Shure X2u Review

XLR-to-USB Microphone Adapter

13,522 reviews
shure.com
Shure
  • XLR to USB Adapter
  • 3.5mm Headphone Output
  • Tricolor Peak Indicator
  • Supplies +48V Phantom Power
  • Microphone Level Adjustment

Introduction

In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 13,522 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the Shure X2u. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.

Ratings Based on Features

These results are a summary of user reviews of the Shure X2u. For example, 81% of 2,216 users who have commented on the Sound quality of the Shure X2u have given positive feedback.

81%
Sound quality
81% of users are satisfied, based on 2,216 reviews
92%
Value for money
92% of users are satisfied, based on 1,489 reviews
80%
Easy to use
80% of users are satisfied, based on 1,486 reviews
88%
Volume control
88% of users are satisfied, based on 759 reviews
96%
Quality of material
96% of users are satisfied, based on 759 reviews
Average Rating (13,522 ratings)
92%
Amazon.com ( 759 ratings )
92%
Amazon.co.uk ( 732 ratings )
92%
Amazon.ca ( 730 ratings )
90%
Amazon.de ( 729 ratings )
92%
Amazon.es ( 728 ratings )
92%
Amazon.com.mx ( 727 ratings )
92%
Amazon.it ( 727 ratings )
92%
Amazon.fr ( 727 ratings )
92%
Amazon.nl ( 727 ratings )
92%
Amazon.se ( 727 ratings )
92%
Amazon.pl ( 727 ratings )
92%
Amazon.co.jp ( 727 ratings )
92%
Amazon.sa ( 645 ratings )
92%
Amazon.com.tr ( 645 ratings )
92%
Amazon.in ( 645 ratings )
92%
Amazon.ae ( 645 ratings )
92%
Amazon.com.au ( 645 ratings )
92%
Amazon.sg ( 645 ratings )
92%
Amazon.eg ( 382 ratings )
94%
Amazon.cn ( 382 ratings )
94%
B&H Photo Video ( 59 ratings )
90%
Guitar Center ( 43 ratings )
90%
Musicians Friend ( 14 ratings )
100%
Adorama ( 3 ratings )
94%
Reverb ( 1 ratings )
100%
Zzounds ( 1 ratings )
100%
Show more

Highlighted Customer Reviews

Showing 1 to 20 of 67 Reviews

Best USB adapter I've bought

Shure X2u XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter Review

Shure X2u XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter

Oct 13, 2012

Reviewed by Richard on B&H Photo Video

I wasn't expecting much out of the USB; all I wanted was to use a microphone with my computer to talk to people online, without having to use a headset. And to my surprise, I didn't expect the USB adapter to be like a size of a car charger!It's got dials for mic gain, volume, and monitor. Really nice to have dials you can adjust on the fly without using a voice program. I love the fact it has a headphone port too, if you ever need to use it. I'm just amazed how robust the USB adapter is, because I've never seeing it of this size with dials.As far as the microphone itself that came with the bundle, very clear microphone for what I want to use it for. Mainly to talk online or to record speeches. Voice comes out very clear with no background noise. Even when I crank the speakers up, the microphone doesn't pick the sound up, even when it's in front of my speakers. Really good at blocking out noise. I've even tested the microphone by putting my lips right up to the microphone, and it's very loud and clear, even when I whisper to it. I almost feel like I'm in my own recording studio by the quality of it, or how people sound in professional podcasts.Barely can hear any breathing from it, which is great, even when I have my lips near the microphone. Very loud and clear. I am very satisfied by this.I think the only cons I have about the bundle is that the usb adapter is big, and might get in the way of some objects I have on my desk. But it still has amazing features. The microphone might not have enough deepness to your voice if you ever want that bass-y voice that some other microphones have, but I'm not too concerned about that, as I wanted to have a natural sounding voice when talking to people like you're on a phone. ... More

Excellent little device!

Shure X2u XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter Review

Shure X2u XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter

Mar 31, 2015

Reviewed by Jason Cooper on B&H Photo Video

This is an excellent little device. I needed to send air staff out to the field with the best mix of simplicity and quality for recording air breaks. We previously tried several other options, but the X2u was the perfect fit. TIP: The noise floor was virtually non-existent on my MacBook Pro, but quite noticeable on a business grade Dell Latitude due to jagged DC from the Dell's internal power supply (even on battery). I realize this is an issue with the PC. We attempted choking the USB cable with ferrite cores and had no real success. Users may want to consider an option that isolates power from USB connector and then lets you use an external power supply if you are using a lesser grade PC. ... More

Solid, but low levels

Shure X2u XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter Review

Shure X2u XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter

Mar 9, 2010

Reviewed by Masoste on B&H Photo Video

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. ... More

Solid, Useful Controls, Great Sound.

