Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB: USB and XLR in one mic
· re:union Radio editorial · 3 min read
Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB: dynamic cardioid mic with USB-C and XLR, up to 24-bit/192 kHz, and headphone output. All the specs and who it's for.
The Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB is a dynamic handheld microphone that serves two worlds: via USB-C, your voice goes directly into your computer digitally, and via XLR, it goes analog into a mixing console. Audio-Technica lists its applications as home studio, field recording, podcasting, voice-over, and stage. So, not a boundary microphone, but a classic speech and vocal mic with a built-in converter.
At a glance
- Dynamic capsule with cardioid polar pattern, frequency response 50–15,000 Hz
- USB-C output with A/D converter up to 24-bit and 192 kHz, plus XLR output
- 3.5 mm headphone jack with its own volume control for monitoring without audible delay
- Included in the box: desk stand, stand clamp, two USB cables, and a 3-m XLR cable
One mic, two signal paths
The core of the ATR2100x-USB is its dual output stage. If you connect it via USB, your Mac or Windows PC will automatically recognize it and install the appropriate driver, according to the manual. For live situations, you connect the included XLR cable and plug it into a normal microphone input on your mixer.
The cardioid pattern picks up sound from the front and attenuates sides and rear. This is exactly what you want if you have monitor speakers running next to you or if the room is reverberant. Audio-Technica recommends speaking directly into the mic on-axis, as this is where it delivers its full frequency response.
Technical Specifications
| Transducer Principle | Dynamic |
|---|---|
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 50–15,000 Hz |
| Resolution | up to 24-bit |
| Sample Rates | 44.1 / 48 / 96 / 192 kHz |
| Outputs | USB-C and XLR |
| Power Supply | via USB (5 V DC) |
| Headphone Output | 3.5 mm jack (stereo), 10 mW into 16 ohms |
| Controls | On/Off switch, headphone volume |
| Weight | 268 g |
| Dimensions | 183 mm long, max. 51 mm diameter |
| Accessories | Desk stand, stand clamp (5/8" thread), USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cables (2 m each), XLR cable (3 m) |
Successor to a classic
The ATR2100x-USB replaces the ATR2100. Podcastage founder Bandrew Scott mentions three new features in his review: USB-C instead of the old connector, converters up to 24-bit/192 kHz, and a new, less bright indicator light. In his comparison, he pits the mic against its predecessor and the Samson Q2u.
The housing is made of metal, according to the manufacturer. The on/off switch works in both USB and analog modes. According to the user manual, a blue LED indicates when the mic is powered via USB.
Who the ATR2100x-USB is for
The manufacturer's specifications paint a clear picture: you want to record speech or speak live and don't want to buy a different mic for every purpose. If you're making announcements on a stream, pre-producing a radio show, or starting a podcast, you can do it via USB without an additional audio interface.
For monitoring, you plug headphones directly into the bottom of the mic, such as closed-back studio headphones like the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2. Important: The wheel only controls headphone volume, not recording level. You set that in your system settings or recording software.
FAQ
Do I need an audio interface for the ATR2100x-USB?
No. Via USB-C, you connect the mic directly to your Mac or Windows PC. You only need the XLR cable if you're going into a mixing console or other analog system.
What sample rate should I set?
By default, macOS and Windows run at 44.1 kHz. Audio-Technica advises switching to 48 kHz for speech or music synchronized with video. Up to 192 kHz is possible, but file sizes grow significantly with higher sample rates.
Can I hear myself when speaking?
Yes. Via the 3.5 mm jack at the base of the microphone, you can monitor your signal without audible delay, according to the manufacturer, and you control the volume directly on the mic.
Source: Audio-Technica, ATR2100x-USB User Manual (PDF), Podcastage
