XLR
An XLR is a type of electrical connector used primarily for high-quality audio, most often to connect professional microphones to other equipment. To connect an XLR microphone to a computer, you must use an intermediary device like an audio interface or a specialized adapter cable.
How XLR connects to a computer
Since a computer does not have a native XLR port, it needs a converter to turn the analog XLR signal into a digital format that the computer can process via a USB or Thunderbolt port.
There are three common ways to connect an XLR device to a computer:
Audio interface: This is the recommended and most professional method for using an XLR mic. An audio interface is an external sound card that connects to your PC via USB or Thunderbolt. It contains high-quality preamps to boost the microphone's signal and often provides phantom power (+48V) for condenser mics. The interface converts the analog signal from the mic into a digital signal that the computer can record.
XLR to USB cable: These special adapter cables contain a built-in digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that allows you to plug a dynamic XLR microphone directly into a computer's USB port. This is a less professional method than an audio interface, and it may not provide enough gain for the microphone or the necessary phantom power for condenser mics.
XLR adapter with phantom power: For those who need more control, a combination of an XLR to USB adapter and a separate phantom power supply can be used.
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