Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB Review | 76 Data compared

The Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB is an exceptionally versatile cardioid dynamic microphone reviewed by Chester Tan, who praises its ability to adapt to both traditional analog and modern digital workflows. Priced affordably at S$128, the microphone stands out by offering dual connectivity via digital USB-C and analog XLR ports. When connected digitally, it operates at a high-resolution 24-bit/192kHz sampling rate, effectively functioning as an external sound card. It features a dense, matte-finished metal body and comes bundled with a generous set of accessories, including USB-C to USB-C, USB-C to USB-A, and XLR cables, alongside a mic holder and a foldable desk tripod. Performance-wise, its cardioid polar pattern captures a clean vocal range with crisp upper sibilance without becoming overly boomy, making it highly reliable for online meetings, podcasts, and voiceovers. The primary pros of the Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB center on its dual USB/XLR versatility, excellent plug-and-play mobile compatibility with laptops or smartphones, and a dedicated power button that safely shuts off the microphone circuit while leaving the 3.5mm live headphone monitoring operational. Because it is a dynamic microphone, it is inherently less sensitive...

The Audio-Technica ATR-2100x is a highly recommended, low-cost microphone priced at around $100, succeeding the discontinued ATR-2100 while maintaining its high-quality sound performance. A standout feature of this model is its excellent ability to suppress room echo and background noise in unforgiving environments, making it a superior choice over competitors like the Blue Yeti. It provides outstanding flexibility by featuring both a headphone jack for zero-latency monitoring and a modern USB-C port, which upgrades the previous model's outdated Mini-USB connection. Additionally, it includes an XLR connector that allows users to record to external interfaces or portable recorders, and both the USB and XLR ports can be used simultaneously to split audio tasks. Despite these benefits, the microphone has several noticeable drawbacks. Users must speak very closely to the capsule to be picked up properly, which requires elevating the mic to mouth level and buying an external windscreen to avoid audio plosives. The built-in mute switch remains a weak point, as it is mechanically noisy when toggled. Furthermore, the USB status LED does not change colours or turn off when the...

In his review on Podcastage, Bandrew Scott details the Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB, emphasizing its position as a modern, versatile upgrade to the classic ATR2100. This dynamic, cardioid microphone stands out primarily for its dual-output functionality, offering both USB-C digital connectivity and an analog XLR output. This hybrid design allows beginners to plug directly into a computer or iPad and later scale up to a professional audio interface without buying a new microphone. The "x" version brings significant technical improvements over the original, notably upgrading the internal A/D and D/A converters to support high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/192kHz and replacing the harsh, blinding power light of its predecessor with a much softer, less distracting blue LED indicator. YouTube · The evaluation highlights several distinct pros and cons regarding the microphone's real-world performance. On the positive side, its cardioid polar pattern excels at background noise rejection, making it an exceptional choice for untreated rooms, gaming setups, or home studios. It also delivers crisp, clear vocal clarity for spoken word, features zero-latency direct headphone monitoring, and retains a sturdy, all-metal body. However, the review...

The Medium review by Cameron Nakashima identifies the Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB as an excellent, versatile, entry-level microphone for content creators, praising its sturdy design and dual USB-C/XLR connectivity. Its dynamic, cardioid design serves as a key advantage, effectively rejecting background noise and outperforming condenser microphones in untreated rooms. Medium · Conversely, the review notes as a limitation that the dynamic capsule has low sensitivity, requiring the user to stay close to the mic to achieve optimal audio levels. Additionally, while providing clear vocal isolation, it is not ideal for recording complex, multi-layered musical content, the reviewer indicates. Medium ·

The Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB is an exceptional, budget-friendly dynamic microphone that offers immense value for entry-level podcasters and remote content creators. Priced around $100, it stands out by including essential accessories that high-end competitors like the $400 Shure SM7B omit, such as a desktop tripod stand and all necessary cables. A key benefit is its dual-output flexibility, featuring both a standard USB/USB-C connection for plug-and-play computer recording and an XLR output for future upgrades to professional audio interfaces like a Rodecaster or Zoom recorder. Its lightweight design makes it highly portable for travel, and the reviewer considers its performance far superior for podcasting compared to heavily marketed alternatives like the Blue Yeti or Snowball. However, the microphone does have a few drawbacks that potential buyers should consider before purchasing. The most notable con is the drop in audio quality when switching from an XLR connection to a direct USB computer connection, which results in a noticeably downgraded sound due to bypassing advanced external mixing equipment. Additionally, users with certain computer setups may need to purchase separate adapters if they lack compatible...

The Home Brew Audio review compares two USB microphones in an untreated home environment, offering a direct, unedited side-by-side audio test. The evaluation highlights the microphones' performance regarding room noise, with one sample producing more ambient hiss and the other offering a cleaner, though thinner, vocal response. Home Brew Audio Both microphones share the advantages of plug-and-play ease but, as tested, demonstrate the challenge of capturing high-quality audio in acoustically untreated spaces. A primary takeaway is the trade-off between the convenience of USB mics and the necessity of controlling environmental reflections for professional-sounding results. Home Brew Audio