Should You Buy an XLR to USB Cable?

[@petrasvilkas]

"Suboptimal, but technically still functioning." -- Story of my life. Also my new band name.

[@Rivenworld]

Shocking hiss on this thing on the SM7B but that may be down to the boost, I think I will stick to XLR or USB and not mix both. Great review as always.

[@MeppyMan]

I just started watching and was thinking. OMG the audio is terrible what’s going on.

[@TechWizard2169]

The audio coming from the sm7b has this background noise hiss which is very nasty Thats why using a cheap audio interface still beats a USB to XLR cable

[@Jakeisks]

@@TechWizard2169 it's an input, so that's "XLR to USB".

[@Jakeisks]

Technically savvy musicians should recognize the fact the converter is at the wrong end of the cable.

[@danmagoo]

This was fun, and I look forward to more when you feel like doing this kind of video. I briefly used one of these cables (this same model) quite a few years ago with a Behinger XM8500 mic, back before I even knew what a "dynamic" microphone was, and it seemed to me then that it wasn't bad. Of course I've learned since then, largely from this channel.

[@BigSmallPrint]

This this such a valuable channel for audio info. You do phenomenal work and its the extra little questions like this help so many people! Cant wait to see what 2022 hold!

[@DWHarper62]

Just what I needed for my Shure SM7B... Thanks Bandrew...

[@adambukovsekdev]

Been using this setup for about four years now. Haven't been more satisfied with any purchase in my entire life. jk

[@droidfan]

I ended up WFH. Didn't feel like spending $$ on a headset so, I bought that cable to connect my Rode PodMic and used my ATH-M50X as headphones for all the meetings. That was my WFH setup for over a year. It was perfect. Didn't fail me once.

[@ardhifarhan4821]

uppercase "M" means Mega, lowercase "m" means Mili, Mega ohm is 1.000x of Kilo ohm, and Mili ohm is 0.000001x of Kilo ohm, just so you know

[@ortistmusic]

I'm looking into this cable in order to: - use it to record a video from my smartphone using a dynamic microphone - while still using my audio interface to play audio on my laptop The idea behind that is that the sound from the video/audio recording (from my smartphone) will be good enough to record vocal and/or music directly in a pretty decent quality 🤞🤞🤞

[@mikebauer6917]

Thanks!

[@davidjennings2300]

I really love these simple videos that are honestly really fun and informative and easy to watch for audio noobs like me. VIDEO SUGGESTION: I've recently been playing around with some microphones for the first time and realized that they are pretty bad with no editing. I have to change the mic volume in windows sound settings and I also downloaded other software to boost it, change the tone, and suppress buzzing noises. It would be helpful to me personally to see a video on how to edit and make simple changes to your audio on your pc!

[@shaunkruger]

In early 2020 I ended up going with a bheringer um2 when I needed to use an existing mic with phantom power with my computer for voice recording. I briefly considered an xlr to usb cable like this, but the lack of gain adjustments and the need for external phantom power really worried me. I have since learned the value of being able to mix my audio back into my headphones so I can hear myself talking which really helps when I use it for calls. Your video really reinforced that I made the right decision. Just last week someone asked me what mic I was using because it sounded so good.

[@Jakeisks]

if there's a problem with noise, that's probably because the converter is at the wrong end of the cable...

[@keithgendler8727]

I'm here for the ration. This channel is like having a brother in the business. Well done, Bandrew. Thanks.

[@thedillz2000]

that's crazy, even when he doesn't put a lot of effort into a video, it still feels like a normal quality podcastage review

[@mypal1990]

Holy crap that product description on the Amazon page is a mouthful!

[@redscott7179]

Extremely helpful and great video! I was SHOCKED to see the Newer mic work.

[@Podcastage]

I legitimately was as well because no other USB to XLR mics have had any voltage.

[@ElvenSpellmaker]

My friend (KZbin Kissing88) refuses to get a proper interface. He uses the Shure X2U and it's a hissfest. I'd love you to do a video of the X2U. I think I'll have to show him this.

[@ianmallin6298]

The very quiet "If I scream" got me with the AT2020. For 20 bucks, who wouldn't just save it up twice and buy a UMC22 or even UM2 for around 40/50 bucks.

