@@Podcastage XLR cableI feel completely fnjkg scammed. Not only did I spend 100 on that piece of trash, I'm now supposed to get a cable and some dumb ass beatbox ?????
6 years later, and this video is still VERY useful. short and to the point. Thanks SO MUCH! I bought a (apprently obsolete?) XLR to 3m cable, and I couldn't for the life of me figure out why it would only provide very quiet distorted sound. I know a fair amount about audio, computers, drivers, etc. (I can usually fix things).. but I don't know much about microphones... till now! Now I know.. a LITTLE BIT :D
Hello Bandrew, future Curtis just dropping by because I fell down a very deep RU-vid rabbit hole. This video made me smile. Thanks for making it. Ok, I'm outta the hole!
Marcus Wade don’t worry brother, you’re not alone at all homie. I’ve been meaning to make music and this has been driving me fucking insane lately. To live and to learn man, that’s all we can do I guess lol
Whenever I'm browsing for reviews or to see if a microphone (or other audio equipment) is worth it, you're my go to channel. You the homie when it comes to finding what's best at a low cost. Keep making videos my dude.
these cables are actually a good solution for dynamic mics. it provides amplification for the dynamic mics which can't use phantom power but has very low sensitivity.. it makes good sense that it overpowers the 48v phantom charged condenser mics. its not a bad idea to have one if you don't want to carry all ur adaptors and mic preamps.
Or you can just purchase Dynamic processor with pre-amp (like DBX 286s) and use regular TRS to 3.5mm stereo cable and hook it into any computer like that. You can even connect external or internal soundcards with Jack inputs to any PC, you only need mic pre-amp with XLR input and TRS output for that kind of setup to work. Dynamic processor gives you wider range of options. Now I wouldn't really bother with either option because good audio interface is around 100$ or so
@@misn100 My point exactly, though depending on what sound card you have, some are bad but some are great and even better than any budget audio interface would give, but generally they are better than USB to XLR cable solution
Got my XM 8500 hooked up to Behringer UMC22 and it finally has brought it to life. Anyone messing with the XLR to USB cable just forget about it.. I don't know how anyone gets those to work properly! Get yourself a cheap $30-40 Behringer interface and be DONE with it! This also gives you the flexibility to upgrade to another microphone in the future. For $80 I got: 1) Behringer XM 8500 microphone 2) Behringer UMC 22 3) 20' XLR Cable 4) Dogxiong mic arm This setup is ideal for Twitch streaming. Dynamic mics naturally provide a bassier voice sound without any additional tuning/software and are better at drowning out backgrounds sounds. Cheaper and better than a Blue Yeti ($130!) and that doesn't even include the shock mount or mic arm! Also no ability to upgrade it in the future since it's an all in one unit. This is a no brainer guys.
Dude it's thanks to your videos. I nerded out for days watching everything I could. I finally cracked and had to go with the interface. I still have no idea how you managed to get reasonable volume out of your Dynamic mic with the XLR to USB cable... there was simply not enough volume to work with on mine. If my lips were touching the microphone it was decent, but you got all kinds of breath pop and it was just no good... very pleased with the new setup, thanks dude.
@@Tokena14 Yeah, there is no way to get a clean connection using XLR to USB. I bought one of those from Amazon and ended up throwing it away. The max input volume was about 10% of what I can get out of my cheap UMC22 mixer. Honestly, my setup is so optimized unless I wanted to go spent $100-300 on a mic I can't see it getting any better. Oh yeah and bonus once you get the UMC22 you can live monitor yourself which is super helpful :)
I swear, every SINGLE question I have about audio recording, you have answered on this channel. Thank you for being such a great resource, especially for audio noobs like me!
5 years later and this video is still interesting, that means you did a fine job. That is including the "You don't want to smash the microphone", followed by multiple smashing (you did it, so we don't have to) and followed by the hilarios droping of the mic (it's good you did not cut that in editing). So, I see that with a dynamic mic, the setup works. But, keeping the dynamic mic, will a setup using the jack interface work, using the sound card in the PC, or an external sound card with USB interface as you have on your desk (at 1:04)?
