What Is XLR Mic

Charlotte Miller

What Is XLR Mic? Why To Use It?

Are you thinking about buying a new XLR mic? But you should read the important things that I will describe it. You will come to know the points that are related to the mic. In this topic, I will cover what is this mic, how it works, etc You will like to read the setup and installation of this mic, some of the best mics, and many more. Understand the difference between the XLR and USB mic in this article. So let us start without wasting any single minute reading the information on the XLR mic.

What Is XLR Mic?

An XLR microphone is attached by an XLR cord. You will still need an audio interface to plug it into your monitor. This mic in which XLR stands for X Connector, Locking Connector, and Rubber Boot. However, the rubber boot is not seen always nowadays. XLR is known for the pure professional audio connector. It is used in both recording and radio studios, as well as for shows by artists on stage. This is because XLR cables hold balanced audio, which is needed for clear sound. Let’s see about these cables in the following.

Why Use XLR Mic?

The XLR microphones have a lot of uses and the ability to adapt and customize. They are always constructed with stability in mind, making them more able to survive the test of time. Specific elements are often interchangeable in XLR mic. Hence by seeing all these beneficial functions of the XLR type microphone you should make use of them.

XLR Mic Cable

There are technically several models of XLR cables for mic available with several additional pins from XLR3 – XLR7. For example, we are considering here is the XLR3 or three-pin type of cable. XLR3 is the most popular kind of cable. In a nutshell, XLR is the common standard for high-quality audio inputs such as microphones. This is because they transmit a balanced signal that isolates noise. It is just a superior form of connector for that type of use.

XLR Mic Setup

You need to set up and install the XLR computer microphones correctly it is not just to set a mic on the stand. But the important thing you need to consider is that power is required to operate properly hence an AMP with phantom power is required. This will help you in providing it with the appropriate amount of power. To attach any specific XLR product, an analog to digital converter is required. You will need an XLR Mic Mixer with an AMP built into it.

How To Connect XLR Mic To PC?

Below are the steps for how to use the XLR mic on PC. Let’s have a look at these steps in the following.

  1. Insert the XLR connector from the microphone cord into the XLR mic stand base.
  2. Plug the short end of the wire connector or XLR into a 3.5mm adapter cable.
  3. Connect it to the computer’s microphone jack.
  4. Turn your computer on.
  5. Go to Start
  6. Go to Control Panel
  7. Click on Sound Tab
  8. Select Recording.
  9. Highlight the Microphone
  10. Click on Set default
  11. Click on Apply
  12. Click on OK
  13. Now you can use the XLR Mic For Streaming and recording.

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Best XLR Mic

Here I have listed some of the best XLR cable microphones. Let us see them in the following.

  • Audio Technica AT2020
  • Marantz Pro MPM1000
  • Shure SM7B
  • AKG P220
  • Telefunken M82
  • Rode PodMic
  • Neumann U87
  • Senate MC24-EL XLR Shotgun Mic
  • Shure SM58
  • Stellar X2
  • Heil PR-40
  • Electro-Voice RE20

XLR Mic Pros And Cons

There are some pros and cons of the XLR computer microphone given in the following. Let us read them and understand.

Pros

  • These microphones have a good amount of efficiency.
  • You can conveniently switch speakers, interfaces, tubes, etc
  • It is easy to configure for streaming and recording system.
  • They have a good quality of sound.

Cons

  • You will also require a mixer, a field recorder, or an audio interface.
  • It is not convenient for use in travel.

XLR Mic Vs USB Mic

The difference between USB Mic Vs XLR device mic is given in the following.

  • An XLR computer microphone is attached by an XLR cord. Whereas a USB microphone functions much as any other USB gadget by plugging it directly into your computer’s USB port. 
  • In the XLR you will need an audio interface to plug it into your monitor. While with a USB microphone, you can use it right away and begin recording into applications.

FAQ

Are XLR Mics Better Than USB?

Yes, the microphones XLR are better than USB mics.

  • It has an improved audio clarity.
  • They are considerably more adaptable.
  • It can also be used in non-digital settings.
  • It is a more technical end product.
  • Components can be changed in it.

Can You Plug An XLR Mic Into A Computer?

Yes, you can plug and connect the XLR mic to computer systems. Below you will come to know how to connect the mic to the computer.

  1. Insert the XLR connector from the microphone cord into the XLR mic stand base.
  2. Plug the short end of the wire connector or XLR into a 3.5mm adapter cable.
  3. Connect it to the computer’s microphone jack.
  4. Turn your computer on.
  5. Go to Start
  6. Go to Control Panel
  7. Click on Sound Tab
  8. Select Recording.
  9. Highlight the Microphone
  10. Click on Set default
  11. Click on Apply
  12. Click on OK
  13. Now you can use the XLR Mic For Streaming and recording.

What Is Needed For An XLR Mic?

You need to set up and install the microphone XLR correctly it is not just to set a mic on the stand. But the important thing you need to consider is that power is required to operate properly hence an AMP with phantom power is required. This will help you in providing it with the appropriate amount of power. To attach any specific XLR product, an analog to digital converter is required. You will need an XLR Mixer with an AMP built into it.

What Is XLR Used For?

XLR is known for a professional audio connector. It is used in both recording and radio studios, as well as for shows by artists on stage. This is since XLR cables hold balanced audio, which is needed for clear sound.

Why Is XLR So Good?

XLR cables even have the adaptability and versatility of being what sound engineers call a ‘phantom power. ‘ This means that the XLR cables allow mixing boards to deliver a power source to microphones which any other cable is not capable of. USB microphones typically have the pre-amp built into the microphone itself.

Can I Use XLR Microphone With USB?

The simplest way that you can convert a dynamic XLR mic signal to USB, is by using a specialized cable that is designed for this purpose. These cables, or adapters, connect to the microphone via standard 3-pin XLR, and at the other end, they connect to your computer or laptop’s USB port. It’s that simple!

Is XLR Audio Better?

Quick Answer: Do XLR microphones sound better than USB mics? The answer is both yes and no. They are both technically the same, but an XLR microphone can sound better if used with a high-quality audio interface or mixer.

What Is The Benefit Of XLR?

XLR connectors are a professional cable standard, so find more use in professional settings than RCA. They are a higher quality cable and deliver a balanced signal, making them far less susceptible to signal noise, attenuation, and crosstalk.

Why Would You Want To Use An XLR Cable?

XLR connectors are a professional cable standard, so find more use in professional settings than RCA. They are a higher quality cable and deliver a balanced signal, making them far less susceptible to signal noise, attenuation, and crosstalk.

Conclusion

Here we studied a lot of the things about the XLR mic. You read what is this mic, why it is used for, etc. I told you how you can set up this mic with the help of the XLR cables. The above information will be helpful for you while using the mic in the future. You also came to know about a list of some of the best mics that you can buy. I told you how you can connect this mic to your computer and use it for recording. The process of connecting the XLR mic was simple.

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What is the purpose of an XLR