You are, by far, the best microphone reviewer I've ever come across!

Your review was by far the most thorough and entertaining. 👍🏼

Man, you have covered all amazon mics I've been checking!! I have not decided which one I'll buy, but you have helped me a lot! Thank you! Subscribed!

Very grateful for your content! This is the mic I ended up going with for my iPad Pro only set up. However I look forward to picking up an interface when I eventually get a desktop again.

I've watched a lot of Podcastage videos. This is the first tap solo I've seen. Rock on!

This is a fantastic objective review. Thank you for the good work.

I have both the Q2U and the AT2100 - I love both of those mics and they cost me a total of $100. Great review!

I especially like your astute and helpful comments at the end, about its sound on USB vs XLR, and how if you don't need USB, the price starts to suggest other choices. It seems to need less gain than the original ATR2100, despite being the "same" mic -- maybe a side benefit of the new converter built for greater bit depth and sample rate.

This is the best test of this (or any) mic on YT.

Very helpful and thorough review. Thank you!

was about to buy a couple of mics, this being one of em, but now that i caught your reviews, subbed and will watch more tomorrow cause wow you are very very helpful thank you

Nice expression during and right after the handling noise test! Great coverage as always! The sibilance frequencies on the Q2U seemed pretty active - probably good for dark voices, but I'm pretty sure that thing would sound like Sammy the Snake on my voice.

Hadn’t heard from you in a bit. Glad you’re ok. Stay well.

Dude. You are super thorough. Love it!

35K views and only 1K likes? This reviewer puts together reviews like a forensic scientist. Insightful, thorough, accurate. KZfaq viewers can be so lazy at times. It takes a second to click the "Like" and "Subscribe" button to show your appreciation to this reviewer.

Also, just got this for my gf and have none of the issues that you mentioned with sound, keyboard noises, or weird audio bleed through. The sound is clear and crisp. Literally can't hear anything she's doing except when she talks, sings, or coughs. Then again, we do have it configured through SteelSeries Sonar to have a compressor on and noise cancellation is on. But either way, it works very well. Got it off the recommendation of one of your commenters from a different video, actually.

Loved the review! Thanks!!

Thank you as always!!!

The 2100 has a subtle flaw that most people didn't notice. When you record via USB, the signal is inverted. But not over XLR. The 2005 does this too. Not much of a deal at all if it's your only source but a bigger deal if you're mixing and aren't aware of it. I'm curious if the 2100x fixes this. Probably not, but I'm curious.

Great review, thanks!

Excellent your expression at 3:07

This has been an awful day and you helped ease my mind with this, thank you. Also...who the hell is the thumbs down...show yourself!

You’re a pro. Wonderful video

Outstanding review. Looks like I'm keeping my older ATR2100 mic. The X needs less gain than the 2100 but basically still sounds the same. Both are outstanding mics for their price point but feel the 2100 is still the better deal. The USB connection for the X does sound more top heavy (bass is reduced) when compared to the XLR connection (which sounds much more natural to me). One day, I'll get the Sennheiser shotgun mic (the one that costs over $1000) that this Reviewer reviewed but until then, the old original ATR 2100 mic will do just fine for me.

The only KZfaqr I've watched in awhile that says we can give you a thumbs down. This is contradictory, but you get a thumbs up for that (and the quality of the video and amount of information you fired at us). Everyone else just says "if you liked the video, please smash that like button". So apparently if we don't like it, just don't do anything because we might hurt their feelings.

As usual, thanks for the untreated room tests, and for comparing it with the original version and the Q2U. I have the Q2U myself and I have to say I like the sound of that a little better. I think AT have gone the right way in improving the internal processing to 24 bit 192 kHz as that is kind of a weak point in the original. The USB-C thing is not a big deal for me (I guess all my equipment is outdated) but I suppose a lot of people will find it useful. Handling noise is a problem with the Q2U as well, and with inexpensive handheld dynamics (such as the Behringers) in general. I've taken to calling these "stage mics" instead of "handheld mics," a term I reserve for mics that don't suck at handling noise rejection. Overall I think this is an excellent mic and a better option than the ubiquitous Blue Yeti and its many clones for most people buying a USB mic for use in an untreated space, however I feel the Samson is nearly as good for quite a bit less (although $100 is certainly not prohibitive) and is a better value. I have been arguing in favor of a Behringer stage mic and an inexpensive audio interface instead of a USB mic for a while now and while this doesn't quite tilt the scales the other way for me but it's certainly a valid choice IMO.

My first dynamic microphone.

I love your videos man.

