High-quality audio doesn’t necessarily require a high price tag, and the Audio-Technica AT2040 proves it. Thousands of podcasters rely on this microphone for podcasting, streaming, and home recording projects.
You should know there are two different types of AT2040s: one with a USB connector and one with an XLR connector. We’ll look at both of them here—including their benefits, features, and limitations—so you can decide which model makes sense for your show.
If the AT2040 doesn’t fit your recording setup, we’ll recommend four mic alternatives.
But for now, let’s dive into the AT2040, starting with its most essential features.
- The Audio-Technica AT2040 at a glance
- Audio-Technica AT2040 features
- Audio-Technica AT2040USB features
- AT2040 vs AT 2040USB: What’s the difference?
- Setting up the Audio-Technica AT2040
- Audio-Technica AT2040 performance in podcasting
- Where to buy the Audio-Technica AT2040
- Other Audio-Technica microphones
- Alternatives to the Audio-Technica AT2040
- The bottom line on the Audio-Technica AT2040
The Audio-Technica AT2040 at a glance
How do both AT2040 models compare side by side?
Use this quick chart to compare them quickly:
| Mic Type | Pickup Pattern | Connector Type | In the Box | Perks | Price | |
| AT2040 | Dynamic | Hypercardioid | XLR | Pivoting stand mount; 5/8″-27 to 3/8″-16 threaded adapter; protective pouch | Two-year limited warranty | $99 USD |
| AT2040 USB | Dynamic | Hypercardioid | USB | Mounting clamp; 5/8”-27 to 3/8”-16 threaded adapter; USB cable (about 2.0 m (6.6′), USB Type-C to USB Type-A) •USB conversion adapter (USB-Type-A to USB Type-C) | Two-year limited warranty | $149 USD |
Audio-Technica AT2040 features
The Audio-Technica AT2040 is a dynamic podcast microphone designed specifically for the human voice. This model has an XLR connection rather than a USB connection, so you’ll need an audio interface or podcast mixer to start recording audio.
Here are some features of the Audio-Technica AT2040:
- Dynamic microphone (best suited for podcasting)
- All-metal construction
- Internal shock mount
- Multistage foam mesh windscreen
- Pivoting stand mount and protective pouch (included)
- 1.35 pounds per mic
- XLR connection
Audio-Technica AT2040 pros
- The AT2040 has a built-in shock mount and pop filter, so you don’t need to purchase them as separate accessories.
- The AT2040’s hypercardioid pickup pattern works well in noisy spaces. By limiting audio pickup near the sides and rear of the mic, you can get quality audio even before launching your podcast editing software.
- This microphone comes with an adjustable clamp so that you can configure it however necessary. You can attach the AT2040 to a stand or a tripod and adjust it to fit a 90-degree XLR lead.
Audio-Technica AT2040 cons
- The AT2040 is XLR compatible only—you’ll need a podcast mixer or an audio interface to record. Note that the cost of a mixer can be four times the cost of a mic (if you don’t already own one). Consider a podcast equipment bundle if you’re looking for a cost-effective solution. You could always opt for a cheaper mixer like the PreSonus Revelator io24.
- The AT2040 is a slightly heavier microphone, which could make it difficult to transport. The Samson Q2U, for example, weighs just 0.7 pounds—half of the weight of the AT2040.
- The AT2040 doesn’t come with an XLR cable, so you must purchase one separately. Prices start at $21.95 USD if you buy from Audio-Technica.
Audio-Technica AT2040USB features
The AT2040USB is precisely what it sounds like—the USB version of the AT2040. This microphone is designed to easily connect directly to a laptop, tablet, or computer.
The features of the Audio-Technica AT2040USB are very similar to the AT2040:
- Dynamic microphone (best suited for podcasting)
- All-metal construction
- Internal shock mount
- Multistage foam mesh windscreen
- Mounting clamps and USB cables (included)
- 1.32 pounds per mic
- USB connection
Audio-Technica AT2040USB pros
- The AT2040USB doesn’t require an audio mixer. Instead, it’s compatible with devices you probably already own, including podcast laptops, desktops, and tablets.
- Unlike the AT2040, the USB model comes with all necessary cables and accessories (such as shock mounts or pop filters), keeping costs low if you have a tight budget.
- You can connect your podcast headphones directly to the AT2040USB, making monitoring audio during your show simple and convenient.
Audio-Technica AT2040USB cons
- The AT2040USB isn’t the cheapest USB mic on the market — it’s also $50 more than the XLR model. Other providers, including the Samson Q2U, offer USB and XLR connections for less than half the price.
- You may get a mounting clamp with the AT2040USB, but you won’t get a mic stand or boom arm out of the box. You can always purchase one from Audio-Technica, but it’s an additional expense (starting at $89 USD).
- USB microphones have more limited frequency responses than traditional microphones—meaning they don’t always capture the full spectrum of sound, which results in less detailed audio.
AT2040 vs AT 2040USB: What’s the difference?
The most significant difference between the AT2040 and the AT2040USB is all in the name. The AT2040USB has a USB connection, while the AT2040 has an XLR connection. You’ll need a mixer or audio interface to use the former and just a laptop or desktop to use the latter.
There are a few other differences worth exploring here:
- The AT2040 doesn’t come with cables, but the AT2040USB does.
- You won’t get a protective pouch or pivoting stand mount with the AT2040USB.
- The AT2040USB is slightly lighter than the AT2040 (21 ounces versus 21.7 ounces).
- The AT2040USB is $50 more than the AT2040 ($99 versus $149 USD).
If you own a mixer, you may want to use the AT2040 rather than the AT2040USB. A mixer will make managing multiple audio sources easier and streamline production before making professional edits.
