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Audio-Technica 2100

Brand

Audio-Technica

Type

Dynamic

Connection

XLR & USB

Endorsements

192 hosts
Clip from Look to the Cookie using the Audio-Technica 2100
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Why buy the Audio-Technica 2100?

In our view, this mic is perfect for indie podcasters who are either just getting into the game or are gaining traction such that live events are on the horizon. The price point makes it accessible and it has specific features that appear to have been incorporated with podcasters in mind. The best of those are:
  • Variety of output — The 2100 has a USB digital output, which connects into your computer for digital recording (compatible with Windows and Mac) and an XLR output. The USB and XLR cables are included. This means that it’s perfect for simple studio recording and live performances. 
  • Built-in headphone jack — this feature means that you can directly monitor from your microphone and even adjust headphone volume through simple controls on the bottom of the mic.
  • It’s made to isolate and capture desired sounds from unwanted background noise — the cardioid polar pattern makes this happen by reducing sounds picked up from the sides and rear of the microphone.
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The ATR-2100 USB is the perfect mic for the podcaster on a budget. At less than $100 it is one of the cheapest mics you'll find that supports both XLR and USB output. It keeps out background noise fairly well and has a great frequency range for spoken audio.

Taylor Olmstead, host of Ten Minute Tech Talk

I use the Audio Technica ATR2100 USB/XLR microphone to record every episode of Hacks and Flacks. It’s a durable, portable dynamic mic that captures professional-sounding audio quality at an affordable price – under $100. It does a great job of capturing only the audio you want with very minimal background noise, although I would note that the vocals it captures are very quiet on playback, so I often have to turn up the inputs quite a bit during recording. I’d also recommend buying a separate stand and mount for it, as the included stand is quite short.

Manny Veiga, host of Hacks and Flacks

My favorite microphone to sit on my desk is an ATR2100 microphone. If I had to buy another mic, for any reason, I’d buy the ATR2100 – because it’s a good size, good sound, easy to use, versatile with two different plug options and still a great price. I recommend it to people all the time, with no hesitation.  

Kate Luella, host of Blogger Interviews's podcast

The ATR 2100 has been my go to mic ever since I started my podcast. I was never an audiophile so having a mic that is super easy to set up that provides really high quality sound so affordably was crucial for me. Being a dynamic mic, it does a great job of picking up only what I want it to pick up while eliminating the unwanted background noise. It comes with an XLR connection in case you want to go that route, but if not, a simple USB connection does the trick!

Travis Chappell, host of Build Your Network

The ATR 2100 has been my go-to for the last three years. Other hosts are constantly asking me what microphone I am using during interviews, and are surprised that such simple quality comes out of this very affordable microphone. It is my podcasting mic, my online meeting mic, and my video module recording mic. It is the easiest, best sounding plug n' play mic that I have seen on the market that fits any budget, and allows us to help liberate small business owners from the chaos of working in their business.

Scott Beebe, host of My Business On Purpose

I've used the ATR2100 since I started my podcast 3 years ago. It's a great combination of high quality and low price. It's super simple to use - just plug it into the USB jack on your computer and you're good to go. But it also has an XLR input to plug into a mixer if you have advanced equipment. I have 2 of these mics now and I've been very happy with their performance.

Sean Smith, host of The Truth About Coaching

The 2100 is a fantastic and simple microphone to use. It has high sound quality (I get compliments on the sound in my show all the time) and it is easy enough for even the most novice of podcasters to use. As with most any microphone, I use and recommend a windscreen to help with the audio quality. All I do is plug in the USB and it pretty much does the rest!

Melina Palmer, host of The Brainy Business | Understanding the Psychology of Why People Buy | Behavioral Economics

The Audio Technica 2100 was the best fit for myself and many of my clients. It is a simple set-up, has impressive sound quality and price are excellent for a podcaster. To make the sound quality more seamless, I used the Beringer U-Phoria UMC204HD. Lastly, they are small enough to travel with if need be. Whether beginner or experienced podcaster, this is a fantastic product.

Rachel Calderon, host of The Dr. Nilda Foresight Strategies Show

I love the ATR 2100 because it provides amazing and completely professional sound quality on a shoestring budget. My guests are always impressed with how great I sound and always want to know what mic I use. Support for USB and XLR means I can plug it directly into my computer at home, or into my Zoom recorder when taking it with me.

Matt Inglot, host of Freelance Transformation

I have a thing about buying the “right” gear while also being budget conscious, especially just starting out with a new project. Right from the start, this microphone has exceeded expectations. The sound quality is excellent. When the USB is used, you can plug earphones directly into the mic, giving you the ability to self-monitor. Lastly, this microphone is built to last. I still use the two mics I originally purchased four years ago. 

Anthony Dufresne, host of Surrounded by Idiots Radio Podcast

I love the 2100 because it’s solid, portable, contains both analogue XLR and digital USB connections, and has great sound quality. When I’m at my desk (note I don’t use the word ’studio’) it plugs straight into my Mac and clips into on a Rode desk stand. When I’m roving I either plug it straight into my iPhone using an iXLR, or Roland R-05. Being a dynamic microphone it’s perfect for interviewing people in everyday environments with considerable background noise.

Ben Ramsden, host of Smart Business Transformation

The 2100 has been a great microphone to get started. It’s affordable, completely easy to plug in and set up, and sounds fabulous. This mic is great for one person and comes with a stand to hold it. There isn’t a better one for the price!

Ashley Logsdon, host of Mama Says Namaste Podcast

Under the hood

  • Patterns: Cardioid
  • Dimensions: 7.2 x 2.01 in (18.29 x 5.11 cm)
  • Weight: 0.59 pound (268 grams)
  • Frequency Response: 50 – 15,000 Hz
  • Bit depth: 16 bit
  • Sample rate: 44.1 kHz/48 kHz