Thank you so much for this review, Bandrew! I was originally planning to buy a Samson Q2U, but the seller had some issues, so I had to retract the order. Fortunately, I stumbled across this video, which is *very in-depth* . Also, the pizza song is pretty amazing, I wonder if there's a full song 😉 I now have the ATR2100x, along with some windscreens and a boom arm. It sounds so fantastic(of course not as par as the Q2U, but better than most condenser mics)! Since I'm using a laptop, the mic doesn't pick up the keyboard sounds that much, so I'm fine with using it for making gameplay videos and beatboxing (in an amateur way!). The only bad thing about the mic is the handheld noise, but it's fine since I'm mostly static while using it. Anyway, I can't stress how much I appreciate this review, Bandrew! Now I'm playing around with the gain and mic placement, and I'm going to follow your guides about these. Keep up doing what you do!

hi love your videos xx

Thank u for review

For whatever reason, the Q2U that I was going to get is so expensive where I live that this ends up being the slightly cheaper option, so thanks for the great review!

Great brother. Thank you for your video. God Bless tou and your house.

I just bought the original 2100 for 70 dollars new back in the end of January to start my podcast. I don't plan on jumping and buying an upgrade because I do the podcast to help other people and just get information and experiences out. I really like the quality I got with the 2100 using XLR into the Zoom h4N as it is. Maybe a couple years down the line, but I'm pretty much happy with the original.

oh man when you threw that box! Oh hell that was super funny.

Hi would u recommend this for a noisy environment I live in a Main Street and it’s noisy with all the cars passing so I’m looking for something that will work with my situation ! Would appreciate a response :)

This is really great.

I definitely heard the difference. As soon as you switched, I felt like it opened and widened the range noticably

I saw your Samson Q2U review. How's that headphone amp compared to to this one? You don't mention that specific detail in that particular review. Thanks for your videos.

Bandrew, question for you. I am trying to understand the USB vs XLR comparison. Did you need to set the gain to 95% when using the XLR to Focusrite to get the same recording/input levels in your DAW as you had with the USB connection? Or did that level of gain (XLR+Focusrite) get you better recording/input levels than you had with the USB? I have the (ATR2100x) and the Motu M2 interface and with the gain maxed out I am only getting a 3db to 4db increase in recording/input levels in my DAW (as compared to the recording/input levels I get with the direct USB connection). Does this seem right to you? Or is it possible that there is something wrong with my mic or interface?

An excellent review!! Thx for doing this

Hey just saw your Video and it was very helpful. What xlr and interface combination would you recommend in a near price range instead of this usb/xlr combination? Thanks a lot and keep up that awesome work!

I'm not interested in this microphone at all, I just was in the mood to watch Bandrew video! I love his videos so much!

Hi! I love your content! Do you recommend it to record two acoustic guitars in a noisy place to make some videos with my android device? Thanks and keep it up!

I was looking for a multipurpose USB and XLR microphone that I can use for communication, recording, and open stage singing bundled into one. This can do all that, but I also agree that the pure XLR route like my sennheiser e835s and the audio technica atm510 sounds so much better. I do not mean this microphone is bad, since it does the job very well and I can say output is already good for a hybrid (if I may identify it to be) dynamic mic like this. I use it more when communicating in Zoom and MS Teams since it makes my voice sound cool like a FM radio DJ on the other end. 😄

just picked up 2@$39.99 ea. from Walmart Clearance, and they'll get some use for my podcast practice sessions!

Hi all, came here because of all the wonderfully done reviews, and also because I'm looking to get my first proper microphone setup! :D Recently ventured into gaming (dauntless), and frequent conversing with friends over discord is the main reason I'm looking for a proper mic set up, though I occasionally partake in group discussions and podcast recordings for uni as well. I have a good acoustic electric guitar which I am learning too. Currently staying in a small, untreated apartment room where it is usually quiet enough, but friends have mentioned and joked about the birds outside when I'm using my laptop's native microphones XD I'm a semi-audiophile who has several competent headphones and dacs and headphone amplifiers, and I've been considering many setups that would best suit my needs. Slightly reluctant to get the Schiit Hel due to its weaker performing mic in, despite its good headphone stage. Don't have enough information about the Mayflower Arc Mk2's headphone stage (doubt it'll be better than the Hel's) although its mic in did sound better. The 2 above options would mean that I either get an Antlion Modmic 5.0 (which I have tried and disliked due to its finnicky nature) or a gaming headset, none of which I view favourably at the moment. This has led me to look at usb microphones, such as this ATR2100X and the ATR2500X. I like the audio quality of the 2500 in Bandrew's old review more, but he is an expert mic reviewer and the review was done in a properly treated environment. Also, looking at his other videos, I'm really attracted to the Behringer UMC22 (or Rode AI-1) and XM8500 for their really good performance at an affordable total price. Which of these would best suit my needs? (also looking at small desktop stands and boom arm clamp stands, but am totally lost due to inexperience and lack of in depth comparison reviews >.

