Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB vs Heil PR40
A side-by-side look at Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB and Heil PR40 for podcasters: pricing, features, and where each one wins.
Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB
24-bit dual-output dynamic with condenser-grade resolution at a budget price
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Heil PR40
The dynamic mic that built the podcasting industry's standard
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| Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB | Heil PR40 | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | See site | See site |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Best for | Budget-conscious podcasters who want 24-bit USB audio and a clean upgrade path to XLR | Serious podcasters who want the mic that defines the classic American broadcast podcast sound |
Key features
Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB
- Dynamic cardioid, USB-C and XLR simultaneous output
- 24-bit / 192kHz USB analog-to-digital conversion
- 3.5mm headphone output for zero-latency monitoring
- Includes USB-C to USB-C, USB-C to USB-A, and XLR cables
- Includes tripod desk stand
- Cardioid polar pattern for front-address recording
Heil PR40
- Cardioid dynamic XLR, no phantom power required
- Frequency response 28 Hz to 18 kHz - widest range in Heil's PR series
- 40 dB rear rejection for superior noise isolation
- Large aluminum diaphragm with neodymium magnet structure
- Output impedance 600 ohms, output level -53.9 dB at 1 kHz
- Made in the USA
Pros and cons
Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB
Pros
- 24-bit/192kHz USB - best-in-class resolution for a budget dynamic
- Both USB-C and XLR outputs simultaneously available
- Ships with all necessary cables
- Genuine dynamic rejection of room noise
Cons
- Handheld body design sits awkwardly in a studio boom arm
- Tonally leaner than premium dynamics - less low-end warmth
- Headphone output lacks volume control
Heil PR40
Pros
- 28 Hz low-end extension gives voice recordings genuine warmth and body
- 40 dB rear rejection - exceptional in shared or noisy spaces
- American manufacturing with robust build quality
- Reference-level podcast sound with decades of validation
Cons
- Significant preamp gain required - a Cloudlifter may be necessary
- Premium price for a dynamic microphone
- Heavy - requires a quality boom arm rated for its weight
The verdict
Choose Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB if
Budget-conscious podcasters who want 24-bit USB audio and a clean upgrade path to XLR.
The 24-bit/192kHz converter is what sets the ATR2100x-USB apart from the Samson Q2U at a similar price - you can hear it, especially if you're listening back on good headphones. The cardioid dynamic capsule does the expected work of rejecting…
Choose Heil PR40 if
Serious podcasters who want the mic that defines the classic American broadcast podcast sound.
The PR40 is where many serious podcasters land after trying cheaper alternatives. Its frequency extension to 28 Hz provides a natural low-end warmth that other dynamics cannot match, and the 18 kHz ceiling gives it a clarity that rivals some…