Shure X2u - XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter
The Shure X2u XLR to USB Adapter attaches to dynamic or condenser microphones, and provides a direct connection to Windows or Mac computers via USB. The plug-and-play connectivity of the X2u provides easy digital recording for music production, Podcasts and more.
A 1/8" (3.5mm) headphone output provides latency-free monitoring and three rotary dials provide monitor, microphone gain and output volume level control. The X2u is capable of sending +48V phantom power to condenser microphones and delivers pristine audio fidelity that's superior to CD with its 16-bit, 48kHz digital audio resolution.
- Connects XLR microphones to the USB input on Mac and Windows computers
- 1/8" (3.5mm) latency-free headphone output
- Level controls for output, microphone gain and monitor output
- +48V phantom power switch for condenser microphones
- 16-bit, 48kHz audio resolution is superior to CD quality
- Plug-and play connectivity
| System Requirements |
USB 1.1 or 2.0, powered
64MB RAM (minimum) Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional Japanese/English Edition Microsoft Windows XP Home/Professional Japanese/English Edition (service pack 1.0 or later, or use the USB audio driver update from Microsoft) Microsoft Windows Vista Business Japanese/English Edition Apple Computer Mac OS X 10.0 or later English Edition Apple Computer Mac OS X 10.1 or later Japanese Edition (For Mac OS X 10.0 Japanese Edition, plug and play does not work appropriately) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz to 20kHz +/- 1 dB |
| Power Requirements | USB-powered, 500 mA, maximum |
| Noise |
Minimum MIC GAIN setting: -81 dB FS
Maximum MIC GAIN setting: -78 dB FS (20Hz to 20kHz, A-weighted) |
| Sample Rate | up to 48kHz |
| Bit Depth | 16-bit |
| LED |
OFF: -30dB FS
Green: -30 to -12dB FS Yellow: -12 to 0dB FS Red: > 0 (digital converter clipped) |
| Gain Range | 40dB |
| Headphone Output | 1/8" (3.5mm) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 15 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
86%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Durable (8)
- Easy to use (6)
- Lightweight (5)
- Compact (4)
- Great sound quality (4)
Cons
Best Uses
- Home studio (4)
- Professional recording (4)
- Amateur recording (3)
- Professional (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Tech savvy (7), Experienced (4)
- Primary use:
- Business (5), Personal (3)
Most Liked Positive Review
Just what I was looking for
The primary reason I got the X2u was for recording voiceovers for the video production work that I do. I make the recordings using Adobe Soundbooth.
This product is very easy to use...Read complete review
The primary reason I got the X2u was for recording voiceovers for the video production work that I do. I make the recordings using Adobe Soundbooth.
This product is very easy to use and I love the fact that I can use the microphones I already have.
So far the recordings have been very clean - virtually no noise and high quality. I have only used my Shure SM58 mics to this point, but the phantom power means I am not limited to just my dynamic mics.
I also love the fact that I can monitor recordings right through the X2u with no latency.
I have no complaints with the X2u and would highly recommend it.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Solid, but low levels
This a solid and handy audio interface, that would probably be fine for music recording in many situations but the input levels are low. Even with the input cranked up all the way (with...Read complete review
This a solid and handy audio interface, that would probably be fine for music recording in many situations but the input levels are low. Even with the input cranked up all the way (with a condenser mic too) I still get fairly low levels.
I work in radio and record interviews and voice at medium to low levels. This adapter just isn't sensitive enough.
Input signal presence, peak, and clip lights are handy. Gain, output volume, and monitor mix are easy to use. It's sturdy (and heavy) and will hold up well, but I just can't use it on account of the low sensitivity and high noise floor. It might be usable with a preamp, but that would defeat the purpose of a device like this.
Reviewed by 15 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-15
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
Comments about Shure X2u - XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter:
I use this project for exactly what it is, an XLR to USB adapter.
I am currently laying a voice over track on a documentary using the adapter with my phantom powered microphone. The adapter converts from XLR to USB and hooks right into my Mac.
This device is extremely sturdy, has a headset jack, mic gain control, volume control, and monitor control.
The one thing that I would love to have added is a meter aside the gain control, however this is not something that detracts from the quality of this device at all.
Great purchase.
