What is the ART XConnect?

The ART XConnect is a specialised cable that acts as a digital audio interface, allowing you to connect an XLR microphone directly to a computer via a USB port.

Does the XConnect require drivers to work?

No, it is a plug-and-play device. It does not require any additional drivers to be installed on Windows or macOS systems.

What audio quality does the ART XConnect provide?

It provides studio-quality digital audio with a bit depth of 16-bit and selectable sampling rates of 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz.

Can I use a condenser microphone with this cable?

The XConnect is designed for dynamic microphones. It does not provide phantom power, so standard condenser microphones will not function without an external power source.

What is the typical price for the XConnect?

The typical price range for this interface cable is approximately £35 (GBP).

Is the cable shielded?

Yes, the XConnect features a sturdily shielded cable design. This helps to protect the audio signal from interference and maintain fidelity during recording.

What type of connector is on the microphone end?

The microphone end features a standard female XLR connector, which is the industry standard for most professional microphones.

Can I use this for live performances?

While primarily designed for recording, it can be used for any application where you need to input a microphone signal into a computer, such as live streaming or digital signal processing.

Does it lose audio quality compared to a standard XLR cable?

The manufacturer states there is no loss in quality during the conversion process, providing a clean digital signal directly to your computer.

Is it compatible with all recording software?

Yes, because it is a class-compliant USB audio device, it should be recognised by any software that accepts USB audio inputs.

How does this compare to a Neutrik NA2MP adaptor?

The Neutrik NA2MP is a passive analogue adaptor for XLR to 1/4 inch jacks, whereas the XConnect is an active digital interface cable that converts analogue signals to USB.

Can I use this cable with a mobile phone?

If your mobile device supports USB OTG (On-The-Go) and class-compliant audio devices, it may work with the appropriate USB-A to USB-C or Lightning adaptor.

Gear article

ART XConnect USB Microphone Cable

The ART XConnect is an XLR-to-USB interface cable designed to facilitate the direct connection of dynamic microphones to a computer. It serves as a bridge between analogue audio equipment and digital recording software, offering plug-and-play functionality without the need for external drivers or power supplies.

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Overview

The ART XConnect represents a streamlined approach to digital audio recording. By integrating an Analogue-to-Digital (A/D) converter directly into a shielded XLR-to-USB cable, the device eliminates the need for traditional multi-channel audio interfaces for basic recording tasks. It is specifically designed for dynamic microphones, providing a direct path from the microphone's output to the computer's USB port.

Technical Specifications

The cable delivers studio-standard digital audio fidelity with support for both 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz sampling rates. It operates at a 16-bit resolution, which is consistent with standard CD-quality audio and sufficient for most home recording and podcasting applications. The cable construction includes sturdy shielding to prevent electromagnetic interference, ensuring a clean signal path during the conversion process.

Functionality and Compatibility

One of the primary advantages of the XConnect is its ease of use. It is a class-compliant device, meaning it is recognised by both Windows and macOS operating systems immediately upon connection without the installation of proprietary drivers. Users can connect a dynamic microphone to the female XLR end and plug the USB connector into their workstation to begin recording into any standard Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) or communication software.

Target Use Case

The XConnect is ideally suited for podcasters, vloggers, and musicians who require a portable and straightforward recording solution. Because it does not provide +48V phantom power, it is strictly intended for use with dynamic microphones rather than condenser microphones. It is particularly effective for mobile recording setups where carrying a bulky audio interface is impractical.

Comparative Analysis

Compared to standard analogue cables, such as the Studiospares Standard XLR or Ernie Ball instrument cables, the XConnect is an active device containing digital circuitry. While it lacks the versatility of a dedicated interface or adaptors like the Neutrik NA2MP or NC3FRX right-angled connectors, it offers a more compact and cost-effective solution for single-channel recording. For users requiring lighting control or complex routing, products like the Adam Hall 5-pin DMX cable or RCA phono cables serve entirely different functions in a studio environment.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the ART XConnect?: The ART XConnect is a specialised cable that acts as a digital audio interface, allowing you to connect an XLR microphone directly to a computer via a USB port.
Does the XConnect require drivers to work?: No, it is a plug-and-play device. It does not require any additional drivers to be installed on Windows or macOS systems.
What audio quality does the ART XConnect provide?: It provides studio-quality digital audio with a bit depth of 16-bit and selectable sampling rates of 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz.
Can I use a condenser microphone with this cable?: The XConnect is designed for dynamic microphones. It does not provide phantom power, so standard condenser microphones will not function without an external power source.
What is the typical price for the XConnect?: The typical price range for this interface cable is approximately £35 (GBP).
Is the cable shielded?: Yes, the XConnect features a sturdily shielded cable design. This helps to protect the audio signal from interference and maintain fidelity during recording.
What type of connector is on the microphone end?: The microphone end features a standard female XLR connector, which is the industry standard for most professional microphones.
Can I use this for live performances?: While primarily designed for recording, it can be used for any application where you need to input a microphone signal into a computer, such as live streaming or digital signal processing.
Does it lose audio quality compared to a standard XLR cable?: The manufacturer states there is no loss in quality during the conversion process, providing a clean digital signal directly to your computer.
Is it compatible with all recording software?: Yes, because it is a class-compliant USB audio device, it should be recognised by any software that accepts USB audio inputs.
How does this compare to a Neutrik NA2MP adaptor?: The Neutrik NA2MP is a passive analogue adaptor for XLR to 1/4 inch jacks, whereas the XConnect is an active digital interface cable that converts analogue signals to USB.
Can I use this cable with a mobile phone?: If your mobile device supports USB OTG (On-The-Go) and class-compliant audio devices, it may work with the appropriate USB-A to USB-C or Lightning adaptor.