SHURE X2u XLR-to-USB Microphone Adapter
X2u

Coming Spring 2009

Popular Mechanics Editor’s Choice Award

For over 80 years, Shure microphones have captured the world’s most memorable stage and studio performances.

Now, the Shure X2u XLR-to-USB Signal Adapter lets you use your most trusted microphones for all your digital recordings

Any Mic. Any Time. Anywhere.
Slim, portable and simple to connect, the X2u adapter makes it easy to record whenever you want, anywhere you take your computer – from the home studio, to the garage, to the road.

Product Overview
Use your favorite microphones to digitally record wherever and whenever your computer takes you with the new X2u XLR-to-USB Signal Adapter. Perfect for multi-track recording, the X2u features built-in headphone monitoring with zero latency, and easy controls to balance microphone and playback audio – just plug and play for better-than-CD quality sound.

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Features

Connect

* Plug and Play USB Connectivity allows the convenience of digital recording
anywhere your computer can go (compatible with Windows Vista, XP, 2000, and Mac OS X 10.1 or later)
* Provides +48V Phantom power for use with condenser microphones
* Includes Padded, zippered pouch and USB cable (3m / 9.8ft)

Record

* Monitor Mix Control for blending microphone and playback audio
* 1/8″ Headphone Jack with volume control for monitoring
* Integrated pre-amp with Microphone Gain Control allows control of input signal strength

Playback

* Zero Latency Monitoring for real-time playback and multi-tracking without disorientation
* 16-bit, up to 48 KHz sample rate for better-than-CD audio quality

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Specifications

Frequency Response
20 to 20,000 Hz +/- 1 dB

Power Requirements
USB-powered, 500 mA, maximum

Digital Noise Floor (20 Hz to 20 kHz, A-weighted)
Minimum MIC GAIN setting: −81 dB FS
Maximum MIC GAIN setting: −78 dB FS

Sampling Rate
up to 48 kHz

Bit Depth
16 bit

Peak Signal Indicator (Tri-color)
OFF: −30 dB FS
Green: −30 to −12 dB FS
Yellow: −12 to 0 dB FS
Red: >0 (digital converter clipped)

Adjustable Gain Range
40 dB

Headphone Output
3.5 mm (1/8 inch)

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System Requirements

USB
USB 1.1 or 2.0, powered

RAM
64MB RAM (minimum)

Operating System
Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional Japanese/English Edition
Microsoft Windows XP Home/Professional Japanese/English Edition (service pack 1.0 or later, or use the USB audio driver update from Microsoft)
Microsoft Windows Vista™ Business Japanese/English Edition
Apple Computer Mac OS X 10.0 or later English Edition
Apple Computer Mac OS X 10.1 or later Japanese Edition (For Mac OS X 10.0 Japanese Edition, plug and play does not work appropriately)

The Innovations Design and Engineering Award is based upon descriptive materials submitted to the judges. CEA did not verify the accuracy of any submission or of any claims made and did not test the item to which the award was given

Article found here : http://www.shure.com/NewProducts/X2u/index.htm

So there you have it new products are on the horizon for all you USB users.

Brian Hudson
Voice-Over Casting Team