- Recommended:
- Shure Beta 57A Microphone
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Portable
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
- Professional Recording
Comments about Shure X2u - XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter:
This is replacing a lesser quality adapter. I can hear the difference between the two recording, I am now ordering a second one like this for my other station.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Mobile DJ
Comments about Shure X2u - XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter:
Convenient for many uses,
I use it at home with a microphone and XLR Shure is great
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Shure X2u - XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter:
I'm a broadcaster and this product will help me a lot in portability. At BH, found what I needed at a fair price
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Durable
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Shure X2u - XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter:
I figure out the turning my sound card input gain structure down almost all the way and hitting the preamp as hard as I could gave the best signal to noise ratio.You can listen to it here:[@]
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Long Lasting
Cons
- Noisy
Best Uses
- Den
Comments about Shure X2u - XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter:
I use the Shure X2U to create personal audio recordings with a condenser microphone. The qualities I admire about this product include its portability, quality of build and ease of use. In particular, this product is supported by plug-and-play for Windows and Linux. Areas where this product can be improved include the reduction of noise captured and visual indicators for each of the adjustment wheels.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Compact
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Simple Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Professional
Comments about Shure X2u - XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter:
1. Use with Avid laptop news editing to record the voice over
2. Small compact and replaces MBox
3. The laptop (windows) sound card adjusts the volume as well
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Durable
- Great Sound Quality
- Lightweight
- Simple Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Professional
Comments about Shure X2u - XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter:
Use these at school and at home for voice over mic hookups. I run Shure condenser mics with this hookup for vocals and straight voiceover. The sound is crystal clear. The xtra functions for head phone set ups are handy and the ability to travel with this light weight set up is a bonus. I pack this with all my mic gear and is the perfect compliment for my macbook pro for live shoot and edit sessions.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Durable
- Great Sound Quality
- Simple Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Video Production
Comments about Shure X2u - XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter:
The primary reason I got the X2u was for recording voiceovers for the video production work that I do. I make the recordings using Adobe Soundbooth.
This product is very easy to use and I love the fact that I can use the microphones I already have.
So far the recordings have been very clean - virtually no noise and high quality. I have only used my Shure SM58 mics to this point, but the phantom power means I am not limited to just my dynamic mics.
I also love the fact that I can monitor recordings right through the X2u with no latency.
I have no complaints with the X2u and would highly recommend it.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Durable
- Great Sound Quality
- Lightweight
- Long Lasting
- Simple Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Den
- Presentations
- Productivity
- Professional
Comments about Shure X2u - XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter:
I am an audio producer who produces podcast and radio shows daily. I bought the Shure X2u so that I could record to my laptop in the field. This device fits the bill for me: excellent sound quality, solid construction and great portability, at a reasonable price. I wanted to address one comment I have heard about this device in web forums: that it produces hum. I had this problem initially, and when I contacted Shure they quickly assisted me in properly configuring my recording software. That solved the problem and I'm very happy with my purchase.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Great Sound Quality
- Lightweight
Cons
- A bit heavy
Best Uses
- On-location sound
Comments about Shure X2u - XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter:
the adapter worked right out of the box, as advertised. My computer saw it, configured immediately, and I was off to work. Sweet!
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
Cons
- Low Levels
- Poor Sound Quality
Best Uses
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
Comments about Shure X2u - XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter:
Solid and reliable, but low levels and high noise floor.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
Cons
- High Noise Floor
- Low Levels
Best Uses
Comments about Shure X2u - XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter:
This a solid and handy audio interface, that would probably be fine for music recording in many situations but the input levels are low. Even with the input cranked up all the way (with a condenser mic too) I still get fairly low levels.
I work in radio and record interviews and voice at medium to low levels. This adapter just isn't sensitive enough.
Input signal presence, peak, and clip lights are handy. Gain, output volume, and monitor mix are easy to use. It's sturdy (and heavy) and will hold up well, but I just can't use it on account of the low sensitivity and high noise floor. It might be usable with a preamp, but that would defeat the purpose of a device like this.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Sturdy
Cons
- Indicator LED Too Bright
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
Comments about Shure X2u - XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter:
I ordered the X2u so I could have a portable solotion for voiceover recording, as even small traditional mixers are too bulky for my liking. While originally skeptical of trusting a USB audio device due to previous experiences (poor quality, bad shielding leading to ground-hum, etc.) I was pleasantly surprised with this one. The build quality is top-notch, it's easy to use, and the sound quality is great. Having a phantom power supply built into the unit is a huge plus, as I can connect virtually any professional microphone to any PC and still get the sound quality I demand.
The ONLY downside I can think of is that if you're using phantom power, the indicator LED is EXTREMELY bright. That could be a plus for some, as it can almost double as a nightlight if you keep your studio area dark.
Comments about Shure X2u - XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter:
You can get units that add another channel, but this one does it all for one channel. It is quality through and through. It feels solid and professional.
Displaying reviews 1-15
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This is a special order item and is non-cancelable and non-returnable. Est. arrival at B&H is 7-14 days (subject to availability). Your order will be charged at time of shipment.
What's in the Box
- Padded Zipper Pouch
- USB Cable 9.8' (3m)
- 1 Year Warranty
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