[@manlyscents]

Well you still need an XLR cable too, just saying

[@dougtalks]

When the vid started I immediately thought "oh we're trying tape hiss today"

[@mattcowens]

I got a cable like this years ago and never used it. Before throwing it away last year I checked it with a cheap battery powered shotgun mic and it worked fine (acceptable noise levels). Odd use case but if I was lending a camera and mic to a student for a filming project and they wanted to record a voice over as well they could get acceptable high school project sound out of it.

[@nickbnash]

Very fun! Thank you for the great video. Looking forward to casual Friday videos.

[@everydaymilk_]

Love these new videos. I'm not always in the market for a new microphone/interface, so these are great fun

[@osvaldodomingos9041]

wHAT A NICE video. Thank you Bandrew. Hope to see more audio related videos.

[@richardhagerty6811]

One overlooked idea, is the use with older mixers that don't have a USB output. There are a lot of very good audio mixers lacking that feature, but have XLR outputs. This would make them usable with your computer. The main limitation is the 16 bit depth.

[@Freogeteknet]

would still be better of with the behringer interface he suggest at the end. :) Sure a bit more bulk but better control and probably better results.

[@michalbochenski4329]

or you can just get a yamaha mg10xu

[@JoshColletta]

My first thought was "ration" was supposed to mean "ratio," as in noise floor as related to 0dBFS, but that's what the dynamic range is, and there was three decibels difference between those two figures. I think that spec sheet just broke my brain.

[@dksuxs4099]

love this bandrew doing these gonna make 2022 better

[@mikebauer6917]

Does it come with a fire suppression option and/or a defibrillator for after your gear pops smoke? $5 for extreme bravery.

[@Rod-Wheeler]

You make the most mundane things interesting and entertaining! well Done!

[@tedc6694]

I liked it. Especially how you gave a clear black and white opinion. Because thats the number 2 reason i watch. To find out what someone thinks that knows more than me. #1 reason is because youre entertaining. And by gosh, we like you ;)

[@Mondo_182]

I just the blue icicle for XLR to USB and it's fantastic! Even had a gain knob on it

[@Dracomies]

Sounds like a warm summer wind going through the grass 24/7.

[@64Zocker]

The Impedance in the Specs says 1M Ohm which is One Mega Ohm (1.000.000) Ohm not 1 Milliohm (0,100) Ohm. Miliohm is written with a small m and not with a capital M. Seems to be a translation Error from them.

[@SasakiAndi]

Thank you my idol

[@dighawaii1]

What was the name again, please?

[@clicks59]

Thanks for the information!

[@theoutsiderjess1869]

I used an xlr to USB with a behringer xm8500 and it wasn't bad at all eventually I switched to an audio interface and it was better experience of course

[@blow1906]

I bought one of this things a few days ago, too (other brand, 14€ on Amazon) and have send it back after a short testing. The hissing doesn´t allow to use any of my test-recordings with my SM58.... Now I´ve ordered a Behringer UM2 instead and hope, that will doing better.....

[@AT-wl9yq]

