The AT2100x-USB is the ideal microphone ↗️ for the businessperson or content creator who needs quality sound through an easy-to-use audio capture device. As with any tool, there are considerations and complications that can occur.
That’s where I come in. Through my my own use of this microphone and assisting clients in creating the best sound quality when they use it in their setup, I’ve identified a wide variety of use-cases and troubleshooting that we’ve solved along the way to keep it functioning as intended. Gathered here are my tips and tricks to get the absolute most out of this awesome, affordable piece of tech.
A few tips on using the ATR2100x-USB:
- Ideal position for recording
- Position the microphone about one fist’s distance from your mouth.
- You can use the plastic mini-tripod that comes included, or a desk-mounted boom arm like the Zoom ZMA-1 ↗️ (what I use). Avoid the cheap boom arms since they give out quickly. Zoom is a name brand and will last (they are not associated with the video conferencing software that shares a name).
- If you’re using the boom arm, position the mic at a downward angle pointing towards your mouth.
- This reduces the effect of “plosives,” the letters in the English alphabet which invovle a burst of air: p, t, k, b, d, g.
- The letter p is a frequent cause of a small burst of air hitting microphones, which ends up sounding disruptive and unprofessional.
- Connecting to your computer via USB-C.
- Use the included USB-C cable. This microphone contains a small design flaw that doesn’t allow certain newer USB-C cables to connect it to your computer, but this is a non-issue with the included cable.
- The light on the microphone only indicates if the mic is powered, not if it is on.
- Move the “on/off” switch to the “on” position and keep it there. It’s tough to read which position the mic is in, so leaving it on will prevent you from forgetting to make the change before your next recording.
- A side note: most phones with USB-C ports can use this microphone instead of the phone’s mic, which is a great additonal recording option.
- The headphone jack.
- This microphone comes with a headphone jack, but I don’t recommend using it for your headphones unless you have to.
- If this microphone is plugged in to your computer and you can’t hear any sound, check if your computer or application’s sound output is going to the microphone’s headphone jack. Sometimes, computers or applications will detect the headphone jack and automatically select it for output.
Do you want to increase the impact and convenience of your own content marketing efforts, but don’t know where to start? Email me any questions you have, and we’ll set a free consultation meeting to discuss recommended actions and services.