Guts! Usually most USB mics are meh. I prefer a truly XLR balanced solution. They plain just sound better. For a conference mic sure this fits the bill. I am using a Shure SM7B for my Podcast coming soon. I wanted second to none sound for my voice. But I didn't want to go broke in the process. I am at some point going with the Motu interface you reviewed recently but the 4 not the 2. Gives me more versatility. Fun watching this review. Might be a bit spendy for what it is, but it will work fine in the right space.

I feel like this one was a bit louder/clearer in the distance test compared to the Q2U review you did. Am I judging that correctly? I tend to sway/drift away from the mic, so having good pickup at 12-18 inches is something I want.... but I also want the noise resistance a dynamic mic offers.

Dude, what a box throw. Are you practicing for belated "Pitchers And Catchers" spring training?

This is really a good review video. I'm just searching for a dynamic mic that I can use as an alternative for my VOs. I use ZOOM H6 for more than a year and I find some static sounds by listening to my audio. I don't know if there is a glitch or what. But I hope that this ATR2100X can be a good alternative in case H6 will not cooperate.

Great video! Could you review the Audix OM2 or Audio-technica atm650? I'm thinkin of getting those for a good price but the reviews I found are not very good.

Listening to your material on my phone with $10 headset I could hear the difference - the USB sounds a bit more sharp with some words, and the XLR was more round, more full and warm. Nevertheless, it sounds very very well.

Thank God I found this channel, I can finally ditch my crapshoot USB headset that I use for voice chats and can go full audiophile w/o worrying bout noise floor on headphones. :P

Whats with the background humm? Both, original 2100 and Q2u seem to not have it in comparison part...

Hi, it was a very informative video, thank you. Do you think i can use ATR 2100x for recording guided meditations and voice overs? I am concerned about background noise. And will it more refined with wind shield / pop filter? Please reply.

As someone with PTSD, I appreciate your loud sound warning in this video. Thank you! All helpful info.

Hey Bandrew! Thanks for the great content! Do you have any recommendations for USB interface and XLR dynamic mic combo under or around 100 usd like you mentioned in the end of your video? Thanks!

Hi! in your original Q2U review I don't think you compared the sound from the XLR to the USB like you did with this. Is the difference as "night & day" with that as with this? Wouldn't surprise me if they use the same converters. Almost posted this in comments for that video (perhaps I should have) but i figured you'd be watching this more closely ATM.

Dude you do the best reviews i've ever seen on any type of product. I'm looking for a mic to use for game streaming and recording acoustic guitar and vocals. What do you think is my best bet im looking to spend 100 to 150 max. I would really appreciate it thanks man

Dear Podcastage! Please guide us towards the light when it comes to audio interfaces. Its a very dark place.. Would love to see a versus series between like MOTU M2, SSL 2 and focusrite 2i2 3rd gen. Soooo torn between which one to purhcase. Love your reviews!

I'm listening on Sennheiser HD1 bluetooth headphones, I honestly couldn't hear a difference between the USB and the XLR. I could definitely hear the difference between the old 2100 and the 2100x, I hear the same difference you described. The Samson seems pretty close to the 2100x to my ears.

As far as handheld mics, could you put on a windscreen so we can see how it effects the sound? Thank you.

I need the song of this video complete, right now!

I have a very deep voice but at the same time, I have a habbit of making hard ESSS noises when speaking that I really wish were subdued in my recorded audio... Would the Q2U or ATR2100 be better for me?

Could you test the new Samson q9u? Thanks!

What XLR dynamic microphone and audio interface would you recommend for $120? I really just want a plug and play option, but if I can get better quality for just around the same price I'll do it. Thanks for the video, by the way, it was really helpful.

I heard the difference from the focusrite to the USB amp on my $10 Sony earbuds.

Pls another best mics under 100$🙌

I love the sound of this mic.

Do you publish the raw audio recordings anywhere? I'm curious if it still sounds the same without YT compression.

Hey, Bandrew! Is this a good mic to record simple telltales into audiobook for KZfaq? I sent you a question on your Instagram about the Senheiser E835 for this same purpose that asked for this ATR and if you had any other suggestions of a setup for a beginner on a budget. I can't have a treated room and also plan on recording some of these telltales on exterior environments. I was planning on picking up a Blue Icicle as a XLR to USB converter for the E835. I can wait and save some more money for a better setup. What worries me the most is that the audio won't be good enough for a audiobook experience. Thanks for the awesome content. Stay awesome and have a great day!

Re: volume of monitoring. Perhaps it would make more sense if they made the dial adjust the mix of computer output / monitoring instead and have the overall volume adjustable only on the software side?

What is your preferred XLR? IN the under $200 price range

I'm thinking about getting one of these but I'm wondering if there is any way you can turn it into a wireless mic. Are there any products out there that you can connect this to that would make it function wirelessly? I'm an A/V noob and don't know what my options are.

