USB Mic vs Aux Mic: Which One Is The Best For You?

Both USB and Aux mics offer plug-and-play operation, but they also have major differences, which are important to understand to make the right choice.

USB and Aux mics are usually the top picks for people who want to improve the sound quality of their audio device system without undertaking much hassle. The plug-and-play operations and ease of setup naturally make these mics their preferred choice. While these mics share a commonality, there are a lot of differences between them, playing a vital role in defining their applications.

You must know these differences and their impact on the performance of aux and USB microphones to make the right pick and it is exactly what this article will discuss.

Let’s get to them.

Aux vs USB Microphones – Comparison Table

Attribute	Aux Mic	USB Mic
Sound Quality	Inferior	Superior
Durability	Flimsy	Rugged
Features	Basic	Semi-Pro to Pro
Price	$$	$$$
Applications	Vast	Limited
Weight & Dimensions	Lightweight, compact	Bulky

How Does A USB Microphone Work?

A USB microphone, as the name implies, connects to other devices via a USB connector. If the mic is compatible with a device, you only have to plug it in the USB port, and it will start working.  Typically, USB microphones use the same cable to transmit audio signals and draw power from the USB devices, eliminating the need for an external power source.

Furthermore, these mics have an integrated analog-to-digital converter, meaning users don’t have to rely on their audio cards to make the conversion. The conversion carried out by integrated adapter on the USB microphones carries out a better job and renders notes accurately. 

You do not need to install any drivers with devices that are compatible with USB microphones, making them plug-and-play devices.

Benefits of USB Mics

Using a USB microphone offers several benefits, which include but are not limited to the following;

1. Ease of Use

The most obvious advantage of a USB mic is the ease of use. You neither need any accessories nor the installation of drivers to connect it to your laptop or PC. It makes USB microphones ideal for users who want better sound quality without going through a hassle.

Furthermore, USB microphones use a single cable to draw power and transmit sound signals via the sound card, so users in a home studio do not have to deal with clutters of wires. They come with several built-in features, ranging from semi-pro to the most obvious advantage of a USB mic is the ease of use.

2. Portability

Although USB microphones are a little bit heavier than their aux counterparts, they are compact and lightweight compared to other microphones, like XLR mics. You can easily pack them in your traveling kit along with a laptop or any other USB device you use with it, enabling you to record anywhere.

3. Self-Powered

USB microphones, even those that require phantom power, use a single USB cable to draw power. Thus, you do not have to use an audio interface or any other separate audio devices to get it up and running. The microphone will start working when you plug it into your device’s USB port.

4. Built-in Features

USB microphones often come with several built-in features, ranging from semi-pro to pro. Such versatility in USB devices positions them as excellent podcast mics for beginners, offering ease of use with various features. A 3.5mm output is almost always present on a USB microphone, allowing you to monitor your audio recording in real time. Furthermore, USB microphones are also equipped with features like a mute button, multiple polar patterns, high-pad, and low-cut filters to manipulate the sound quality according to your preference.

Most USB mic manufacturers offer free post-production software with their products, offering you more control over final sound quality.

5. Better Sound Quality

USB microphones typically have much better sound quality than Aux microphones. It is because they have better built-in analog-to-digital converters that do not lose any notes during the conversion. Furthermore, the built-in features such as switchable polar patterns, frequency filtering functions, and accessories allow you to manipulate the sound quality so you can get the desired results.

You can get both a dynamic and a condenser mic with a USB connector, allowing you to improve the audio quality even further based on your applications.

6. Compatibility with Digital Audio Workstations

Almost all USB microphones are compatible with digital audio workstations and some come with their own. It makes it easier for the users to integrate them with their workflow. Furthermore, the application undergoes routine updates, equipping them with more features, and consequently offering more creative freedom to the sound engineers without requiring a hardware update.

