Better Conference Audio Recording with the Shure X2u XLR to USB Signal Adapter

Many people have been using Connect Pro to webcast live, in person events from venues like convention centers or conference rooms. In order to do this, there are usually a fair number of work-arounds, like using a dedicated computer with an audio capture card. Otherwise, meeting hosts might use the host computer's internal microphone, often resulting in poor audio quality.ﾠ

These pain points encouraged me to find a better solution to use Connect Pro's integrated VoIP feature while hosting a meeting in such a location. We supported many "breakout" sessions in convention/conference centers where multiple presenters would present at a podium. The session organizers wanted each session recorded with Connect Pro, but did not want to pay for dedicated recording equipment in each room. Recording the audio from a laptop microphone was not feasible, because of poor laptop microphone quality, incompatible laptops and presenter setups that aren't close to the laptop. Instead of using the laptop internal microphone, we had the AV crews supply us with the audio out from the main sound mixer in the room (for the room audio reinforcement). Until now, this audio feed came in the form of a 3.5mm jack that plugged into the computer's microphone/line in jack. This also produced inconsistent results because of differing sound cards, the poor quality of adapters, etc. Many recordings were unwatchable because of poor audio recording.ﾠ

To solve these issues, I sought out the Shure X2u XLR-to-USB Signal Adapter, which would allow a user to take a high quality audio feed from the mixer (XLR) and go straight into the laptop/computer with a high quality signal (USB). With this device, a user doesn't have to depend on the quality of the computer's sound card or internal microphone. We tested this out at a few of our local conferences and the results are excellent. No audio quality is lost through the conversion, and this supports all kinds of professional XLR inputs, and provides phantom power for stand alone microphones. ﾠ

This device works with Windows PCs and Mac PCs, with no need to install drivers. After the user plugs in the USB, Connect Pro instantly recognizes it as an audio source in the Microphone settings tab.

The device itself allows the user to adjust the audio input level, so the user can set a good audio volume level without being too over-driven or too quiet. It is as simple as using a USB headset to capture audio in Connect Pro. I also like this device because it is easily portable, so the user can carry it along in any laptop bag or case. ﾠ

I would recommend this device (or similar) to anyone who regularly presents at conferences and wants to record their presentations in Connect Pro. This is also highly useful for conferencing and event teams who need to record Connect Pro sessions in convention centers, conference rooms, or any type of live venue with professional microphones involved.