How‘s it going? I‘m Mike – an audio engineer and tech specialist with over 20 years recording experience. Recently, I‘ve had a bunch of musician and podcaster friends ask me for microphone recommendations.
Many were considering buying their first "real" mic and eyeing the convenience and low cost of USB options. But as an expert on recording equipment, I have some hesitations about recommending USB microphones.
Now don‘t get me wrong – USB mics serve a purpose. But in my opinion, they come with a few limitations that make traditional XLR condenser or dynamic mics a better long term investment.
In this guide, I‘ll overview:
- How both USB and XLR microphones work
- 4 key disadvantages of USB mics
- 3 high-quality XLR mic alternatives I recommend
- Answers to frequently asked questions
My goal isn‘t to bash USB mics, but to equip you with insider knowledge so you can make the best gear decision based on your needs and budget. I want to make sure you fully understand the tradeoffs so you can pick the right tool for the job.
Let‘s dig in!
A Quick Microphone Refresher
Before jumping to why I‘d avoid USB mics, let‘s recap some microphone basics…
There are two main types used in studios and on stage:
Dynamic Microphones
Dynamic mics work by attaching a coil to a movable diaphragm inside the mic. When you speak into them, sound waves cause the diaphragm and coil to vibrate, creating an electrical current that matches those sound waves.
Key Features:
- Rugged builds
- Handles loud sounds well
- Less sensitive/accurate than condensers
- Ideal for live performances
Condenser Microphones
Condenser mics use an ultra-thin diaphragm stretched close to a metal disk inside. Sound waves cause the diaphragm to vibrate, creating minor changes in capacitance between it and the disk, converting acoustic energy into electrical signals.
Key Features:
- Sensitive and accurate
- Captures subtle tones
- Ideal for vocals and acoustic instruments
- Requires phantom power
Now historically, all professional mics output analog audio signals through XLR cables. But as computers transitioned to recording digital audio, USB microphones emerged as a convenient way to connect directly.
I‘ll now explain a few key reasons I steer folks away from buying USB mics today.
Reason 1: Audio Quality Limitations
One major thing to understand about USB microphones is that they handle the analog-to-digital conversion inside the mic body.
This allows them to plug directly into a computer‘s USB port without needing a separate audio interface to convert the signal.
But here‘s the catch:
Adding this conversion circuitry often degrades audio quality. The sound tends to have less depth, clarity and accuracy compared to identical mic capsules using high-end converters in external interfaces.
For example, listen to these back-to-back vocal test recordings from the Lewitt LCT 240 condenser microphone model – one using the default USB output, the other through my Antelope Audio interface:
Notice how the vocal sounds thinner and more "digital" in the USB example? My interface provides way cleaner 24-bit analog-digital conversion, capturing richer harmonics.
You hear this same difference across many USB mics – even high-end models. The built-in conversion circuits just can‘t match dedicated outboard converters.
But audio quality should be the number one consideration, right? So I always recommend capturing pristine sound from the start before limiting options in post.
Reason 2: Inflexibility with Multiple Inputs
Another limitation of USB microphones is that they provide little flexibility if you ever need to record more than one audio source simultaneously.
You can occasionally double up two USB mics on one computer…but issues often arise thanks to bandwidth constraints or the OS having trouble differentiating the inputs.
Plus, good luck trying to cleanly mix and balance multiple USB microphones in real-time. There‘s no way to adjust relative levels or EQ without some ugly phase cancellation or digital distortion artifacts.
Yet recording interviews, roundtable podcasts, multi-mic band sessions etc. all demand the ability to capture multiple inputs at once.
With an external audio interface and XLR mics, this is no problem. Interfaces offer multiple mic preamps to customize gain, filters, phantom power etc. per input. Everything stays timed in phase for easy analog mixing before hitting the computer.
I predict even solo creators will eventually need to record guests in-person or remotely. So I advise choosing flexible gear now instead of hiting roadblocks down the line.
Reason 3: Lack of Expandability
Another facet of flexibility is being able to expand your gear over time.
USB microphones are standalone devices…so that‘s it. The sound capabilities are baked in.
With pro interfaces and XLR mics however, you can add things like better mic preamps, compressors, channel strips etc. to continue improving audio quality.
It‘s the same concept as why advanced photographers use modular DSLR systems – the core foundation lasts for decades while lenses, lighting and accessories build on top.
High-end interfaces like the Antelope Audio Zen Tour I use even model rare vintage mic pres and outboard gear costing thousands of dollars to take sound to the next level!
USB mics are a dead-end for sound customization so they limit where you can take your recordings long-term.
Reason 4: Questionable Future-Proofing
Finally, while USB itself isn‘t going anywhere…I do question whether today‘s USB-A ports have much life left in professional audio gear.
We see a strong shift towards thunderbolt, USB-C and wireless technologies replacing the old rectangular USB shape.
Just look at Apple removing USB-A ports entirely on MacBooks!
While an XLR mic will always work with interfaces old and new, USB transition risks turning current models into e-waste needing bulky adaptors…or forcing an upgrade path to continue using latest computers.
The universal XLR standard already weathered the analog-to-digital shift just fine 50 years running. So I don‘t anticipate USB microphones having the same lasting power.
For a long-term investment, I suggest picking a foundation to stand the test of time rather than tempt planned obsolescence down the road!
Recommended XLR Mic Alternatives
By now I hope I‘ve helped explain why USB microphones pose some compromises for serious recording use.
I don‘t want to just throw stones though…so here are 3 exceptional XLR microphones I do recommend in 2023.
Shure SM57 (Instruments)
The Shure SM57 seen on stages worldwide handles loud guitar amps, drums, brass etc. with ease thanks to its durable dynamic element and punched-up midrange. And priced under $100!
Ideal if you‘re miking guitar cabinets or recording live bands in the studio.
Rode NT1 (Vocals, Speech)
The large 1" capsule on the Rode NT1 delivers exceptional clarity and detail for vocals, narration, acoustic guitars and more. Bright yet smooth top end paired with rich low mids.
I use this mic daily for voiceover work. It‘s amazing for the price!
Sennheiser MKH416 (Film, Broadcast)
You can‘t beat the focused pickup of a short shotgun for video recording. The MKH416 rejects off-axis sound to zero-in on dialogue clearly. Optional low-cut filter prevents rumble & wind. Rugged metal housing.
This mic is popular mounted on camera hot shoes or boom poles given its directional precision.
And for any XLR microphone setup, I recommend pairing them with this slick 2-input audio interface:
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
Focusrite has dominated home studios for good reason – they make high quality gear affordable. The Scarlett 2i2 supplies phantom power for condenser mics, prized "Air" converters for rich sound, and simple dial controls. Rugged metal unit. Highly recommended!
So there you have it – my insider take on factors to consider when choosing between USB and XLR microphones in 2023.
I hope this gave you a helpful understanding to weigh the tradeoffs based on your budget and recording needs when building your studio gear arsenal!
Let me know if any other questions come up. Happy to chat more about what‘s best for your situation.
All the best,
Mike
