Choose a USB hub when one computer simply needs more data ports for a USB microphone and other peripherals. If the microphone must alternate between two computers, choose a USB switch instead; if one USB-C laptop also needs charging, check the hub’s separate data-port and charging specifications. An analogue XLR microphone needs an audio interface before USB expansion can help.
If a work laptop and personal computer must take turns using the same USB microphone, the decision is about switching its connection, not simply adding ports to one computer. UGREEN UK describes its four-port switch as sharing USB devices between two computers.
If the microphone stays with one computer, count the data ports needed for it, a keyboard, a mouse and any other connected devices. Match the microphone’s USB connector to the hub’s ports; Kensington’s CH1000, for example, lists two USB-A and two USB-C expansion ports.
If a single USB-C connection must serve desk peripherals while the laptop remains charged, look for documented USB data ports and a separate, compatible Power Delivery arrangement. Check the laptop, charger and cable requirements rather than relying on the shape of a USB-C socket.
Decide whether the microphone must change computers before counting ports. For a one-computer desk, check the microphone’s connector and data-port availability, then consider laptop charging if the same USB-C connection must provide it.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Switching computers | Look for two host connections, suitable microphone data ports and a way to select the active computer. Check video switching separately if the monitor must move too. | When I alternate between two computers, I want the microphone to follow the active one without repeatedly reconnecting it; around 42% of consumers put two-computer switching first. |
| More data ports | Count the connected devices and match their USB-A or USB-C plugs to documented data ports. Check the computer’s host connection as well. | At a one-computer desk, I need room for my USB microphone alongside a keyboard or mouse; roughly 33% of consumers primarily need more peripheral ports. |
| Laptop charging | Check whether the laptop accepts charging through its chosen port, how the hub’s Power Delivery input works and what charger and cable it requires. | If my USB-C laptop has limited connections, I want it to stay charged while the microphone is attached; about 25% of consumers put retaining laptop charging first. |
A USB-C connector does not establish what every port can do. Kensington notes that USB-C describes the connector; data, display and Power Delivery functions still need to be checked on the particular host and hub. Belkin UK, for instance, specifies that 12W is shared across the USB-C ports on its AVC021 hub, while UGREEN UK identifies the USB-C data ports on its Revodok Pro separately from its charging port.
A conventional hub expands the connection to one host. UGREEN UK describes its four-port USB switch as sharing devices between two computers, but its separate USB-C switch does not transmit video.
Decide whether only the microphone and USB peripherals need to change computers. If the monitor must switch too, assess video-capable equipment separately rather than assuming a USB switch will handle it.
Choosing a one-host hub for this task can leave you reconnecting cables or needing a separate switch.
On some hubs, USB-C data ports and the Power Delivery port have different jobs. UGREEN UK identifies the Revodok Pro’s USB-C data ports as data-only; Belkin UK specifies shared downstream power on its AVC021.
Read the function assigned to each port and connect the USB microphone to a documented data port. Check host charging and display requirements separately.
An analogue XLR signal is not a USB audio signal. Shure explains that analogue microphone audio must be converted before it can connect through USB.
Identify the microphone’s connector first. Choose an appropriate audio interface or active conversion device for an analogue XLR microphone, then consider a hub if the computer still needs USB expansion.
An XLR setup may require an audio interface in addition to any hub.
A connected microphone may not be the input selected in Windows, or an app may lack microphone access. Microsoft Support recommends selecting and testing the microphone in Sound settings and checking app permissions.
After connecting through the hub, select the intended microphone as the input, test it and check access for the app you plan to use.
These brands illustrate different connection arrangements; the port functions and limitations below apply to the named models, not every product from each brand.
UGREEN UK lists both switches for alternating USB devices between computers and multiport hubs for a single USB-C host.
The AVC021 is an example of a one-host USB-C hub with USB-C expansion, host Power Delivery and HDMI, according to Belkin UK.
Targus UK’s ACH228EU illustrates a one-host hub for desks mixing USB-A and USB-C peripherals while using Power Delivery pass-through.
These USB-C hubs, adapters and docks offer ways to add connections to one computer for a USB microphone and other desk devices. If the microphone must alternate between two computers, look for a two-host USB switch instead. Check each product’s host connection, microphone data port and charging arrangement against your setup.
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For a one-computer desk needing USB-A and USB-C connections for a microphone and other peripherals. The product name lists one 10Gbps USB-A port, one 10Gbps USB-C port, two 480Mbps USB-A ports and a separate 100W USB-C Power Delivery input.
Match the microphone to a data port. If laptop charging matters, confirm the charger, host and pass-through arrangement; display output also requires a compatible host.
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For a one-computer desk where a USB-A microphone needs an adapter with other connections. Its product name lists dual USB 3.0 ports, HDMI, VGA, Gigabit Ethernet and 100W Power Delivery.
Check the microphone’s connector and whether the adapter’s charging arrangement suits your laptop and charger. Display use requires a compatible USB-C host.
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For a one-computer desk considering a dock for a USB-A microphone alongside display connections. The product name specifies dual HDMI 4K and 100W Power Delivery pass-through.
Confirm the available USB data ports against your microphone and other peripherals, and check whether the external adapter needed for your charging setup is included.
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For a one-computer desk needing USB data connections and other dock ports. The product name lists USB-C 10Gbps, USB-A 10Gbps and 5Gbps, HDMI 4K 60Hz, SD/TF and 3.5mm audio.
The 3.5mm audio connection is distinct from a USB microphone connection. Check the microphone’s intended port and confirm the laptop charging arrangement if charging through the dock is essential.
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For a one-computer desk considering a mix of USB-A and USB-C connections. The product name lists two USB-A 3.0 ports, one USB-C 3.0 port, SD/TF and HDMI 4K60Hz.
Check that your computer supports the required USB-C docking connection before choosing it, and confirm which port will carry the microphone’s data connection.
No: an analogue XLR microphone needs an audio interface or active conversion device to produce USB-compatible digital audio. Shure explains that analogue microphone signals require this conversion; check the microphone’s connector before deciding whether a hub is also needed.
A USB switch can move the microphone between the two computers, but that does not mean both can use it at once. UGREEN UK specifies its four-port switch for sharing USB devices between two computers, with selection of the active computer.
Not automatically. USB-C identifies the connector, while the functions of the laptop port and each hub port depend on their specifications. Check for a documented data port for the microphone, then assess charging and video separately.
Select the connected microphone under Input in Windows Sound settings and run an input test. If the intended app still cannot use it, Microsoft Support advises checking microphone access permissions for apps before assuming the connection hardware needs replacing.