Maroc - 3RD-STRIKE.COM - A La Une - 26/Jan 03:33

Audio-Technica AT2040USB – Hardware Review

Even though we do quite enjoy reviewing hardware here on 3rd-strike.com, we sometimes tend to get preoccupied with our backlog of games that we fall a bit behind with reviewing cool new gadgets, accessories, or peripherals for our gaming rig. In this case, we have somewhat neglected our review of Audio-Technica’s AT2040USB, which we were quite looking forward to, but sadly, a lot of other, older items got in the way. Luckily, today we are happy to share our opinions on this mid-priced, high-quality microphone. Design As is common with modern streaming and podcast microphones, the design is fairly simple yet classy. The AT2040USB is a solid black microphone with few bells and whistles. The metal has a matte black finish, and there’s only one small Audio-Technica logo that stands out. The mute button is also very subtle, with a small white ring around it, which lights up to show if the microphone is active or muted. On the bottom side of the microphone, there are two dials, a switch, the power supply port (USB-C), and a headset port. All in all, the AT2040USB is a very good-looking microphone that blends in perfectly in a studio setting or with every type of gaming rig. Comfort Comfort-wise, there is one thing you should know before picking this one up, as the AT2040USB does not come with a base. This means you’ll need a suitable base or boom arm to actually set up the device. If you have that, the installation process is quite simple, as you simply need to screw the microphone on, and you’re good to go. That being said, the device itself is very easy to work with. The connection port, the headset port, and all dials and the low cut switch remain easily accessible, as you actually use the AT8487 Mounting Clamp to attach the microphone to a boom arm or suitable base. This allows the bottom side of the microphone to stay free and accessible if you need to tweak your settings. The dials are more easily noticeable by touch, but the low cut switch is a bit harder to locate without looking at the underside of the microphone. Specs Element: Dynamic Polar Pattern: Hypercardioid Frequency Response: 80-16,000 Hz Low Frequency Roll Off: 80 Hz, 18 dB/octave Power Requirements: USB power (5 VDC) Bit Depth: 16 bit/24 bit Sample Rate: 44.1 kHz/48 kHz/88.2 kHz/96 kHz Controls: Headphone level control, Mix control, Low cut, Mute Weight: About 600 g (21 oz) Dimensions: 145.3 mm (5.7”) long, 52 mm (2.0”) maximum body diameter Output: Connector USB Type-C Headphone Output Power: 77 mW (at 1 kHz, 1% T.H.D., 32 ohms) Headphone Jack: 3.5 mm (1/8”) stereo mini-jack System Requirements: USB2.0 compliant Supported OS: Windows 10, Windows 11, macOS Catalina, macOS Big Sur, macOS Monterey, macOS Ventura Accessories: Included •AT8487 mounting clamp •5/8”-27 to 3/8”-16 threaded adapter •USB cable (about 2.0 m (6.6′), USB Type-C to USB Type-A) •USB conversion adapter (USB-Type-A to USB Type-C) Overview As is the case with many modern microphones, minimal setup is actually required. You attach the AT8487 Mounting Clamp to a suitable base or boom arm, plug in the USB-C cable, and you’re pretty much good to go. You can download the official software, but this isn’t necessarily required, as you can tweak most of the basic settings via the dials and low cut switch on the device itself. When it comes to the features, all the basics are present, but also a few more advanced functions. You’ll have standard options, such as a mute button and (monitoring) volume dials. There is also the monitoring option, where you can plug in your headset. This is certainly a must-have option for those wanting to start recording. A fun extra feature is the low cut switch. The latter allows you to drown out some of the environmental noises, resulting in clearer audio recordings. Of course, depending on the environment or the nature of the recording, you might want to record the background noise. Those on the receiving end will be treated to crystal clear audio, which is certainly what you’d hope for from a microphone such as this. Even though we mainly used this device for our gaming sessions or Discord calls, the AT2040USB can easily be used for recordings or podcasts as well. While we certainly commit ourselves to more professional pastimes for our reviews as well, we also enjoyed using the AT2040USB for day-to-day activities, such as regular calls or simple work engagements. Even though this is a microphone that will set you back a pretty penny, it does serve a multitude of purposes. Conclusion Audio-Technica’s AT2040USB is once again a great recording device that still finds itself in a mid-price range. The classy design is suitable for every setting, the different controls are easy to adjust the setting on the fly, and the recording quality is top-notch. With monitoring features, you’re good to go in a professional setting, but even casual gamers, budding podcast creators, or just content creators finding their way will have a great time using the AT2040USB. If you’re looking for a quality addition to your recording setup or gaming rig, the AT2040USB is certainly worth looking into.