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A Good microphone is an essential piece of equipment in Podcasting.
But with so many different options – XLR, USB, Condenser, Dynamic, Cardioid, Unidirectional etc. out there which one should you go for?
We will pick each one of these topics one by one in our subsequent episodes. In this episode let us look at the most basic of these – XLR Vs USB microphones and which one should you choose for Podcasting.
What we discussed on the show
Here are some of the things we discussed on the show today –
02:20 – Zencastr Promo
03:41 – How do USB and XLR microphones work
05:20 – Is XLR microphones better for Audio Quality
07:31 – Advantages & Disadvantages of USB mics
09:32 – Advantages & Disadvantages of XLR Mics
12:19 – My recommendation – USB Vs XLR mics
13:49 – Recommended Microphones
More Information
You can find more information including the show notes and the resources at https://thepodcastinguniversity.com/81
You can follow me on social media at –
Instagram – https://instagram.com/podcastinguniversity
Twitter – https://twitter.com/thepodversity
Join my FREE 10-day eCourse to learn how to start a podcast – https://thepodcastinguniversity.com/free-guide
Recommended Microphones:
ATR 2100x – https://amzn.to/3UihtDe
Samson Q2U – https://amzn.to/3FNbt1D
AT 2035 – https://amzn.to/3zGMAka
Rode NT USB – https://amzn.to/3ha1XLo
Shure MV7X – https://amzn.to/3fxGawU
Other Episodes You Will Enjoy
Here are some of the other episodes that you will enjoy –
Podcast SEO Basics – https://thepodcastinguniversity.com/podcast-seo/
How to use SEO to get more listeners – https://thepodcastinguniversity.com/podcast-seo-best-practices/
Using Podcast ad swaps to get more listeners – https://thepodcastinguniversity.com/podcast-ad-swaps-for-podcast-promotion/
Use my special link https://thepodcastinguniversity.com/go/zencastr-new/ and use “tpudis” to save 30% off your first three months of Zencastr professional. #madeonzencastr
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A Good microphone is an essential piece of equipment in Podcasting. But with so many different options – XLR, USB, Condenser, Dynamic, Cardioid, Unidirectional, etc. out there which one should you go for?
We will pick each one of them and learn more, one by one in the next few posts. In this episode let us look at the most basic of these – USB Vs XLR microphone and which one should you choose for Podcasting.
If you are looking for a list of microphones within your budget, you can check out this post here!
USB Vs XLR microphone
Here’s what we will cover today –
- How does each of these work
- The advantages and disadvantages of a USB microphone
- The advantages and disadvantages of an XLR microphone
- My recommendations when it comes to microphones
- The best models in USB Vs XLR microphone
The functioning of USB Vs XLR Microphone
So first, how do these microphones work and what is the difference between these two?
The primary difference is in the connectors that these microphones use. The XLR microphone will have a 3-pin connector like this one and the USB microphone will have a USB connection.
But that’s not all. There is a major difference in the way they transmit audio signals
Without getting too much techy, an XLR microphone (The XLR stands for External Line Return) transmits audio in the form of analog signals. So in the form that the signal is transmitted, it cannot be read by your computer.
This means that if you want your computer to record the audio, you will need something that can then convert this signal into digital signals. Now, this is done by an audio interface.
In comparison to this, a USB microphone has inbuilt hardware that converts the analog signal into digital signals which your computer can then read using the USB interface.
That’s the primary difference between a USB Vs XLR Microphone.
One question that a lot of people have is – is there a difference in audio quality in both these types of microphones?
Not really.
Both microphones use the same capsules and condenser elements so there is no reason that the quality of one is better or, worse than the other unless, of course, the quality of the elements used is poor.
While there are some experts who say that USB microphones can never match the audio quality of XLR microphones, this could be true considering the fact that XLR is the accepted technology norm when it comes to microphones.
But this difference could be evident in professional environments but when it comes to Podcasting the difference is hardly noticeable.
Advantages and Disadvantages of a USB Microphone
To begin with, the biggest advantage of a USB microphone is in the use.
Since it is a USB interface, you just need to plug it into your computer and you are ready to record. That way it is pretty easy to use and handy as well.
