Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB Cardioid Dynamic USB/XLR Microphone

Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB At A Glance

The Audio-Technica Consumer ATR2100x-USB offers to podcasters, voice-over artists, and live performers a professional-quality solution for recording vocals at home, and amplifying vocals on the stage. Sporting both an XLR and a USB output, the mic allows you to record straight to computers, without sacrificing its ability to function as a live mic with any old mixer or PA system.

The mic fulfills its dual purposes with an enticing feature: the ability to handle 24-bit/192 kHz audio. One could consider this specification to be on the high-end of high-res. Thus, this mic offers uncompromising quality for capturing the nuances of your voice, despite the wallet-friendly price tag. Two USB cables, an XLR cable, and a desktop stand are included.

Fits Your Needs

The mic features both XLR and USB outputs that enable flexible digital recording to any Mac- or Windows-based computer workstation, while simultaneously connected to any analog mixer, preamplifier, or PA system.

Handheld Form Factor

This solidly constructed mic is designed to be held in your hand, though it can also be mounted on a stand—such as the one included with the mic.

Cardioid Polar Pattern for Stage & Home Use

The microphone makes use of a directional cardioid polar pattern to minimize off-axis sound. This polar pattern naturally, yet effectively tamps down room tone and focuses the audio capture on what’s directly in front of the mic. That’s why it’s equally effective on the stage and in the home-studio.

Built-In 3.5mm Headphone Jack

The mic offers a headphone jack for monitoring, with a convenient headphone volume dial to adjust the playback level. Just plug a pair of headphones into the mic’s 3.5mm jack, and you’ll be able to listen to your broadcast-quality audio in all its glory.

Easy-to-Use Controls, Minimal Powering Required

The mic offers a simple on/off switch for the XLR output. This acts as a mute, which can come in handy live. This switch has absolutely no bearing on powering the mic—in fact, as this is a dynamic microphone, it requires no power to run when used in the analog domain. When you’re plugged into a digital device, such as a computer, the mic will draw power from the computer to operate the digital interface.

Professional Audio Capture

The mic can record audio at sample rates and resolutions up to 192 kHz/24-bit. In the world of PCM digital, this is considered a high-end spec: the highest sample rate you ususally see in the pro studio world is 96 kHz. You don’t have to worry about what this means though. All you need to understand is that this spec pushes the mic far above its price-class and can arguably help you achieve a more smooth and present vocal recording. This, of course, depends on how you use the mic—your mic technique, your room treatment, and other conisdeations of that nature. But 192 kHz/24-bit is an excellent place to start.

Included Hardware

The durabale mic ships with a foldable desktop tripod stand and a mic clip. It also includes a USB-C to USB-A cable, a USB-C cable, and an XLR cable. Ostensibly, you should have everything you need to get started right out of the box