I'm in microphone school today and you're my guest teacher. SO, based on condenser mic v. dynamic mics, the XLR to USB cable is best when used with a dynamic mic because it does not require phantom power. However, would a "standard" -- vs. electric -- condenser mic have worked? (yeah, I'm listening :) Seriously, this is great. Doing a lot of Zoom depositions (meetings) everyday with different folks of different tempermates and I'm trying to understand how to explain WHY I can't hear you when you turn your head to the side (you have a cardioid mic v. omni thinking we won't hear your dogs bark), and WHY getting up closer to the computer screen DOES NOT help -- i.e, see your Polar Pattern podcast that you should be in the 0 degree range of the mic. THANKS SO MUCH! So easy to understand! I'm actually thinking this wasn't possible for me to have a conversation about it because I couldn't see what they had on their side of the screen to troubleshoot.
This is my set up I have a good condenser mic, running into a Rolls (made in the USA with all metal housing) 48 Volt Phantom power, for about $50.00 bucks. Then running out of the phantom power, from an XLR to 3.5 cable directly into my mic input on my PC. Completely bypassing the USB altogether. Works perfectly. All the power you will need. So you can use your condenser mic and use your DAW to control your mic volume and add compression and any effects you wish in real-time. Condensor mics are the best for Podcasting because of their polar pattern. Dynamic mics need power also they get it from the preamp, and if your preamps suck you not hearing much. phantom power mics don't care if your preamps suck they don't need them.
@@RHYMA24 no I purchased an adapter with it, after researching using xlr to usb cable only will take away from the quality It’s working fine very satisfied with its quality
Wow! You have REALLY improved your A/V quality in three years! That's not a cut on this video, but kudos for how far you've come... and you stellar production work in 2019! You are a true professional now! You're an inspiration to a newbie like me! God Bless!
Not a good presentation. He's trying too hard, waving his hands around and trying to be an entertainer. After all these years you'd think he'd have it more together. Just present the facts.
Bandrew, I know this is an old comment, but a majority of shotgun mics run on a couple AA batteries and they plug into cameras with a 3.5mm adapter and they sound just fine...in fact they sound very good for the price. a local NPR affiliate uses Sennheiser shotgun mics with AA batteries and Tascam's cheap 100 dollar plug on recorder for interviews and its amazing quality
So with most audio interfaces being completely out of stock or selling for absurd prices right now I'm looking at this as my only option to go with the Podmic I'm getting. Thanks for the video!
that's why the Amazon advert says it does, must have a step up transformer? doubt it by the demo. sounds very weak, probably just use with normal dynamic mic. ??SIGNAL BOOSTER CHIP: Embedded A/D converter with audio signal boost provides clearest possible sound | A/D resolution chip works with both condenser and dynamic microphones
I just bought a PGA58 by Shure, which is a dynamic microphone. Not the top of the line per say but I found its performance to more than satisfactory for me. I put together metal on FL Studio and have been wondering if I should get one of these XLR to USB gadgets or just go the extra mile and get something like the Scarlet Solo, as an actual interface. This vid provided some clarity on the matter. Much appreciated!
Wow. I'm really suprised the 5.1 volt USB port on your computer didn't power your 48 volt device. I guess this means I can't use my Macbook to power up my TV :C
XLR to USB converter cables are ideal for the appropriate application. With low-impedance dynamic and condenser microphones, the signal to noise ratio is fairly high, and you can get good quality audio from analog connections to a typical PC. However, if you are using a high-impedance microphone, such as the Electro-Voice RE20, an analog connection to a typical computer will produce very poor results. The gain needed for an adequate signal produces objectionable noise, as the signal to noise ratio is low for conventional hi-Z mics. Convert the connection to digital using an XLR-to-USB cable, and BAM! The noise problem is gone. Bottom line: Don't convert to USB unless you have a high noise experience using an XLR analog connection from a hi-Z mic. The converter cables are very inexpensive and work very well in this situation.