So if you are a solo podcaster or, even if you are recording remote interviews, then a USB microphone could be the best option for you.
If you travel frequently, then too, carrying a USB microphone around is much easier than the XLR one.
Disadvantage:
The biggest disadvantage of a USB microphone is that you cannot record multiple microphones into a single computer.
Why?
Because the USB interface on computers doesn’t support audio inputs from two microphones.
Another disadvantage could be the options that are available. There aren’t a lot of USB microphone options available out there and some of the better ones could be a little costly.
Advantages and Disadvantages of an XLR microphone
XLR is the accepted standard in the audio industry which is why you will see most professional setups using XLR microphones.
Advantages
XLR microphones are slightly cheaper than the USB variants but when you add the cost of an audio interface, it pretty much equals that of a USB microphone.
But then you get the added advantage of connecting multiple microphones to the audio interface and hence can use multiple mics to record.
XLR microphones are the best option for people who are recording in a studio and have multiple people on their podcasts.
Podcasts hosted by multiple people or, the ones that interview guests in a studio should all use XLR microphones because of the ease of recording from multiple mics.
Disadvantages
The obvious disadvantage of using an XLR microphone is the cost because you will need a piece of additional equipment to get it fully functional.
Every XLR microphone will need phantom power for it to work well and it will also need an audio interface.
These days every audio interface comes with built-in phantom power, so you will need to invest in either an audio interface or, an audio mixer to make an XLR microphone work.
What you might want to keep in mind when buying one of these is that it should be able to provide at least a 48V phantom power. Anything less would mean that your microphone is not working to its optimum capacity.
My Recommendation – USB Vs XLR Microphone
So what should you use – USB vs XLR microphone?
If you are recording solo episodes or, remote interviews, then go for a USB microphone. It is easier to set up and get started.
This is good from a long-term perspective as well if you aren’t looking to scale up your podcast to include multiple people recording from a single room.
But if you are looking to record in a studio with multiple people or, even a guest then you should go for an XLR microphone.
Best USB Microphones
Here are some of the best USB microphones out there –
- Audio Technica ATR 2100x Microphone USB version – https://amzn.to/3UihtDe
- Samson Q2U – Order here https://amzn.to/3FNbt1D
- Rode NT USB microphone – You can order from here https://amzn.to/3ha1XLo
Best XLR Microphone
Here are some of the best XLR microphones out there –
- Audio Technica AT 2035 microphone – https://amzn.to/3zGMAka
- Audio Technica ATR2100 mic- https://amzn.to/3UihtDe
- Shure MV7X – https://amzn.to/3fxGawU
- Samson Q2U – https://amzn.to/3FNbt1D
If you are looking for a good microphone to get started, then I would recommend going with the Samson Q2U which is a dual microphone and has both the USB and XLR options.
The microphone is built solidly, has good output, and can be a long-term purchase.
Thank you for Joining
Thank you all for joining me on the episode today.
I hope you enjoyed the information that I shared about USB vs XLR microphone in this episode.
If you did then, do subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platforms, if you haven’t already done it.
Below are links to some of the major platforms.
If you are new here and want to start a podcast, you might want to join my FREE 10-day ecourse on “how to start a podcast“.
Resources Recommended for Podcasting
Here are some tools and resources that I recommend for podcasting. These are the ones that I personally use and am satisfied with and hence am recommending them.
- Acast Podcast hosting – Acast is my favorite podcast hosting company. They have excellent customer support, have a pocket-friendly plan, and even have a free option with no limits.
- Behringer Audio Interface – You will need an audio interface if you are using an XLR microphone. This is my recommended audio interface.
- Zencastr – Zencastr is the easiest option to record interviews, both audio-only and audio+video. This is a must for an interview podcast. Go to zencastr.com/pricing and use my code “thepodu” You’ll get 30 percent off your first three months of Zencastr professional.
- Audacity – This is the best and the most feature-rich free audio editing software. It gives you a lot of options while editing your interviews.
- Blue Yeti USB Microphone – My recommended microphone
- Tidycal – My recommended calendar and booking solutions
- Fusebox – Embeddable Podcast Player
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