How To Use a USB Microphone on Xbox One with Few Easy Steps

Online streaming is quite famous these days and if you are a gamer, you might already know that having a good mic and using it in the right way give you an amazing user experience.

But when it comes to choosing a mic, a lot of people get confused since there are a number of good options available in the market which makes the decision tougher.

Well, if you are already aware of a USB mic or somebody might have recommended it to you, or in case you already have it but don’t know how to use it with your Xbox One.

Don’t worry you are just at the right place, I will tell you all about it from A to Z. I will make sure by the end of this article that you get answers to all your queries. So, let’s dig in!

What’s an Xbox One?

Xbox is a gaming console manufactured by Microsoft. You can connect it with your TV, PC, or any other electronic displaying device. Once you plug it into a displaying device you can start to play games on it.

Xbox gives a variety of options for games.

Some of them already exist on the Xbox while others you can get or download. It is the most popular gaming console among teenagers and adults and also it is widely available in the market as it is quite user-friendly and fun to use.

The Xbox one is the third product of the series of gaming consoles of Microsoft.

Features and Specifications of Xbox one

The Xbox one uses wireless technology for connectivity. Xbox one comes with a controller that has a variety of buttons on it for different operations. It uses two AA batteries for power and comes with an AC power operator. It also comes with a headset so you don’t have to get one on your own.

Now you know about an Xbox let’s move towards how can you use a USB mic with it. But first, let me tell you what a USB mic is, in case you have no idea about it.

What is a USB microphone?

A USB microphone is the same as any other ordinary microphone available in the market. It has a diaphragm, capsule the only difference is that, unlike other ordinary microphones, it has two extra circuits and an AD converter and a preamp.

Most of the USB mics that are available in the market are condenser mics but you will find dynamic USB mic too. Both work great but you have to check for their specifications and features before you purchase one. The USB mics connect quite easily with any device that has a USB port.

You just have to plug them in. The USB mic has brilliant recording quality and they are not even expensive and out of anyone’s budget.

Also, if you are going to use it with your Xbox one you won’t be needing any additional equipment since these USB mics come with everything necessary.

You don’t even have to make any extra efforts to connect it with your device. USB mics are quite easy and handy to use. They don’t have any complicated features.

Do USB Microphones Work on Xbox?

Xbox primarily supports microphones that connect via the 3.5mm headphone jack on the Xbox Wireless Controller, or proprietary connections like the one used by the Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter.

However, it is possible use certain USB microphones with Xbox by connecting them through the console’s USB ports.

How Does a USB Microphone Work?

Due to their easy use, USB microphones are quite popular among online streamers especially gamers.

All you just have to do is to plug in your microphone in the USB port of your device and your good to go without any hassle that you usually have to make with ordinary mics in getting to connect them with your devices.

The converter that is integrated inside the USB mic converts the analogue signals into digital signals. The USB mic has an in-built audio interference. There are three USB microphone transducers types.

One is the condenser and the other two are ribbon and dynamic. Most people choose condenser mics because of their sensitivity and cardioid polar pattern. All these three transducers have their specific features.

But what every type is they all give a digital output since they all have digital converters inserted inside.

Common USB Connectors

The most common USB connectors that are used are as follows:

• A micro-USB-B
• B-type
• 3.0 B-type
• 3.0 micro-B

All of these types are compatible with a variety of connectors or USB ports of other devices such as USB A-type, USB C- type, USB 3.0 A-type, and USB 3.0 B type. Moreover, USB mics can catch and carry digital signals in three different ways.

These ways are called classes 1,2 & 3 in technological terminologies. Class 1 can work with a frequency range of 24-bit 96 kHz while class 2 can manage a range of 24-bit 192 kHz.

However, class 3 works on a very less amount of power. Overall USB mics are quite perfect to use with Xbox one because of their plug-and-play option and digital signals.

How to use USB Mic on Xbox One

Now that you know all the necessary things about a USB microphone ad an Xbox one let us move toward the main topic which is how to use a USB mic on Xbox one.

Usually, the wireless controller of the Xbox one comes with a USB port. This USB port is approximately 3.5 mm in size. This means that it is compatible with any USB mic that has a USB port or jack 3.5 mm. Any standard-size USB mic will easily get connected with the Xbox One gaming console.

There are several ways how you can connect your USB mic with the Xbox. The most common one is to go to the party chat option on the controllers and all you have to do is to switch it from game chart to party chart and it will allow you to speak once you have plugged in your mic with the Xbox.

You can also go without using the party chat option. Just plug in your microphone inside the jack or port of your X box and you are good to go.

Just start speaking and you don’t have to do anything extra that you might have to do while connecting the X box to an ordinary mic. But we are talking about USB mics here.

USB Microphones Compatible with XBOX ONE

There are hundreds of USB mics available in the market but these three mics are best according to quality, price and customer satisfaction.

