Don’t lie - these audio tests are really just a cover for showing us your immaculate singing skills. Don’t hold back now, more singing please! 😂😂😂 also, #5 test with the Q2U is asmr GOLD ✨
I've been looking quite long for a comparison showing the difference in the noise floor between these two mics. Thank you for putting effort to do the test with quiet speaking! The AT seems to do much better.
I liked the Samson because it makes the male voice sound fuller than the AT, but I've always struggled getting enough output out of my mics, so this helped convince me to go with the AT. Thanks for a great review.
This was helpful, saw the AT for £10 more but the warmer sound plus less ambient pick up on the Q2U is more what I'm looking for. Appreciate you went into those which some people don't often do in reviews
In my country now. The AT is cheaper quite a bit and I tried to like it because of USB c, but somehow I prefer the sound from the Q2U. I'm not too fond of the hiss sounds on the AT. I feel like the Q2U sounds warmer and more lively to my ears.
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 🙄
Looking for a microphone that sounds good value wise and has sidetone. I want the AT but at 100bucks i am hesitant because i can get the Q2U for 55 bucks on sale at best buy rn. I dont really know what im doing. are they both equally good to run the audio through to my headphones for sidetone sake? or would this be generally a bad idea? or will one work better? should i just get an audio interface? would that work for sidetone with no delay even? sorry for poorly structured question i am just typing in a hurry
Thanks for the useful review. Did you notice that the ATR2100x's USB-C port was loose? Not that the plug is loose in the socket, but that the socket itself is slightly loose in the chassis. Trying to figure out whether mine is faulty or if this is just they way it's built.
Great and informative video !!! PLEASE HELP ! I have an inquiry about iPhones. I just bought the ATR2100x. Am I able to use that Mic as an external mic with my IPHONE12 for live streams on UA-cam (Streamyards), Instagram Live or Zoom calls ? I have an adapter and a USB Hub, will this work and be successful for short streams/podcasting in the interim until I get better production ?
@@JoeAtClaricast Funny enough, I ended up with both, and honestly I preferred the USB sound more of the Q2U. I think via XLR, the ATR2100x sounds much more well rounded and the better out of the two, but for some reason, the ATR2100X feels like it is missing all of its bottom end via the USB port. I'll be keeping the Q2U since I got it on sale for half the price of the ATR2100X
It's subjective. The other comments stand regardless of the price really as the price is similar. I personally would pick the ATR because it picked up a stronger signal, I prefer the flatter frequency response and Audio Technica mics in the past I've had have lasted. Some prefer the increased low-end response of the Q2U though.
Hey! I am a voice over artist and planning to purchase this mic but i do not have a laptop so can we connect it to an android mobile phone? And i live in a very noisy area how's the noise cancellation of this mic? I'll be very grateful if you reply coz i need to purchase a mic urgently! Kindly reply soon🙏
Hi there! You'll need to look into a USB to USB-C converter for your phone. It may work depending on the phone so I suggest looking into it for your phone model. The mic doesn't have any 'noise cancellation' per say (as in software noise cancellation that reduces ambience). But they're dynamic mics so they pic up less room sound than a condenser like a Blue Yeti. I hope this helps.
Hey there, yes I would typically. I go over it and the whole process here - ua-cam.com/video/1wUCbYiBflg/v-deo.html If you have an untreated room (i.e. not a studio), then you'll normally get better results with a dynamic. There are pros and cons though so it's worth considering every angle.
@@JoeAtClaricast Interesting, thank you. I watched the video, and while I agree that a dynamic sounds better, I do wonder if condenser may be more suited as I do move around a little, so am not always positioned directly in front of the mic. I could remedy this with a boom arm,though this may introduce arm noises,, I have a budget of around £150, and have been looking at the Rode NT1USB and the NT1USB Mini, the ATR2100X-USB as well as the Yeti range of microphones. I use it solely for podcasting and the occasional UA-cam video, though the latter is rare. Do you have a recommendation within that sort of budget? I like the simplicity of the Yetis, though have read a few people who have had issues with the USB ports breaking, and also I have concerns about compatibility with Windows 11. The others, I struggle to tell the difference in audio quality, and have never used any, so they are unknown to me in terms of usability and quality. Any advice very gratefully received, thank you!
