Polsen XLR-USB-48 Review
XLR to USB Audio Interface
Ratings Based on Features
These results are a summary of user reviews of the Polsen XLR-USB-48. For example, 90% of 31 users who have commented on the Value for money of the Polsen XLR-USB-48 have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 30 Reviews
Functions, but bad design and poor quality
Polsen XLR-USB-48 XLR to USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by Ron on B&H Photo Video
Same problems as other reviews. Bottom plate loose. One screw was out. The XLR connector would not lock in place. As it hangs below the mic (in my case) this meant that it would slowly slide and fall off. I'd avoid this product unless their are no other options in your price range. Beware: On this device, B&H can charge you return shipping if it arrives defective. They did this to me.
Useable for the price
Polsen XLR-USB-48 XLR to USB Audio Interface
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I purchased this interface to let me use my an XLR mic for audio/video conferencing; in that role it is fine. However, the self noise on the interface is definitely a limitation for any kind of studio recording where playback is happening on decent speakers or headphones. I would rate it as acceptable for podcast use, but barely. The difference is night and day when compared to connecting my mic through my H4n Pro. That said, there is about a 5x price difference. Build-quality is okay, but not great. It arrived and the first time I pressed the phantom power button on the bottom the button fell off. There is a plastic rod that passes through the case and attaches to a flat surface-mount button/switch, and this is the piece that fell off. A bit of glue had it re-attached, but given that other reviewers are commenting about parts falling off I suggest being prepared with a tube of glue and/or a soldering iron. Also, for the record, it is a huge pain to press the phantom power button when both the USB cable and headphones are plugged in (which is something I deal with every time I use it). tl;dr: This is a cheap / compact device, and it is probably a good choice if you are on a tight budget and need to connect a mic to a laptop on the go. If you can use one of the many cheap USB interfaces in a larger, square form factor I would suggest looking at those (e.g., Behringer UM2, Scarlett Solo, etc.). ... More
decent for size and price, excellent Linux support, flimsy
Polsen XLR-USB-48 XLR to USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by Adam on B&H Photo Video
This device works flawlessly with ALSA, with the capability to control mic preamp, loopback, and monitor volume in software. The mixer input for the mic is weak, giving the impression that the preamp is underpowered. However, if I disable the hardware loopback and patch the mic in using software, the mic is very loud and clear. Similarly, the hardware loopback is very noisy compared to the actual microphone output. Initially, it appeared to have sturdy construction, but the plastic collar around the XLR jack developed stress cracks after only a few insertions. I'm hesitant to send it back, as they stopped spreading and appear only to be cosmetic. The back panel with the USB port is also slightly insecure, offering too much play. My impression is that a few more cents worth of materials and quality control would have drastically improved the build quality. I don't want to void the warranty by disassembling it, but the presence of screws at least indicates that it may be user-serviceable. ... More
Poorly made; USB connection snapped off
Polsen XLR-USB-48 XLR to USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by Ross on B&H Photo Video
I was hoping to find a replacement for the Shure X2U which produces good sound but several lasted only about a year before the XLR connection went bad. This product was a plastic version of the Shure. I cannot attest to the audio quality because the first time I tried to connect the USB port snapped off. Thanks to BH for return.
Works, but don't waste your money,
Polsen XLR-USB-48 XLR to USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by James on B&H Photo Video
It works in the sense that it plugs into the mic feed correctly and outputs a digital signal through a USB connection to my computer. (The device has a little push button for turning on the phantom 48V feature and it has an LED light that turns from red to blue. Keep in mind that it has no external power supply; it relies entirely on the power feed from the USB.) So, why not buy? The background static/noise/hiss makes this device useless. As another buyer noted, you have to crank up the tiny mic volume control to hide this noise. I bought this device because I have an SM Audio condenser mic that I love for its warm sound. Using my Fostex to record is complicated. I'm looking for a solution to connect a good mic to a computer. This device is not the solution. My laptop's built-in mic results in better sound. ... More
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Functional, you get what you pay for
Polsen XLR-USB-48 XLR to USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by Alexis on B&H Photo Video
Mine arrived in one piece, unlike many other reviewers. True to the box, it is plug-and-play and it comes with the needed USB cord. The levels are very low, and the built-in pre-amp or however that volume control works, is nice but entirely useless as I just keep it on the highest setting all the time. Will work in a pinch when doing a mobile livestream through OBS where I can artificially gain the audio 10 or 15db, but not good enough for video conferencing or web streaming platforms. Vastly prefer using my Zoom H4N as an audio interface, but this does make a cheap, compact, and easy backup for getting audio into a computer. ... More
Works as Advertised
