Audio-Technica ATR2100X-USB Dynamic USB-C/XLR Microphone

Audio-Technica ATR2100X-USB Dynamic USB-C/XLR Microphone

The Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB is a handheld dynamic microphone with two ways out: a USB-C digital output for recording straight into a computer, and an XLR analogue output for a mixer or audio interface. That dual-output design is what defines the x model. It updates the earlier ATR2100-USB with a USB-C connector and high-resolution conversion up to 24-bit/192 kHz, so the same microphone can start as a plug-and-play podcasting microphone and later take its place in a conventional XLR setup without being replaced.

Key features

• Dynamic cardioid element voiced for speech and vocals
• USB-C digital output and XLR analogue output, usable at the same time
• High-resolution A/D conversion up to 24-bit/192 kHz over USB
• Built-in headphone jack with volume control for direct monitoring
• On/off switch for the analogue output path
• Frequency response of 50 to 15,000 Hz
• Tripod desk stand, stand clamp and USB and XLR cables included

Two outputs, one microphone

The USB-C output carries the microphone’s own analogue-to-digital conversion into a computer, phone or tablet, with sample rate options of 44.1, 48, 96 and 192 kHz at up to 24-bit depth. The XLR output is a conventional balanced microphone signal for live sound, an interface or an external recorder. Both outputs can work simultaneously, which gives podcasters a useful safety net: record the USB feed into the computer while the XLR output feeds a separate recorder, or send XLR to a live mixer while USB captures the same performance.

A dynamic capsule for real rooms

The cardioid dynamic element is a deliberate choice for home recording. Dynamic capsules are less sensitive than condensers, so they pick up less of the room, the keyboard and the street outside, and the cardioid pattern rejects sound from the rear of the microphone. The 50 to 15,000 Hz response covers the full weight and intelligibility range of the human voice without hyping it, making this a practical microphone for podcasting, voice-over, streaming and online teaching in rooms that have no acoustic treatment.

Monitoring and controls

A 3.5 mm stereo headphone jack on the microphone body provides direct monitoring of your voice without computer delay, with its own volume control on the body; headphone output power is 10 mW at 16 ohms. An on/off switch serves the XLR path for live use. The microphone runs on USB power (5V DC) when connected digitally and needs no power at all in XLR use, and at 268 g with a 183 mm body it handles like a normal handheld stage microphone on a stand or in the hand.

In the box and setup

Audio-Technica includes a tripod desk stand and a stand clamp for standard 5/8 inch-27 threaded stands, a 2 m USB-C to USB-C cable, a 2 m USB-C to USB-A cable and a 3 m XLR cable, so the microphone records on a desk the day it arrives and moves to a boom arm or floor stand later. No drivers or software are required for the USB connection on Mac or Windows.

For podcasters and streamers who want to start on USB and keep an XLR upgrade path open, the ATR2100x-USB remains one of the most flexible handheld dynamics available: two outputs, high-resolution conversion and monitoring built into the microphone itself.