Audio-Technica ATR2100 Cardioid Dynamic XLR & USB Microphone (Discontinued)

86
GEARANK

86 out of 100. Incorporating 1050+ ratings and reviews.

Street Price: 

$68
Audio-Technica ATR2100 Cardioid Dynamic XLR & USB Microphone

The Audio-Technica ATR2100 is a dynamic handheld microphone with both XLR and USB connectivity.

Applications

Podcasting, Home studio recording, Field recording, On-stage use, Voiceovers.

Features

It sports an On/Off switch for both USB and analog operation, and low mass diaphragm for accurate response. It comes with a tripod desk stand with folding legs, and stand clamp that attaches securely to the tripod or to any regular microphone stand.

Compatibility

Macintosh: MAC OS X; USB 1.0 or 2.0; 64 MB RAM (minimum)
Windows: XP/Vista/Windows 7; USB 1.0 or 2.0; 64 MB RAM (minimum)

Specifications:

  • Type: Dynamic
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  • Frequency Response: 50Hz – 15kHz
  • Sampling Rate: 44.1 kHz/48 kHz
  • Bit Depth: 16 bit
  • Maximum SPL: Not Specified
  • Power Requirements: 5V DC USB Power

Polar Pattern Chart

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Audio-Technica ATR2100 Polar Pattern

Frequency Response Chart

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Audio-Technica ATR2100 Frequency Response

Pros

A number of reviewers praised its crisp sound quality. Its USB and XLR connectivity gave reviewers flexible options when they want to connect directly to their computer or to an audio interface - which improves the sound quality of the audio input. Its a very directional microphone picks up precise audio with rarely picking up any background noise. Some reviewers mentioned it works fairly well when used as a boom mic for shooting videos outdoors. They also mentioned it doesn't pick up too many plosives so that a pop filter is not really needed as long as it's used at a certain distance.

Cons

Some users mentioned the stand wasn't sturdy and the USB connection was flimsy. They would use a different stand and USB cable that fits well with microphone.

Overall

This is a good entry level microphone if you are looking a versatile microphone used for both at-home and outdoor use.

The Audio-Technica ATR2100 was on our recommended list until we performed a major review of USB Mics for April 2019 when we found there were more highly rated options to recommend in our guide to The Best USB Mics for Recording.