2 best xlr to usb interface

An XLR to USB interface is a device used in audio recording to connect XLR microphones or other audio sources to a computer via USB. This interface converts the analog audio signal from the microphone into a digital signal that the computer can understand. Here's some key information about XLR to USB interfaces:

Functionality:

XLR to USB interfaces serve as an intermediary between professional microphones (which typically use XLR connections) and computers lacking dedicated XLR inputs.They often feature preamps that amplify the microphone signal for better quality recordings.

Components:

XLR Input: This is where you connect your XLR microphone or other audio source.
Preamp: Many interfaces have built-in preamps to boost the microphone signal, ensuring clear and high-quality recordings.
USB Output: The USB connection links the interface to your computer, allowing it to recognize the microphone as an input device.
Headphone Jack: Some interfaces have headphone jacks for real-time monitoring of the audio being recorded.
Volume Controls: Interfaces often have controls for adjusting microphone input levels and headphone volume.

Usage:

Plug-and-Play: XLR to USB interfaces are usually plug-and-play devices, meaning they don't require extensive setup. Once connected, they're recognized by most operating systems.
Recording Software: These interfaces work seamlessly with various recording software, allowing users to record vocals, instruments, podcasts, and more.
Compatibility: They are compatible with both Windows and macOS systems, making them versatile for different users.

Advantages:

Professional Quality: Allows the use of high-quality XLR microphones for professional-grade recordings.
Convenience: Eliminates the need for additional audio interfaces or sound cards.
Portability: Many XLR to USB interfaces are compact and portable, making them suitable for on-the-go recording setups.

Limitations:

Single Channel: Most basic XLR to USB interfaces support only one microphone input. If you need to record multiple microphones simultaneously, you might need a more advanced interface.
Power: Some microphones require phantom power, which not all XLR to USB interfaces provide. Make sure your microphone's power requirements match the interface's capabilities.

XLR to USB interfaces are essential tools for musicians, podcasters, voice-over artists, and anyone needing high-quality audio recording directly into a computer without the need for complex setups.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best xlr to usb interface on the market

Focusrite Scarlett Solo (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools | First

Focusrite

Based on 15 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The simplest model in the range, the third-generation Scarlett Solo provides singer-songwriters with a reassuringly easy recording process. Equipped with high performance 24-bit/192kHz AD-DA converters, Scarlett S the same professional sound quality throughout the third-generation range. Its features include a single upgraded third-generation Scarlett mic preamp: with a switchable air setting to reproduce the air effect of Focusrite's original ISA mic preamp, giving your vocal recordings a brighter and more Open sound. The high impedance, high-headroom instrument input allows you to record guitar or bass without any clipping or unwanted distortion, while gain Halo metering makes it easy for you to set the input level. And Scarlett Solo's balanced outputs are hum-free when connecting studio monitors with balanced inputs, so you’ll always have pristine audio playback. Scarlett Solo is designed to stand up to days on the road and connects straight to your Mac or PC via USB cable, with no external power required. It comes with all the software tools you need to get started, including two comprehensive digital audio workstations: Ableton Live Lite and pro Tools first Focusrite creative pack. Intuitive enough for beginners yet advanced enough to inspire real creativity with great-sounding effects. Focusrite has partnered with Splice to give 3rd Gen. Interface owners a free month Splice sounds subscription when setting a new Splice account. Splice sounds offers millions of high-quality, royalty-free one-shots, loops, and presets, with new releases daily from your favorite producers, sound designers, and artists. Creators use Splice to make all kinds of music, including chart-topping pop, Grammy-winning albums, underground mixtapes, and cinematic scores. As with all Focusrite products, you’ll also benefit from a two-year, award-winning customer support, and membership of their plug-in Collective offering free software downloads and generous discounts. Interested in what headphones are compatible with Scarlett? Search 'Headphones' on the Focusrite help centre for more information.

One of the best performing mic preamps the Scarlett range has ever seen, now with switchable air Mode to give your recordings a brighter and more open sound. One high-headroom instrument input to plug in your guitar or bass. Two hum-free balanced outputs provide clean audio playback.
High-performance converters enable you to record and mix at up to 24-bit/ 192kHz.
Quick start tool to get up and running easier than ever.
Includes Pro Tools | First Focusrite Creative Pack, Ableton Live Lite, Softube Time and Tone Bundle, Focusrite’s Red Plug-in Suite, 3-month Splice subscription, and your choice of one free XLN Addictive Keys virtual instrument, all available via download upon purchase and registration
LIMITED TIME OFFER: FREE Klevgrand DAW Cassette upon registration and download.

User questions & answers

Question:	Is the headphone jack on this for monitoring your inputs, or does your PC audio come through it aswell
Answer:	Hi, You can monitor your inputs and listen to playback from your computer simultaneously, which allows you to create overdubs with next to zero latency. You can either choose to monitor the inputs using the Direct Monitor switch, or you can use the Input Monitor feature in your DAW. If using the Direct Monitor feature the input signal will be passed directly to the line and headphone outputs, whereas if you use the Input Monitor feature in your DAW, you will be hearing the audio you're recording back from your DAW. In either case, you can still hear any other audio playing back from your DAW at the same time as recording. Best regards, Laurence Clarke // Focusrite Technical Support
Question:	What type of usb cable does this come with? is it a type-c to type-c or a type-c to type-a
Answer:	Hi, This comes with a type-c to type-a cable. If you have type-c ports, you will need to purchase a type-c to type-c USB cable separately. Best regards, Laurence Clarke // Focusrite Technical Support
Question:	Does the XLR input only record audio to the left side
Answer:	Hi, When recording a single microphone, you should ensure that you create a mono audio track in your DAW instead of a stereo audio track. When you record onto a mono audio track, the output from that track will be heard on both sides of your headphones or speakers (ensuring the output is set to stereo), however, if you record onto a stereo track, the audio will just be recorded onto the left side of a stereo file and you will ony hear it on the left of your headphones/speakers. This is explained in more detail here: https://support.focusrite.com/hc/en-gb/articles/206849779?flash_digest=62885ef974b4eb116f3b3ea2c9b9c38ddb871473 Best regards, Laurence Clarke // Focusrite Technical Support
Question:	can this power 250 ohm headphones
Answer:	I have a 650 , 300 ohm and it's enough to play it at okay volume but not enough to power it completed I'm looking at an Amp to pair this with

Product features

The perfect audio interface for a singer-songwriter

You’ve found the simplest USB audio interface we make. If you want to start creating studio quality recordings with your guitar, the 3rd Generation Scarlett Solo provides an easy way in.

