The best compact, Professional USB Audio Interface. The Shure X2U
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 ก.ย. 2024
- An often overlooked USB Audio Interface, the Shure X2U comes in the smallest and most portable, professional package with an XLR Input so you can record with any microphone directly in to your computer.
Small enough to fit in your pocket comfortably, and professional features to stand next to the big-boys.
Below are some affiliate links that help me out and allow me to keep creating content for this channel. Thank you!
Get the X2U on Amazon: amzn.to/3KgqwjF
Great headphones: amzn.to/3FOfoIG
XLR Pad, -20db: amzn.to/3NWz6WT
Better XLR Pad with selectable attenuation: amzn.to/3KkTbnB
Cameras used to film this video:
Panasonic GH5 (with 12-35 lens): amzn.to/31iwKOO
Secondary Lens: amzn.to/3fXFT2N
Panasonic 12mm f1.4 for Micro Four Thirds: amzn.to/3IvGN2I
B-Roll Camera for overhead and cut-away/side shots: amzn.to/3BqsgTP
Lens: amzn.to/3HWbGxJ
Secondary Lens: amzn.to/3uWvJs8
Other cool camera gear I use:
Manfrotto Pixie Tripod: amzn.to/3F8aepK
Smallrig Mini Tripod: amzn.to/3JQd0Ud
Articulating arm for my microphone: amzn.to/3f8Km2p
Backup and Cheap Microphone - Movo VXR10: amzn.to/3G9EUbi
K&F Concept Camera Tripod (Goes up to almost 7 feet!!): amzn.to/3f7x3zi
External Monitor, Atomos Shinobi: amzn.to/3tfxTSH
For Recording Externally with my Sony A7iii: amzn.to/3JUwZB2
I picked up the x2u a decade ago since it was compact and affordable. Never did I expect it to hold up as my main interface this long.
Interesting fact: The x2u will run from the OTG USB port on a phone. I have used it on my Galaxy S9 and now on my Pixel 5. I use it to attach SM57 to my phone for use in Filmic Pro.
What?!?! I've never even thought to try that. Good to know! Now I HAVE to try it. Thanx Gordon!
@@MarcusHutsell Here is a test video of me playing my cornet. SM57 / x2U. A slight amount of reverb added in my video editor but nothing else. Recorded in Filmic Pro on my Google Pixel 5, with no ALC, but in AAC format. Filmic Pro allows PCM which is higher quality if you need it. th-cam.com/video/PS6K7eEUv1Y/w-d-xo.html
@@GordonHudson Nice. Beautiful playing Gordon :).
Awesomeness.
Bud - your videos are so well created - how come you have such few subscribers? Is it something to do with the tech niche?
Hi there. Thank you so much, I appreciate the compliments! The answer as to "why" I don't have many subscribers,...honestly, I'm not sure. I've just been doing what I can to put out content (given that I also have a full time job, and luckily my job is actually in live-event production, audio/Viddo/Lighting/etc).
I'm not *exactly sure how people grow more quickly on TH-cam, so, I'm just doing what I can to get good content out there and hopefully build up a library of long-lasting information that can be still useful many years from now.
The odd thing is that I watch a lot of different creators/TH-camrs that have similar channels that have a ton of subscribers (camera/video/audio/tech) and they have tens-of-thousands of subscribers, so, again, not sure, just trying to do what I can!
Cheers, and thank you again.
@@MarcusHutsell Great thought process! I think asking folks to subscribe for a reason that benefits them (and sometimes the “algorithm”), will get you tons of subscribers. It’ll be great to colab with you on a video (if you are interested), our niches are quite drastically apart, but I can think of something unique that maybe touches both niches…so let me know, podcast style
Ps: I just started a few months ago and I thought my videos are half as good wrt. Production quality and the channel shot up to 2.35k subs (maybe cos I ask folks to subscribe), I am still trying to get better at when to ask (with a stronger reason each time).
Here a recent one just for example:
th-cam.com/video/Rn25lFx1flc/w-d-xo.html
Awesome video , cleared most of my confusion regarding audio interfaces .
Thank you, I'm very glad the video helped you :)
@@MarcusHutsell I bought this after watching your video, thank you.
really GREAT informative video. Informative and unbiased.
Thank you! I'm glad the video helped, cheers :)
Thanks Marcus!
Great video man, helpful
Thank you, I'm very glad it was helpful for you. :)
Very helpful. Many thanks.
You’re welcome. And thank you. I’m glad the video helped :)
thank you so much for the very clear review, will be picking this up
Hi there. You are welcome, and thank you very much. I'm glad the video helped. Cheers, and good luck!
0:47 audi waddi! man loved that!
😎
Very good video. Thanks
You're welcome, I'm glad the video helped :)
Poking around the Shure site today, and came here for info. Great a detailed review. Well done. I do have one question (possibly masked as a comment): Just curious why you didn't take a few seconds to show how it looked plugged into a mic, and maybe offer some best practices in the process? Maybe even talk about the cables it will need? Might seem obvious to many (like myself), but this feels mildly incomplete w/o showing all the requirements. And this is considering your depth in other areas of your review. Just putting myself in a newcomer's shoes (esp considering the price point). Thanks for your work Marcus!
Hi Henri. Thank you for the comment and question. Very good point. However, if you look at 6:36, I do show plugging a mic into the X2u. But I totally hear what you're saying and I wasn't necessarily thinking about this particular video being a "how to use this device" when I made it. I guess I was thinking about it more as a "this is the best, compact, USB audio interface," geared more towards those people like yourself that knew the basics and what they are looking for and already knew how to use these types of devices, but were looking for more information on the smallest model. But I REALLY appreciated the comment, because I have been making some more videos as of late and I am definitely finding that I want to do more of the "how to use this, this is how to do this step-by-step" videos.......they just sometimes take a lot longer to make! And I haven't been able to post regularly due to just being busy with work. Anyway, but yes, again, thank you for the perspective and feedback, it is much appreciated!
