How to choose - XLR or USB microphone
The jungle of available microphones includes various designs, purposes, capabilities, and qualities. To start somewhere, it's good to first consider what you will be plugging the microphone into – a phone, tablet, computer, audio mixer, or other audio interface. The most popular connection methods are via USB (microphones with USB-C are now available) and the industry-standard XLR connection.
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Let's look at these two main types of microphones with their specific features:
USB microphones are designed for direct connection to a computer, tablet, or smartphone. All that is needed is a USB cable. Their convenience lies in the fact that, in most situations, there is no need to add an additional device between the microphone and the computer/phone, and they usually have a headphone output plus the ability to adjust levels (of the microphone and headphones). They are especially suitable for home and office use, as well as for podcasts or even vlogs with a smart device.
Popular models include Joby Wavo Pod, Audio-Technica ATR2500X, AT2020USB, Zoom ZUM-2, Rode NT-USB Mini, M-Audio Uber Mic and Shure Motiv MV5C.
In short - easy setup, quick adjustments, direct connection to a computer, tablet, or smartphone.
If you don't have much experience or have a limited budget, USB microphones are the right solution.
XLR microphones have a longer history and are used by both amateurs and professionals working at the highest level.
We will limit ourselves to microphones used for recording voices, for use in podcasts, etc.
To use such a microphone, an additional interface is required (a device that receives a signal from the microphone, processes it, and then transmits it to a computer or other compatible device). XLR microphones are powered by these interfaces.
There is an extremely wide variety of such devices, but let's list a few:
Audient EVO4, EVO16
Solid State Logic SSL2
ZOOM PodTrak P4, PodTrak P8, ZOOM U-22, Zoom L-8 Livetrak
RODE AI-1
Rode RodeCaster Pro
Rode RodeCaster Pro II
M-Audio AIR 192|4
Adding an additional device may seemingly appear as a limitation, but it actually expands the possibilities for using various microphones or even feeding signals from other devices.
Most of these interfaces have at least 2 inputs, meaning you can build a more complex setup for interviews or podcasts with more guests.
Microphones are connected via XLR cables, which are available in various lengths, quality levels, and even color coding for quick recognition during setup.
This category of microphones includes some of the most popular and established models:
Audio-Technica AT2020, AT2040, AT2035, AT2050, BP40
Rode Podmic, Procaster, NT1-A NT2-A
Zoom ZDM-1
Shure SM7B and MV7
If you are looking for higher quality and possibilities to add microphones of different purposes and designs, we recommend opting for a system with XLR microphones and an interface. If you are involved in music, we would again recommend a system with XLR microphones.
Of course, there are also additional accessories to improve the quality of your audio.
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Rycote specializes in the production of windjammers, pop-up filters, and vibration-absorbing suspensions for microphones.
See more here
XLR cables can be seen here