I hate to say this, but there is a complete lack of understanding as to what's going on, and how these products really work. Saying things like XLR mics and USB mics, is like saying you want to buy a car that uses lug nuts to hold the wheels on it. It doesn't tell you much. The only assumption you can make from the difference is the xlr mic puts out an analog signal, and the usb mic puts out a digital signal. The "cable" in this video isn't really a cable, or an adaptor. Cables and adaptors can't convert a signal from analog to digital. To do that, you need an AD converter. The product in the video is really an extremely low end bus powered audio interface. Its just put into a housing that makes you think its a cable. Its the exact same thing as using an audio interface like a Focustite. Its just a really cheap one that has no options. But the underlying product itself, is identical. The annoying flashing green light is to confirm signal lock. I'm not saying your should, or shouldn't use one of these things, just be aware of what it is. You would use this product because you can't afford a better audio interface. That's all its meant for. There is one other thing from the video that doesn't seem quite right. I would need a bit more information to confirm it, but I'm pretty sure the terms are improperly applied. He mentioned several times of the different gain settings he needed to apply. Just given the description of what he was doing, he was most likely adjusting volume, not gain. There's a big difference between the two. The rules with digital products can sometimes work a little differently, so that's another concern. To say you have gain set to 100%, and don't hear any type of distortion is practically unheard of. And the fact that this is budget gear makes it even more unlikely. There is a lot more to this than I can put into a post like this, but hears some basic facts. A volume control can't distort a signal, only a gain control can do that. With cheap gear set to full output, I can't see it being anything other than a volume control. Also, when you are talking about volume control in the digital domain, you run into a problem called bit stripping. Bit stripping happens when you have digital volume controls that are set to anything other than full volume. As you lower the volume, you lose resolution. For example, most DJ's use MP-3's as their primary file format. Not all MP-s's are the same. The quality is set on the conversion, but the best quality MP-3 offers is 320kbps. When you play a 320kbps track, its only 320 if all of your digital volume controls are set to 100%. As you lower them, its not 320 any more. The resolution keeps coming down with volume. So, in the video, he made a comment about only needing to set gain at 50%. If he was mistaken, and its really a volume control that was set to 50%, it should be set at 100%. Then set your gain structure and analog volume controls accordingly. Since a volume control can't distort the signal, there's no reason to set it to anything less. Keep in mind that I'm just scratching the surface on these topics. I would encourage everyone to not take my word for any of it, and fact check me yourself. This is stuff you need to know, and won't be wasting your time. I didn't mention it hear, but you should also learn the differences between balanced and single ended operation. Then you'll understand what xlr is, and why you may need to use things like phantom power.

[@thr3ddy]

Not sure if it's KZbin's compression at play here, but I get a distinct fizzy high frequency - like aliasing - sound from any mic you plugged in to that cable.

[@M4G1STR]

Bro amazing sounding video!

[@SoftwareManiacLSM]

BIG Question - thanks for this discussion of XLR to WSB adapter. The big issue though is getting Windows recording software to work properly with audio/video/screen recording apps. Camtasia for one. The problem according to Universal Audio is the WDM interface on Windows can't support reliable streaming but ASIO drivers can. Unfortunately, most if not all recording apps only support WDM. Can you do a video on this? And if anyone is wondering, there is NO problem with audio/video/screen recording apps on macOS.

[@thelovebat]

I feel like with that $20 price point on the XLR to USB cable you can get a used good quality XLR cable instead like from Pig Hog, Neutrik, Livewire, or Hosa and then get a very affordable Behringer USB audio interface and a phantom power supply all for around $80 landed if you can find a good deal for them. Maybe throw in a pop filter for another $10 depending what mic you buy, and you can still keep things very affordable in a budget for yourself when getting a microphone. If you want to use USB without an audio interface, it would be much better to buy a USB microphone to cut down on the cost and number of cables and gear you need to buy, and is probably the most convenient setup. All you'd really need with that setup is a mic stand depending on the mic, and a pop filter. Then you're good to go.

[@natel7382]

no, spend 110-130 dollars on a scarlet solo or audient evo4. I just got the evo 4 with a Shure mv7x and I'm loving it. B&H is giving away a free OC White boom arm with the mic. Cloudlifter CL1 is coming soon even tho it's not necessary.

[@Glen.Danielsen]

Earthling brother: thanks monstrously much for this outstanding, utterly helpful video! Btw: wondering why your first name is kept incognito. 💛🙏🏼

[@alisongaze]

the hiss is reminding me of my old crt tv i used to have

[@matrobe4594]

I am using this combination without interface and works fine without any problems.

[@rajinderprasadmusicproduction]

Hi i want connect my USB Condenser mic to my scarlet solo 3rd Gen Audio interface which has XLR to XLR connection . Is there any way if i can connect to usb mic. Kindly reply

[@HungryForTastyFoodAndComicArt]

yeah!!!! *diggin'* the "wingin' it' videos! 👍

[@skakdosmer]

What about a Røde NTG2 or one of the other condenser microphones that have a battery option? Why didn’t you test the cable with one of those?

[@joecaroselli9945]

I agree entirely with your verdict, save up and pay for some thing of higher quality that will work better for longer. But I can’t help but notice that the guitar test is missing, you could’ve ran a quarter inch to XLR cable into the XLR to USB cable and into your Mac, next time I suppose.

[@Rey7430]

wait, i thought pairing the SM7B with an XLR-USB cable is also a sin...