It may help picking you up when you move if you had a condenser mic. But this would still introduce difference in tone as you move from the centre and further away. Ideally I would focus on practicing to keep your positioning. I know it's easier said than done, though! I've only used the XLR versions of the Rodes and they are great. The ATR is what I recommend to my podcasting clients. But you are right, you do need a boom arm and you do need to keep relatively still. Although you could possibly move it if you need to change position and edit it out after, as long as it's not while you're speaking. I can't imagine Windows 11 would be an issue but it'd be worth checking what people are saying on forums.
anyone else have problems with ATR2100x? bought first one brand new - arrived dead, got second hand replacement one - died in 3 months... now i'm considering getting the samson instead
Can anyone help me please? I can't get the volume to peak at -6 dB even when talking quite loud an inch from the microphone with the ATR 2100x plugged in USB recording via Audacity with the gain at 100 pct..? I read that it could come from Windows so I reajusted the strength of the signal manually through the Windows 11 menus but it didn't change a thing.
Hi Robin, are you getting a reasonable signal with not too much noise? Just thinking if you could get by with what it is recording, does it need to peak at -6dB?
@@JoeAtClaricast Hi Joe! Thanks for your reply! The sound is good but the volume low and when I try to boost it mechanically through Audacity (which I have to do by 10-15 DBs to reach sufficient volume output for my purpose), it results in dirty, grainy sound unfortunately. Should I play around with the "normalize" tool and EQ to increase volume? Would you consider returning the product? Thanks
It's hard to troubleshoot unfortunately. You could try normalizing/using the Amplify plugin. Rather than Audacity's aggressive gain fader. It could be worth logging a support ticket with Audio Technica.
I encountered a similar problem with this mic and Audacity. I found out by trial and error that if you adjust the mic record meter slider in Audacity down and then back up before recording then it seems to fix the issue and it records much better. Strange but it works for me.
I own the Q2U, but I have to admit I'm now considering switching to the ATR2100x because it's audibly better and costs just a few bucks more on Amazon. What I have noticed through your video (which might be my own hearing) is the ATR picks up more ambient noise.
I do prefer the ATR. But there's not much in it. Might be worth getting one second hand to test. If I had the Q2U I probably wouldn't bother swapping now. With the ambience it might just be because it picks up more level overall. The pickup pattern is the same but there are always going to be some variances.
Hi Avanish, with these USB mics, there is no built-in gain control. It's only set via the Windows/Mac OS system settings. I did not change the system settings between mics so it was maximum for both. The only descepancy there could have been is if there was a hardware issue with the mic, but I can't make that assumption.
Wish there was a measured frequency response of both mics so we could precisely & scientifically compare and match the data to our subjective impressions, but mine were: the AT sounds more nasal and also sharper in the highs - both things make it more annoying to my ears. Don't like it at all. Given that the Q2U is cheaper and also has a nicer desktop stand (albeit not to be mistaken for a good shock mount) seems like a no-brainer to me. EDIT: Although I guess the lower level of the Samson could be a problem
Normally you do get the frequency response charts on the manufacturer websites but ultimately it's down to what you're hearing. And I totally respect that you prefer the sound of the Q2U. The ATR2100X is definitely brighter. And the stand is better, and the price! I find it harder to recommend to my podcast clients mainly because of the volume. And typically their first thought during recording isn't their positioning. It's a bit smaller to fit on a desk that's not necessarily for studio use. And I've just had good experiences with AT. Both great options though.
Love the Q2U. Tried other mics for years. But this one changed my life.
It's great for the price. Shame it's overlooked my a lot of new podcasters.
Don’t lie - these audio tests are really just a cover for showing us your immaculate singing skills. Don’t hold back now, more singing please! 😂😂😂 also, #5 test with the Q2U is asmr GOLD ✨
Thanks! I thought it was a bit tuney 😂 I have uploaded some song covers on this channel.
I've been looking quite long for a comparison showing the difference in the noise floor between these two mics. Thank you for putting effort to do the test with quiet speaking! The AT seems to do much better.
Happy to help, Tomasz. Agreed!
I liked the Samson because it makes the male voice sound fuller than the AT, but I've always struggled getting enough output out of my mics, so this helped convince me to go with the AT. Thanks for a great review.
I'm glad it helped, Dennis. It is difficult getting enough signal through a USB mic.
@@JoeAtClaricast Hi, even if you use voice meeter Banana which is allowing you to set up the volume and the gain?
This was helpful, saw the AT for £10 more but the warmer sound plus less ambient pick up on the Q2U is more what I'm looking for. Appreciate you went into those which some people don't often do in reviews
That's great that it helped you to decide. It really is about preference a lot of the time.
Amazing review 👍. Thanks for giving the final verdict. Very helpful and no BS.
Glad it was helpful, Rahul!
In my country now. The AT is cheaper quite a bit and I tried to like it because of USB c, but somehow I prefer the sound from the Q2U. I'm not too fond of the hiss sounds on the AT. I feel like the Q2U sounds warmer and more lively to my ears.
Yes the Q2U is definitely warmer. Personal preference is part of the decision with mics.