RE20 is a "low impedance" microphone. 150 Ohm, same as pretty much any handheld dynamic. Where are you getting your information that it's "high impedance" ??? The noise you speak of is from amplifying the already high noise of the XLR to usb cable interface. Low sensitivity mics need lower noise preamps. You have a high noise floor (for a preamp) from these adapters. Then the software amplification brings it up a lot more.
Thanks for showing what the room looks like without the lights on. Can you show what the room looks like at 1 foot away, 2 feet away, or 4 feet away from the light source?
It's not the cheapest, but if someone is interested in a simple XLR to USB interface the Blue Icicle is a decent option. If someone does want to use the Blue Icicle, don't plug it directly into the microphone like so many people do. That will break it after a while. Instead, use an XLR cable to plug the mic into the Blue Icicle. And that lighting trick you used worked wonderfully :).
+Sir Nigel Cogs Gaming AWESOME! Thank you very much sir. I won a blue icicle like 5 years ago from Indaba in some competition. I think I got rid of it though. SHOOT! I may have to try it out again.
Thanks for the video, it has opened our eyes to another aspect that we didn't know before watching your video. The main problem I personally have concerns about, that If this cable affects the quality of the microphone sound. I bought a high quality one and was worried that this type of ports (USB) would reduce the quality of the product, because I noticed all premium mics only comes with XLR cable. I don't know because it's maintains efficient sound transmission or only because it's a globally unified port. Thank you for giving us from your valuable time.
should've tested without using a hub. Hubs split the power to all your ports. I've had this kind of problem with my graphics tablet where it'll flicker on and off because it's not getting the full power it needs cause it was plugged into an unpowered usb hub
I have measured voltage from the USB hub, and I have also tested the cable on the computers usb port. It's getting 5v which is max possible from USB 1,2,3.
USB interfaces can provide 48v for condenser microphones. Its not difficult to get 48v from 5v. Its done using an inverter. The Shure XU2 manages to do it.
Hi, I'm new to your channel and I've got to say I am vary impressed with your reviews! you always do intense and rigorous pass on all your products for review. I was contemplating getting the XLR to USB cord but thank you for spending the time doing such a rigorous review. I do not think I will be purchasing this cord. it sounds like too much of a hassle for the slight chance that it might work. thank you for taking the time to keep us informed on everything for our audio needs
Never checked mics were set as default device, never checked the "Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device" option, never checked "Listen to this device" option and never checked sample rate / bit depth. You also had the red light on the cord solid to start and flashing at the end.
You have no idea how helpful this was. You solved an issue i was having sort of by accident. So I was trying converters from my mic to mac. Wasn't working. But i knew the mic worked. It looked like the mic wasn't being recognised. But how is that possible? I know it works. Go around the internet for weeks and weeks.... yup... turns out it wasn't getting enough power to my microphone. Had to by the phantom power. My god.
@@karlawson A broken microphone is a broken microphone, whatever it has cost in the first place. Why would anyone break things on purpose? Give it to someone who doesnt have one and wants one.
I have the same mic, and with Windows 10, apparently the device is working correctly (according to the computer) but it doesn't pick up any sound whatsoever
I’ve fought valiantly for many hours with my fave old computer of all time, my IPad Pro but with a lightning port. Focusrite Scarlett Solo, Shure SM58, reg mic cord to the interface, and even bought one of these. I didn’t know before these many hours…to utilize the interface I’d be forced to connect to my Windows desktop as well! I thought this cord I found would save the day. It didn’t for me however. Merry Christmas all and I’m back to the battle! 😬😂🎄🤟
I think it's a really cheap solution to convert a mic preamp or a mixer into audio interface. So you get not only phantom, but also gain controls, input loop for headphone mix that you can balance between your input monitoring level and the backing track, etc. Get it if you have a mixer and want to try that or if you have other ideas, and get a serious audio interface instead if you want serious quality.
