Head-to-head comparison
Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB vs Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (80 ohm)
Two of the equipment tools podcasters reach for. Here's how they differ on pricing, features, audience, and the trade-offs that actually matter day-to-day.
At a glance
The honest trade-offs
Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB
Pros
- USB-C is more modern than mini-USB rivals
- 24-bit/192kHz USB output
- Decent rejection for a budget dynamic
Watch-outs
- A bit thinner-sounding than the Q2U
- No boom arm or shock mount included
- ~$70-80 puts it just above Q2U
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (80 ohm)
Pros
- Velour pads stay comfortable for hours
- Wide soundstage for closed-back
- Very durable construction
Watch-outs
- Non-detachable cable on most variants
- Treble peak is hot for some ears
- 80-ohm drives loud, 250-ohm needs amp
Which one should you pick?
Pick Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB if
You’re building around . Audio-Technica's answer to the Samson Q2U. USB-C and XLR dual outputs, around $70-80.
Pick Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (80 ohm) if
You’re building around . The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 80 ohm is the industry-default closed-back studio headphone, around $150. Velour pads stay comfortable for hours, wide soundstage for closed-back, very durable.
Also worth comparing
Frequently asked
What does Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB do better than Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (80 ohm)?
Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB's standout is "USB-C is more modern than mini-USB rivals". Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (80 ohm) doesn't make that promise — it leans into "Velour pads stay comfortable for hours" instead. If the first sentence describes your workflow, pick Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB; if the second does, pick Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (80 ohm).
What are the trade-offs?
Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB: a bit thinner-sounding than the q2u. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (80 ohm): non-detachable cable on most variants. Whether either matters depends entirely on what you actually need — neither is a deal-breaker by itself.
Can I use Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB and Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (80 ohm) together?
Both are equipment tools so most teams pick one. Some workflows do combine them — for example, using Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB for one show or episode type and Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (80 ohm) for another. Worth trying both free tiers before committing.