@@MarcusHutsell all good. And rest assured I did go over the video a few times thinking I missed it. With the WFH movement, ppl are looking for info and details. The Shure page is very sparse (which is what brought me here). Thx for the reply, and good luck w/ your videos. ✨🙏🏾✨
@@henrihelvetica5835 Thanx Henri!
the pyle made my at2020 xlr sound like poop. so i ordered the shure one, as well as a short xlr cable
how does the shure sound? i have one otw
@@potion7410 the shure is excellent, u won’t regret it
@@gabriela.8141 lit ty
It has a very clean preamp for a device of this size. For me it’s been great, sounds clean. :)
This is my next investment, I did not know until today, I would have purchased on today.. None the less That what I did purchase has the exact power source I need, though the WINNER TODAY AND FOR EVER IS..."IN THE BLUE CORNER, THE ORIGINATOR, THE BULL DOG GRUNT TERRIOR, THE SM58 AND THE X2U". Can not fault it. Thank you @shure #shure
Word #420 #dicenight #Monkeys amd Tolls
Good luck, and you're welcome!
Nice.
Clean info, no B.S.
Thank you! I'm glad the video helped.
If this one add the low loss Bluetooth capability....
Thanks for the great info! I'm going to order one soon. Has anyone tried recording into an android phone or tablet with a USB to USB-C cable?
hmmmmm.......interesting question. I think it would depend on whether mobile devices (1) could provide enough power to the X2U, and (2) whether the mobile software would "see" the X2U as a USB audio device. Never tried it!
Thank you for the video. It was really helpful :) and i have some questions that i am unable to answer due to lack of experience. I am planing to buy a windows laptop to run ableton and wonder that even being without driver will this device still help to reduce my dpc latency and midi keyboard response time ? probably macbook is the best option but it seems like i cannot affort to get one. So i am looking for a portable build with laptop midi keyboard and audio interface and wonder will this device really help me :)
Hey, i'm always out and about and i like being light, i see this video and it does show promise i can get behind. I want to buy this but i cant always have a laptop on me, is there another device that i can take with me that can be my recording requirement for replacing my need of taking a laptop with me? I am also looking at the fifine XLR dynamic mic as a go to mic to take with me (but does look heavy), is this the most bang for my buck at the price?
Hi there. So, I have (2) X2u's, and one lives in my mobile audio production workbox that goes with me on every live-event and show, and one lives at home. I often find I'm recording voiceovers at the last minute in my hotel room for the client, or right at the tech-table before the show!! But yes, as you said, you have to have a computer. I also use the X2u as a mobile head-phone listening station.....for example, my last show, the teleprompter operator needed an audio feed so he could listen on headphones and follow the script. We didn't have any other devices with an XLR input.....(I've since bought a Behringer PowerPlay P2 just for this use), but the X2u did the job. I just gave it power via a 5V usb power brick and then was able to run the XLR input into the X2u directly (I think I also had an XLR pad just before the X2u to take the level down to mic level).......anwyay, lots of uses for the X2u, and it's still only $100.
Shure recently released an "updated" version, the Shure "Motiv" XLR to USB, but what I don't like about that new version is the absence of ANY physical gain or headphone knobs.......which means you'd have to control ALL of that from a computer. That seems like a downgrade to me. I really like the control wheels on the X2u, so much control right at your fingertips.
If you want something small, but a standalone recorder, I'd look at the Zoom F3, 32-bit recorder: amzn.to/3NeyFIO
Yes, the Zoom F3 is a lot more expensive, but it's really tiny for its feature set. It has 2 XLR inputs, it is a standalone recorder but it can ALSO be used via USB for recording into your computer directly. It was a lot smaller than I thought it was when I bought one and unboxed it. It has absolutely been worth it for me, plus its has VERY quiet preamps and very low noise overall, it has really reduced my need to use audio reduction software......as long as my mic also has low noise. I wouldn't say it would fit in your pocket, but it is still compact, a lot more compact than even Zoom's other recorder like the H4n or H6. Plus, the Zoom F3, being a 32-bit recorder.......you'll never clip out your audio!! Give it a look.
Happy Recording!
@@MarcusHutsell yeah, a bit expensice is an understatement, original price is 350, yes its on a discount but man i wish i had that kind of money. Thanks for that though, i did bought the zoom ams-22 audio interface instead and it is delivering tomorrow. This sucker is like $80 which is like almost 4 times cheaper, i still need to buy a mic and there a case that i bought on the side too ($15) so i can keep it safe, it works with my phone so i am happy with that (so no need of a laptop to take with me). Thank you for the help though
@masterarselyn6470 the AMS-22 looks like a nice little interface. Yep, the F3 is pricey, but it has been a great addition to my setup, luckily I had the budget.
The AMS-22 having larger more tactile knobs and 1/4” outputs certainly gives you more options in a still compact package.
Happy recording!
@@MarcusHutsell will do ,^_^
First of all, thanks for informations. Good to see you answering questions, so I wanted to ask a different question : ) I hope you have an idea. I wanted to use my SM58 while doing karaoke on my smartphone, I bought Rode i-XLR like this product. I could hear my own voice from the headphones which connected to the Rode i-XLR but the music was coming from the smartphone's speaker, I couldn't solve it. Have you got an idea, can i hear the music and my own voice together from the headphones in this product? Thank you
Hello
what do you recommend between rode's I-xlr and Shure X2U for ease of use and sound quality on an iphone? Thanks
Hello Marcus, thanks for this Video!
i want to buy one for my Shure Mic, but have another special case setup and i am asking myself if you can give me some Support/Help.