+Podcastage thanks for the reply! I think this is my favorite channels on RU-vid By the way the because its all about audio and stuff like that and no one ever actually pays attention to good audio quality, your channel is one of the most helpful channels for audio if not the most helpful, you deserve more subs and i will recommend your channel to anyone asking about cheap audio in the future and i will continue to smash that like button! :)
Benjamin Ewald You, my friend, are too kind. I really really appreciate the kind words! Seriously. Thank you so much. I hope I continue to make videos that you find useful. =)
*"Podcastage* I really need to know. I have an Audio Technica AT2020 as well. So I need to buy this adapter JUST so that my computer can receive that audio? I already paid enough of my hard earned money just trying to get the damn equipment, and now I need to buy something else that's even MORE expensive? There has to be another way/
Podcastage Oh I mean like do you need a Phantom Power supply to make the quality better or no. Plus idk, I am a starter RU-vidr and I don't know what mic is good for Plug and Play mic
It is so interesting to see all your videos about all this needed stuff, first of all, because this information is important for those who use all these instruments, technique ets, and secondly, cause you are always so funny in all your videos))
Using a condenser mic running into phantom power, then running out of the phantom power using an XLR to USB cable works great. This was not shown here. Here is an even better option, run your condenser mic into your phantom power, then run from your phantom power out using an XLR to 3.5 cable, then plug your 3.5 jack directly into your sound card mic input, this is the best option. You are completely bypassing using USB altogether. If you have a good 24-bit sound card, you really don't need an audio interface. I have a sound blaster Z, which has a 32-bit floating resolution and a 116dbs sound threshold. Add-on sound cards are not dead yet, you just need the right cables. You can use your DAW to control your mic volume, and even add real-time effects with compression. There's more than one way to skin a cat.
I was just watching a video on 4 different setups but the guy failed to explain why he changed microphones. Thanks for doing this. I was looking to use a dynamic mic, anyways. I"m really curious about the difference in just a plain XLR to USB vs using an Audio Interface to USB, both with a Dynamic microphone.
nice! The best thing I took away is how important lighting is! Link to the light? Got a video on room lighting? I bet you do! (I wasn't really to test that cable)
I have a Roland keyboard amplifier and use this cable to connect the line out (XLR) to my iMac (USB). Works great for Google Meet, so I can transmit high quality audio.
also old vid, these cables are designed for Karaoke bars and people who want a quick cheap way to hook dynamic mics to their laptops, also it works for shotgun mics as i said, if you have an OTG Cable or USB to Lightning on iOS and an app like the rode rec app and a battery powered shotgun...you have a decent mic
You are the best!!! Wish I had seen this video before I bought a splitter for my microphone. Going to try the XLR to USB. Fingers and toes crossed it works!!
The big question is, would it work better if you connected it straight to the computers USB port instead of going through a hub? Unless its a powered hub there is a significant power loss along the way. Clearly it does what it is supposed to do thou it works better with lower end microphones, but it would be nice to know if a direct connection makes a difference.
Thank you so much because I was scratching my head trying to figure out the issue. But just an FYI, too much power is a bit better than no power. You can always adjust by having the mic further away.
The way you hooked it up was correct for dynamic however the phantom power box you are using needs a gain device in the connection at some point. Some PH Power devices have built in gain controls to raise or lower the input.
I know this will be late, but the old USB specifications mean that a sound card only really has 5v and (depending on your motherboard) 1A to play with. Older motherboards may even have a 0.5A limitation, so you may not even get to use electronic tricks to push the voltage higher. This is important because the Phantom Power P48 standard goes up to a maximum available power of 0.24 W. Using the P = IV formula, we can see modern microphones that follow the P24 (i.e. 24V phantom power) actually require at least 0.12 W of power in total driven by 24V and 0.005A. While it is technically possible to design a USB chip that converts a 5V 1A output into 24V and at least 0.0005A, it is expensive to do so. At least, the micro-electronics would be tricky to design well, since they are expected to be noise-free and operate for long hours.
I tried to use a Shure SM58 with the same cord and my voice is not really even getting through unless I'm kissing it. It's very nice to finally understand the problem, thanks for the video!
