Audio-Technica AT2020 Mic Review
By Ben Carter
9.2
Consumer's Best Score
Consumers Best Verdict: Audio-Technica Highlights
In 2025, the audio-technica atr2100x usb mic remains a smart, durable, budget-friendly workhorse. You get direct headphone monitoring, onboard controls, sturdy metal build, and those handy cables in the box. Sure, the desk stand is meh and you’ll want a pop filter, but overall value and brand reliability from Audio-Technica are tough to beat. If you’ve been wavering, I’d say don’t overthink it—this one just makes life easier.
Look, after years of testing creator mics, the audio-technica atr2100x usb mic keeps punching above its weight. The dual USB-C/XLR design is the real story: record plug-and-play today, then graduate to an interface tomorrow without buying a new mic. It’s clean, pleasantly warm, and—because it’s a dynamic cardioid—far kinder to untreated rooms than a lot of flashy condensers. From where I sit, it’s the mic I recommend when someone says, “I just need it to sound good and be easy.”
In-Depth Look: Audio-Technica Features & Considerations
Core Features & Consumer Benefits
Here’s what stood out in day-to-day use with the audio-technica atr2100x usb mic.
Dual USB-C + XLR outputs
Start simple over USB, then plug into a mixer or interface later—futureproof without the future headache.
Dynamic cardioid capsule
Naturally rejects room noise and keyboard clatter, so you don’t need a fully treated studio to sound confident.
Onboard headphone jack with volume
Zero-latency monitoring means you hear yourself clearly and catch issues before they ruin a take.
24-bit recording and class-compliant USB
Plug-and-play on Mac, Windows, iPadOS, and many Android devices—no special drivers.
Rugged metal build + included cables/stand
Feels solid in hand and ships ready to record; it’s a starter kit that doesn’t feel cheap.
Important Considerations & Potential Downsides
- Basic desk stand
It’s short and transfers desk bumps—most folks will upgrade to a boom arm or sturdier stand.
- Proximity effect and plosives
Work the mic technique (or add a pop filter) to keep bass bloom and ‘P’ pops under control.
- Modest XLR gain needs
With some interfaces you’ll want a decent preamp or inline booster; over USB, levels are typically fine.
- Voice-first sound
It’s a single-capsule dynamic—great for spoken word, not the airy brightness some singers want from a condenser.
Who Is the Audio-Technica Best For?
First-time podcasters
A forgiving, room-friendly path to pro-sounding vocals without studio treatment.
Streamers and remote workers
Clear, close-up sound that cuts through noisy home setups.
Solo creators upgrading from headsets
Instant quality jump with simple USB setup and monitoring.
Traveling storytellers
Durable, compact, and easy to plug into laptops or field mixers via XLR.
Educators and interviewers
Reliable speech clarity with minimal fuss across devices and rooms.
Who Might Want to Explore Other Options?
- You want condenser sparkle
If you crave extra top-end air for vocals, consider a quality USB condenser instead.
- You need multi-mic USB mixing
For roundtable shows over USB alone, a dedicated mixer/interface or podcast console is better.
- You dislike desk clutter
If you won’t use a boom arm, look for a mic with a heavier, isolation-friendly base.
- You want ultra-compact, hands-free
A lavalier or wireless clip-on fits better than a handheld dynamic.