Is it possible to use X2U as Input only, and listen to my output via Bluetooth from my Computer directly?
Not for recording, but for VOIP/Streaming etc.
What a great video!!! I think I may purchase one of these! Ok....now for the noob question. I am thinking of taking a dip into the voice over world but I really want to leverage and further enhance my bass centric voice. Would you recommend a Dynamic mic moreso than a Condensor? I currently use a Blue Yeti and seem to have found the sweet spot with the assistance from Audacity settings but many have criticized me by saying the mic is not professional and I should opt for a pro level mic if I want to be taken seriously. I do like being able to hear the clarity in my vocals but really want that bass and richness that highlights what I have. Thinking a Dynamic mic?
Hi Togo. Thank you, I appreciate it!
As far as your question about mic selection. Here's my opinion: If your microphone, recording software, EQ and final product SOUNDS great and is (1) what you want, and (2) what your clients want............then don't worry about what other people say.
I know plenty of "professionals" that have the best gear but don't know what they're doing, so, having better gear won't ALWAYS make something more professional if you don't know how to use the tools.
If you're simply RECORDING audio (no video), then nobody is going to see the mic, so.......who cares? If you care, then yes, that is important, but if other people don't see the mic and if your audio sounds good, then maybe you're in the right spot with the Blue Yeti.
I've never used Blue Yeti Microphones, so I can't speak to their quality, but I do know they're very popular.
I will say, on the flip-side, that, if your tools aren't, or can't produce good quality and you find that you HAVE To do more editing to fix things, then that can definitely detract from the time spent to try to "fix" a bad quality product or audio signal chain. Sometimes buying the right tool the first time means you just don't waste time with fixing things down the line.
The main thing I'd listen for is system noise. I'm always trying to have a clean-sounding recording, and cheaper gear will almost always add and have more noise that more expensive gear. Noise is usually hiss that we hear in our recordings.
So, as far as dynamic vs. condenser and whether you should switch, that's a tough question. If your'e the type of person that likes to have the microphone RIGHT up in front of your mouth, like, almost touching your lips, then dynamic mics are great for that because they can handle the sound-pressure levels at those close distances. And, you can also achieve (potentially) more bass because of the proximity effect when using a dynamic, cardioid mic very close to your mouth.
But, dynamic mics are going to need more gain from a preamp, and if you have a cheap preamp, you may be adding more noise from that preamp because you'll have to turn it up more. So, if you're serious about recording, get a good quality preamp or USB preamp, etc.
As far as condensers go, condensers are great too. If you like to be a bit further away from the mic, even a few inches, then a condenser may be the way to go.
It's a tough question because there are, of course, thousands of different mics out there, and, sometimes your, or my, voice, will sound better or worse on a particular mic, and that just depends on the timbre of our own voices. For instance, I find that with the Rode VideoMic NTG, I'm always cutting out frequencies between about 500 to 1000Hz when I edit my videos. I just have a bit more mid-nasaly sound to my voice that I don't like, and I hear it when using this mic. Nothing too bad, but, I always end up dumping some of those mid/upper mid frequencies.
I know that's not necessarily the answer you were looking for........"aka, it depends," But, unfortunately, it does. You may be a Shure SM7B type of person, lots of people use that mic....but, it will take a good, clean preamp to keep the noise floor down, or a cloudlifter in addition to the mic.
You should check out Mike Delgaudio's youtube channel "Booth Junkie." He's a professional voice actor and has some really awesome information, tips, etc on lots of different mics, preamps, interfaces, etc. And I know that his main goal is A LOW NOISE FLOOR because he's recording voiceovers for books, etc. Check him out, I've learned a thing or 2 from him.
th-cam.com/users/BoothJunkieVO
Thank you Togo, I hope some of that helped!!
@Togo_Toons
Great video and great advice.
Just bought this and am looking forward to trying it out.
Just wanted to comment regarding microphones for deep voices.
Last year, after six months of microphone rentals and working with a sound engineer friend of mine, I eventually bought some microphones. Although we originally were guessing a large diaphragm condenser is where we would land, it turned out that we both preferred the flatter response curves, low noise floor, better ability to pick up the entire frequency range (30hz-260hz) of my voice , and the smooth, natural sound of small diaphragm condenser microphones and ribbon microphones in general, plus one vocal microphone made the cut too. In fact, I used the mics last year to record a promotional video for an animated film that I narrated and voice acted in. So that was neato! :) .
But most don't need to and wouldn't want to take my route to find microphones, and by far the most important items for your microphones are what this gentleman suggested and that will be echoed by Booth Junkie (definitely check his TH-cam channel out) and others too.
But it sounds like your blue yeti is working out well for you, so you may just want to stick with what is already working for you and just
make sure that your recording environment is properly set up to help isolate your sound properly. An expensive microphone will sound bad in an untreated area, and a cheap microphone can sound great in a properly treated area. A friend of mine has a yeti and he sound treated an empty closet and records the audible version of the books he writes and they sound great. So let the naysayers say what they will and you do what works for you, your situation, and your voice.
Best of luck to you good sir.
Stay safe and stay awesome.
@@MarcusHutsell Marcus, thank you so much for your advice!!!! It was very helpful. I did seize the opportunity to purchase a dynamic mic that I think will be all I will ever want. It is the Electrovoice RE20. I also purchased the basic model of the Scarlett Audio interface and a Cloud Lifter. BTW,....If I end up doing more mobile recording at other locations (which I might) I have already put the Shure X2U in my Amz. Cart because that looks like a FANTASTIC solution!! I was able to get the Scarlett Solo at a crazy deal and that was the only reason why I bought that when I did. So with what I now have that's as far as I want to go and about all that my pea brain and budget can handle at this point. I'm going to study up on what I have and try to get comfortable with it before moving forward with any further ambitions. The Yeti will still be retained while I learn the ropes with the XLR world.
