XLR vs USB Mic: Which Should You Get? (PGOA 1.1)

On episode 2 of PGOA, I discuss the differences between XLR and USB microphones and which connection may be the best fit for your project. If you just want simple and easy to use, then USB may be the proper route to go, but if you want more versatility, control, and options, and you have the budget; XLR will serve you well.

Should you get an XLR or USB Microphone?

This can be simplified to a single question: Do you want a simple plug and play device (USB), or do you want a more versatile, more complex, but often times higher quality device (XLR? . But let’s explore each connection type a little closer.

USB MICROPHONES

PROS

You don’t have to worry about getting the right components because everything is in a single unit.

Many of the affordable options are plug and play. You connect the mic, set your level, and you are done.

Over the last few years, There has been quite a few USB mics that introduced DSP (digital signal processing), which allows you to add real time effects (compression, EQ, denoise) to your recording.

CONS

In comparison to XLR mics, the selection is somewhat limited.

You’re not able to update any component of the signal path (mic, preamp, converter, headphone amp, etc.) because everything is in a single package.

Due to the digital nature of USB mics, the longevity these mics is somewhat limited compared to the completely analog counterparts.

Some older USB mics have issues when trying to record multiple USB mics to the same computer.

XLR MICROPHONES

PROS

There is a huge variety available (compared to USB mics) which allows you to find the exact right tool for the job

I find trouble shooting simpler with XLR mics because you can isolate each component in the signal path (mic, cable, preamp, converter, headphone amp).

Due to the modularity of this system, I find it much more upgradable because you can upgrade each individual component.

Easier to record multiple mics to the same computer compared to USB.

Can easily record XLR mics away from your computer with a portable recorder.

CONS

This setup can be much more expensive than a USB setup.

If you’re new to audio, it can be somewhat overwhelming and seemingly complicated compared to a USB mic setup.

DO USB MICS SUCK?

I have seen a lot of people argue that the audio quality you get out of USB mics is terrrible. I don’t think this is necessarily true. I think you can get pretty good quality out of a USB mic for audio published online. You just need to realize all that you’re buying when you buy a USB mic.

For example: If you’re buying a $100 Blue Yeti, you may be spending $40 on the microphone, $10 on the preamp, $20 on the converter, $20 on the headphone amp, and $10 on the stand/accessories. If you’re comparing that sound quality to a $100 XLR mic that would be an unfair comparison because that XLR setup would be $100 for the mic, $10 for the cable, $150 for the audio interface (preamp, converters, headphone amp). If you compare similarly priced XLR setups to a USB mic, I think the performance is fairly comparable.

I also think that there is a bit of a cap with the quality of USB mics. What I mean by that is, no one is producing a USB version of a Neumann U87 Ai or other classic studio mics. So although you can still get good quality audio out of USB mics, if you are looking for the highest quality studio sound, you’re still going to have to go the XLR route.