Top 3 Audio-Technica Microphones

Company profile: Audio-Technica Microphones

Audio Technica microphones was established in 1962 by Hideo Matsushita. Although it initially specialized in high-end stereo phono cartridges in Japan, the company quickly grew into the worldwide conglomerate for audio equipment that it is to this day. Since launching its microphones in 1978, Audio Technica microphones have provided its customers with crisp sound, reliability, and state-of-the-art innovation made to customize the user’s experience to whatever their audio needs are. With technology forever improving, Audio Technica has seamlessly converted its products to last into the digital age. The result is a top-notch line of affordable microphones which are accessible not only to the industry professional but the everyday crowd. Want to compare microphones? Visit our Blue Yeti vs AT2020 comparison or our AT2020 vs AT2035 comparison.    Since launching its microphones in 1978, Audio Technica has provided its customers with crisp sound, reliability, and state-of-the-art innovation made to customize the user’s experience to whatever their audio needs are, and with technology forever improving, Audio Technica has seamlessly converted its products to last into the digital age. The result is a top-notch line of affordable microphones which are accessible not only to the industry professional but the everyday crowd.

Choosing the Right Microphone For Beginners

Throughout this guide, WhatPods will try to help you establish exactly what it is you need. Whether you’re the aspiring podcaster who is constantly on-the-go, or performing in front of a live audience, or recording yours on state-of-the-art studio equipment, Audio Technica’s reputation as one of the premier quality producers in the industry means that their products are a safe, reliable means to get this going. All you need to start your podcast is an idea and a plan, and with WhatPods here to help make this process easy, efficient, and rewarding as possible, the rest should be easy to even the most novice consumer.   To get going on your podcast, it is important that you ask yourself some questions. What is your budget? What is your set-up? Where are you recording this? What kind of acoustics and extraneous noises may affect it? WhatPods knows that starting your podcast can seem difficult once the ball gets rolling, and the process goes far beyond plugging in a microphone and speaking into it. Choosing the right microphone for your project is the most important technical decision that you will make while preparing for it. WhatPods is here to help you make that decision right.  

Know Your Microphones

At first glance, the sheer number of microphone varieties can overwhelm consumers with questions. What type do I need? What is the difference between a condenser microphone and a dynamic one? Why does it matter?   While more in-depth reasoning can be found, the basic differences are in the ways which sound is processed through the two types of microphones. Condenser microphoness have a higher sensitivity to the sounds they are recording. In a professional setup, this is good, as it means that the sound can be more crisp and true to the recorder’s voice. However, in the wrong setting, such as a room by a busy street, condensers can frustrate users, as any passing car may be picked up and amplified without the proper soundproofing and mixing.   This is where having a dynamic microphone can prove helpful to a home podcaster. While anything short of recording out of a soundproof chamber runs the risk of picking up unwanted noise, dynamic microphones may do a better job masking for those who do not want to deal with complicated setups and equipment. There are pros and cons for each type of microphone, and educating yourself is vital as you make your next season.  

USB Microphones

USB microphones will be the likely starting choice for most home podcasters. They are easy to set up, relatively cheap, and with the proper execution, they can sound amazing. Audio Technica currently offers consumers several options when it comes to USB Microphones, each with its own pros and cons.   One tip to note when using USB microphones is that although monitoring through the computer is possible, monitoring through the headphone jacks is ideal when possible, as running them through the computer may cause a slight delay that can drive you crazy if you are monitoring live. It should also be noted that Audio Technica offers podcast kits which offer headphones and additional equipment, for those who are interested. One word of caution to prospective buyers, however. The USB port on items such as these has been known to be finicky, so it is highly recommended that users take extra good care when using it and avoid unneeded pulling and twisting when they’re handling it.

Dynamic USB Microphones

 

AT2005USB

  The AT2005USB is perhaps the best USB option for beginning podcasters. At just $79, this microphone offers convenience, portability, and an easy setup. It can work in either a home studio or a live setting. Despite its cheaper price point, the microphone offers ideal sound that is ready to use outside of the box—although further mixing is obviously a positive when it comes to podcasting. It offers:    

1. Great frequency response which can record in a diverse field of environments
2. A built-in stand for sit-down interviews and recording
3. Easy setup
4. A long-lasting steel design ideal for travel
5. A headphone jack for live-monitoring
6. Handheld design

  For all of this, WhatPods recommends this as a starter microphone for those who are just now dipping their toes into the podcasting waters.  

ATR2100-USB

  The ATR line is Audio Technica’s budget line which aims to offer high-performance at a fraction of the cost. At $79.95, the ATR2100-USB does just this. It offers dual-support to both your USB drive and your sound system so that all bases are covered while you’re using it, whether you’re a professional sound engineer or amateur podcast. Its design is also meant to drown out unneeded noise and let your voice shine. One added bonus is that its handheld design allows the microphone to be passed around easily if you are interviewing multiple guests. On top of this, it offers:  

1. A tripod stand for setting on any surface
2. Metal design meant to withstand standard wear and tear that comes with use
3. Excellent frequency response
4. Designed with your voice in mind

  The ATR2100USB offers just what Audio Technica sets out for it to offer. It’s affordable, functional, and built with the utmost quality. While the more expensive models will naturally have more to offer, amateur podcasters need not worry about spending less to get more.

USB Condenser Microphones

AT2020USB+

  As far as condenser microphones go, this one is as simple as they come, and at just $149, it is extremely affordable, too. Connecting straight into the USB output of your computer, it has simple setup out of the box. It’s a small, yet powerful microphone with 20-20,000Hz frequency response and smooth, crisp sound that can be recorded anywhere. On top of all this, it boasts:

1. Built-in mix control
2. Portable design
3. Build in mount and stand
4. A 44.1/48 KHz sample rate which helps ensure what you hear with your ears is what the microphone picks up

  Although slightly more expensive than the AT2005USB, the AT2020USB+ offers professional sound for a still-affordable price. With its built-in mixing and design, it offers the benefits of a condenser without the need for extraneous equipment a standard one may need. A similar, more advanced model called the AT2020USBi can be bought for $199.  

ATR2500-USB

Another microphone from the ATR line, the ATR2500-USB offers much of the quality expected of the higher models at a fraction of the cost. Although it is a condenser microphone, its smaller, more compact design is meant to keep out unwanted frequencies and meant to hone in on your voice. Though thin on features, it is high on performance and both of these things can be good for those just looking to record their voice. On top of this, the microphone includes:

1. A built-in jack for monitoring
2. Ideal frequency response
3. A pivoting stand mount which can be connected to a stand
4. Incredible metal design meant for longevity.

 

Conclusion

Audio Technica prides itself on having top-tier products that are held up to the highest level of scrutiny on design. Although their analog microphones can cost upwards of a few thousand dollars, their lower-cost USB microphones offer wonderful performance, easy-to-use design, and long-lasting shelf lives.