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Podnutter
10-25-2013, 06:56 AM
I am looking for a good XLR to USB converter for my Heil PR40. What do you guys recommend ?

andrewzarian
10-30-2013, 05:18 PM
Well there are a few out there. I personally have never used any of them but can tell you from what I know the X2U has a hiss problem with Skype. This is only the case with windows. Here are some you can take a look at. If you choose to buy one of these please let us know how it sounds

Blue Microphones Icicle XLR to USB Mic Converter/Mic Preamp (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001EW5YQS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001EW5YQS&linkCode=as2&tag=thgufrquponet-20) Price: $39.99

Shure X2U XLR-to-USB Signal Adapter Price: $99.99 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001PPXFAG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001PPXFAG&linkCode=as2&tag=thgufrquponet-20)

Heil Sound USBQ Low Noise Preamp Price: $90.00 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008I5RR6E/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008I5RR6E&linkCode=as2&tag=thgufrquponet-20)

PaulSaunders
10-30-2013, 05:21 PM
So dumb question guys. Can I use this instead of using a mixer?

mcphillips
10-30-2013, 06:52 PM
Well, sort of. They allow you to connect an XLR microphone into your computer. It's not a good idea it you're going to mix multiple sources. A mixer is best for that.

If you're primarily a guest on other shows or if you do a remote broadcast, the converters are quite handy.

For the record, I've had problems with all three converters that Andrew mentioned. The Blue unit is a little thin sounding. the Shure has hiss. The Heil would only work on a Mac.

Another unit to consider is the CEntrance MicPort Pro (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001PFPN4W/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001PFPN4W&linkCode=as2&tag=thgufrquponet-20). It's more expensive, but it's probably the best of the lot.

As always, though, my best recommendation is the Audio-Technica ATR2100 (http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATR2100-USB-Cardioid-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B004QJOZS4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383184275&sr=8-1&keywords=atr2100), which is USB and XLR. The sound is good, too.

Dan Ortego
10-30-2013, 08:07 PM
I purchased the Shure X2u and it works just fine for my needs. The construction is solid and the feed-through slots on the back are quite handy for the way I have it attached to my boom arm riser.

Though it's hardly a substitute for a mixer it's certainly good enough until I get to that point. Even so, for a mere $39 more the CEntrance is reported by some to be cleaner in terms of noise rejection. However, back when I was in the market I couldn't find one anywhere at any price.

manschool
12-19-2013, 11:33 PM
Blue Icicle has worked well for me.

exreality
01-10-2014, 11:26 AM
My understanding is that a mixer provides pre-amps for the microphones, increasing the quality of the sound you hear. I'm not certain most XLR to USB solutions provide this benefit, save for the CEntrance MicPort Pro.