@@ToddDolce Sounds great!! I think your RE20 and XLR mic solution and path will give you far greater, and better sounding results in the long run over a standalone USB mic, and it will give you more options to switch out or use different mics or different preamps and/or audio interfaces. Choices are fun! Happy recording :)
So helpful. Can you also use this to record singing videos you would post on TH-cam?
Hi There. Of course. You would also need a microphone to plug in to the Shure X2u, but once you have a microphone and the X2U, you can use any audio software to then record into, like Apple Logic, Adobe Audition, Apple Garageband, or any other audio recording software. Good luck :)
Does the sm58/X2u sound better or rode nt1a/scarlet 2i2 for vocals? Thanks
Hi There. I'd say "better" is a subjective term or opinion. An SM58 can sound great, but that type of microphone you really need to be CLOSE to the mic. Like, 1 inch front the front of the mic. And, with a good, quiet preamp, an SM58 would sound great. I've never used the Rode Nt1a, but now I'm curious to try it. The Nt1a is a large diaphragm condenser mic, so, it is simply going to sound different than an SM58, and in my opinion, no combination of mic & preamp will ever make those 2 options sound the same. Generally large condenser mics will have more "crispy" high end and possibly more low-end, which can make a vocal sound great.
I'd say it comes down to application. If I were in a large room where I did NOT want the mic to "pick up" the sound of the room, then I would go for an SM58, because I would NEED to be up close to that mic and therefore the mic would pick up LESS of the room, simply because the main audio source, my voice, would be the loudest thing at the mic capsule, so any preamp, even the X2u, would be gained appropriately for that proximity. If I were using a large diaphragm condenser mic in the same room, it *might pick up more of the room sound, it just depends on how sensitive the diaphragm is, and therefore how close, or how far away, I would need to be to not distort the condenser mic diaphragm. So, if I had to be 8" or 10" away to NOT distort the condenser mic, then most likely the mic would also pick up more room sound. Which, depending on the setting, I may not want.
I carry the X2u in my mobile production workbox because it's small, has low noise, and did I mention it's SMALL??!?! :). I have enough toys and cables in my workbox that every square in counts!
Good luck!
@@MarcusHutsell Thanks for the detailed explanation. I have the nt1a/2i2 and use it with Audacity to record vocals. I only use echo, equaliser and compressor, need to learn more effects! I have read good reviews about sm58 and also x2u so would like to give it a try, they are also sold as a bundle.
Great just the thing I was after to add to the SM58 I bought, can you recommend a good XLR cable?
Oh I need a desk stand as well for podcast work.
Hi there Suze. In all my years, I haven't ever bought many "expensive" xlr cables. I've used LiveWire cables from Guitar Center, some Hosa cables, and plenty of no-name cables. Of course, cheaper cables can mean more chance for interference, so, if you really want a good cable that will last a long time, I'd go with something like Rapco Horizon or even Canare.
I've dropped a couple of links below to Amazon. For my drum set, I use relatively inexpensive cables, but if you're primary goal is recording a vocal, might as well buy a good cable or a couple of good cables now instead of buying again later.
As far as stands go, I guess that depends on if you want the mic on a spring-arm mounted to your desk so you can move it out of the way, or if you want it sitting ON your desk.
The Rode PSA1 has been around for a long time and a lot of people use that. I don't have it nor have I used it, because it holds tension, so if you take the mic or weight off the end, it can spring up.
The Rode PSA1+ I think solves that issue.
However, the SM58 is not a heavy mic, and you could get away with a much smaller and less expensive boom arm like the Rode PodMic stand.
Or you could just get a small desk stand. It really is up to you and how you want to position the mic, and if you want to be able to move it easily.
For me, I don't like things on top of my desk, it's just creates too much clutter, so I have a cheap boom arm, but my mic is lighter weight than an SM58.
I hope some of that helps, good luck!!
Desktop mic stand (weighted foot): amzn.to/3En1mQi
Rode PSA1: amzn.to/3VdxSu3
Rode PSA1+: amzn.to/3fRJlzn
Rode PodMic Stand: amzn.to/3MgaDeG
Rapco: amzn.to/3fT5vRR
Canare (6' cable): amzn.to/3MwaSTn
Canara (10' cable): amzn.to/3EsY9yK
@@MarcusHutsell Brilliant, very informative reply, just deciding on one now from the list, btw, you are right, that Shure usb adaptor very solid indeed!
I'm can't figure out how to use my X2U for a Zoom meeting. Can you direct me to some guidance?
The way any decent CD player still kills anything streaming off the net convinces me 16-bit isn't yet a meaningful limit on audio quality. Great video, horribly annoying background music
Thank you. And yes, nothing wrong with 16 bit audio, just more flexibility with 24 or 32 bit. And yes, the background music. Obviously 4 years ago when I made it I thought the background music was at a good level......listening back, I now hear it's too loud. Which is also one reason I've been completely NOT using background music in a lot of my videos. Less to "mix," and more focus on what I'm saying. Cheers, and happy recording!
hey i just bought this and i hear a lot of hissing at higher gain (Around 85% and higher) is that normal for an audio interface? it's also fairly quiet when it comes to mic volume. i'm using a sm57 and i am new to all this so excuse me if i ask any noob questions. I was thinking maybe because the whole interface is literally powered by the usb on my computer, it might not be powerful enough to output enough gain to the mic?
