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Audio-Technica makes two great entry-level microphones for starting podcasters: the ATR2100-USB and the AT2005USB. Now, they're entering the higher end range with the Audio-Technica BP40 broadcast dynamic microphone.

The BP40 is Audio-Technica's first broadcast microphone. It's a large-diaphragm dynamic microphone but also captures a broader range of sound, like a condenser microphone would.

By moving the mic capsule deeper into the BP40, Audio-Technica was able to integrate a pop filter into the design.

Instead of connecting the microphone to a stand by its bass, the BP40 uses a detached ring-mount that nicely balances the weight of the microphone.

Audio-Technica's AT8484 custom shockmount is the easiest I'm ever seen! The microphone locks in with a simple push and turn and still nicely balances the microphone.

The BP40 also includes a low-cut-rolloff switch to reduce anything below 80 Hz (typically rumbles caused by passing cars, bumps on the microphone, and such).

I was most impressed with the apparent durability of the BP40. The microphone is heavy and had a solid metal chassis.

I could not yet compare the BP40 with other podcasting microphones like the Heil PR40 or Electro Voice RE320. But I did like the tone and off-axis noise rejection.

The basic Audio-Technica BP40 will be available for $349 and the shockmount for $99 in summer, 2015.

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Special thanks to the following people for making this coverage possible!

• Neil Kristianson—cameraman Follow @the_nak
• Melvin Rivera—provided the Sennheiser MD46 interview mic and Zoom H5 recorder Follow @MelvinRiveraV
• John Bukenas—video editor Follow @JohnBukenas