Audio-Technica

Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB

Name: Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB
Brand: Audio-Technica

It spends its modest price on the things that extend useful life: metal shell, USB-C, XLR backup path, monitoring and included USB/XLR cables—not RGB (Aluminum alloy, Hardened plastic) — $99

$99 typical

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EDITION 01RESEARCHED 2026-07-232 SOURCESREFRESH DUE 2027-01

SUBSTANCE SCORES

substance6.7/ 10

design5.5/ 10

value5.6/ 10

WHY THE PRICE IS JUSTIFIED

It spends its modest price on the things that extend useful life: metal shell, USB-C, XLR backup path, monitoring and included USB/XLR cables—not RGB or a locked software ecosystem.

MATERIALS

Main bodyAluminum alloy

Durability and interference shielding.

Internal mounts/grille componentsHardened plastic

Keeps cost and weight down, but is less robust than an all-metal broadcast mic.

CRITERIA

7/10

Tone Balance

Clear, functional, somewhat plain voice capture.

8/10

Room Rejection

Dynamic cardioid layout reduces reflections/background relative to condensers.

7/10

Noise Floor

Clean enough at ordinary USB gain; not a specialty low-noise studio mic.

6/10

Monitoring Controls

Headphone level only; no mute or mix knob.

8/10

Connector Durability

Metal chassis and USB-C are meaningful upgrades over legacy USB connectors.

0/10

DSP Utility

No DSP or app dependence.

9/10

Value Stack

USB and XLR cables plus stand make the USB-to-XLR path inexpensive.

IDEAL FOR

·Simple podcast setup
·Remote work in an untreated room
·Buyer who values 24/192 and XLR flexibility

NOT FOR

·Users needing onboard mute/DSP
·High-detail studio singing

DESIGN & ERGONOMICS

Straightforward handheld mic proportions and a modern USB-C connector. Headphone volume is convenient, but there is no physical mute or monitor-mix control.