Hi there. Good questions. Although the X2U is more than enough to provide proper gain to an SM57. You just have to remember than an SM57 is a dynamic mic, and (much like the SM58) needs a lot of gain AND you need to generally be very close to the mic for better sound quality, especially with vocals. I've never had an issue powering any mic with the X2U, but again, when using an SM58/57, I'm always about 1 or 2 inches from the mic itself when speaking. That's just the nature of dynamic mics.
As far as the hiss at higher gain, I've never had too much hiss with my X2U, but most budget preamplifiers and audio interfaces are all a bit noisy when you are at the top-end of the gain headroom. It's possible that your unit is defective. I recently ordered another X2U to have around and it had a definite distortion problem right out of the box. Sent it back immediately and got a replacement and the new one has no issues. If you're getting a LOT of hiss at that 85% and-above mark, might think about getting a replacement/return, etc. Might be issues with a lot of pro-audio gear being made overseas and quality-control issues. I haven't experienced that much with Shure products, but, like I said, I had a problem with a brand new X2U just recently.
I hope that helps. Good luck :)
@@MarcusHutsell thank you those are some good advice! I think i might have to replace it for sure..... i am hear a significant amount of hissing at around 85%.
So nice. Can you connect it to a camera?
Hi there. It turns out you actually CAN connect it to a camera, even though I said in this video you cannot. someone pointed that out to me in the comments, and, I tested it myself, and it works, and I'm going to do a video on that soon, so stay tuned for that!
Hello Marcus. Can it be used to conect the mono main out from a unpowererd audio mixer?
Hi there.
Yes, you should be able to do that just fine, I would probably also use an in-line XLR pad to reduce the signal… As the X2U is expecting a lower mic level signal.
However, you could also do that with the output of the console and just send only as much as you need from the console’s output (use the fader or output, control knob ). Just watch the clip light on the X2U, and as long as you’re not clipping out the X2U , you should be fine.
@@MarcusHutsell Thanks so much for the info. Very apreciated.
Thank you very nice prof review! Could I use this USB adapter combined with a Shure mic like beta 58A as a computer mic instead of buying a yeti or hyperX? Please comment pro/con.
Hi there. Thank you very much. And yes, you can use the X2u with a mic like the Beta 58A, it will work with any XLR mic. I would purchase an additional XLR cable to go between the mic and the X2u, just so you can position everything a little better.
From what I've heard/seen of the Yeti, the yeti mics are kind of cheaply made, and I'm not familiar with the HyperX, or at least, I haven't used it. But the HyperX looks like it's marketed as a "gaming" mic, so, at first glance, it's probably more for "show" than for sound quality.
However, a Shure Beta 58A is an outstanding microphone that will last you a LONG time, it's rugged, road-tested, tough, and sounds great, and it's from Shure, a well-known and long-trusted brand.
The X2u has a pretty clean sounding preamp, so, coupled with the X2u, your signal chain should be fairly quiet.
The pros of Beta 58A/X2u are:
Beta 58 = great mic!
the system is modular, you could always get/upgrade/use a different USB preamp if you wanted
you could always use the X2u with a different XLR mic
So you have more options to mix-and-match mics and USB interface
Cons: Beta 58 is a dynamic mic, so you need to be VERY close to it for it to sound its best and to keep ambience and system noise out of your signal chain. Because if you're far away from it, you'll have to turn up the gain on everything and that CAN raise the noise in the system (like adding "hiss" to your sound). But as long as you're right up on the mic, it will sound great.
Using Yeti/HyperX, or any USB mic:
Any usb mic = sometimes easier with fewer steps to get into your computer and get-going
Both yeti and HyperX are condenser mics, which means they are a more sensitive and will pick up a bit more high-end frequencies, which can be good or something you want. And because they're sensitive, you can be a little bit further away, but, still ned to be relatively close, but don't have to be right up on top of them.
But, yeti/hyperX.......kind of "consumer" grade equipment, may not last very long, or may not be very good quality
Shure equipment is professional-grade.
@@MarcusHutsell Thank you! Very well explained with a nice toned voice.
Hello, why the bluetooth audio stops when I conect the X2U?
HI there. Well, I"m not sure, and I'm also not sure what bluetooth audio you're talking about. But my assumption is that as soon as you plugged in the X2u, that your computer used that as your audio output instead of your bluetooth audio output, so, check your master computer (operating system) audio output and see where your audio is going when you have the X2u plugged in.
I really need help. I have the SM7B, cloudlifter and the X2U, I record in audacity. I have a lot of static noise I don't know what to do to stop the static. Please help
Hi there. A bit of a tough question, because you'll need to figure out at what point in the chain the "static" is happening....either at the mic.....or the cloudlifter, or the X2U, or then within Audacity. Follow the signal flow. If you're using the X2U, and you roll the little scroll wheel towards the "microphone" icon, you should be able to hear the incoming signal from the SM7B/Clodulifter. If it's clean in your headphones (using the X2U's headphone jack), then you know it *should be going into the computer clean. If you hear distortion out of the X2U headphone jack, are you clipping out the preamp on the X2U?? The X2U has that preamp knob for a reason, it's expecting a mic-level signal, make sure you're not clipping that out (red light). While speaking normally, the X2U's signal light should light up green when it registers signal, orange when it's nearing clipping, and red if the signal is just too loud for the X2U's preamp. It's *possible that the SM7b/cloudlifter combination may actually be outputting too hot of a signal for the X2U. But, that's one of the benefits of the X2U, is that it has relatively quiet/clean preamp, so, the cloudlifter MAY not be necessary.......that is, the X2U may be enough clean preamp to amplify the SM7B without using a cloudlifter. The cloudlifter is really a device to provide clean gain in the case that your main preamp is not a great preamp and is of low quality. The X2U is pretty clean already. So, check the preamp light on the X2u to make sure you're not clipping that out. The Cloudlifter isn't going to make your SM7B "sound" better, it's just going to amplify the SM7B with its own preamp before sending it out of the cloudlifter....providing a (potentially) lower noise floor.