Shure X2u XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter Review

Shure X2u XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter

Jan 19, 2014

Reviewed by John S. on B&H Photo Video

We use this for voice over work, foreign language classes, and listening to music. I already had some nice mics and headphones that I use with M-Audio MBoxes for my music and video editing. I bought this Shure USB adapter instead of a new dedicated USB mic for the family Mac Mini. The headphone sound through this is incredible. Also, I didn't realize how useful it would be to have controls for mic gain, headphone volume and monitor/mic mix volume all right there on this solid compact device right near the mic. You can plug (XLR) your mic directly into it or use a short XLR cable to put the controls exactly where you want it on your desk. The phantom power is solid and clean. It is exactly what you need if you do voice over with compact gear or are taking a language class online and you already own a nice voice mic. ... More

FANTASTIC

Shure X2u XLR-to-USB Microphone Adapter Review

Shure X2u XLR-to-USB Microphone Adapter

May 7, 2022

Reviewed by R on Guitar Center

I bought a Shure SM57 and 58 in my youth, expecting to be a rock star. Well, it hasn't happened (yet), but now I want to record for Internet content. Dissatisfied with my USB mic, I remembered my professional-grade Shures in the drawer. I just looked for a Shure USB adapter and found this, didn't think twice about buying it. I had completely forgotten that most people use a Focusrite Scarlett, but it matters little, because this thing ROCKS! No need for an XLR cable at all, I just plugged it into my SM57 (since I have a windscreen for it), and boom, I have clean and clear dictation on my computer. I had forgotten about the concept of preamps, but this has one built right in. Everything on it works perfectly, including the live monitoring through headphones. It's very low noise, at least the way I'm using it. And if I ever needed to for whatever reason, I can connect the mic and adapter with an XLR cable, if I don't want the X2u hanging off the back. ... More

Ads

Shure X2u XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter
$79
B&H Photo Video
Shure X2u XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter
Shure X2u XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter
$99
Adorama
Shure X2u XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter
Shure X2u XLR-to-USB Microphone Adapter
$79
Guitar Center
Shure X2u XLR-to-USB Microphone Adapter
Shure X2u XLR-to-USB Microphone Adapter
$79
Musicians Friend
Shure X2u XLR-to-USB Microphone Adapter
Shure X2U
$98.41
Reverb
Shure X2U
Shure X2U XLR To USB Microphone Adapter
$99
Zzounds
Shure X2U XLR To USB Microphone Adapter

good for simple projects

Shure X2u XLR-to-USB Microphone Adapter Review

Shure X2u XLR-to-USB Microphone Adapter

Feb 10, 2019

Reviewed by Jess on Guitar Center

I'm new to recording, so I got this to make some demo tracks because I couldn't afford the audio interface I wanted. I knew I needed something better than just a cable (from getting a cheap one before that was terrible), so I got this because there weren't a lot of other options, and I needed the phantom power capability for my microphone. It gets the job done, works fine with Windows 10 even though the packaging doesn't say it does (just make sure that in your app permissions settings, you've selected that apps in general can access your microphone). I'd recommend it mainly for recording vocals, or just one instrument through a mic. If you're looking to make full demo tracks with a lot of instruments (even playing one at a time), I'd recommend getting a sound board/audio interface. ... More

Penetrates Your Mic From Behind to Make You Happy

Shure X2u XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter Review

Shure X2u XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter

Apr 30, 2021

Reviewed by Daniel on B&H Photo Video

If you're looking for an ultra-portable audio interface that you can passionately jam into any XLR mic's behind to practice/record anywhere, anytime, this thing is it. It's the King, the Queen, the Godzilla, the best of the best. If you want quality, forget any other similar looking devices like Pyle, Polsen. Heck, even the similar looking device from MXL (which is decent) can't compare to this in the end. This thang is built like a premium Optimus Prime tank. Drop it and your floor will probably break before this does. Unlike its cheaper competitors, the sound quality is CLEAN and not noisy. Another thing I love is that it's rectangular, so it doesn't roll of your desk like them other circular-looking competitors. To conclude, yes this is pricey compared to its competitors, but that's because it's quality is an absolute 10/10. Highly recommended. ... More

Very nice

Shure X2u XLR-to-USB Microphone Adapter Review

Shure X2u XLR-to-USB Microphone Adapter

Jun 28, 2012

Reviewed by PATRICK DRISCOLL on Guitar Center

Solid construction. Great product for getting a quality signal into your computer from a microphone. Phantom power, gain adjustments and monitoring are all useful features as well. Well worth the money.

useful

Shure X2u XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter Review

Shure X2u XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter

Jan 9, 2015

Reviewed by victor_s on B&H Photo Video

I bought this a couple years ago and it has worked well to connect mikes to my computer. Monitoring works well. It doesn't appear to add any noise. The pre-amp is a little weak so when using it with some microphones the gain isn't sufficient and the levels end up a bit low-- Not a major problem but something to be considered.

Perfect for recording on ANY PC.

