Nobody said that looking for the perfect microphone to complement your setup at home would be easy. But it shouldn’t be too difficult either – here’s a handy guide to the different types of microphones available, and the level of suitability for your needs.
Source: Audio-Technica
For the Gaming Enthusiasts | AT2020USB-X Cardioid Condenser Microphone
The AT2020USB-X is a reimagined version of the iconic AT2020USB+ microphone, specifically designed to meet the needs of gamers, streamers and all other creators out there.
The microphone’s directional pickup, also known as cardioid, helps to keep the focus on your voice or any other selected sound source. That is seamlessly complemented by its high-resolution A/D converter (up to 24-bit/96 kHz sampling rate) to ensure that there is no unnecessary reverb, keeping the sound reproduction crystal clear and natural sounding.
The AT2020USB-X is perfect for gamers, especially those who livestream on Twitch. Its built-in headphone jack with volume control allows you to directly monitor the microphone signal with zero delay, ensuring that your teammates will always hear you in real-time, and that your online audience hears the gameplay loud and clear.
Priced at SGD$218, the AT2020USB-X Cardioid Condenser Microphone comes with a custom desk stand, ⅜”-16 to ⅝”-27 threaded adapter, and 2.0m USB-C to USB-A cable with a USB-A to USB-C adapter.
Source: Audio-Technica
For the Aspiring Vocalists | ATR1300x Unidirectional Dynamic Vocal/Instrument Microphone
The ATR1300x is precisely engineered for durability, reliability, and speech intelligibility, making it perfect to amplify and deliver professional sound quality for live performers.
The microphone’s directional polar pattern focuses the pickup on the sound source and helps to filter out feedback. Featuring a rugged metal construction look and feel, and on/off switch, and a detachable 5m cable (XLR to 6.3mm plug), the ATR1300x is made to work seamlessly with live/studio mixers and sound systems.
Priced at SGD$38, the ATR1300x is the most logical choice for competitive karaoke singers and aspiring vocalists.
Source: Audio-Technica
For the Podcasters | ATR2100x-USB Streaming/Podcasting Microphone
Considered one of the more versatile microphones in Audio-Technica’s extensive repertoire, the ATR2100x-USB is designed for live performance, podcasting, and voiceover use.
Offering a high quality analogue-to-digital converter (24-bit, up to 192kHz) for the most brilliant fidelity, the ATR2100x-USB also comes with a headphone jack with level control to allow you to directly monitor the sound quality from the microphone. Unwanted sounds are heavily reduced due to the microphone’s excellent cardioid polar pattern.
Priced at SGD$128, the ATR2100x-USB is perfect for people who regularly do podcasts and / or voiceover work. It comes with two 2m USB cables (USB-C – USB-C, USB-C to USB-A) and a 3m XLRF-to-XLRM cable for versatility at the next level. It also comes with a stable tripod desk stand with folding legs.
Source: Audio-Technica
For the Content Creators | AT2040 Hypercardioid Dynamic Podcast Microphone
The rugged looking AT2040 dynamic microphone delivers broadcast-quality sound and style to podcasters and other content creators. With the multistage windscreen combining a non-woven filter with foam mesh to provide really good internal pop filtering while preventing unwanted noise with its integrated shock mount, the AT2040 is perfect for YouTubers recording content.
The highly directional pickup (hypercardioid) helps to focus the sound on your voice and minimise unwanted ambient noises – allowing your audience to experience your content with professional-quality sound.
Priced at SGD$148, the AT2040 comes with a pivoting stand mount, ⅝”-27 to ⅜”-16 threaded adapter and a soft protective pouch.
Source: Audio-Technica
For the Broadcaster | BP40 Large-Diaphragm Dynamic Broadcast Microphone
The BP40 is truly one of the most suitable microphones for radio, recording, post production and more. The hypercardioid provides optimal isolation of sound source and has been carefully engineered to provide an excellent off-axis rejection.
The 37mm microphone is designed with patented ‘floating edges’ to optimise the surface of the membrane and to maximise performance, with the humbucking coil preventing the risk of electromagnetic interference (EMI – generated by video monitors, power supplies, etc.).
Priced at SGD$438, the BP40 is ideal for broadcast environments – especially if you’re a budding podcast creator, or an editor who deals with a lot of post production recording.
Source: Audio-Technica
Which Audio-Technica microphone would you pick for your next podcast / streaming session?