If your signal into the X2U is clean and you're not clipping the X2U's preamp, then you could try using a different audio recording software as well to see if the static/distortion is happening JUST in Audacity. If you're on a Mac, you can use Garageband for free. If you're on a PC, you should be able to download Reaper for free. You could even record into zoom or something for free to test your signal into that software.
Find out at what point your audio distortion is happening. It could be before it enters the computer, or it could be Audacity or some setting in Audacity like makint sure the sample rate and bit depth are correct. The X2U can sample up to 48Kz, but it's only 16-bit, so make sure your audio software isn't set to 24 bit depth.
How would you compare this to a zoom portable audio recorder, I have the x2u, but thinking on getting a zoom to record XLR mics, while also having just the handy recorder on the zoom
Well, each device serves its purpose. I also have a Tascam DR-40 for remote recording, because, as you know, the X2U requires a computer to work. However, the Tascam DR-40's XLR inputs can be very noisy if the microphone you're using doesn't have a strong output. The Zoom "H" series are similar, meaning their XLR preamps can get noisy if you have to crank the input gain. So, if you're going to get an external recorder, I'd go for the Zoom "F" series, they have more professional level XLR inputs, unfortunately the F-Series models are a lot bigger in size than the H-series. I also have the Zoom F8 and it has very little self-noise on the XLR preamps. But I always like having an external recorder around if I have the space. Quick, easy, no computers required. Good luck :)
@@MarcusHutsell thanks for the advice man
I have an H4n Pro. And I grabbed it after hearing it also served as an interface. I had it in mind as I wanted something I could travel with and record on premise @ conferences (pre pandemic). But I still like the portability + you get an extra XLR input (which I plan to use for some creative podcasting/streaming). So it's a different device all around. Good luck!
Do you still recommend this gadget as of today?
Can you use higher sample rates? E.g: 48kHz or higher?
Hi there. I recommend it if you are in need of a compact/travel Interface. I like how small it is, I like how I can plug a mic directly into it if needed (although a short XLR cable is still best between the X2u and mic for better positioning of the mic, etc). Seems like Shure may never update this little interface, which is a shame, I wish they'd upgrade it to do 24-bit.
But, it does sample up to 48KHz, it does NOT sample any higher. And bit depth is "only" 16-bit, but good enough for most things you'd use this for. I carry it in my travel pelican when I'm on live-shows in case I need to record a voice-over or something simple or ingest a different audio signal into my computer for recording. It doesn't take up much space in my road case.
At home I a Scarlett 2i2, very quiet, very good interface. And at my work-office I use a Behringer UM2 with a cheap shotgun mic for virtual meetings. Both are great, the 2i2 is more "road worthy" though as compared to the UM2.
But, the X2u is an often overlooked option that can't be beat on compactness.......so, that's when I certainly recommend it.
Cheers!
I'm looking a pocket-size interface for the run. It seems the X2U is UAC 1.0 so it may be even possible to run it out of mobile phones?
Maybe I'll check it out. Appreciate your comprehensive response. Cheers.
Is this enough to power a mic such as the DT770 250 ohm version?
Hi there Igor. If you mean "does this have enough power to power HEADPHONES like the DT770 250 ohm," then I'm not sure because I don't own those headphones. But generally, Probably not. 250-ohm headphones will usually require a separate headphone amp that can push more power to those headphones.
I have the DT770 80-ohm headphones and the X2U can push PLENTY of volume to those headphones. I just can't speak to the 250-ohm version since I don't have those.
Does anyone make a small usb to 1/4" mono output interface... just need it to send mono audio out of a pc to a guitar pedalboard. don't need any inputs or stereo.
Hi there Chris. Good question. But, you could do this with something like the UM2, as it has stereo RCA outputs on the back of the unit, and you could just use ONE of those outputs with an RCA to 1/4" unbalanced cable to get audio from your PC to your pedal board. I'm assuming your guitar pedal will NOT take a balanced input signal?
The um2 is pretty good for being so cheap, here's a link: amzn.to/3UWaeS4
And this cable would do it: amzn.to/3Gfaszj (however, you'd only use the left OR the right, not both cables, it's just that most of these cables are sold in stereo pairs)
If your guitar pedal would accept a balanced input, you could get something little nicer like the Scarlett Solo, it's made of metal, has a better reputation. But, its outputs are balanced (Ground/Hot/Cold), and I'm not sure if your guitar pedal would accept a balanced signal. amzn.to/3tw0tyi
iRig?
So for any other interface, would i need to download software for the scarlet solo, or goxlr
The Scarlet Solo doesn't require drivers on Mac, not sure about Windows, but I've also seen others have issues with the Scarlet's on Windows.......but I'm pretty much a Mac-only guy. I've never used the GoXLR, so I don't know much about it or if it needs drivers. Mac is and has been fairly user-friendly over the past 10 years for me in regards to not needing drivers for many different audio interfaces.
This video by Gerald Undone talks about the Scarlet on Windows vs. Steinberg. th-cam.com/video/3bK2MGqsVnQ/w-d-xo.html
Based on that video I actually did NOT get a Scarlett but got a Behringer UM2 for my larger desk set up. I keep the X2U in my mobile work-box because of its portability.
The Go XLR needs custom drivers installed. When it works is an excellent piece of kit. However the drivers at times can be buggy and resolving issues is trial and error.
would this work for the Shure sm7b with a cloudlifter?