1- Audio-Technica AT2020USB (Top Pick)

Features

• Connectivity: USB
• Power Source: Corded Electric
• Polar Pattern: Unidirectional
• Frequency Response: 20-20 kHz
• Compatible with Windows 7, Vista, XP, 2000 and Mac OS X

2- Blue Yeti USB Microphone (Runner Up)

 Features

• Connectivity: USB
• Power Source: Corded Electric
• Polar pattern: Multipattern
• Frequency response: 40-18 Khz
• Compatible with Windows 10 or higher, macOS 10.13 or later

3- ZaxSound SF666 PRO USB Microphone (Budget Choice)

Features

• Connectivity: USB
• Power source: Corded Electric
• Polar pattern: Unidirectional
• Compatible with Laptop, PC

How To Connect an Xbox One To a Condenser USB Mic?

Condenser microphones usually work on phantom power. While for USB mics everyone knows that they do not require phantom power.

But don’t get confused whether you will be needing phantom power for your condenser USB mics or not because when you are going to plug in your mic inside the gaming console the mic will automatically take the power necessary for operation from the Xbox and will start recording.

A USB microphone has got all your solutions covered. These are quite inexpensive and you don’t have to buy a piece of extra equipment such as a preamp etc. just plug in the USB cord inside the jack of your mic. With a Condenser USB mic, you will experience clear and natural sounds.

It works amazing for Xbox. But in case there is a lot of heavy noise around you then it would become a bit difficult for you since the condenser mic is sensitive to surrounding sounds.

How to Connect USB mic to Xbox One With a USB Dynamic Microphone?

Now the dynamic microphones do not work on phantom powers they just require internal batteries. So, you would not get confused about the power supply or phantom power. You will just be needing two AA batteries.

And just like for the condenser USB mic you can connect the dynamic USB mic in the same way as well. Take the USB dynamic mic adapter and plug it into the controller of the game console.

Now take the mic and plug it inside the 3.5 mm jack of the controller’s adapter. You can use the buttons on the adapter of the controller to control your operations such as turning the volume up or low. Now you are good to go.

FAQs on USB Microphone Xbox One 

How to connect a streaming mic to Xbox one?

Streaming mics are Xbox compatible microphones while offering a list of good features. Many beginners do confuse about connecting these microphones to Xbox. Here is how you can connect your streaming mic to Xbox one:

1. Adjust the stand for the mic. Properly lock the holder on the frame.
2. Now put the mic between the holder. You will get two studs with the adjustment kit. Observe. On the opposite sides, you will see two holes. Fix the microphone between the stand using the studs and holes. You can fix the position keeping in view your comfort level.
3. Now download the turtle beach audio hub to your device.
4. From the settings on the audio hub, you can personalize your streaming audio settings.
5. Now you can plug in the headset using the jack on the mic.

How to use blue yeti on Xbox one without an adapter?

Blue yeti is another good USB microphone. It gives good audio quality and can connect to your Xbox effortlessly. Here is how you can get crisp audio in no time:

1. Connect your blue yeti microphone to Xbox One by using the USB port on the console.
2. Now plug 3.5 4 pin microphone cable into the controller.
3. Now take another wire, preferably an audio wire, and connect one end of it to the microphone headphone jack and the other end to the mic pin of an already connected cable.

Test the audio as your Xbox is connected to your USB mic without an adapter.

How to Connect USB Mic to Xbox One without Adapter?

To connect a headset to an Xbox One, the easiest way is to plug it directly into an Xbox Wireless Controller with a 3.5mm port. Simply plug the 3.5mm jack into the small circular port on the bottom of the controller and use the microphone on the headset to communicate with other players during online gaming. However, not all Xbox Wireless Controllers have a 3.5mm port. If your controller doesn’t have this port, you’ll need to purchase an adapter to connect a headset with a 3.5mm jack to your controller.

How to use USB mic on Xbox series?

Connecting a USB mic to the Xbox series is a pretty simple job. You can connect the mic to the Xbox using one out of three USB ports available on the Xbox. Adjust the settings on the Xbox and enjoy your gaming experience.

Can I plug a USB headset into Xbox One?

Yes, you can plug the USB headset into Xbox One. It is compatible with most USB headsets, but some USB headsets don’t go with the Xbox One.

You can check for compatibility before buying one.

Final Thoughts on Xbox USB Mic 

Connecting a USB microphone, no matter if it’s a condenser USB microphone or Dynamic USB microphone is quite an easy task to do only if you are aware of the specifications and features of each device.

Once you just know how to do the job properly you can easily get the USB microphone of every type connected to your Xbox. USB microphones work very smoothly with the Xbox. They don’t cause any disturbance and take only seconds to connect.

Therefore, professional gamers all around the world prefer to use a USB mic while streaming online or just playing Xbox with their friends. Whether you are a professional or a beginner the simple techniques mentioned above will help you in mastering the art of using a USB microphone with an Xbox One.

We hope that this article was of great help and you have learned something from it. Thanks for reading! Have a good day!