Updated to serve the needs of the modern podcaster, Twitch streamer, and content creator, the AT2040USB from Audio-Technica takes the analog original with all of its core features, such as a durable metal build, highly focused hyper-cardioid pickup, and integrated shock mount and pop filter, and adds a digital USB-C output with support for high-resolution audio capture, up to 24-bit / 96 kHz. You get plenty of handy onboard controls, including a high-pass filter that makes it easy to eliminate low-frequency rumbles from AC units and desk movement, a mix control for blending your voice with audio tracks from your computer, and a soft-touch, capacitive mute button to quickly and silently turn your mic off in case a guest goes off the rails.

Further serving the needs of the modern creative content producer, the AT2040USB includes a built-in 3.5mm headphone jack with a high-output amplifier, capable of driving powerful headphones and sporting a dedicated headphone volume control dial, so you can tune in the perfect mix in your ears with minimal latency. Despite all these digital features, the capsule remains true to the original, with the same large diaphragm and potent proximity effect that lets you get warm and intimate the closer you get to the mic. The AT2040USB includes a USB-C to USB-A data cable, a USB-A to USB-C plug adapter, an AT8487 mounting clamp, and a 5/8"-27 to 3/8"-16 threaded adapter, so you can get to work right away.

A Robust Classic, with Some New Tricks

The AT2040USB sports all the celebrated core features of its analog sibling, including a warm, robust sound, a pro-grade metal body for long-lasting durability, and a highly focused hyper-cardioid polar pattern that will work wonders for content creators and podcasters trying to minimize room noises like humming computer fans or keyboard taps. Further features carried over from the original AT2040 include the internal, multistage foam mesh windscreen, protecting your audio from pesky plosives, and the integrated shock-mount that helps to tame handling noise, bumps, and vibrations transmitted through the stand, boom, or mount.

Direct, Low-Latency Monitoring

Ideal for content creators and podcasters, the AT2040USB includes a built-in 3.5mm headphone jack for direct, low-latency monitoring of your streams. The high-output amplifier provides up to 77mW of output at 32 ohms to drive demanding headphones. You also get headphone volume control on the rear of the mic, so you can dial in the perfect levels for your streaming experience.

A Plethora of Onboard Controls

The AT2040USB is all about hands-on control. Along with the aforementioned headphone volume control, this microphone also features:

• Capacitive touch control with LED indicator for the mute function, allowing you to mute your mic quickly and silently during a stream
• Switchable high-pass filter at 80 Hz, 18 dB/octave to eliminate rumbles
• Mix control for blending the mic signal with prerecorded audio sent over the USB connection

High-Fidelity Digital Conversion

Rather than offer barebones digital specs, Audio-Technica built the AT2040USB in a forward-thinking manner, packing in a high-resolution digital converter for a range of optional sample rates. You can record in 16- or 24-bit audio with selectable sample rates from 44.1 to 96 kHz, letting you to record and stream your audio in high-fidelity without the need for an external audio interface.