[@theoutsiderjess1869]

It is which is why he said worse case scenario

[@mohammad_reza_abdin]

Very helpful 👍🏼 thanks

[@Leadvest]

If you aren't invested in the XLR ecosystem just get a USB mic, Samson, Audio Technica, and Behringer, have good ones off the top of my head. I personally don't like the the Rode NT USB though. There's also the option to go with a lavalier mic with a TRS/TRRS(3.5mm jack) output. I got one(years ago now) for $30 that was admittedly tuned for smartphone recording and sounds perfect in that use case, but sounds okay plugged directly into a PC. Although I never did get the single TRRS port Y splitter working, so it didn't function with headphones for monitoring like I had assumed(on phone/laptop). If you're looking to spend $1000s that's a different story, in that case XLR is the way to go. You can option for mixers connected to instruments, amps, modulators, all sorts of things. I don't mean that disparagingly either, the ceiling on sound quality is obviously pretty high. The must bunk you're going to end up with is by trying to save money and buying one of the cheap options on amazon without looking up a video review.

[@darirue]

Quick question. Have been looking all over the internet and searching but maybe you have the answer? Do you think there's a converter from USB female port to XLR??

[@KempuraChicken]

I saw a comment on a different video where someone suggested using a cable like this on a USB mic to plug it into a mixer. I said that won't work at all, but you have the cable. Give it a try. See what happens.

[@peterdvideos]

I have one of these and I use it for quick setup scratch ideas. It’s fine for that.

[@jannegoman3689]

Hey Podcastage, Maybe you can help me out. I'm planning to start vlogs on KZbin and I think I have the gear already, but I'm confused about how to connect them. My best choice for video recording is 4K action camera. As for the audio, I have a dynamic AKG D5 microphone. I found this video, because I was trying to search a way to connect my mic straight to the action camera (XLR --> mini-USB). Then you took up the M-Track Solo at the end, which I bought also previously. How would you connect the microphone to the action camera to get the best quality for the vlog content? The camera has two possibilities for connection; a mini-USB and a HDMI port. I could go straigth from XLR to mini-USB, which I was planning, but I'm curious if going via M-Track Solo could offer a better option. In case of using Solo, there are; balanced 1/4" [6.35 mm] TRS line input, unbalanced 1/4" [6.35 mm] TS instrument input and also RCA Outputs and a headphone output. Too many options. Anyway thanks for your content and if you can clearly see a good solution for this, I'd be happy to hear your thoughts. Have a nice day, Janne

[@Podcastage]

I wouldn't recommend connecting a mic to the go pro camera. What Id' recommend is recording the audio to your computer and record there and then sync in post. I think there are mics specifically designed for the go pro though. I am not familiar with action cameras though so I'm as good as useless for a direct recommendation. Sorry I can't be more help.

[@edwardjweinberg6757]

Looking for a way to hook my dynamic w/XLR output to my Android phone. I was thinking about one of these cables, but it would be good to have volume control that my phone doesn't give me. Suggestions?

[@othinus]

I would like to suggest a video where you test if the SM7B has enough power when recording on a phone/tablet(Android if possible)? For context, I am a blind musician. I find that mobile recording software are enough for my use case. It also helps that they're a lot more simplified, and are Text to Speech friendly. I was gifted a Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen and found out that it can run the SM7B on it's own(no CL/fetthead) when I watched a Julian Krause review on it. I'm interested in getting the SM7B because other mics can't handle the sound pressure of my loud vocals. I am also not able to sound treat my room. Stay healthy and cheers from Philippines.

[@martinjungmusic]

If the phone can't power the interface with the mic connected, a powered USB hub would help you out.

[@paulsachs9983]

I am probably the only person in the world with my scenario, but i picked one of these cables up to be able to use with a Blue yeti mic ive had from years ago. ive sense upgraded the rest of my set-up with a Rode Rodecaster Pro & and a Rode Procaster Microphone (crazy deal, well over 50% off in a local pawn shop thats all brand new). Im going to use this cable to run my Yeti into my Rodecaster. Am i going to run into any issues routing this way?

