In the age of Pod Casting and Content Creation, clear, crisp, and high-quality audio is essential to ensure your content makes an impact. And when it comes to microphones, there is plenty of options to choose from. So much so, that it can be a difficult choice on what gear you need to create that quality content. Thankfully, Audio-Technica is here to save the day with a brand-new microphone, built specifically with content creation in mind.
The AT-2040 Hypercardioid Dynamic USB Microphone is by far the best choice on the market right now.
This broadcast quality microphone combines high end technology with ease-of-use plug-and-play USB functionality, making it the easy choice for all your content creation needs. Perfect for podcasting, streaming and is even suited for music producers.
The crisp vocal clarity comes at the hand of the Hypercardioid polar pattern microphone, providing clear vocal isolation that removes the stress out of editing. There is even a Low-cut switch built into the base of the microphone that enables the user to cut out most of the background noise. Having this feature available on-device makes it the perfect microphone for beginners and professionals alike.
Another clever on-device function is the built in Mute Button. Whilst most microphones in the market have mute functionality, they come with a physical button that needs to be pressed. My Blue Yeti has a button, and I am always missing the mute button when I need it most. Thankfully, the AT-2040’s mute functionality is a touch operated switch. It does not need to be physically pressed in like a conventional switch. Simply tap it with your finger and the LED Ring on the button will switch to Red, indicating the audio is muted. Tap it again, it will switch back to Blue, indicating the microphone is live.
Back when I used to stream on Twitch, there was nothing worse than hearing a half-second delay in the playback of your own voice. Most microphones require an additional mix-deck or other accessory to enable live voice feedback. Not the AT-2040! This microphone has a built-in headphone jack that offers Zero Latency Monitoring. Meaning, the audio feedback is instantaneous without any delay at all. And, with the USB connectivity direct to your computer, it will also playback the computer audio through the same headphone jack.
Now, you might be thinking, “How can I adjust the mix of my own voice compared to the computer?”. Well, Audio-Technica have thought of that too! The AT-2040 has an on-device mix adjustment, enabling the user to increase or decrease the mix of voice vs computer input.
Most content creators will tell you that the number one accessory you need is a good pop-filter or foam cover for your microphone. One that reduces the peaking of your own voice when you get a little too excited. Again, Audio-Technica have also taken this into consideration with the design of the business end of the microphone. Thanks to the design of the multistage foam mesh windscreen, the AT-2040 has an internal pop filter, allowing for close-up usage without any of those annoying, noisy, pops.
Not only does the aforementioned Low-cut filter enhance the audio quality, but this microphone also comes complete with an integrated shock mount. Meaning, when mounted to your favourite boom arm, the shock mount will reduce any noise that might be generated as you adjust the microphone. I for one am always fiddling with my microphone’s position when I stream, so this feature is perfect, giving me one less thing to worry about as I go about my content.
As for the microphone itself, the Hypercardioid Dynamic pickup device is perfect for content creators. It’s robust construction and with no need for an external power source, creates a smooth, clean, and crisp audio capture with minimal pickup of external noises that might be present in your environment. Perfect for the home user that doesn’t have a dedicated recording space that is built to supress background noise. Compared to a Condenser Microphone, one that picks up almost every sound possible and requires an external power source to operate, the Dynamic Microphone is by far the better choice.
In the box you, get the AT-2040 USB Microphone, complete with the integrated shock mount. The mount comes with a standard 5/8”-27 thread, perfect for most boom arms on the market. However, if your arm has the smaller 3/8”-16 thread, then Audio-Technica have you covered with a supplied adapter. Also included is a 2-metre USB Type-C (device) to USB Type-A (computer) cable, complete with an adapter to connect directly to a USB-C port should you require it. The headphone jack is a standard 3.5mm connector and will work with any corded headphones.
The AT-2040 Hypercardioid Dynamic USB Microphone requires no software or drivers to operate. Simply plug it directly into your preferred computer and get recording. The plug-and-play functionality is supported across Windows 10/11 and macOS. It even worked directly on my iPhone 15 Pro Max via the USB Type-C connection, proving this microphone can be used for just about anything!
I am beyond impressed by the quality of the AT-2040 Hypercardioid Dynamic USB Microphone. The ease of use and crisp audio make it the perfect upgrade for all my content creation needs. It will most definitely be used on the next LILITHIA TALK podcast and any other projects we might have.
For more information on the AT-2040 USB Microphone, including how to buy one, please visit the Audio-Technica product page here:
https://www.audio-technica.com/en-au/at2040usb