@@JoeAtClaricast thank you for for the review and taking your time to reply 😇
Thank you I was looking for this video
I have the Q2U, and I just saw this video and realized I made the correct choice. I am still happy with the Q2U it is such a deal!
Yeah they're both really good for the money. It's mainly personal preference between the two.
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 🙄
atr2100xとq2uの比較をしたかったのでとても助かりました。一番気になるのはノイズでしたが、中古で安い方を探せば良いですね。
Great review, did you happen to use a Sennheiser XS-1 at some point? Wondering how it compares
Looking for a microphone that sounds good value wise and has sidetone. I want the AT but at 100bucks i am hesitant because i can get the Q2U for 55 bucks on sale at best buy rn.
I dont really know what im doing. are they both equally good to run the audio through to my headphones for sidetone sake? or would this be generally a bad idea? or will one work better? should i just get an audio interface? would that work for sidetone with no delay even? sorry for poorly structured question i am just typing in a hurry
Thanks for the useful review. Did you notice that the ATR2100x's USB-C port was loose? Not that the plug is loose in the socket, but that the socket itself is slightly loose in the chassis. Trying to figure out whether mine is faulty or if this is just they way it's built.
Happy to help. I didn't actually. Was it second hand?
@@JoeAtClaricast No it was new. I'm going to RMA it. Hopefully the replacement won't have the issue.
Great and informative video !!! PLEASE HELP ! I have an inquiry about iPhones. I just bought the ATR2100x. Am I able to use that Mic as an external mic with my IPHONE12 for live streams on UA-cam (Streamyards), Instagram Live or Zoom calls ? I have an adapter and a USB Hub, will this work and be successful for short streams/podcasting in the interim until I get better production ?
It can be done, hopefully this works for you. I'm sure it'll be much better than your standard phone audio!
What mic are you using to record the voice in this video sir?
I believe it was a Shure SM57!
I'd pick Audio Technica only because of USB-C !
Very good point.
What is the best in removing noise?
We know the Q2U is usually referred to as the "better value" , but all in all, price aside, is it a better microphone?
Price aside, personally, I prefer the AT. The Q2U has a bit more low-end out the box, which some will probably be swayed by.
@@JoeAtClaricast Funny enough, I ended up with both, and honestly I preferred the USB sound more of the Q2U. I think via XLR, the ATR2100x sounds much more well rounded and the better out of the two, but for some reason, the ATR2100X feels like it is missing all of its bottom end via the USB port. I'll be keeping the Q2U since I got it on sale for half the price of the ATR2100X
I'm glad you found the mic for you 🙂 at half the price it's definitely worth it.
Real Question: Is the atr2100x better than the Samson Q2U , money aside?
It's subjective. The other comments stand regardless of the price really as the price is similar.
I personally would pick the ATR because it picked up a stronger signal, I prefer the flatter frequency response and Audio Technica mics in the past I've had have lasted. Some prefer the increased low-end response of the Q2U though.
Hey! I am a voice over artist and planning to purchase this mic but i do not have a laptop so can we connect it to an android mobile phone? And i live in a very noisy area how's the noise cancellation of this mic? I'll be very grateful if you reply coz i need to purchase a mic urgently! Kindly reply soon🙏
Hi there! You'll need to look into a USB to USB-C converter for your phone. It may work depending on the phone so I suggest looking into it for your phone model.
The mic doesn't have any 'noise cancellation' per say (as in software noise cancellation that reduces ambience). But they're dynamic mics so they pic up less room sound than a condenser like a Blue Yeti. I hope this helps.
Thanx, nice review
Happy to help! Recon you'll be getting either of the mics?
Would you recommend dynamic over condenser for podcasting please?
Hey there, yes I would typically. I go over it and the whole process here - ua-cam.com/video/1wUCbYiBflg/v-deo.html
If you have an untreated room (i.e. not a studio), then you'll normally get better results with a dynamic. There are pros and cons though so it's worth considering every angle.
@@JoeAtClaricast Interesting, thank you. I watched the video, and while I agree that a dynamic sounds better, I do wonder if condenser may be more suited as I do move around a little, so am not always positioned directly in front of the mic. I could remedy this with a boom arm,though this may introduce arm noises,, I have a budget of around £150, and have been looking at the Rode NT1USB and the NT1USB Mini, the ATR2100X-USB as well as the Yeti range of microphones. I use it solely for podcasting and the occasional UA-cam video, though the latter is rare. Do you have a recommendation within that sort of budget? I like the simplicity of the Yetis, though have read a few people who have had issues with the USB ports breaking, and also I have concerns about compatibility with Windows 11. The others, I struggle to tell the difference in audio quality, and have never used any, so they are unknown to me in terms of usability and quality. Any advice very gratefully received, thank you!