Shure X2u XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter Review

Shure X2u XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter

Jan 20, 2010

Reviewed by Mike on B&H Photo Video

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. ... More

X2u Delivers On Its Promise

Shure X2u XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter Review

Shure X2u XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter

May 11, 2013

Reviewed by Patrick the Voice on B&H Photo Video

As a voice-over artist, I had been using an HD camcorder and mixing board to record my voice with my Audio-Tec condenser mic. I then would capture the recording by connecting my camcorder via FireWire to my Mac Pro, where I used Final Cut Pro and Soundtrack to edit and sweeten. A very cumbersome set-up which I put up with for seven years. When I upgraded to my new iMac, I decided to check out ways to improve my VO set-up. That's when I saw the X2u Adapter at B&H and learned I could use Garage Band and the X2u to record directly to my iMac. The X2u converts my analog signal from the XLR into a digital signal and feeds it directly to my computer via USB3. The quality is just as good, if not better, as with my old set-up-- and way more convenient. I can't believe it took me this long to upgrade. ... More

Just what I was looking for

Shure X2u XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter Review

Shure X2u XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter

Jul 6, 2010

Reviewed by Mutt on B&H Photo Video

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. ... More

Great Sound; So-So build

Shure X2u XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter Review

Shure X2u XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter

Jun 15, 2016

Reviewed by Ross on B&H Photo Video

I use this every day, and get about a year's life out of it. Then it will abruptly die. I'll soon be on my third X2U. Connections on both ends gradually get loose. Dislike the USB-B connector. But it does provide good sound while it is alive! I'm thinking about trying out a competitor, but worried the audio quality might not be as good. If I switch, I'll do a follow-up review.

XLR to USB is the best

Shure X2u XLR-to-USB Microphone Adapter Review

Shure X2u XLR-to-USB Microphone Adapter

Mar 15, 2011

Reviewed by David on Guitar Center

You can always count on Shure to provide a quality product. The quality of the audio is excellent, but equally as important are the available controls for Mic Gain, Volume, and Monitoring (to facilitate overlaying tracks).

Basic no frills XLR to USB interface

Shure X2u XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter Review

Shure X2u XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter

Jan 21, 2019

Reviewed by Bret on B&H Photo Video

I needed a USB interface to use with my SM57 for voice overs on my youtube videos. I knew that starting out I only needed 1 input and didnt want to pay extra for an interface that had extra features that I didnt need. Since Shure advertises this as being compatible with the SM57 (they actually have a kit version with the X2U and SM57 sold together) I decided to give it a try. It is a basic no frills interface. It is quiet up until about 90% at which point it has noticeable noise. With the SM57 I usually run it just below 90% to get the most gain without the noise. Overall it is sufficient for my needs. ... More

The perfect solution for me

Shure X2u XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter Review

Shure X2u XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter

Jul 10, 2018

Reviewed by Scott on B&H Photo Video

I voice and produce radio spots, and have always used XLR mics. I decided I needed to get a USB mic so that I could voice spots while on the road (without bringing a mixer, etc with me). Unfortunately, I have never been a big fan of USB Mics, and didn't want to spend more than $100 or so which limited my choices. Then I heard about the Shure X2U. For me, this was the perfect solution. With this product, I am now able to use a good quality XLR mic (in my case, a Shure KSM-32) and voice high quality spots from virtually anywhere. The X2U seems to be very well built, and is full of features. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to use an XLR mic via the USB port of their computer. ... More

A MUST HAVE FOR ANY SERIOUS PROFESSIONAL

Shure X2u XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter Review

Shure X2u XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter

Aug 12, 2013

Reviewed by LEGALEYENM on B&H Photo Video

I do alot of narration and have always had to head to the studio or hook up mixers, cameras, firewire into computers...a big pain. NOT ANYMORE! I love this device. Pulled it right out of the box, and was recording in minutes. Pushed it through Garageband where you can do all sorts of cool stuff/effects and I could not be happier with this product. Easy to use and results are definitely better than CD quality. Tremendous device. GET ONE TODAY!!!

Fits the bill

Shure X2u XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter Review

Shure X2u XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter

Jan 1, 2014

Reviewed by Dave on B&H Photo Video

I'm a news photographer who has added video to the work flow. One of the things I have to do is add voice over to news clips, sometimes from the back seat of my car. I carry a SM58 mic with me and the X2U gives me an easy way to connect the SM58 to Final Cut. This unit also supports phantom mics and has a headphone jack. I especially like that the X2U's USB connection is a large connector, not the mini version and it feels solid.

Shure is good

Shure X2u XLR-to-USB Microphone Adapter Review

Shure X2u XLR-to-USB Microphone Adapter

Jan 26, 2012

Reviewed by Jeffrey Brothers on Guitar Center

I reviewed several XLR-to-USB adapters. I needed more than just podcast quality and went with the Shure X2u. Glad I did. It's everything it proported to be. A great value.

A great way to record on the go

Shure X2u XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter Review

Shure X2u XLR to USB Microphone Signal Adapter

Jun 13, 2010

Reviewed by The Ship Report on B&H Photo Video

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.

Showing 1 to 20 of 67 Reviews