I own this mic but I'm so confused. If I'm planning to use it for its XLR output to something like my Tascam 60D MKII recorder, do I still need to have it plugged into a separate USB power source? The manual doesn't seem to indicate that it is necessary but I am just not sure. With it being a USB microphone, I saw something that said NOT to supply it with phantom power or else it would damage it. So basically, if I'm understanding correctly, the mic is always meant to be used with some USB power connected, and the XLR output is secondary. Is that right?

Thanks for your videos, they’re awesome! Which mic do you recommend for singing that is compatible with iPads? In the below 100 if possible haha

It seems its a condenser microphone in a dynamic build shape, it beats the behringer C1, C1U?

Thanks for this review, what would be a better sound quality alternative of a mic that can record simultaneously from USB-C and XLR ? Rode does have a nice one but they put the USB-C connector inside the XLR connector ! Others provide that but with the good old mini-USB like the Samson Q2U /Blue Yeti Pro X 🙄

Can you connect this to an ios device with a powered usb hub at the same time as another audio interface or dac/amp? It would not be useable for me if it couldn't do that because my headphones are the hd650s and need that clean signal.

I have this mic, works well - question though: how do I stop this thing from clipping? Right now I'm trying to record electric guitar. I have the amp turned down to 2 and the mic more than 6 feet away...the damn thing still gets overwhelmed and produces a solid black line as a wave form. Turing the mic down in settings does nothing; just makes the entire black wave form quieter but still clipped.

Can you please point to the alternative xlr mics you mention please

PLEASE compare the ATR2100x with the new Shure MV7 usb dynamic mic! 🙏 Thanks in advance

Is the background handling noise pickup worse than the Samson Q2u?

Can you help me? I bought this mic, plugged it into my laptop, but hear no external sound coming out of the laptop speakers. I only hear sound of the mic w/headphones (plugged into the line out headphone jack on the mic itself). How can I get mix sound to come out of my laptop speakers? I want to be able to use this for Zoom meetings

I just got mine. The only issue I have with it, is probably related to the universal USB driver that Windows 11 comes with and I also assume it's the same for Windows 10. The device resets the digital microphone volume internally or in the driver, to a default much lower level than what you have set in the Windows volume mixer, if you have apps that connect to it in exclusive mode, which I guess resets the driver/device and does not reapply the level previously set in Windows (because in exclusive mode, an app takes full control of the device, and needs no sample rate conversion if the device supports the sample rate that the software is recording at). Disabling exclusive mode keeps the volume that is set in windows. Only downside would be slightly bigger latency if monitoring via software and no direct control of its volume from other software but windows volume mixer APIs. Also, if not recording at the rate the driver/mic is set to in Windows by default, the drivers will need to perform sample rate conversion.

Hi, Is this microphone a good option in an untreated room...I actually wanted to place it on the desk and speak ? Will this suit my requirements ...

BEST MIC REVIEWER.

Best Dynamic Microphone in 2020 👍 (USB-C, 24-bit, 192kHz)

How are you getting so much volume without boosting? I am using audacity and have recording volume between 60 and 80 percent and it's not super loud at all and has a bit of background noise, which isn't a big deal as I can clean that all up in post but if I wanted to do something live I was hoping to get more volume out of it.

Would you kindly tell me where to find the 120 USD dynamic microphone set to buy? And also how to setup it since I am still an absolute beginner in this field.

if they were priced the same, is the ATR2100X a better overall mic for podcasts and speaking than the Samson Q2u?

Great reviews! I'm torn between this mic, the Q2U, and the ATR2500X-USB. Any plans to review the ATR2500X-USB? I'm curious about what's been updated over the older version.

Is this ATR2100x a better XLR when compared to the XM8500?

In your opinion is the headphone amp in this mic is the older AT 2005 a cleaner headphone amp?

Should you upgrade if you have the previous ATR2100?

Thank you for another really cool review. I'm looking for a microphone for video conferencing. I have two small children who sometimes get really loud in the next room (not the same room). Money aside, do you think the Elgato Wave:3 or this ATR2100x would be better suited for my specific case?

Can you make a video on the ATR2500x-USB?

I recently bought this mic. Just wanted to add that the recording app you use can make a big difference, even if you connect via USB. I was initially disappointed with the mic. Had subtle weird distortions that I couldn't figure out the source of. Then I changed recording app, and it made a huge difference. Now everything is crystal clear. Maybe a beginner mistake, but my advice is: don't use apps that compress the audio!

What can you recommend for someone who just wants to have fun on Smule but still wants to sound decent. I am far from professional, but I'm only singing into the phone itself. Honestly I was originally looking at the ROCCAT torch for my gaming that I can use for singing but not sure if its any good. What can you recommend that is USB?