Is the AT2040USB good for podcasting and streaming?

Yes. Its hypercardioid dynamic capsule is designed for close spoken voice and rejects room noise, which suits solo podcasters and streamers in untreated rooms.

Does it need an audio interface?

No. It connects directly over USB-C to a computer, and both USB-C to USB-A and USB-C to USB-C cables are included.

How does it differ from the standard AT2040?

The AT2040 is XLR-only and needs an interface or mixer. The AT2040USB adds plug-and-play USB output while keeping the same dynamic, hypercardioid design.

Can I monitor with headphones through the mic?

No. The AT2040USB has no headphone jack or gain control, so monitoring and levels are handled on your computer or interface.

The microphone, USB-C to USB-A and USB-C to USB-C cables, a 3/8"-16 to 5/8"-27 thread adapter, a mic clip and a desk stand.

Is it good for recording more than one person?

Not really. The narrow hypercardioid pattern is built for one voice close to the mic; group or room capture suits a wider-pattern mic.

Where is the Audio-Technica AT2040USB cheapest?

At Amazon, for $159.00, as of our latest check.

Where can I buy the Audio-Technica AT2040USB?

14 stores we checked sell it, including Amazon, Best Buy, audio-technica.com, Guitar Center, Target.

Audio-Technica AT2040USB

Best price now

$159.00at AmazonChecked 33 min ago

Compared across 15 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when. Store links may earn us a commission. As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

Visit Amazon

What reviewers say

Owners and reviewers treat the AT2040USB as a strong plug-and-play step up for spoken-word recording, praising its rejection of room noise and solid build. Criticisms center on the gain needed for a dynamic mic and the lack of monitoring or level controls.

What people mention

Noise rejectionPraisedUsers say the hypercardioid pattern keeps fans, keyboards and room echo out of the recording.
BuildPraisedOwners describe the metal body and integrated shock mount as solid and durable.
SetupPraisedReviewers report it works immediately over USB-C with no drivers or interface.
GainMixedSome find a dynamic capsule needs more gain than a USB condenser, so quiet speakers must boost levels.
MonitoringCriticisedReviewers note there is no headphone jack or gain control on the mic itself.
Mic techniqueMixedThe narrow pickup angle rewards speaking close to the grille and punishes moving off-axis.

About the Audio-Technica AT2040USB

The AT2040USB is a hypercardioid dynamic USB microphone for podcasting, streaming and other content creation. It is the USB version of the AT2040 dynamic podcast microphone and connects directly to a computer with plug-and-play USB-C output.

The hypercardioid pickup pattern is narrower than a cardioid pattern. It focuses on the voice and reduces ambient noise such as computer fan hum. The metal body has an integrated shock mount to reduce noise and vibration. A multistage foam mesh windscreen provides internal pop protection. The AT8458a shock mount, sold separately, can add further isolation from noise and vibration passed through a stand, boom or mount.

A built-in headphone jack with a high-output amplifier and volume control allows real-time monitoring with no delay. A mix control blends the microphone signal with prerecorded audio. A silent, touch-sensitive capacitive mute button mutes the mic. Its LED ring glows blue when the mic is on and red when it is muted.

Type

Dynamic USB microphone

Pickup pattern

Hypercardioid

Color

Black

Connectivity

USB Type-C output

Sampling rate

24-bit / 96 kHz

Monitoring

Built-in headphone jack with volume control and mix control