[@ahmedsalahyoussef5812]

Hi Iam Ahmed From Egypt I Bought Maono ( USB Condenser ) Then I Bought Scarlett Solo ( Audio Interface ) The Problem Is I Cannot Connect The Interface with Mic Because ( Audio Interface ) XLR And Mic USB Please How Can I solve it

[@PAPYRSEH]

It's boosted to 100%, but seems good quality, the blinking led can be covered with scotch.

[@Podcastage]

If you're happy with the audio you're getting and you aren't receiving complaints, that's what matters.

[@kaushalsuvarna5156]

How about ribbon mics that don't require Phantom power?

[@seanwebb605]

That shade of green is awesome, but it's not a colour that I can pull off well.

[@photobyTaps]

Very nice thank you. I've been using a Guitar Hero mic direct to my Android phone via USB to USB C

[@photobyTaps]

Using it with a USB to USB c adapter, it is shocking how good is is on my Android phone. Better than the SM58! Really long cord since it's for video games. I found several at thrift stores. I also use a Amazon trrs mic via the headphone jack, very good too

[@photobyTaps]

You're welcome. I've used it to record committee meetings and can hear people way in the back in the recording whereas I couldn't hear them in person. I've recorded live ukulele music with great results. It performs similar to a studio condenser mic. Personally, I'm a crooner and my voice tends to blast any mic. With the guitar hero much, I'm learning to be more subtle, nuanced, and project more charisma since the mic is soooo sensitive. The cord is long and is great for remote location recording of self performances. I've recorded bees and it makes great ASMR mp3's. Even if you bought one on eBay or Amazon it would be well worth it because it will last for many years.

[@MMOStars]

I have been using 1 for 5 years, but mine costed 5$ 48000 hz 24 bits, I got phantom power only, works without hissing with 32mm gold plated condenser capsule mic. So if I have to pick the 3.5 jack as output or usb, usb any day for a PC capture.

[@RHYMA24]

so what option do i have if i want a rode podmic without any 1000000$ audio interface?

[@themrtechne]

Can I use one of these as a line out from the PC into a mixer or does it only how up as an input?

[@techmed-rainer]

These kinds of products are ridiculous. Well done 👏 warning people out there on wasting their hard earned money. Thank you Bandrew.

[@zOscar_]

I was wondering if the pc affects the noise floor with any usb to xlr cable?

[@DustyOrganNewMusicBlog]

A bit of a hail mary question, but if I was planning on doing small, shotgun style video clips filmed on my iPhone out on the town, would you recommend using one of these cables to get at least somewhat decent audio - even in post - or is it complete trash regardless? Was planning on hooking up a dynamic mic via XLR-to-USB-to-iPhone

[@Phymatic]

The first thing I noticed straight away was the amount of hiss. Stick to one or the other, not both IMO.

[@korg47237]

Would have been nice if you showed examples without boosting in post. Some of us just talk to our friends on discord, or just anything else streamed live.

[@TechBytes-wy2jw]

Is there a converter that works well for converting a USB blue Yeti microphone to an XLR microphone? Please let me know how to improve the audio quality when conducting live tutorials with Ecamm. I'm researching a device that can process voice and provide viewers with clean, noise-free audio.

[@Podcastage]

There’s no way to convert a usb mic to XLR that effectively that I’m aware of. Theretically you could possibly run the 3.5mm headphone out to an XLR input, but the mic will always need to be run over usb to be powered and you’re at the whims of the headphone amp in the yeti. St that point I suggest getting an XLR mic if you want to use that connection method.

[@Snadegg]

Can hear that noise floor over the fan next to me holy cow

[@mixanyar2742]

OH I KNOW YOU HAVE ALL THE LEWITT MICS LINE UP please review the lct 540s & lct 640 ts i really need it

[@yokyok23bennett90]

Watch a video on what gain is and how to properly use the nob

[@farhangvideo]

How about Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphones with XLR-USB cable?

[@Podcastage]

I was using a cardioid dynamicc vocal microphone at the very beginning of the video with the SM7b. That microphone is dynamic, it has a cardioid polar pattern, and it is a vocal mic. At 2:30 there is a super cardioid dynamic vocal microphone.

[@farhangvideo]

Thank you@@Podcastage , I have tried it and as you said it works but I have to raise the gain.

[@EvoAnalytics]

I'm going for the Behringer XM8500 which is a dynamic microphone and I'm really confused on whether I should buy this XLR to USB cable. Should I go for it? Ik it doesn't work well with condenser mics.

