Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB vs Samson Q2U

Quick answer

The Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB and the Samson Q2U are both dynamic cardioid microphones with a USB-C output and an XLR output. Audio-Technica lists a frequency response of 50 – 15,000 Hz, and Samson lists 50Hz–15kHz.

The main difference in our sources is the digital format over USB. Audio-Technica lists up to 24 bit and sample rates of 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 96 kHz and 192 kHz, while Samson lists up to 16-bit at 44.1kHz/48kHz.

So the question is which matters more to you: the recording format over USB, or what each maker puts in the box.

Choose Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB if

• You want to record over USB at up to 24 bit and up to 192 kHz, where Samson lists up to 16-bit at 44.1kHz/48kHz.
• You want both USB cable types in the box: Audio-Technica lists a 2 m USB-C to USB-C cable, a 2 m USB-C to USB-A cable, a 3 m XLR cable, a tripod desk stand and a stand clamp.
• You want a lifetime limited warranty, which Audio-Technica states for its ATR series USB microphones. Samson's page in our sources does not state a warranty.

Choose Samson Q2U if

• You want a stated maximum sound pressure level: Samson lists 148dB SPL. Audio-Technica's page in our sources does not state a max SPL for its model.
• You record on a Chromebook: Samson lists Mac, PC, or Chromebook for its USB output.
• You want a foam windscreen and a tripod stand extension, which Samson lists in the box along with a mic clip, a tripod stand, a 2.25m USB cable and a 3m XLR cable.
• You want a die-cast body: Samson describes a solid, die-cast construction with a heavy gauge mesh grille.

By use case

Podcasting

Both makers name podcasting. Audio-Technica calls its model a content creation microphone designed for podcasting, streaming, and voiceovers, and Samson lists podcasting, live sound, and music recording applications.

Each has a headphone jack for listening while you talk. Audio-Technica lists a 3.5 mm TRS headphone jack with a headphone volume control, and Samson lists a 1/8" (3.5mm) headphone output with level control for zero-latency monitoring.

If you record a guest in the same room, plan for a second microphone and a way to record both voices on separate tracks.

Vocals

Samson names music recording among its uses, and Audio-Technica names podcasting, streaming, and voiceovers.

Both have an XLR output next to USB-C. Audio-Technica lists its output connector as USB-C/XLR, and Samson lists a USB-C digital output and an XLR analog output.

If you sing live, decide which output you will use before the show and bring the matching cable.

Mobile Recording

Audio-Technica lists a weight of 268 g (9.5 oz) and a length of 183.0 mm with a 51.0 mm maximum body diameter.

Samson lists a weight of 0.7lb (0.32kg) and dimensions of 7.5" (190mm) x 2.2" (55mm) diameter.

Audio-Technica lists USB Power (5V DC) as the power requirement for its model.

Before you record away from your desk, check that your laptop has a spare port of the right type.

What the specs do not tell you

Our sources for the ATR2100x-USB do not state its max SPL, sensitivity, self-noise or output impedance.

Our sources for the Q2U do not state its self-noise, output impedance or warranty.

A spec sheet cannot tell you how a microphone suits your voice or your room, so listen to your own test recording before you settle on a setup.

Before you buy, check that your recording software supports the format you plan to record in, and whether you need the XLR output at all.