XLR to USB adapters (also commonly called converters) are electrical devices that allow an XLR device to connect directly to your computer. In this review, we’ll go over the functional differences between adapters, converters, and audio interfaces. We will also cover the things to consider when making a purchase like microphone type and phantom power. And finally, we’ll list the 8 best XLR to USB devices. If you’re looking for a cable that will not adapt to USB, check out our buying guide on the best XLR-to-XLR cables. OK, enough said. Let’s get crackin! Full Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Buying through any of the links below will earn me a small commission at no extra charge to you. Last Update: December 12th, 2019 The Shure X2U is a great adapter that has a quality feel to it. It has additional features over a simple XLR to USB cable such as +48 V phantom power switch built right in. It also includes monitor mix control that can mix audio playback from your computer with the input from your mic. This converter bridges the gap between a basic converter and full blown professional audio interface. Check out the Shure website from more details and specs. ♦ High build-quality, feels heavy The Blue Icicle is another good choice in our list of XLR to USB adapters. Like the Shure X2U, it too has +48 V phantom power and also comes with a USB cable. It does lack some of the features see in other adapters, opting for a simple approach to signal conversion. But if that’s what you’re after, it could be a benefit. Some users report driver issues when using this adapter with Windows 7. ♦ Built-in +48 V phantom power (cannot be turned off) The Mic Mate Pro from MXL lands somewhere between the Blue Icicle and Shure X2U when it comes to features. Like the previously mentioned models, it too has +48 V phantom power. It also has a 1/8″ headphone jack and allows for monitor mixing just like the X2U. Users report that the build quality on the XLR to USB adapter is very good, but like the others it may introduce some noise at high gain settings. This one also boasts a pretty high buyer rating. For more information, take a look at the manual. ♦ Built-in +48 V phantom power (cannot be turned off) The Mic Mate Dynamic from MXL is a simple XLR to USB adapter that was designed for use specifically with a dynamic microphone. It does not have phantom power, and is very simple in design and function. It has a gain switch with three different settings so you can use it with a variety of microphones. The Mic Mate Dynamic doesn’t require any drivers. It’s a plug and play device. ♦ No preamp – built specifically for dynamic mics Pyle recently came up with their own take on the XLR to USB adapter, and did a great job providing a value piece of gear to consumers. This adapter has all of the features you could expect out of a solid adapter, and at a great price. On the bottom, there is an LED indicator that tells whether or not the mute button is activated, and the body is made of durable and lightweight aluminum – perfect for travel and on-the-go recording. As with most products, it is not without its flaws, though. Some users report poor customer service, and the preamp is not exactly studio-grade. ♦ Headphone volume and monitor mixing control This XLR to USB adapter cable from Valinks is the ultimate in simplicity on this list. It’s great for a simple connection for your dynamic mic. It is compatible with all major operating systems. This cable is very inexpensive in comparison to the other options on our list and some users do report reliability issues, but the majority of reviews are positive. ♦ No preamp – better for dynamic mics Since all audio interfaces also count as XLR to USB adapters, the Behringer U-Phoria UM2 makes the list. While not as portable as some of the others listed, this audio interface does include more features and will produce a cleaner signal with it’s Xenyx preamp. It also costs considerably less than some of the others on this list, and has L and R RCA outputs for connection to your studio monitors. ♦ 48V phantom power with on/off switch One of the most popular audio interfaces out there is the Focusrite Scarlett Solo. Similar to the Behringer UM2, this XLR to USB adapter includes added features such as direct monitoring and RCA outputs. It is a little bulkier than some of the previously mentioned items, but you sacrifice space for added