XLR to USB converters in use with 6x00 Series

Jay -- N0FB

This question may be a bit premature as Remote Operation is not available in SmartSDR until late this year (local LAN).  With that being said, I'm sure I'm not the only one thinking of a time when we will want to talk on a Flex 6x00 radio remotely, but still be able to use a high quality microphone such as a Heil 781.  The 781, as do most Pro Audio microphones, has an XLR input.  This type of input is not computer friendly.  You typically won't find an XLR connection (or a 8 Pin Din) on your  PC/Laptop at the remote location.  What to do besides using a Computer Headset?

I'm thinking that an XLR to USB converter might be the ticket.  Theoretically, these connect between the XLR Microphone on one end and has a USB connection on the other.  When the USB is connected to a PC/MAC a new device shows up as a new sound card.  These devices usually have a 16 or 24 bit A/D converter in them capable of sampling somewhere between 41.1K to 96K.  Some of the better ones have a pre-amp for dynamic microphones (with 48 volt phantom circuit).

I'm betting that once Remote operations has been added, you will be able to map a sound device to DAX or other control panel device for Mic audio transfer.

My question to the community is: Has any one tried any of these devices and had success using it and a XLR Microphone on say Skype or other VOIP applications?  Are other operators wanting to do the same type of thing?  Is there any reason where this would not work?  Does Flex recommend against this?

A few converter box/cables I've seen on the market include:

• Behringer XENYX 302USB
• Blue Icicle USB Adapter
• Shure X2u XLR-to-USB
• 3M USB MIC Link Adaptor Cable
• ART XConnect
• Nothing from Heil Sound (Bob...are you listening?)

Mike NN9DD

Heil has a purple bluetooth adapter that would get that audio into a pc quite easy. Transmitting over the internet is a function of bandwidth I dont do this currently but i habe seen it used on skype Mike N9DFD

Jay -- N0FB

Whoops. Heil does hav an XLR to USB device : Heil USBQ_USB_Equalizer

KY6LA_Howard

I use a simple $24 Logitech Bluetooth headset via Skype to remote from my ipad to my 6700. I get better audio reports with it than I get from my Heil Goldline XLR mike connected directly to the 6700.

Ken N9VV

Hi Jay, here is a link to a fellow Ham who makes all kinds of adapters;
http://swap.qth.com/view_ad.php?counter=1133115
perhaps you can check with him for the new XLR to 6000 Series
GL de Ken N9VV