This is an amazing mic for the price. I'm a budding podcaster and podcast editor and this mic beats a Sno Ball & Blue Yeti hands down.
Comparatively, the Sno Ball picks up every background hum and sometimes random sound frequencies so the finished audio track will contain constant fuzz behind vocals that only goes away if the speaker mutes themselves. When using a Sno Ball, it's not always apparent during a live recording, but the audio track will have picked it up. And since it's underneath the vocals, an editor can only do so much without turning the speaker into sounding like a robot. The only thing I would recommend this mic for would be for better-than-a-cheap-headset sounding Skype, Discord or TeamSpeak/Vent conversations but not for audio recordings.
The Blue Yeti picks up every single background noise but is usually pretty good with not picking up buzz. Got a squeaky door? Chair? Scratch an itch on your arm or face when you're near the mic? Drop a pen? You got it, the Yeti will pick all of that up with enthusiasm. The audio quality is really decent, however, but, dang, if it doesn't want to record absolutely every sound that occurs within the room.
This mic, the Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB, since it uses a cardioid polar pattern, doesn't pick up any noise from the sides or rear, making background noise pick-up very minimal. I have it right next to and slightly in front of my desktop and it never picks up the hum of the fans or noises from the processor. I've heard from musician friends that this is a challenging mic to work with on stage as a singer because you basically have to inhale the mic to be heard, but for podcasting, I find that the closer I get to the mic, the more pronounced my pops are. I can be a good 6 inches away and my vocal quality is great, without the pops.
When I first got into podcasting, the reason I ended up choosing this mic as my starter mic was because all the podcasting equipment advice I kept researching pointed to this mic over a Yeti for overall sound quality and a better price point. Quality and a cheaper price is something it definitely delivers on. This mic will last me a really long time and couldn't be happier about my purchase of it almost a year ago. If you're serious about wanting really good audio with little hassle (especially in post), I highly recommend this mic. Super easy to set up, too. Just plug the USB into your computer and you're good to go.
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From the manufacturer
Features
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Output OptionsUSB output for digital recording, while the XLR output connects with your sound system's microphone input for use in live performance. |
Smooth, extended frequency responseLow-mass diaphragm provides excellent frequency response ideally suited for podcasting, home studio recording, field recording, voiceover, and on-stage use. |
Compatible with Windows and MacThe microphone plugs right into your computer's USB port, and functions seamlessly with your favorite recording software. |
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Headphone jackBuilt-in headphone jack allows you to directly monitor from your microphone as well as adjust headphone volume with easy-to-use controls. |
Reduce unwanted noiseCardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of unwanted sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of desired sound source. |
Sturdy constructionDurable metal construction for long-lasting performance. |
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Tripod or stand clamp useIncluded tripod desk stand with folding legs for secure and portable tabletop use. Threaded stand clamp attaches securely to a conventional mic stand. |
IncludesUSB, XLR cables, tripod desk stand, and stand clamp or threaded stands. |
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Customer Questions & Answers
Customer reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2017
Style: ATR2100-USBVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2018
Style: ATR2100-USBVerified Purchase
Three micrphones in two months. Very poor quality.
By Indiana A. on May 10, 2018
Everyone loves this microphone. Perhaps I have the worst luck in the world, but I am getting ready to purchase my third one since starting my podcasting job two months ago. The USB port in the last microphones has failed. The first was a refurb, so I thought that was the issue (it was broken right of the box). This one worked fine for a month and now is suffering the same issue where the USB port on the bottom of the microphone falls into the microphone, rending it useless. The return window has closed, but I'm hopeful it's under warranty. I do keep it in a hard case and take care of it, so I have to assume that the new microphones are poorly manufactured or they're missing a crucial step in the inspection process after manufacturing.
By Indiana A. on May 10, 2018
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2016
Style: ATR2100-USBVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2017
The Audio Technica ATR2100 USB is a USB and XLR mic that features a dynamic capsule to reject background noise. It serves as the perfect transition point for those getting serious about audio.
NOTE: Like any product, sometimes it goes up in price. If you want the $50 price tag, wait for a sale! :)
Style: ATR2100-USBVerified Purchase
BEST Vocal Mic for $50 ?!
By EposVox on April 9, 2017
BEST YouTube Mic for $50! - Audio Technica ATR2100-USB Review -- I ordered this mic back in March 2016... it's about time I reviewed it, eh?By EposVox on April 9, 2017
The Audio Technica ATR2100 USB is a USB and XLR mic that features a dynamic capsule to reject background noise. It serves as the perfect transition point for those getting serious about audio.
NOTE: Like any product, sometimes it goes up in price. If you want the $50 price tag, wait for a sale! :)
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
CSN
The ATR2100 sounds great.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 8, 2018Style: ATR2100-USBVerified Purchase
gemma gilfoyle
Fantastic product
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 9, 2019Style: ATR2100-USBVerified Purchase
Neville Merritt
Recommended to me and I'll recommend it to you too.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 24, 2017Style: ATR2100-USBVerified Purchase
Efi
Good beginner-friendly mic. Get a boom and shock mount, though.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 3, 2016Style: ATR2500-USBVerified Purchase
Amazon Customer
Great mic for Skype/Conference calls
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 31, 2019Style: ATR2100-USBVerified Purchase