Polsen XLR-USB-48 XLR to USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by Mark on B&H Photo Video
I got this as low-cost way to learn about how analog-to-digital xlr-to-usb interfaces work before deciding what I need for a student-produced podcast. Happy to say that it works great when connecting a Rode Procaster dynamic microphone to my iMac. Also worked great with a boundary condenser mike I have on hand. No noise. Super easy to use. I have not encountered build-quality issues; it arrived in brand-new condition and just dangles off the microphone's cable all day, so no opportunities yet to beat it up. I will experiment with it over the summer, but it won't get tons of use or abuse until (if) school starts. I don't regret this purchase yet. ... More
It's just okay
Polsen XLR-USB-48 XLR to USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by MALCOLM on B&H Photo Video
This device works as advertised, sought of. I say that because even though it does work, it also produces a lot of background hiss. The audio is not clean and it is low, even when you adjust the gain levels. I tested two mics on this device, a Sony ECM-77B Lapel mic and a ElectroVoice RE-50 Mic. In both cases the audio was low and there was a noticeable hiss in the background even after adjusting the gain settings. I then tested the same mics on the Shure X2u and the audio was pristine. Better to spend the money on a Shure X2u for good clean broadcast quality audio. I would not recommend this Polsen. ... More
Flexible option - nice
Polsen XLR-USB-48 XLR to USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by Jim on B&H Photo Video
As advertised, this allows you to use your best XLR mics on your desktop (or portable computer). Have not yet tried phantom power/condenser setup -- but the plug and play and sound quality is outstanding. A little clunky as a 3" extension of your mic, but solidly built. Blue LED showing it is ON is a nice touch.
Very disappointed
Polsen XLR-USB-48 XLR to USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by Filmmaking101 on B&H Photo Video
This arrived to me with the USB port flying loose inside the Polsen device rendering this item completely useless since I couldn't plug the USB cable into the Polsen device. Very disappointed.
Ideal, small, flexible phantom power-USB XLR interface
Polsen XLR-USB-48 XLR to USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by Robert on B&H Photo Video
I needed a simple solution use my AKG P120 mic when on ZOOM and to record my part for a virtual choir piece. This tiny device is built like a bullet and is a great little interface. I particularly like that its head glows blue when active and red if your turn off the phantom power. Only awkward part is that phantom power switch. When the USB is connected, my large fingers take a few attempts to depress it. Good value for the money.
Good USB Interface, but...
Polsen XLR-USB-48 XLR to USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by Greg on B&H Photo Video
The USB part of this device works great. But the pass through of the attached microphone directly to the headphones is mostly useless. Can just barely hear the mic coming through, even when everything is cranked to max.
Second one I own- they work very well
Polsen XLR-USB-48 XLR to USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by James on B&H Photo Video
As a videographer and field audio person, I have a collection of high very quality shotgun and handheld microphones. I use these Polsen XLR-USB tools for zoom productions. Some of our projects require a wide dynamic range of audio, from speaking to belting songs within a single event. These work well.
Not Bad But Beware the Hissssssssssssssssssss
Polsen XLR-USB-48 XLR to USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by Daniel on B&H Photo Video
It ain't no Shure X2u, but it's not priced (or built) like one either. If you're tight on money, this is a decent alternative to the X2u. Yea, you're going to have hiss, hiss, hissssssssss when you up the gain (honestly, it feels like a snake is constantly whispering into your ears), but at this price, what did you expect? It's still a useful device that won't disrespect your wallet.
Works great for meting Zoom calls
Polsen XLR-USB-48 XLR to USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by RAMANATHAN on B&H Photo Video
Right now I work web conference calls for clients at hotels. Have up to 12 mics in a u-shaped set up. All of these mics are hooked to the web call using this adaptor, out of one of the aux channels on the mixer. It works well.
Good enough for me.
Polsen XLR-USB-48 XLR to USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by glenn on B&H Photo Video
Plugged it in and it worked. I'm happy with it. I use it with a SM58 thru a Sounddevice 302 mixer. Mixer out into my macbook pro usb. It works & sounds ok. I don't know if it's high quality but it's good enough for my use.
Never Use The Built In Microphone In A Computer Monitor
Polsen XLR-USB-48 XLR to USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by Acn Radio on B&H Photo Video
The Polsen is what you should use to connect a pro Sennheiser microphone into your computer for a radio interview. It has everything that you need. Volume control on your mike, on your earphones. ACN Radio Network
Amazing
Polsen XLR-USB-48 XLR to USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by Mike on B&H Photo Video
This product is great it is small compact and gets the job done
Performance
Polsen XLR-USB-48 XLR to USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by Nambunarayanan on B&H Photo Video
Performance is very good
Convert a mic to a USB mic
Polsen XLR-USB-48 XLR to USB Audio Interface
Reviewed by Michael on B&H Photo Video
This small interface converts a dynamic or condenser mic into a USB mic. Features include phantom power, headphone jack and adjustable mic gain. Small enough to fit in your pocket.