It may help picking you up when you move if you had a condenser mic. But this would still introduce difference in tone as you move from the centre and further away. Ideally I would focus on practicing to keep your positioning. I know it's easier said than done, though!
I've only used the XLR versions of the Rodes and they are great. The ATR is what I recommend to my podcasting clients. But you are right, you do need a boom arm and you do need to keep relatively still. Although you could possibly move it if you need to change position and edit it out after, as long as it's not while you're speaking.
I can't imagine Windows 11 would be an issue but it'd be worth checking what people are saying on forums.
@@JoeAtClaricast That’s really helpful, thank you! And I’ll try keeping a bit more still… I’m not optimistic! ;)
Hey! Is this microphone ATR2100x suitable for recording vocals, extreme vocals and audiobooks?
The S sounds are just not crisp enough in any of the ATR2100x tests I've heard, including this one.
Is the atr2100x good for singing purpose?
It should do the job if it's all you have and you don't have an acoustically treated recording space. It's not really built for singing mind you.
anyone else have problems with ATR2100x? bought first one brand new - arrived dead, got second hand replacement one - died in 3 months... now i'm considering getting the samson instead
Sorry to hear that! Mines lasted (and I bought it second hand). But if it's happened twice, I wouldn't blame you for switching.
I prefer the sound of the Q2U
Can anyone help me please? I can't get the volume to peak at -6 dB even when talking quite loud an inch from the microphone with the ATR 2100x plugged in USB recording via Audacity with the gain at 100 pct..? I read that it could come from Windows so I reajusted the strength of the signal manually through the Windows 11 menus but it didn't change a thing.
Hi Robin, are you getting a reasonable signal with not too much noise? Just thinking if you could get by with what it is recording, does it need to peak at -6dB?
@@JoeAtClaricast Hi Joe! Thanks for your reply! The sound is good but the volume low and when I try to boost it mechanically through Audacity (which I have to do by 10-15 DBs to reach sufficient volume output for my purpose), it results in dirty, grainy sound unfortunately.
Should I play around with the "normalize" tool and EQ to increase volume?
Would you consider returning the product?
Thanks
It's hard to troubleshoot unfortunately. You could try normalizing/using the Amplify plugin. Rather than Audacity's aggressive gain fader. It could be worth logging a support ticket with Audio Technica.
I encountered a similar problem with this mic and Audacity. I found out by trial and error that if you adjust the mic record meter slider in Audacity down and then back up before recording then it seems to fix the issue and it records much better. Strange but it works for me.
I had to close my eyes to hear the difference, yes the q2u is better. The sound is noticeably higher resolution with more dynamic range.
I own the Q2U, but I have to admit I'm now considering switching to the ATR2100x because it's audibly better and costs just a few bucks more on Amazon. What I have noticed through your video (which might be my own hearing) is the ATR picks up more ambient noise.
I do prefer the ATR. But there's not much in it. Might be worth getting one second hand to test. If I had the Q2U I probably wouldn't bother swapping now.
With the ambience it might just be because it picks up more level overall. The pickup pattern is the same but there are always going to be some variances.
I think you set the gain very low on Samson q2u
Hi Avanish, with these USB mics, there is no built-in gain control. It's only set via the Windows/Mac OS system settings. I did not change the system settings between mics so it was maximum for both. The only descepancy there could have been is if there was a hardware issue with the mic, but I can't make that assumption.
Wish there was a measured frequency response of both mics so we could precisely & scientifically compare and match the data to our subjective impressions, but mine were: the AT sounds more nasal and also sharper in the highs - both things make it more annoying to my ears. Don't like it at all. Given that the Q2U is cheaper and also has a nicer desktop stand (albeit not to be mistaken for a good shock mount) seems like a no-brainer to me. EDIT: Although I guess the lower level of the Samson could be a problem
Normally you do get the frequency response charts on the manufacturer websites but ultimately it's down to what you're hearing. And I totally respect that you prefer the sound of the Q2U. The ATR2100X is definitely brighter. And the stand is better, and the price!
I find it harder to recommend to my podcast clients mainly because of the volume. And typically their first thought during recording isn't their positioning. It's a bit smaller to fit on a desk that's not necessarily for studio use. And I've just had good experiences with AT.
Both great options though.
The samson has so much more depth, when you hear it it's like you just jump into a swimming pool of it's audio
More low end that's for sure!
What is your favourite?
My personal favourite is the ATR2100x. It depends on a few factors though and there's a price difference. I do go over that in the overview though.
@@JoeAtClaricast Thank you for answer!
too I made like s on garage band and thought it be easier in softsoft. nope
Huh?