(3 years later) I'm actually kind of a fan of the lighting at the end of the video with the light off. Some would say it's cheap, but I actually find it pretty relaxing. It would be interesting to have some kind of edison bulb lighting too.
I think your conclusion was wrong - the condenser sounded much better, actually, than the dynamic. What I want to know is what about signals coming out of a tube-box that need converting. There's no port for line voltages, but don't know until you try. And the real question is, what's the best option today to convert 1 to 4 lines of analog from line tube preamp / compressors like the ART MP/C
I appreciate the idea of this video. What I don't understand is why you thought a condenser microphone (Neewer NW-700) would work without an external power source (amp/phantom power). Is there something that I don't understand about how microphones interact with computers?
Since I was looking at the SM58 in both solo RU-vid vids as well as multi-mic podcasts, this is perfect. I can use the same SM58 solo w that cable then use my Zoom P4 when recording the podcast w friends. Awesome!
An XLR to USB cable would need to be used with a dynamic microphone, not a condenser which requires phantom power. USB devices aren't an issue if your USB port isn't an issue. You don't need a USB sound card, generally any sound card that isn't integrated on the motherboard and suffering from cross talk / poor electronics should suffice. If you're going to get an XLR to USB signal adapter get the Shure X2U, not the Blue Icicle. Also if you get a mixing console don't waste your money on a recorder or line attenuators. Just buy 1/4" --> 3.5mm cable and plug into your 3.5mm line in/mic on your sound card. Or make it even easier/cheaper, and just buy an Audio Technica ATR 2100 or a Blue Yeti.
Thank you for this video. I just noticed that a budget microphone setup is very complicated. It doesnt generalize if it works for one will work for all.
@ Podcastage, Your information about the Cord not working is confusing and doesn’t appear to be correct. The cord works fine. You need to run the Neewer NW 700 Microphone into the Phantom Power. Then out of Phantom Power into a small Mixer. Then from the Mixer into the Computer. Just plugging any Mic, Piano, Guitar, instruments, etc, straight into the computer (with a Preamp or a Sound Interface) gives you NO control of those instruments. The Mixer gives you the control of the Microphone, Guitar, Piano, etc, Volume and Gain and it won’t clip. You can also add Effects like Reverb, Chorus, Compression, etc, and EQ, like, Bass, Mids, Treble (if the mixer has effects). Think of the Sound Interface, simply as a soundcard. (It converts the digital signals into audio or analog sound). Hope this helps, Peace!
Bought a different XLR to USB adaptor on Amazon (actually more expensive than the one you linked, but looks almost identical) and the input signal is very low with my Behringer XM8500. The only program it works decently with is OBS when amplified 600% which doesn't seem normal. It doesn't work for any other purpose, however. Pretty disappointed! Might try ordering yours.
...huh. I was digging through old stuff for a mic setup and couldn't find a spare xlr cable and when I look it up i come across this. Conveniently the only spare mic is a Shure SM58 Dynamic mic. Guess I'll buy a xlr-usb cable xd
Many similar cables on Amazon have negative reviews, but this video may explain that the problem isn't the cable but the type of microphone. ie these cables only work with dynamic mics.
Get this videos kinda aged and I'm pretty late, but you have no idea how elated I was when you mention it works specifically for dynamic mics as I just got a dynamic for my set up so this video definitely put my mind at ease
Interesting vid, I have often wondered if these usb to XLR converters actually worked, however to prevent the mic that uses Phantom from clipping what if you did another test but used an in line -20db or so padded cable between the output before it is sent to the USB conversion cable, I would think then you would not be over-driving the circuit. this may be worth a few more tests to find out, and could be a pos solution for those who want to use a mic in this type setup that requires a separate Phantom Power source. Just an idea I had.
I thought of this too, also some condenser mics have a -20db pad switch on them, so this setup COULD work for people who travel a lot and record in hotel rooms
This is essentially if you're going direct into your computer. Of course a condenser mic is going to need phantom power, but if you use an intermediary device to attenuate the volume of the condenser mic, like a mixer, you could use a condenser mic with the USB cable no problem.
