Head-to-head comparison
Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB vs Electro-Voice RE20
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
Electro-Voice RE20
Pros
- Minimal proximity effect (Variable-D)
- Broadcast-grade tone, used at major stations
- Built to last decades
Watch-outs
- $399-$499 puts it out of starter range
- 309A shock mount sold separately
- Needs ~60dB clean gain (Cloudlifter often helps)
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 Electro-Voice RE20 if
You’re building around . The RE20 is the broadcast-industry standard for a reason — Variable-D pattern means proximity effect stays minimal even when you move close. Currently around $399-$499 at major retailers.
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Frequently asked
What does Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB do better than Electro-Voice RE20?
Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB's standout is "USB-C is more modern than mini-USB rivals". Electro-Voice RE20 doesn't make that promise — it leans into "Minimal proximity effect (Variable-D)" instead. If the first sentence describes your workflow, pick Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB; if the second does, pick Electro-Voice RE20.
What are the trade-offs?
Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB: a bit thinner-sounding than the q2u. Electro-Voice RE20: $399-$499 puts it out of starter range. 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 Electro-Voice RE20 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 Electro-Voice RE20 for another. Worth trying both free tiers before committing.