Head-to-head comparison
Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB vs Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen)
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
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen)
Pros
- 69dB clean preamp gain (handles SM7B better)
- Auto Gain sets levels automatically
- Huge software bundle (Ableton, plugins)
Watch-outs
- Only two inputs — no round-tables
- No DSP routing
- USB-C only (no Thunderbolt)
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 Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) if
You’re building around . The Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen is the default 2-input USB interface for podcasters. Auto Gain feature sets levels for you, 69dB of clean preamp gain (up from 57dB on previous gens), and the included software bundle is real.
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Frequently asked
What does Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB do better than Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen)?
Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB's standout is "USB-C is more modern than mini-USB rivals". Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) doesn't make that promise — it leans into "69dB clean preamp gain (handles SM7B better)" instead. If the first sentence describes your workflow, pick Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB; if the second does, pick Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen).
What are the trade-offs?
Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB: a bit thinner-sounding than the q2u. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen): only two inputs — no round-tables. 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 Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) 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 Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) for another. Worth trying both free tiers before committing.