On the other hand, if you’re brand-new to podcasting, you may want to use the AT2040USB. You probably don’t own mixing equipment right now, but there’s a very good chance you own a laptop or desktop.
Setting up the Audio-Technica AT2040
The setup for the Audio-Technica AT2040 depends on the model you buy. We’ll look at both here, but the good news is that they’re equally easy.
You can set up the Audio-Technica AT2040 in five basic steps:
- Mount your microphone to an appropriate stand. Depending on your preferences, this could be a tripod or boom arm.
- Connect the microphone to your device. For the AT2040, this should be a mixer or audio interface. For the AT2040USB, this should be your laptop or tablet.
- Plug in your podcast headphones. The AT2040USB has a built-in audio jack, so if you have the AT2040, you should plug your headphones into your mixer.
- Adjust the gain and output volume until you’re satisfied with the levels. Since neither microphone has a built-in clip LED, you must rely on your mixer or DAW to monitor output levels.
- Press the record button on your AT2040. You’re ready to edit, finalize, and publish your podcast.
Want a visual guide to the AT2040? Refer to the video below:
For the AT2040USB, use this equivalent video instead:
Audio-Technica AT2040 performance in podcasting
The Audio-Technica AT2040 and AT2040USB share the same essential characteristics. They’re both hypercardioid, dynamic mics with a frequency response rate of 80-16,000 Hz.
There are a few key differences worth mentioning here. The AT2040 has an impedance of 600 ohms, which means it’s more likely to produce a higher-quality sound.
The USB model offers a low-frequency roll-off (or High-Pass Filter) of 80 Hz, 18 dB/octave, which is carefully adjusted to reduce unwanted room tone (as well as noise from heating systems, fans, small appliances, and more).
Regardless of your chosen mic, you’ll get high-quality audio that improves your podcast performance.
Where to buy the Audio-Technica AT2040
Audio-Technica sells both the AT2040 and AT2040USB.
However, several other retailers have these microphones in stock.
You can buy the Audio-Technica AT2040:
- From Amazon. You can find the USB model here and the XLR model here.
- From Sweetwater. The USB version comes in a podcast equipment bundle with a microphone desk stand for $25 more. The XLR model comes standard, however.
- From eBay. You’ll find plenty of bundles in exchange for a higher price, including an AT2040 with a boom arm and cables and an AT2040USB with a tripod desk stand.
- From Target. Since this is an online and a physical retailer, you may be able to purchase your AT2040 in person.
Other Audio-Technica microphones
If the AT2040 doesn’t meet your needs, one of Audio-Technica’s other microphones may work better.
- AT2020USB-XP: Comes with a custom desk stand, clip-on pop filter, 3/8″-16 to 5/8″-27 threaded adapter, 6.6-foot USB-C to USB-A cable, and a USB-A to USB-C adapter for $169 USD.
- AT4033a: Comes with a custom shock mount, a floating-construction capsule, and a five-year warranty for $149.99 USD.
- AT4060A: Comes with a five-year limited warranty for $1,699 USD.
Alternatives to the Audio-Technica AT2040
There’s much to be said about the AT2040, but that doesn’t mean it’s right for your show.
One of these alternatives may be a better fit, starting with one of the more cost-effective options:
PreSonus Revelator
The PreSonus Revelator is another USB mic designed with a cardioid pickup pattern. It’s $50 cheaper than the AT2040USB and the same price as the AT2040.
What makes this microphone different from the rest? Its audio editing tools. Each purchase comes with the Studio One Artist DAW and the Studio Magic software bundle so you can edit, publish, and promote podcasts more quickly.
We wrote a guide to the PreSonus Revelator so you could get more details at a glance.
Shure MV7X
If you don’t mind spending extra money on a good podcast microphone, the Shure MV7X may be a good fit. The Shure MV7X is an XLR microphone designed specifically for podcasting. It’s also compatible with stage stands, desktop stands, and boom arms.
However, unlike the Audio-Technica AT204, you won’t benefit from a hypercardioid pickup pattern. The good news is you’ll have access to Voice Isolation Technology, which isolates the human voice without a soundproof studio.
Learn more about the Shure MV7X in our dedicated guide.
RØDE PodMic
The RØDE PodMic is very similar to the AT2040. It has a built-in pop filter, an internal shock mount, and a two-year warranty covering accidental damage.
You should know that the RØDE PodMic is only compatible with audio interfaces and mixers. It cannot be plugged into your laptop, tablet, or desktop unless you purchase an adapter (starting around $18.99 USD).
Said differently: if you’re already leaning toward the AT2040USB, the RØDE PodMic may not be the right mic for you.
Learn more in our guide to the RØDE PodMic.
Samson Q2U
The Samson Q2U is best described as a no-frills, no-fuss podcast microphone. It offers XLR and USB connectivity, so you don’t need to choose between one type.
However, compared to the AT2040, the Q2U may struggle more often with loud noises. User reviews complain of poor performance with humming, plosives, and sibilances, so you may need an additional windscreen and pop filter to mitigate the effects.
The bottom line on the Audio-Technica AT2040
The Audio-Technica AT2040 is a great option for podcasters who want crystal-clear audio without a professional recording studio. It’s also adaptable depending on your needs: You can pair the XLR model with your audio interface or connect the USB model to your laptop or tablet.
But if you’re a complete beginner to the podcasting world, the AT2040 is only a small piece of the puzzle. You’ll also need tools to support your video recording and publishing workflows — which The Podcast Consultant can manage on your behalf.
TPC offers done-for-you services that take the guesswork out of business podcasting. We provide social media assets, video production services, and podcast audits so your show can reach its full potential.
Learn more about The Podcast Consultant today by booking a Discovery Call.