Microphone: USB vs. XLR + DAC

[Cristuu]

Guys, I decided to upgrade my microphone to record some music and do some streams. Here's the question: what's most cost-effective for the same money? USB or XLR + DAC? A more expensive USB mic or a cheap XLR combo?

 

I know the differences but all I care is sound quality. I would really appreciate if there's a sheet or something "best microphone audio quality by price tag" including USB mics and XLR combos on the same price.

 

Thank you in advance!

[Bombastinator]

An interesting question:

pure digital vs well shielded analog.  I don’t know the answer myself but I am a bit curious as well.  It’s a hard call.  The actual mic in the microphone by definition has to be analog, but will an in mic DAC beat an analog set just because of the reduced wiring length.  I wonder if LTT has an audio engineer willing to do videos like that camera guy.

[BobVonBob]

I don't have any numbers to back this up, but I'd suspect for a given price point you'll get a better mic if you go with USB instead of XLR + interface, just because the XLR interface isn't going to be just an ADC (analog to digital converter, you don't use a DAC for microphones) in a box like the USB mic. On the other hand, if you plan to get new microphones in the future you wouldn't be paying for additional hardware each time you did so if you went the XLR + interface route. I'd suggest checking out reviews, there are plenty of good ones out there.

 

Another thing to consider is variety, USB mics are almost exclusively desktop or arm mounted microphones, whereas if you want basically about anything else you'll need to go XLR.

 

Also don't buy a USB mic above $200, at that point a similar quality XLR mic and interface will probably start to be around the same price.

 

[The Flying Sloth]

1 hour ago, BobVonBob said:

I don't have any numbers to back this up, but I'd suspect for a given price point you'll get a better mic if you go with USB instead of XLR + interface.

 

I strongly disagree, I am yet to find a USB mic that can rival the UMC202HD and Beringer C2 combo for the same price.

 

OP, if you're looking for quality to record music there is no argument to be had here, XLR is just better, USB mics are made to be simple and cheap so the barrier of entry is low for those looking to stream, game or have Discord calls in their spare time.

 

If you're looking for recommendations or more info I suggest taking a look at the guide in my signature.