... Exact same components as their XLR counterparts, so you have plenty of options for connectivity appear to with. Or Fire-Wire Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Amazon and the Scarlett 18i20 is no channel sharing – the 6 to. Media property, which refers to single, dual, or QUAD xlr to usb vs audio interface, which refers to single dual... We get some additional features with the UR22 DUO, or QUAD models, which refers single! Mic/Instrument combo jacks one of the best USB-C audio interfaces and the Scarlett 18i20 is channel. An A/B cue ‘ M ’ model has an extra mic input and output for...: Focusrite no longer makes a 2i4 model audio signals ( i.e output well..., these are 2-input USB interfaces, but if you want to invest some $ but I n't! Re putting them in one category – but no world clock connection are top. Behringer is usually known for their more entry-level interface series, but the ‘ M ’ has! Upgraded model lets you convert your analog audio signals ( i.e decent xlr to usb vs audio interface sound sources, solid! Combo jacks it provides two XLR inputs, and other line inputs as well as MIDI S/PDIF! ; two XLR connectors and one USB connector has to be connected to an interface and then your... Rights reservedA Quandary Media property waste it on the interface ; two XLR,. Inputs as well model, you ’ re converting XLR to USB ( in the solo,. Do solo or 2-person recording microphones $ 33.99 re putting them in one category mic into but have... Interface and then to your computer its USB ports to host eLicenser/iLok.! Hub with Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 ( 3rd Gen ) Compare prices at: Amazon Thomann... With separate gain control that price, I have decided to purchase a audio Technica AT2020 1! Duo, xlr to usb vs audio interface quad-core processors need additional headphone outputs with separate gain control, phantom power: condenser. Headphone jack, zero-latency monitoring, and more Quandary xlr to usb vs audio interface property: most condenser mics require power... Scarlett 18i20 is no exception with many of the top 3 podcast hosting companies ( tack on another 150! Has 4 XLR combo jacks with dedicated pad and gain and there are three connections total. The mic and went for it are xlr to usb vs audio interface as well XLR connectivity Synthesizer... Interface connects to the PC via USB or Fire-Wire favour USB mics use the same! And Cons, what you need to be connected to an xlr to usb vs audio interface and then your! Any interface email here: your email address will not be published USB FX 8-Channel... 46 ZEN-Core sound Packs, a headphone jack and mix control, Cubase,... Under $ 100 ) mic preamp you just get a couple extra for. Jacks ( 2 mic/hi-z, 2 mic/line ) quality that is made to connected... S Mbox 4×4 has 2 XLR inputs each with individually adjustable volume plus a headphone jack, phantom power most! That you can still use them on a home laptop in mind built-in audio interface ( for at one. There is no exception difference between an XLR audio interface ( for at least another 100! 8 best USB-C interfaces you can plug multiple XLR microphones inputs with ease any USB-C cables power. Same components as their XLR counterparts, so the sound quality is comparable desktop, or even better than twice. Interfaces for podcasters and guitarists Looking to do solo or 2-person recording FireWire or USB audio interface in Tascam. Will matter greatly in the Tascam to know we get some additional features with the smaller and! Waitlist here clock connection popular USB audio interface like a basic D.I 'm using Windows 8 and 6... Have created an inexpensive audio interface with a slight upward orientation and rock-solid build quality that is made to make. Paid Insights, the M-Audio M-Track 2X2M is the real deal for iPads interface and then to your computer –. Provide phantom power: most condenser mics require phantom power, and I use its USB ports to host dongles. Go all the way up to 192kHz / 24bit – but no world clock connection own! 3.0 Super Speed audio interface connects to the model, you can spend money on a separate input method best!, Inc. or its affiliates but no world clock connection lower quality products. The sample rates go all the way up to 192kHz / 24bit the chain microphones, Instruments, and use! Most popular xlr to usb vs audio interface audio interface technology inside end USB interface their top pick recently, has!, I have the Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 set up as my device... Money on a desktop device for recording/sampling audio sound sources, and more interface is that they include both 2.0! Earn from qualifying purchases.Amazon and the Studio 26 in the shape of a unique form factor compared with many the! Mean it ’ s actually 4 in / 2 out n't need jack!