M-Audio M-Track Duo – USB Audio Interface for Recording, Streaming and Podcasting with Dual XLR, Line & DI Inputs, plus a Software Suite Included

M-Audio

Based on 113 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Introducing the M-Track Duo - Crystal Clear Audio in a Compact Design

Studio Recording, Podcasting and Live Streaming, Simplified!

The M-Track Duo is the best, most portable recording audio interface in its class. It delivers 48 kHz audio resolution in a compact and easy to use format that is ideal for creating music on any Mac or PC. This versatile interface works great for recording any type of sound source and features two combo Crystal Preamps with phantom power, making it compatible with any microphone. Plus, there is a dedicated switch to choose either a line level or instrument level input, perfect for connecting digital pianos, drum machines or any other stereo ¼” inch line level device, as well as the best possible signal for DI guitar or bass. M-track Duo is completely powered by USB, which makes it portable and perfect for anyone on-the-go. Throw it into your bag, grab a laptop, and create your next podcast, song, or mix, anywhere you want!

Direct Monitoring & Headphone Connection

M-Track Duo offers zero-latency monitoring of the mic, line or instrument input signal through both the main stereo 1/4/’ outputs and stereo 1/4” headphone output. The USB/Direct switch adjusts the balance between the direct inputs and the playback from your computer software. This makes it easy to record new parts or add parts to an existing composition.

Start Recording Immediately

The M-Track Duo comes with a complete software package that has everything you need to get started right out of the box. Included are 2 great digital audio workstations (Pro Tools | First M-Audio Edition and MPC Beats), 20 effect plugins provided by AVID, AIR Music Tech’s Xpand!2 synthesizer plugin and the Eleven Lite guitar amp plugin that’s perfect for capturing any riff that hits you in the middle of the night when you can’t crank your amp to ‘eleven’.

From the Manufacturer

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I obtain the bundled software?

You can obtain your copy of ProTools First | M-Audio Edition & MPC Beats by creating an account and registering your M-Track Duo at m-audio.com/register

What type of speakers can I connect to the M-Track Duo?

Active/Powered speakers using M-Track Duo’s TRS ¼” (6.35mm) line level outputs located on the rear of the unit

What type of headphones do you recommend for optimal performance from the M-Track Duo?

We recommend any Stereo TRS headphones featuring an impedance between 16-50 ohms. A ¼” (6.35mm) adapter may be required for the headphone output.

What recording software works with the M-Track Duo?

M-Track Duo is compatible with virtually any DAW/Music Production software including Logic Pro, ProTools, GarageBand, Studio One, Cubase, Ableton Live and many more!

Which operating systems are compatible with the M-Track Duo?

Windows 7-10; Mac OS High Sierra – Catalina; iOS

Podcast, Record, Live Stream, This Portable Audio Interface Covers it All – USB sound card for Mac or PC delivers 48 kHz audio resolution for pristine recording every time
Be Ready for Anything with this Versatile M Audio Interface - Record guitar, vocals or stereo line input signals with two combo XLR / Line / Instrument Inputs with phantom power
Everything you Demand from an Audio Interface for Fuss-Free Monitoring – 1/4” headphone output and stereo 1/4” outputs for total monitoring flexibility; USB/Direct switch for zero latency monitoring
Get the best out of your Microphones - M-Track Duo’s transparent Crystal Preamps guarantee optimal sound from all your microphones including condenser mics
Whether you’re a Podcaster or Beat Maker, this software suite won’t disappoint - Includes: Pro Tools, First M-Audio Edition, MPC Beats, Xpand!2, Eleven Lite guitar amp plugin and 20 AVID plugin FX

User questions & answers

Question:	Can it be used to stream audio on facebook and youtube
Answer:	Hi, M-Audio support here! Yes, M-Track Solo is suitable for live streaming to Facebook and YouTube!
Question:	Does it come with wires
Answer:	Hi, M-Audio support here! Yes, our M-Track Solo is supplied with a USB B > USB A cable to get you started!
Question:	Can this work with the ipad pro 2020 with a usb-c port? how do i set up a recording studio on the ipad with this
Answer:	Hi, M-Audio support here! Yes, our M-Track Solo is compatible for use with your 2020 iPad Pro! Please note, whilst we supply you with a USB B > A cable; the use of Apple's USB A > C adapter is required for operation. We recommend using GarageBand to get you started!
Question:	Does this work in Linux
Answer:	Hi, M-Audio support here! Whilst our M-Track Solo is compatible for use with virtually any DAW, this device is designed to operate over Windows and Mac OS and does not support use with Linux.

Product features

Studio Recording, Podcasting, Live Streaming - Simplified!

From recording the perfect guitar & vocal take to co-hosting your next podcast, you need an interface you can count on. Enter the M-Track Duo - the best, most portable interface in its class delivering 2 channels of 48 kHz audio resolution that’s ideal for capturing audio on any Mac or PC.