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How to make decision between USB and XLR microphone?

You know that moment when you’re just about to get ready for a gig and you discover that your mic isn’t working? Or maybe it is, but the sound in the venue is terrible. If you’re about to have a podcast, then one of the first things you should do is buy some gear and learn how to use it.

There are 2 different types of microphones.

1 = USB microphones

2 = XLR.

USB microphones are usually the trend nowadays because of their convenience and fast installation. They also have a lesser cost compared to XLR microphones.

Yes, they are convenient but XLR mics provide better sound quality in addition to being more durable.

XLR mics need phantom power, which means your mixer/sound interface (more on this later) needs phantom power for it to work; meaning you’ll have to buy your own mixer/sound interface if you want good sound quality.

This is the only disadvantage for XLR mics, everything else about it is better. Trust me on this one.

USB mics only provide 2 types of polar patterns, omnidirectional and cardioid. XLR mics provide 5 types: omnidirectional, bidirectional, cardioid, hyper-cardioid, super-cardioid

XLR microphones are more professional than USB microphones; even if they don’t provide as good sound quality as some USB microphones do.

However, XLR mics are more expensive. XLR microphones have switches for selecting the 3 types of polar patterns and a knob for adjusting the gain (volume). USB microphones only have a knob to adjust the volume.

This is my personal opinion, but I would recommend XLR microphones because they provide better sound quality. But if you don’t want to carry too many wires, USB mics aren’t bad though, a slightly expensive USB microphone can achieve better sound quality than a Mid-Range XLR microphone.

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