If you have multiple uses for a mic, other than simply recording direct to your computer, consider the flexibility of a mic + interface combination. The beauty of an XLR mic is you can: use it live connect it to a mixing desk plug it into an amp, loop pedal or FX unit or even potentially plug it into a camera (depending on the type of mic). Generally the only way to use a USB mic is to connect it to your computer or mobile device. So for the extra cost, much more recording flexibility.
Plus, in future you could upgrade or expand your studio and connect and record more than one type of microphone.įinally, your audio interface may also have other features such as MIDI and digital i/o as well. Or you could plug in a mixing console and record multiple instruments as a stereo analog stream.
It will almost certainly have line inputs to record your digital piano, synth, or other line level sources. It may have a dedicated instrument input so you can plug in and record a guitar. Your audio interface may have more than one mic pre-amp so you can connect more than one microphone. Purchase an audio interface and microphone, and then you can – depending on the interface – record many different types of audio sources in different ways. But at the end of the day, it is just one microphone. (Note the AT2020USBi does have a physical mic gain control which allows you to adjust input level on the mic itself). However, once you have correctly set up the interface, you will find that you can physically adjust levels on the front panel of the interface, which is nice and intuitive. You will then need to ensure you connect the XLR microphone correctly, and ensure phantom power is switched on if necessary.
You may need to install drivers or some kind of control panel for the interface. Setup using an XLR microphone and audio interface is more complex. (Alternatively, your USB mic may also ship with the appropriate cable to connect directly to your mobile device) To power the mic, you will almost certainly require a powered USB to device adapater. Depending on which recording or video app you are using, you can usually select the mic, and adjust gain settings within the app. To use a mobile device, simply use the correct camera adapter or connector and the USB mic should plug and play. Adjust the recording and playback volumes. Most are simply plug and play.Īll you do is plug the microphone into an availabe USB port, select the microphone as your default input and output sound device in System Preferences (mac) or Control Panel (windows). New to home recording? There is no doubt that the USB microphone is very easy to set up. Complexity – USB Microphones are Simpler to Set Up A USB microphone is a self-contained purchase, you do not need anything else.
The more expensive option is to buy an equivalent XLR microphone, plus audio interface, plus the necessary cables. If this is your first foray into home recording studio setup, then cost may be the main issue for you. So now let’s make some comparisons of the XLR microphone and audio interface versus a USB Microphone Cost – Low Budget USB Mic vs Higher Budget XLR Mic + Interface The i version also has a lightning cable to connect directly to mobile devices in addition to a USB cable. You may also consider the AT2020USBi which is more recent version of the AT2020USB+ (and slightly more expensive). To really illustrate the difference along the way, we will directly compare the Audio Technica AT2020USB+ USB mic with its analog brother, the Audio Technica AT2020 XLR studio condenser microphone. It will then perform the analog to digital conversion required to turn your sound source into a digital audio stream which can be recorded and stored on your computer. Your audio interface will have the correct input for your microphone. Although it is possible under certain circumstances to connect it directly up to your computer or mobile device, generally you need an audio interface to do the job. An XLR mic is just that – a microphone with XLR output.