
Shure
Shure X2U XLR-to-USB Adapter Headphone Jack Phantom Power
★★★★★
XLRPhantom Power48Vcondenser
Convert any XLR microphone into a USB recording device with built-in preamp, phantom power, and zero-latency monitoring.
$162.44*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.
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Overview
Key Features
Plug and Play USB Connectivity allows the convenience of digital recording
Provides +48V Phantom power for use with condenser microphones
Includes Padded, zippered pouch and USB cable (3m / 9.8ft)
Monitor Mix Control for blending microphone and playback audio
Integrated pre-amp with Microphone Gain Control allows control of input signal strength
Specifications
Brand
Shure
Model
X2U
Connectivity
XLR input to USB output
Phantom Power
+48V
Preamp
Integrated with Gain Control
Monitoring
Zero Latency via headphone jack
Monitor Mix
Blends microphone and playback audio
USB Cable Length
3m / 9.8ft
Included Accessories
Padded zippered pouch, USB cable
Compatible OS
Windows Vista/XP/2000/7/8/10, Mac OS X 10.1+
Connector Types
USB, XLR
Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
- Enables any XLR microphone to connect directly to a computer via USB without a separate audio interface
- Built-in +48V phantom power means condenser microphones work right out of the box
- Zero-latency headphone monitoring eliminates the distracting delay common in software monitoring
- Integrated preamp with gain control lets you set proper input levels without external hardware
- Comes with a padded zippered pouch and a 3-meter USB cable ready to use
👎 Cons
- Single XLR input limits you to recording one microphone at a time
- Does not appear on updated OS compatibility lists, which may concern users on newer operating systems
- No dedicated volume knob for the headphone output separate from the mix control
- Analog gain range may not provide enough boost for very low-output dynamic microphones without raising the noise floor
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this adapter provide phantom power for condenser microphones?
Yes, the X2U supplies +48V phantom power, so you can use it with condenser microphones that require external power without needing a separate audio interface or mixer.
Do I need to install drivers to use the X2U?
No, the X2U is a plug-and-play USB device. It is recognized as a standard audio input on Windows and Mac systems without any additional driver installation.
What does the Monitor Mix Control do?
The Monitor Mix Control knob lets you blend the live microphone signal with computer playback audio in your headphones, so you can hear yourself alongside backing tracks or previously recorded audio.
Can I monitor my microphone input without latency?
Yes, the X2U features zero-latency direct monitoring through its headphone output, so you hear your voice in real time with no delay—regardless of your recording software's buffer settings.
What operating systems does it support?
It is compatible with Windows Vista, XP, 2000, 7, 8, and 10, as well as Mac OS X 10.1 or later.