STACK #254 December 2025

TECH FEATURE

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So which one is best suited to me? Good question. Broadly speaking, the AT-2040USB is more of a broadcast-style boom mic suited for podcasting or content creators working on platforms like YouTube. The AT-2020USB-XP is a condenser mic, so you’ll want to avoid overly noisy environments. It’s suitable for live streamers, musicians, singers, or voiceover work.

of the mic is a touch-to-mute LED button, so you can easily pause when the dog goes spare at the delivery driver. There’s an internal pop filter already fitted in the grille, so you don’t have to apply an external one. At the rear of the boom mic is a 3.5mm headphone jack, a low-cut switch to help reduce vibration, and two volume controls so users can mix audio in real time with what they’re hearing through the computer, so you’re never left guessing. The sound is impressively warm and full, giving your voice a professional touch beyond its price point. It’s a dynamic mic, so it does a great job of minimising room sound, vibrations, keyboard tapping, or other unintended noise. We’re pitching the AT2040USB as a mic for when your content-creating needs are ready for an upgrade. It’s a breeze to

With decades of experience in microphones, Audio-Technica is right on the money with these two entry-level mics. Words Paul Jones Plug in your potential

The Audio-Technica AT2020USB-XP Cardioid Condenser USB Mic Audio-Technica’s AT2020USB-XP desktop mic is one of its more interesting options. It’s a cardioid condenser that technically sits at the affordable end of the range, but its feature set gives it an edge over true entry-level models. Building on the original AT2020USB, it adds automatic gain control and active noise reduction – two genuinely useful tools if you record or stream in a space that isn’t perfectly quiet. The on-mic controls make it feel more

The Audio-Technica AT2040USB Hypercardioid Dynamic USB Mic Straight out of the box, the Audio Technica AT2040USB feels like a hefty mic – there’s a noticeable quality to the build. It’s a good first impression. It’s built with the modern creator in mind, like the podcaster, streamer, or anyone trying to level up their voice without deep-diving into audio engineering tutorials. If you’re looking for an Audio-Technica effortless set-up, you’ve found it. Compatible with Windows and macOS, plug in the USB-C cable and you’re basically ready to go; no software required. On top

noise reduction. Noise reduction offers three levels indicated by small LEDs on the front. In the box, you also get a solid desk stand and a clip-on pop filter. Set-up is instant via USB-C, and both Windows and macOS recognise it without fuss. For speech, the recording sounds crisp and detailed, with the noise reduction doing a good job taming environmental sound. It noticeably reduces the post-production cleanup you’d typically do. It even handles acoustic instruments well, keeping recordings clean and honest. For content creators wanting clean voice capture with a few smart extras built in, the AT2020USB-XP is a strong, fuss free choice.

use, has excellent build quality, and will give you outstanding results without

breaking the savings plan.

capable than most mics at this price. There are sliders for headphone mix and

What’s the di erence between a hypercardioid and a cardioid condenser mic? To put it simply, a cardioid condenser mic picks up sound primarily from the front and is easy to use for general recording. A hypercardioid mic is more tightly focused, blocking more side noise but requiring more careful placement. In short, cardioid is versatile; hypercardioid is more precise.

volume, a touch-to-mute button in the centre (an internal LED switches

between blue and red depending on

whether it’s muted), and dedicated buttons for gain control and

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