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Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB unboxing [video]

September 21, 2012 by 22 Comments

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This looks like a great mic for beginning podcasters, voiceover artists, and other audio needs. It has USB and XLR outputs, so you can plug it straight into your computer, or use it with a mixer.

Watch for a complete review of the ATR2100-USB and comparison to the $300 Heil PR40 and the $13 Nady SP-1/$30 kit.

[Prices updated March 25, 2013]

Audio Technica ATR2100 USB unboxing [video]

As an award-winning podcaster, Daniel J. Lewis helps others launch and improve their own podcasts for sharing their passions. Daniel designs websites; offers one-on-one consulting; speaks on technology, social media, and theology; and Daniel hosts a network of podcasts covering how to podcast and use Audacity, clean-comedy, and the #1 unofficial podcast for ABC’s hit drama Once Upon a Time.

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  • http://www.mytakeradio.com Rich

    I use the ATR-2100 and it is a great mic.

    • http://DanielJLewis.net/about Daniel J. Lewis

      Have you used any other mics before it? How do you think it compares?

      • http://www.mytakeradio.com Rich

        Daniel,
        I initially recorded shows with Blue Yeti USB mic and then switched to a Yeti Pro. My Yeti Pro did not work well with my mixer so after much discussion and troubleshooting with Mike Philips I decided to switch to the ATR-2100 and have never looked back. Sound quality is solid and it works well with my mixer (Alesis Multimix 8 USB)

  • http://jeremysarber.com/ Jeremy Sarber

    I got two of these mics at the recommendation of Mike Phillips. Right out of the box I was impressed by them. I’ve used a Rode Podcaster for a few years and I’ve loved it. The ATR-2100 also has the USB output and headphone monitoring plus the XLR output to boot. Not to mention, it costs considerably less than the Rode.

    I haven’t had a chance to record with it yet, but I’ve plugged it to test and it sounds as good or better than the Rode.

    • http://DanielJLewis.net/about Daniel J. Lewis

      I would love to hear a comparison between the Rode Podcaster and the ATR-2100USB! Are you recording straight into your computer, through a mixer, or into an external recorder?

      • http://jeremysarber.com/ Jeremy Sarber

        I record straight into the computer. Without any processing at all, the ATR-2100 sounds slightly deeper and richer. It’s not a huge difference, but when you factor in the price, the ATR-2100 wins in my book.

  • davedufour

    I’ve been using a Blue Encore 200 here at home. It’s a dynamic mike, but it uses phantom power to run an internal pre-amp. The advantage is that you can use less gain on your mixer, which minimizes any noise that might be coming from the mixer itself (sometimes an issue with cheaper mixers), and it helps cut out other ambient sounds as well. It’s got a pretty warm sound and it’s highly directional. Half the price of the Heil PR-40.

    • http://DanielJLewis.net/about Daniel J. Lewis

      Nice! It’s still XLR-only, right? I’m reviewing the ATR2100-USB as a potential best recommendation for starting podcasters who don’t need a mixer yet.

      • davedufour

        Yes, XLR, although Blue has an adapter called Icicle(I think) that provides phantom power and converts to 1/4″ if that’s preferable.

  • http://www.twitter.com/erikjfisher/ Erik Fisher

    I’ve tried this mic. I used it for a skype recording on podcast answer man when I travelled once and was out of town. When doing an audio comparison between that episode and the others when I used my Heil or RODE Podcaster mic, there was no audible difference through skype.

    • http://DanielJLewis.net/about Daniel J. Lewis

      How did the local audio sound compared to the Heil and Rode?

      • http://www.twitter.com/erikjfisher/ Erik Fisher

        What do you mean by local audio? All I can say is that I went back to the PAM episode with the Rode, and the one with this mic, and through Skype after Cliff’s processing, I couldn’t tell the difference.

        • http://DanielJLewis.net/about Daniel J. Lewis

          “Local” as in the audio on your side. I guess you probably didn’t record these separate sessions to be able to compare them.

          Many great mics will sound standard through Skype.

  • Kate Luella

    Top tip Daniel – Dave Jackson sprukes about this one too – I’m def going to gt this one myself, soon, I promise, soon, well maybe later than sooner, but sometime in the future – LOL :) Kate

    • http://DanielJLewis.net/about Daniel J. Lewis

      It does seem like a great deal and a great microphone!

  • http://twitter.com/RealSheree Sheree Martin

    I purchased my podcasting equipment in mid-August, just in time to discover the ATR2100-B. I did a lot of research and this one seemed to be getting rave reviews by several serious podcasters. I bought one to have a solid (yet inexpensive) dynamic mic for my Zoom H4N recorder.

    Very pleased so far. I’m still getting my podcasting “sea-legs” but the first 5 episodes have received some positive comments and listeners are coming back. I attribute that to starting out with above-average audio quality for a first-time podcaster.

    I think the ATR2100-B has to be the best dynamic mic available for the price point.

    I’ve just bought my first mixer and now hope to step up to the next level.

    The podcast is Shine Springs Farm Podcast and it’s available via iTunes, Libsyn and my blog, for now.

    • http://DanielJLewis.net/about Daniel J. Lewis

      Isn’t it great that you can keep this mic now that you have a mixer? Most USB mics would be useless when you add a mixer.

  • http://twitter.com/cwfgamecast cwfgamecast

    Daniel I can’t wait for your review of this. I’m prepping my Christmas List and a mixer and XLR mic will make an appearance. Haven’t decided on the mic yet and if you give this a good review, it’ll make it onto the list. Otherwise, the Nady SP-1 will be my first XLR mic.

    • http://DanielJLewis.net/about Daniel J. Lewis

      The Nady SP-1 certainly is cheap and it gets the job done. But I think I’m already finding crisper audio with the ATR2100-USB.

      • http://twitter.com/cwfgamecast cwfgamecast

        Just purchased the ATR2100 and can’t wait for it to arrive. The question now becomes…what shock mount to buy for it.

  • Dave Navarro, Jr.

    I am pretty amazed at the quality of sound you get from this mic as well as the off-axis rejection. My computer is VERY loud, but when I record with this MIC, you can’t hear it at all.

    I am used to lav mics and I started with the Audio Technica ATR-3350 connected to a Zoom H1. The first hundred or so commercials and short films I shot with this setup. About 6 months ago, I finally upgraded to a Sennheiser G3 wireless kit and a Zoom H4N. It’s great for doing video, but for doing voice-over work and a new podcast I started, I wanted a mic I could use at my desk more easily.

    The ATR2100-USB is amazing. I just ordered a second one so that a friend could join me on my new podcast. At the moment I’m using them connected to USB, but my next purchase will be a mixer.

    • http://DanielJLewis.net/about Daniel J. Lewis

      Thanks for sharing your success!

      I have my eyes on the G3 wireless kit as well, but a bit to expensive at the moment.