USB microphone VS 3.5mm microphone

Most microphones on the market now use USB plugs, and a small number use 3.5MM plugs. So how do you choose???

DIGIBAL ONLINE can be summed up in one sentence, if you want to plug and play, choose USB, if you want to play with sound cards/record songs, choose 3.5MM

3.5MM/XLR is an ANALOG format, and USB is a DIGITAL format.

USB microphone

USB microphone is actually not a simple recording microphone, but a recording device with built-in DAC conversion. The 3.5MM/XLR actually does not have built-in DAC conversion. So if you use 3.5mm to plug directly into the computer, you actually need to use the computer's audio DAC. The quality of the built-in DACs in common computers is relatively poor, so the sound quality seems to be poor when using a 3.5MM microphone. In fact, it is just because of the lack of a good DAC conversion. Most USB microphones on the market range in price from $200-$2000. In addition to brand factors, workmanship, etc., the key is actually the built-in DAC conversion chip for you. In addition to SET GAIN, sound, radio, background clearing, etc. , mainly based on the DIGITAL decoding capability of decoding/upconverting.

So if you don't use the USB microphone yourself, can you add a simple USB to 3.5MM adapter to play with the sound card?

? In fact, it has no choice. Even if it makes any noise, it will damage the chip. Because in fact, 3.5mm/USB are two completely different standards, so it’s not easy to try them.

If you have very simple needs (only need to record a vocal track, no instrument input), then you can choose to use a USB microphone instead of a recording interface. In particular, many live broadcasters or Youtubers find that USB microphones can meet their needs. If you only need to record vocals, go for the best USB microphone within your budget.

It can be connected to a computer without installing a driver, which saves a lot of installation and setting processes. It is very easy for friends who are new to recording to get started. But it should be noted that USB microphones are microphones that contain a digital-to-analog conversion chip. There is no way to separate the microphone and use it with other recording interfaces. That is to say , if you need more simultaneous recording tracks in the future, USB microphones will not work with your recording interface .

3.5MM/XLR microphone

If you don't plan to play with sound cards, it's actually better to buy a USB microphone. So as you will see, most brands now use USB microphones. Because there are really not many friends who can play sound cards.

But if you want to play with sound cards, 3.5mm/XLR microphones are the only option. The quality of the recording is actually based on the DAC conversion chip, rather than the microphone itself. So you choose an entry-level (~$300) 3.5mm microphone or an intermediate ($500-900) XLR microphone, and then put all your budget into the lower DAC sound card.

As for the sound card part, we will not explain it in detail. Friends who are interested can contact our technical support colleagues.