Drawbacks of USB microphones

Despite all the benefits of a USB mic, it is not recommended for every user because of certain drawbacks, which include the following;

1. Limited compatibility

While USB microphones are compatible with almost all devices that have a USB port, they cannot be used with devices that do not offer that particular input. So, if you have to use a USB mic with a camera, tablet, or smartphone, they are not the best choice.  The market offers an audio adapter to change the connecting port, but attaching it compromises the audio quality of most USB microphones.

2. Noise and Interface

USB microphones are prone to capturing noise and interference, particularly when used in an open USB port along with other affordable audio devices with universal serial bus connectors. If you are a gamer or someone who connects a lot of accessories with the laptop or PC, you will lose on the audio quality.

3. Dependent on Computer’s Performance

A USB mic is highly dependent on the capabilities of the computer for processing the audio signal and drawing power. If a computer is underpowered you will experience a dip in the quality of sound. 

4. Lack of integration with professional equipment

The audio equipment used in the studio, such as the audio interface, mixers, and preamp devices, use XLR connectors and do not generally offer USB output, limiting their integration with a USB mic. So, if you want to upgrade your setup to record musical instruments, voiceovers, or any other task that needs professional equipment, the USB mic will falter.

How Does An AUX Mic Work?

Aux mics connect to the aux input of the audio processing devices, such as laptops, cameras, PCs, and tablets. Generally, they do not have built-in processing hardware to convert analog signals to digital inputs and thus rely on external equipment. However, most modern hardware, even the most affordable audio devices, have an analog-to-digital convertor, compensating for the lack of aux mics.

Because of the availability of analog-to-digital converters, these microphones are also considered plug-and-play devices. You do not require extra accessories or drivers, like XLR microphones, to get the running. Simply plug them in with the compatible device, and they will start working.

Furthermore, these microphones have a simple design, allowing the manufacturers to design them in different sizes and shapes according to applications.

Benefits of AUX mics

Using analog mics such as aux offers several benefits, which include but are not limited to the following;

1. Small and Compact Size

Aux mics generally have smaller sizes and compact dimensions, allowing you to carry them anywhere with you. You can attach them to your camera or smartphone without it weighing you down to get high-quality audio. Even those aux mics that require phantom power are not too heavy despite their needs batteries, allowing you to record audio without any inconvenience.

2. Better Integration With Studio Equipment

You can connect aux mics with most of the studio equipment, much like an XLR microphone, to get the best results. Almost all studio devices offer aux ports, making these mics more flexible and versatile.

3. Latency Control

While AUX mics generally have higher latency than USB microphones, they can be controlled via studio accessories. If you use the headphone jack in the equipment other than the microphone, the latency can be minimized. However, it is not possible with USB microphones because they have limited compatibility with studio equipment.

4. More Post-Production Control

The audio signal via aux mics is processed by the sound card of the computer system or other devices. You can manipulate the final digital signal by utilizing the features and capabilities of your sound card. The processing device essentially receives a raw signal, which can be helpful in post-production as it allows more creative liberty in recording software.

5. Excellent Backup Recording Instrument

Aux mics work as brilliant backup instruments while using multiple recording sources, like when recording music pieces. You can use the audio from the aux mic to replace the signal coming from the XLR mic on the system.

Drawbacks of Aux Mics

Some drawbacks which may make aux mics unsuitable for some users include;

1. Additional Equipment

Some aux mics, particularly condenser mics, may require additional equipment to work, which can increase the cost, making them unsuitable for users who are looking for an affordable solution.

2. Difficult Controls

While aux mics are plug-and-play devices, you have to invest in good software and learn it to get the best results. These microphones produce relatively raw results, which some users may not appreciate.

3. Maintenance

Some aux mics, particularly those that are high-end, require regular maintenance to deliver the best performance. It is in contrast to USB microphones, which maintain performance without any maintenance.

4. Static Noise

Aux mics may produce static noise if they are not properly connected to the desktop computer, laptop, or camera. It can increase the background noise and compromise the sound quality.

Frequently Asked Questions