Hi there Jose. It should work just fine with that combination. The X2U provides Phantom power which is all the cloudlifter needs. If you wanted to save some money, you could get something like the Behringer U-Phoria UM2, which is only about $50, and that would also work fine with the SM7B and Cloudlifter option. I only suggest that as it's about 1/2 the cost of the X2U. But I keep the X2U as my portable device that I take to on-site work because it's just the smallest, pro model out there. The X2U also has pretty clean gain, so you *might be able to get enough gain with the SM7B without a cloudlifter, and then buy the cloudlifter later if you needed it. But I do not own the SM7B nor a cloudlifter. Either way, Good luck!
@@MarcusHutsell awesome! Thank you very much for the response. I only ask this because I already have am X2U. I'm seriously thinking about ordering the SM7B with a cloudlifter. I do radio voice overs from home. I would save the money from buy a Focusrite Scarlett and just use my X2U. I'm going to try it. Thank you very much.
Awesome. Good luck with the new mic. It should work, i’ve powered plenty of microphones with the X2U that require phantom power, I have not yet run into any problems thus far.
@@MarcusHutsell perfect. I'll try it and get back to you on that. That would make a good video for your channel 😁👍
Would I be able to plug into my GoPro without a driver?
No, the X2u gets is power from the USB port, and the GoPro (at least my Hero 7 Black) doesn't seem to do anything when I plug the X2U into the GoPro's USB Port, there's just no power coming from the GoPro's port. In addition, I don't know if the GoPro knows how to utilize the digital audio coming out of the X2U's USB port. GoPro has their own 3.5mm-to-USB-C audio adapter, but that adapter is converting the analog audio into digital in "whatever way GoPro needed to do it" so that the GoPro camera can "read" or use it.
Long story short, it doesn't work on my Hero 7 Black, so I double it would work on other GoPro cameras.
This is the GoPro Adapter, amzn.to/48FoZj7, but I think it still requires analog audio into its 3.5mm Jack.........which, you *could still use the X2U's headphone output to feed INTO that 3.5mm mic jack on the GoPro Adapter, but you would have to power the X2u from some other USB power source instead of the USB port on the Gopro and probably instead of trying to use the USB port on this adapter. BUT! The X2u CAN be powered from a simple 5V-1amp USB power brick (the small ones like older iPHone models were packaged with), and any 5V USB plug you find on Amazon, etc, will power the X2u, I use it like this all the time, but of course I could then ONLY use the XLR preamp and the headphone jack (because the USB port on the X2u would be in-use by using it ONLY for power).
So, if you REALLY wanted to use your XLR mic with your go pro, you could do it this way:
1. X2U > USB-B cable from X2U to USB-A (or C) cable over to a 5v power brick plugged into a power brick, or into a USB Battery bank......you'd probably want to use a USB Battery bank to power the X2U if you wanted to be mobile, I made a video where I do this: th-cam.com/video/gYKddqD9SBc/w-d-xo.html
2. XU2 3.5mm headphone output plugged into the GoPro 3.5mm to USB-C Adapter
3. GoPro Adapter plugged in to your go pro
4. Use the mic gain on the X2u to set your level visually with the LED light on the X2u
5. Make sure the "mix knob" on the X2U is rolled all the way to the little microphone icon so it sends out the incoming XLR mic signal to the headphone jack on the X2U
6. Turn up the headphone jack on the X2u to feed audio to the GoPro Adapter.
I'm just not sure if the GoPro actually shows any audio levels on the screen (?) so you might run into clipping issues, but you could totally do it!
Good luck :)
US
Thank you for your response. I use the Rode Wireless Go II when I'm outdoors. For vlogging, I use my Blue Yeti. I have the Yeti connected to my laptop, then use a 3.5 splitter, one end goes to my headphones the other end goes into the GoPro.
I was hoping I could do the same with a Shure microphone.
Which attenuation level do I need for a bass guitar?
Hi there. The X2U really isn't for a direct instrument input if you're trying to plug a bass guitar directly into it. I'd go with a different device that has a proper "instrument" input with higher impedance so it can amplify the bass guitar signal better.
If you're talking about just using a microphone with the x2u and putting a mic on your bass amp or over the strings (of an upright bass perhaps), then there's no specific "level" as it's all dependent on the mic, the bass, the impedance of that mic and therefore how much signal it sends down the cable over the the X2u (or any other device). The x2u, or any other preamp just needs to be able to gain up the signal coming from your mic enough, and ensure your device isn't sending too much level. For instance, the x2u is expecting a mic-level signal, therefore, lower signal (voltage) than line level.
I know that's a lot of info, but, it's all about following the signal from source to destination, and each time a cable is plugged in to a devices, you need control on that device to gain the signal up or down.
I'd go for something like the Behringer UM2 for an inexpensive USB audio interface that has both an XLR input for mics and a 1/4" instrument input for plugging in things like your bass guitar directly.
Behringer UM2: amzn.to/3cxPxuL
If you didn't need the XLR input, you could get something like this USB/Instrument-only input: amzn.to/3PrhX8e
Good luck!
@@MarcusHutsell thank you so much!
I'm going to bite the bullet as this is only a hundred bucks on Amazon but I have to ask (if someone can answer) - I have a AT897 Shotgun mic on the way that's XLR. If I use this as a converter instead of a regular XLR to USB, is it worth the 100 dollars?
An XLR to usb cable won’t work. They rarely work and aren’t really meant for connecting microphones directly to a computer, they’re really meant for sending a line level audio signal from an XLR output on a mixer over to USB… But they still don’t really even work that well and often have a lot of noise. You still need a preamp for an XLR microphone, the X2U is a preamp.
I’ve used several X2U’s over the years and they’ve all been great. I did have a recent problem with a brand new one from Amazon, but I sent it back and the replacement was perfect.
