USB to XLR Adapters for Podcasters: Are They Worth It?

If you’ve ever wanted to upgrade your podcast audio without diving into the deep end of pro studio gear, you’ve probably stumbled across USB to XLR adapters. They promise to bridge the gap between professional microphones and your laptop—but are they actually worth it?

This guide breaks it all down: what they are, who should use them, what to avoid, and what gear works best.

What Is a USB to XLR Adapter?

At its core, a USB to XLR adapter lets you plug a professional XLR microphone into a USB port on your computer. This is ideal for podcasters who want better sound than a USB mic can provide but don’t want to invest in a full audio interface or mixer.

Note: Some people search for “USB to XLR” when they actually mean the reverse—plugging a USB mic into an XLR mixer. That usually doesn’t work unless the mic has both outputs.

Who Should Use One (and Who Shouldn’t)

Good Fit For:

• Beginner podcasters
• Solo hosts
• Mobile podcasters or travelers
• People testing out XLR mics before upgrading their setup

Not Ideal For:

• Multi-mic setups
• Gain-hungry mics like the Shure SM7B
• Podcasters planning to scale up

Pros and Cons of USB to XLR Adapters

Pros:

• Affordable (often $30–$100)
• Simple, plug-and-play setup
• Portable and lightweight
• Lets you use pro-level mics without bulky gear

Cons:

• Often weak preamps (can result in low volume or noise)
• Many lack phantom power for condenser mics
• Limited features (no gain knobs, EQ, or multi-track support)
• No direct headphone monitoring on cheaper models
• Can bottleneck your mic’s potential

What Podcasters Need to Watch Out For

1. Gain Problems
If you’re using a dynamic mic like the Shure SM7B, many cheap USB adapters won’t provide enough gain. Your recordings will sound too quiet or noisy.

2. Phantom Power
Condenser microphones require phantom power (48V). Not all adapters offer this, so check before you buy.

3. Latency and Monitoring
Without onboard headphone monitoring, you’ll experience lag in your headphones. For real-time feedback, this is a dealbreaker.

4. Audio Quality
Some adapters are capped at 16-bit/44.1kHz. That might be fine for casual use, but if you want studio-level clarity, aim for 24-bit adapters.

Better Option? USB Audio Interfaces

If you’re serious about your podcast, a USB audio interface might be a better long-term investment.

Recommended Interfaces:

• Focusrite Scarlett Solo – clean preamps, phantom power
• Rode AI-1 – podcaster-friendly with great sound
• Zoom U-22 – portable, versatile

These give you better gain control, phantom power, monitoring options, and cleaner audio. For just a bit more money, you avoid all the limitations of USB adapters.

Recommended USB to XLR Adapters

Budget Picks:

• Shure X2U – great preamp, headphone jack, phantom power
• Behringer XLR-to-USB – cheap starter option
• iRig Pre 2 – great for mobile podcasters

Tip: If you use a mic like the Samson Q2U or ATR2100x, these have both USB and XLR built-in—making them ideal for beginner to intermediate setups.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying an adapter for a condenser mic without phantom power
• Thinking all USB adapters are equal (they’re not!)
• Using an adapter long-term when a $99 interface would solve all your problems

Sample Podcasting Setups

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

USB to XLR adapters are a helpful shortcut for podcasters who want to dip their toes into pro audio without spending hundreds. But they come with limitations.

If you just want to record solo and keep it simple, they work.

If you’re planning to grow, collaborate, or upgrade gear, get an audio interface instead.

Want help choosing your first mic or interface? [Click here to download our free gear guide for podcasters.]