XLR or USB? A Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Microphone For Your Podcast.
With so many microphone options out there, choosing the right one for your podcast setup can feel overwhelming, and the discussion of mic choice always begins with the most common question we hear from aspiring podcasters, “What’s XLR?”
Key Takeaways:
USB is a quick start to your podcasting journey and requires zero extra hardware.
XLR can give you superior quality at the expense of extra gear needed.
There are still great-sounding USB mics available.
XLR microphones have the most upside.
Many leading companies are now crafting dual USB & XLR microphones, which offer the convenience of starting out with a USB connection and switching to the XLR ports as your setup evolves without having to purchase an entirely new mic.
Knowing the Basics
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s start with the basics: how does a microphone actually work?
When you speak into a microphone, your voice creates sound waves that hit a component inside the mic called the diaphragm. The diaphragm vibrates and generates an electrical signal. However, this signal is usually quite weak and needs a bit of a boost. That’s where the preamp comes into play. The preamp amplifies the signal, making it strong enough to be processed or recorded, without adding much noise.
Next, the signal needs to be converted into a digital format. This is done by the Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), which transforms the electrical signal into a digital one that your computer can understand. During this conversion, the ADC samples the signal at a specific rate (known as the sample rate) and with a certain degree of precision (bit depth), which together determine the quality of your digital audio. The digital signal is then stored on your device in formats like MP3 or WAV.
Now, when you want to listen to your recording, the process reverses. A Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) turns the digital signal back into an analog one, allowing it to be amplified and played through your speakers or headphones, recreating the original sound.
Still with me? Awesome! Let’s talk about USB.
The Audio Technica ATR2100x is one of the best overall and most affordable USB microphones available, especially for podcasting.
USB Microphones: The Plug and Play King
USB microphones are the “plug and play” champions of the microphone world. While both USB and XLR mics share the same core component—the diaphragm—what sets USB mics apart is their all-in-one design. Inside a USB microphone, you'll find not only the diaphragm but also the preamp and the ADC. This means everything you need to capture and convert sound is built right into the microphone.
This design makes USB mics incredibly user-friendly. You simply connect them directly to your computer via a USB port, and you’re ready to go. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a straightforward, budget-friendly option, USB mics are a great choice for podcasters who want a hassle-free setup.
XLR Microphones: The Industry Standard
XLR microphones use a three-pin connector—yep, that’s the XLR connector. If you're curious about the history and technical specs of XLR, you can dive into the details here:
The History of the XLR Connector
Unlike USB mics, XLR microphones don’t have built-in preamps or ADCs. Instead, they require some additional gear to get up and running. The three-pin XLR connection needs to be plugged into an audio interface, which acts as the bridge between your microphone and your computer.
The Scarlett series of audio interfaces from Focusrite is an excellent introductory choice.
An audio interface does more than just connect your XLR mic to your computer—it’s an essential tool for recording high-quality audio. These interfaces offer a range of features that can elevate your recordings to the next level. We’ll be exploring audio interfaces in more detail in future posts, but for now, just know that they bring a host of benefits to your recording setup, helping you get the most out of your XLR microphone.
XLR 3-pin connections.
The Benefits of XLR Microphones
So why bother with an XLR microphone when it takes a bit more effort? The answer lies in the benefits that make it the top choice for many professionals:
Less Noise
XLR connections are great at reducing unwanted noise, which is especially handy in professional recording environments or when you're recording live.
More Options
XLR setups are modular, meaning you can mix and match different components like preamps, interfaces, and mixers to fit your needs. This makes it easy to upgrade or tweak your setup as you grow.
Durability
XLR microphones and their connectors are designed for heavy use. Whether you’re in a studio or on the go, they’re made to withstand the rigors of regular use. The XLR connector is also more secure than USB, as it locks in place. This makes accidental disconnections a non-issue.
So, Which One Should You Choose?
I know you won’t want to read this, but there isn’t a definitive answer to this question, because it really depends on a few things:
Your budget.
Your ability to have extra equipment within your setup.
Your desire to have the option of upgrading down the road.
With that said, here’s my best advice:
Go with USB if you want something simple and straightforward. While XLR will offer the ability to have superior sound (keywords: ability to have,) you can still achieve excellent audio quality with the right USB microphone paired with a suitable recording environment and solid editing skills.
Go with XLR if you’re aiming for top-notch sound quality or plan to expand your setup. The added control and flexibility make it a great option for podcasters who want to step up their game.
Some of the leading microphone manufacturers are crafting high quality models that feature both USB and XLR configurations, like the Shure MV7+. This is great for podcasters who want to start with a straightforward USB configuration with the option of expanding to an XLR setup down the road.
Wrapping It Up
It is so easy to get wrapped up in deciding on a microphone. But, it’s important to remember that your mic is just one part of the equation. We have many clients who use USB microphones and have great sound quality before we even step into post-production. We also have clients that use XLR mics and need quite a bit of editing to polish their sound. The two main keys are how you use your microphone and your recording environment.
Keep an eye out for our upcoming posts, where we’ll explore audio interfaces, mixers, and other gear to help you take your podcast to new levels! If you enjoyed this post, please leave a comment, and consider signing up for our newsletter to have professional tips, tricks, insider knowledge and much more delivered straight to your inbox - and NEVER spam!