Gearank

Gearank High Notes

• 2022.04: Highest Rated Audio Interface Under $100
• 2021.11: Highest Rated Audio Interface Under $100
• 2020.10: Highest Rated Audio Interface Under $100
• 2019.12: Highest Rated Audio Interface Under $100

Gearank Recommended

The Shure X2U is an unconventional audio interface. Most audio interfaces have a desktop format. The Shure X2U is a straightforward audio interface that flips things around.

Instead of plugging a microphone into it, you plug it INTO your microphone.

This allows you to have a very minimal setup. You can use one microphone similar to a USB powered mic but with the freedom to change microphones whenever you like.

This isn't limited to just dynamic mics. You can use it with large-diaphragm condenser microphones since it has built-in +48V Phantom power.

Zero-latency direct monitoring is also a handy feature.

Simply put - it turns any microphone into a USB microphone. I love how you can use your favorite mics with the unit on-the-go without needing to bring a typical interface and cables.

The convenience of not having to bring so many components to record makes it a great tool for field recordings.

It is a tool for a very specific purpose and naturally I find it lacking for certain use cases. But to add more would sacrifice the portability and convenience of the unit. Mics that need high gain like the Shure SM7b will hiss at higher input gain settings.

Do you want an audio interface but don't want to bring along a box and 2 different cables to set up? The Shure X2U solves that very specific problem.

This interface allows you to use your favorite mics on the go (including condensers that need phantom power). If mobility is important to you, then it may be worth considering the X2U.

Ensure that you're using a microphone that doesn't require excessive gain, which could potentially introduce hiss when pushing the preamp.

Tech Specs

• A/D Resolution: 16-bit, up to 48 kHz
• Preamp: Integrated preamp with Microphone Gain Control
• Channels: 1
• Inputs: 1
• Outputs: Headphones Output, USB out
• MIDI: No
• Power: USB powered
• Phantom Power: +48V
• Bundled Software: None