You could always spend only $50 and get something like the Behringer Um2, but the Behringer is not as portable of course.
@@MarcusHutsell Thanks boss! Hopefully the preamp in the Shure will be enough. It's all on it's way and this is my first dive into shotgun "production" mics. I'll let you know how it goes! I might pick your brain some more before its over if that's okay.
in order for the zero latency to work can you use a usb or does it need to be done by a 3.5 cable?
Hi there. To hear your incoming signal with zero latency, you'll need to use the headphone jack ON the X2U. Make sure the other selector wheel is scrolled towards the little microphone icon. That will route the signal from your connected microphone directly to the headphone port on the X2U. Keep in mind that when the selector wheel is scrolled towards the microphone icon that you will no longer hear any signal coming back from your computer.
@@MarcusHutsell oh man that kind of sucks. so even if i do that....i won't be able to use it for video calls or streaming or antyhing because the mic audio doesn't go back to the computer?
The microphone audio will always, always going to the computer, regardless of where the selector scroll wheel is. The selector dial on the X2U only routes either the microphone or the audio coming back from your computer into the headphone output of the X2U.
It doesn’t have a very good Way to monitor your own vocal with zero latency AND also monitor the audio coming Back from your computer. You might actually try the Behringer UM2, it’s 1/2 the price and has direct monitoring while also listening to audio coming back from the computer. I use the Behringer UM2 at my office desk with a shotgun mic for virtual meetings and it works very well. It’s just quite larger than the X2U, so if you don’t need the compactness and portability then I’d try the Behringer UM2, instead. It’s a great little USB audio interface as well.
@@MarcusHutsell what do you mean by listening to the audio coming back from your computer? So what i'm trying to do is use my gaming usb headset that's connected to my computer to monitor my voice audio from the mic. Just so I can listen to the audio of the games i'm playing while also listening to the mic audio. I don't want to use a seperate 3.5 or rca output because then I wouldn't hear the game audio and the audio quality also won't be as good.
I have a corsair gaming headset and it actually has a feature to monitor your audio from the headset mic while playing games. really useful but i couldn't find any way to monitor external mics in the same manner.
@@2cool0 So, (almost) every USB audio device like the X2U, Behringer UM2, Scarlett Solo, etc, all have inputs and outputs. And when connected to a computer, you can tell your computer to send its audio out of whatever output you want......that could be out of the PCI sound card, or your gaming headset, but you *could also send audio from the computer to the X2U or any other external USB audio device. Now, typically, we'd all only use a single device to output our audio to.....unless you want to get into advanced audio routing and send things to several external devices (which you can do on Mac, not sure about Windows).......but, that's a discussion for another time.
Basically, your computer HAS to send its audio somewhere.....to its built-in speakers, or to a soundcard of some sort. Sounds like you're mostly using your gaming headset, so, your computer (or the game itself) is sending its audio to your headset. And, as you said, your headset has its own functionality to send the headset mic to the headset ear-pieces so you can hear yourself as well as the game audio. The X2U CAN work similarly if you put the selector wheel in-between the Microphone-icon and the computer-icon. When the wheel is in between these 2 icons, you can hear both the incoming mic and the computer audio, but you HAVE to tell your computer or game to use the X2U as it's "speaker" or its main audio output device....and that would send the computer audio to the headphone jack on the X2u (but of course you'll have to have the selector icon on the X2u towards the computer icon).........
So, the X2U CAN monitor its own mic and the computer audio, (I may have slightly misspoken in my previous post, stating that the X2U *couldn't really do this, but, it's just that it doesn't do it AS WELL as some other USB Audio cards because you HAVE to have that selector wheel IN-BETWEEN the 2 icons, and that can lead to both the incoming mic signal AND the computer signal being at a lower volume coming out of the headphone output on the X2U).......So, yes, this works, and it works fine, it can just get tricky with some audio recording software where certain software can send the incoming audio BACK and that will introduce a delay......but.....that's probably not what you're doing :)
Sorry, lots of notes, but, there are just a thousand ways to route audio when you have multiple audio devices hooked up to your computer, and different audio programs can send and route things differently as well. Anything is usually possible, it's just HOW we all need/want to route audio.
I hope that helps!?!?!?
can it drive sm7b with low noise?
Hi there. I do not own an SM7B, so I cannot test that at the moment, but, it drives an SM58 just fine, which is the same impedance.
great info but the background music is soooo annoying.
Sorry about that! Yeah, I realize now (2 years later) that a lot of the music in my old videos was way too loud. I've actually been doing MOST of my videos now with no music.
Soo work good to SM7B Mic???
Hi there. I don't own an SM7B, so I can't test that. However, the SM58 and SM7B are very similar and have the same output impedance of 150 ohms. And, since the X2u can provide enough gain for the SM58, it should be able to gain up the SM7b just fine as well.
@@MarcusHutsell Thanks you
how about delay?
Hi there. This interface, like most interfaces, has a "direct monitor" feature that allows you to hear the incoming signal in real-time, with no delay. So, it's not an issue.
Of course you can also send any/all computer audio back OUT of the X2U's headphone jack, and depending on your expertise and signal routing you COULD send your own incoming audio back OUT of the X2u's headphone jack. But if you were to do that, by using something like Adobe Audition to maybe hear some effects on your voice, then any delay would come from the buffer size of the software and not the Interface itself. And buffer sizes can be reduced to have less delay/more CPU usage.
But I rarely send my live/processed audio back out of any interface, I always just use any "direct monitor" features that the interface/mic has, that way there's never any delay on my own voice.
The X2U is compact, but way too noisy compared to other interfaces.
Great info thanks!!!
You’re welcome. And thank you :)