Shure

Shure X2U XLR-to-USB Adapter Headphone Jack Phantom Power

4.7 (692 reviews)
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

The Shure X2U XLR-to-USB adapter is designed to bridge the gap between professional XLR microphones and computer-based recording. Rather than investing in a full audio interface, you simply plug your XLR microphone into one end of the X2U and connect the other end to your computer's USB port. The adapter handles everything in between: an integrated preamplifier with a gain control knob lets you dial in the right input level, while +48V phantom power means condenser microphones work without any additional equipment. It is a true plug-and-play device, recognized by Windows and Mac operating systems without driver installation.

One of the X2U's most practical features is its zero-latency monitoring. A built-in headphone jack lets you hear your microphone signal in real time with no perceptible delay, which is critical for voice recording, podcasting, and voiceover work where even a few milliseconds of latency can be distracting. The Monitor Mix Control knob lets you blend your live mic signal with playback audio from your computer, making it easy to record along with backing tracks or reference material. Shure includes a padded zippered pouch for protection and a generous 3-meter (9.8-foot) USB cable, giving you plenty of reach between your mic position and your computer.

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

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.
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.
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.
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.
It is compatible with Windows Vista, XP, 2000, 7, 8, and 10, as well as Mac OS X 10.1 or later.