quality and capability. This is a great beginners interface and ideal for someone who is just getting acclimated with the digital audio world. ♦ 48V phantom power with on/off switch Like we mentioned earlier, XLR to USB devices convert the analog signal from an XLR device such as a microphone into a digital signal that your computer can understand. Audio interfaces serve as XLR to USB adapters with additional features. Audio interfaces can have gain knobs, 1/4″ TRS inputs and outputs, headphone jacks, and more. An audio interface can also convert a digital signal to an analog signal that then get’s played through an analog device or devices like studio monitors. One thing to consider in your purchase is whether or not you’ll be using a dynamic mic or a condenser mic. Condenser mics almost always require phantom power, and your adapter will need to be able to supply it. If you’re going to use a dynamic mic with any of the following adapters that include 48 V phantom power, you need to make sure your dynamic mic is balanced. Balanced dynamic mics are not affected by phantom power. If your dynamic mic is unbalanced, it’s best to choose an adapter that does not have phantom power, or one that has the option to switch it off. When it’s all said and done, your decision here will boil down to several factors: As far as quality goes, audio interfaces will provide you with the best sampling rates and less introduced noise than an adapter, but with less portability. If that’ sounds right for you, I suggest going with the Behringer UM2 audio interface. If you want portability, a decent level of quality, and added capabilities and you’re willing to pay a little more for it then the Shure X2U will do the job. If you only plan on using a dynamic mic, and just need a simple connection for a very low price, then the Valinks XLR to USB cable is your choice. That wraps it up for this review. Thank you for reading, and I hope this list helps you make a great choice for your XLR to USB adapter purchase!XLR to USB Adapters: Best Choices
In a Hurry? Here’s Our Top 3
8 of the Best XLR to USB Adapters
Shure X2U XLR to USB Signal Adapter
Features & Specs
♦ Comes with a carrying bag
♦ +48 V phantom power button with on/off LED
♦ Portable
♦ Locking XLR connector
♦ Headphone jack with volume control
♦ Some users report a certain degree of added noise
♦ USB cable included
Blue Microphones Icicle XLR to USB Microphone Converter/Preamp
Features & Specs
♦ Portable
♦ Locking XLR connector
♦ Some users report a certain degree of added noise at elevated gain levels
♦ Single analog volume control
MXL Mic Mate Pro XLR to USB Preamp
Features & Specs
♦ Portable – less than 6″ long
♦ Some users report a certain degree of added noise at elevated gain levels
♦ Gain knob
♦ 1/8″ headphone jack with knob – monitor mix from PC and mic
♦ 6 ft USB cable included
♦ Recording software included
MXL Mic Mate Dynamic XLR to USB Preamp
Features & Specs
♦ Die cast construction
♦ 3-position gain switch
♦ Recording software included
Pyle Microphone XLR to USB Adapter
Features & Specs
♦ 48 V phantom power built in – works with condenser mics
♦ Mute button
♦ Universal OS compatibility
♦ Plug-and-play connectivity
Valinks XLR to USB Converter Cable
Features & Specs
♦ 12-month warranty
♦ PVC jacketing, oxygen-free copper conductors, and gold-plated contact surfaces
♦ LED power indication light on USB 2.0 connector
♦ Plug-and-play – no drivers needed
♦ 10 ft length
Behringer U-Phoria UM2 Audio Inteface
Features & Specs
♦ Direct monitoring capability
♦ 1/4″ headphone jack and TRS line-in
♦ Max sampling rate of 48 kHz
♦ RCA outputs
♦ Input/output gain knobs
Focusrite Scarlett Solo Audio Interface (3rd Gen)
Features & Specs
♦ Direct monitoring capability
♦ 1/4″ headphone jack and TRS line-in
♦ Max sampling rate of 192 kHz
♦ RCA outputs
♦ Input/output gain knobs
XLR to USB Adapters vs. Audio Interfaces
Dynamic Mics, Condenser Mics, & Phantom Power
Concluding Remarks
Shure X2U XLR to USB Signal Adapter
Cons
Pros
Blue Microphones Icicle XLR to USB Microphone Converter/Preamp
Cons
Pros
MXL Mic Mate Pro XLR to USB Preamp
Cons
Pros
MXL Mic Mate Dynamic XLR to USB Preamp
Cons
Pros
Pyle Microphone XLR to USB Adapter
Cons
Pros
Hosongin XLR to USB Converter Cable
Cons
Pros
Behringer U-Phoria UM2 Audio Interface
Cons
Pros
Focusrite Scarlett Solo Audio Interface (3rd Gen)
Cons
Pros
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