Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB Review

Audio-Technica released the ATR2100-USB microphone model back in 2011. Audio-Technica ATR2100 is one of the best entry-level podcast microphones for beginners, providing excellent sound quality.

The best feature of ATR2100 is that it has both XLR and USB plugs, and it can be easily plugged into your computer (via USB) or a mixer (via XLR).

You don’t need a ton of gear to set it up on your computer. It is super easy to add a mixer without even having a shock mount or microphone.

For a budget podcast microphone, Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB has some unique features, like its ability to connect via both USB and XLR cables connection.

The one most common thing ATR2100-USB microphone shares with all other Audio-Technica products is that it emphasizes function over form.

Ultimately we always prefer the microphone that works better than it looks. However, this handheld dynamic microphone seems quite attractive.

What is Audio-Technica ATR2100 ?

This Audio-Technica ATR2100 offers two output levels: 1)USB output for digital recording, and 2)an XLR output that connects with a sound system/Audio Mixer like Roadcaster Pro.

Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB uses a cardioid polar pattern meaning that

Its cardioid contrasting design reduces the pickup of unwanted sounds from the sides and rear. Its an ideal usb microphone to start a podcast.

In the Unboxing pack, you will find both XLR, USB cables, and A microphone desk stand, and you are allowed to use both XLR and USB outputs simultaneously.

The headphone output jack of ATR2100 provides a high level of control.

Check out the Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB video Review here.

Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB Highlights:

• Power Requirements: USB Power (5V DC
• Element: Dynamic
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Response: 48 kHz
• Noise Level:24 dB
• Bit Depth: 16 bit
• Headphone Jack: 3.5 mm TRS (stereo)
• Headphone Output Power: 10 mW @ 16 ohms
• Power Source: Corded Electric
• Weight: 1.61 Pounds
• Speaker Output Channel Quantity:2(USB-type/XLR-type)
• Product Dimensions: 183.0 mm (7.20″) long, 51.0 mm (2.01″)

Key Features

The ATR2100 is a USB microphone with a cardioid polar pattern and has a frequency response of 50Hz to 15kHz.

It is integrated with a decent AD converter, along with a sampling rate of 16-bit, 44.1/48 kHz

Apart from that, even though this microphone has been marketed as a USB mic over the years but it also supports XLR output as well. This mic allows you to plug it into audio interfaces and audio mixers.

on the bottom panel of the mic, you’ll find a headphone out jack to monitor the sound level of the mic and a volume knob to control the sound,

Last, the ATR2100-USB microphone comes with everything you need to start a podcast, including a USB cable, an XLR cable, a mic stand clip, and even a mini tripod mic stand for a desk.

Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB Pros

The Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB includes a cardioid polar pattern with a frequency response range spanning 50Hz to 15kHz.

Even though this ATR2100 was marketed as a USB mic (compatible with both Windows and Mac systems), it still supports an analog XLR output meaning that you can easily connect this mic with audio interfaces and mixing consoles.

This microphone sports an On/Off switch for both USB and analog operation and comes with a low mass diaphragm for an accurate audio response.

The ATR2100-USB mic comes with a tripod desk stand with folding legs and a stand clamp, and you can easily attach it to the tripod or any regular microphone stand.

Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB Cons

Some users of Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB told me that the stand that comes with the microphone wasn’t sturdy and the USB connection was flimsy, but I didn’t find any of those issues.

They would like to use a different microphone stand and USB cable that fits well with the ATR2100-USB microphone. Some ATR2100-USB users reported that this microphone is not compatible with Windows 7,8, and 10.

Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB vs. Blue Yeti

Here is the pros and cons of this ATR2100-USB vs. Blue Yeti microphones:

Pros and Cons of ATR2100

Pros

• Small size and weight
• Easier for travel purposes
• Single function with high quality
• Cardioid Polar pattern means one-directional sound input
• Plugs directly into a computer
• Plugs straight into mobiles and tablets
• Headphone Jack 3.0

Cons

• Limited to cardioid polar pattern
• cheap in quality stand
• Sound input isn’t as sensitive.
• The on/off switch can cause loud sounds in the podcast recording.

Pros and Cons of the Blue Yeti

Pros

• Excellent Portability
• Eight polar patterns perfect for any situation
• (gain control): Adjustable sound-input sensitivity
• Adjustable headphone volume
• Mute Button
• USB connection

Cons

• Heavier to carry
• No handheld option
• No XLR Inputs – can’t use it with Audio Interfaces or MIxers.
• The included USB cable isn’t that great.

Knox Microphone Shock Mount for ATR2100-USB

To make things easy, Audio-Technica comes with a perfect ATR2100-USB Shock Mount. You will find the Knox Shock Mount for Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB here.

This shock mount easily attaches with a standard 5/8″-27 thread and can be adjusted to meet different angles. It will also work fine with a Samson Q2U USB microphone.

By getting this shock mount, you can easily increase the sound quality of your podcast by reducing unwanted sounds, especially from typing, clicking the mouse, or hitting your desk.

You’ll also want a boom arm or microphone desk stand to connect it to the table

You can easily adjust this to different angels. Getting an excellent quality shock will significantly improve your overall sound quality. It helps to reduce unwanted sounds, Especially from typing or hitting the mouse.

What is the difference between the USB and XLR Versions of Audio-Technica ATR2100?

Using an Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB microphone doesn’t require additional gear since you can plug it right into your computer.

This ATR2100-USB mic allows you to set up your microphone in an easier way. Nowadays, it’s more affordable for new podcasters to choose a USB microphone since you don’t have to purchase a mixer or USB interface.

The Audio-Technica ATR2100 XLR microphone gives you a ton of flexibility in the recording. Since there are many XLR microphones available on the market, you should end up getting Audio-Technica ATR2100 XLR for better quality sound if you want to stay in the range of the $100 threshold.

Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB Unboxing

The Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB comes with pretty much everything you need to make your podcasting journey super smooth.

The ATR2100-USB box has a USB cable, an XLR cable, a mic stand clip, and even a mini tripod mic stand for a desk, so you are good to go right out of the box.

• Microphone
• Microphone Clip
• Microphone Stand
• USB Cable
• XLR to XLR Cable
• Documentation

Wrapping Up

Without any doubt, ATR2100-USB is the best USB microphone for starting a podcast in 2025. If you watched Buzzsprout: How to start a podcast course, you will notice that they are using this mic to record the course.

You will get pretty much the same sound quality as the Heil PR-40, which is 3 or 4 times the price.

Because of the low price and flexibility of this microphone, it quickly became one of the most popular entry-level podcast mics for starting a podcast.

I also feature this mic in my top computer mics and the best XLR mics list post. Feel free to check out the ATR2100-USB microphone here.