[@PovElijah]

Sterling Audio ST155 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone . Would a XLR to USB work for my PC?

[@JONNIOSJL]

my mic setup is with a cheap mic, but an expensive interface (well not exoensive but not cheap). I have bm 800 mic and focusrite scarlett 2i2. On top of that i use voicemeter banana on my computer. its rlly good actually.

[@gguninstall7491]

I've bought Samson Q2UHD and i like it alot, good mic

[@haktical]

I mean, at least it's functional (depending on mic)? Hard to see a great use case for this. USB mics are very good nowadays (whether we're talking a q2u, or one of the myriad "gamer" mics out there, or whatever), and even on the budget end, it's hard to see this cable *plus* a microphone being better - or even cheaper - than an inexpensive USB alternative.

[@KingMikeUK]

Short answer: No Long answer: Hell no!

[@HowYouMove]

I’m new to my gear and I have a fully loaded MacBook Pro 2012 💻 FocusRite Scarlett 2i2 2nd Generation & a Rode Pod Mic so do you know anyone that is using the cable with my kind of setup?

[@edclevel402]

The abject guilt and shame you felt while testing with the Lewitt... I teared up a little, ngl.

[@PJSOFT]

I won’t recommend behringer because it doesn’t support ASIO natively and you need to use ASIO4All or other software to make it work with your DAW. Problem is ASIO4All can be unpredictably buggy and unstable. If you want a cheap interface, then buy a used one with ASIO instead. You might want to avoid cheap ones that doesn’t offer hardware monitoring, such as Midiplus Studio M.

[@eminpasha7472]

have you tried the usc c one?

[@Podcastage]

I have not tried the usb c versions.

[@kote315]

They just soldered random XLR cable to the cheapest USB sound card, deigned for regular electret mics.

[@Pentti_Hilkuri]

We can get even cheaper with a random usb soundcard and an xlr to 3.5mm cable, and we even get an audio out connector and better "phantom" voltage.

[@DE-iv8if]

1:43 NO !! M means MEGA not milli. For milli it would be 1mΩ.. If you can spot the Difference...

[@fullnelsontecmo]

I bought two of the Behringer interfaces on that sale

[@Podcastage]

I almost bought a second one even though I don’t need it, just in case mine dies and I neeed to use it in a video. I resisted though.

[@onocoffee]

But someone is going to ask if the SM7B "needs" a CloudLifter...

[@kevinedwards2658]

Have you ever reviewed the sanken csm1

[@Podcastage]

I have not reviewed it. I haven't tried any Sunken mics.

[@thejoyfulsound]

Can I get stereo sound with this cord?

[@Podcastage]

This is a mono input source. To get a stereo sound source you would need to record something twice and pan them hard left and hard right. If you just one the exact same sound to come out of both left and right, I have a video on that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZeqi6yKdsuXZ8U

[@XOIIOXOIIO]

Oh my god yes, I love saying "multimeter" wrong to annoy people and make them do a double take, it's so much fun lol.

[@skakdosmer]

Mul-TI-medr is correct in English, I think. MULti-METer is correct in most other languages. So which way is wrong?

[@airwolf1337]

Lewitt should contact the oem and let them produce a custom lewitt adapter, which lewitt could bundle with their 840 as "free gift" ;)

[@BillAnciaux]

Couldn’t you have dressed up a bit for the inaugural casual Friday episode. ;-)

[@jabezhane]

I bought one of these similar cables and it was terrible. It worked but just no real power. I gave it a 1 star Amazon review. I then got constantly hassled and bribed to re-do my review by the Chinese distributor on a daily basis. They went up to £50! I reported them to Amazon.

[@BlariWF]

i used this adapter on a sennheiser E835 for a few weeks while i was waiting on my USB interface and it was terrible, had to boost it by 25db and was still trash

[@actioncameraspro]

How is the mic, i will prob buy it.

[@BlariWF]

@@actioncameraspro The mic itself is great, i love it now that i have an interface it it pretty power hungry but that's normal

[@actioncameraspro]

@@BlariWF i bought e845 s and volt 1 and is amazing

[@JGKarting]

4:17 * telling us the cure to all audio problems * *"AND IF I SCREAM"*