At a glance
| Microphone Type | Dynamic USB |
|---|---|
| Polar Pattern | Hypercardioid |
| Sample Rate | 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96 kHz |
| Headphone Monitoring | 3.5 mm headphone output (77 mW at 32 ohms) |
| Mute Button | Yes (capacitive touch) |
| Connection | USB-C |
- Model AT2040USB
- Released 2023
Audio-TechnicaLast updated on November 2026
Audio-Technica AT2040USB Review
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On this page
Overview
Working at a desk with a noisy setup and want a simple USB mic with silent mute? The Audio-Technica AT2040USB is a hypercardioid dynamic USB-C microphone with 24-bit / 96 kHz conversion, an 80 Hz to 16 kHz response, an integrated shock mount, an internal pop filter, a switchable low-cut filter and a silent touch-sensitive mute.
- Hypercardioid pattern isolates the voice
- Silent capacitive mute with LED ring
- Integrated shock mount and pop filter
- Low-cut filter and mix control
Key Takeaways
- Based on the XLR AT2040 broadcast mic
- About 600 g with metal body
- Stream Deck plug-in available
Best For
- Streamers
- Gamers
- Callers in shared rooms
Avoid If
- You move around while talking
- You want to adjust gain on the mic
Pros & Cons
PROS
- Hypercardioid pattern isolates the voice
- Silent capacitive mute with LED ring
- Integrated shock mount and pop filter
- Low-cut filter and mix control
CONS
- No gain control on the body
- Narrow pattern needs careful aim
- Frequency response stops at 16 kHz
Review Scores
Score Breakdown
7.5/10 Expert Score
- Capsule Quality & Fidelity7.2/10
- Interface Versatility & Patterns7.7/10
- On-Mic Hardware Controls7.6/10
- Mounting & Shock7.8/10
How this score is calculated
Each criterion is the weighted average of its available spec scores (0–10), calculated from official specifications using our Microphones scoring matrix. Empty specs are skipped, not scored as 0. The Expert Score is the weighted average of the scored criteria, shown out of 10; stars = Expert Score ÷ 2 (a 9.4/10 score is 4.7 stars), to one decimal. Not scored for this product (it doesn't apply, or the published specs don't cover it): DSP Engine & Software. Its weight is shared by the other criteria.
| Criterion | Weight | From specs | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capsule Quality & FidelityTransducer Type: Dynamic → 9.0; Sample Rate: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96 kHz → 6.5; Bit Depth: 16-bit / 24-bit → 6.0; Frequency Response: 80 Hz to 16 kHz → 6.0 | 47% | 7.2 | 7.2 |
| Interface Versatility & PatternsConnection: USB-C → 10.0; XLR Output: No → 4.0; Polar Pattern: Hypercardioid → 9.0; Number of Patterns: 1 → 6.0 | 24% | 7.7 | 7.7 |
| On-Mic Hardware ControlsGain Control: No hardware gain control → 3.0; Zero-Latency Monitoring: Yes → 10.0; Touch Mute: Yes → 10.0; Headphone Monitoring: 3.5 mm headphone output → 8.0 | 18% | 7.6 | 7.6 |
| DSP Engine & Software | — | required inputs missing | — |
| Mounting & ShockShock Mount: Integrated → 6.0; Mount Thread: 5/8 inch with 3/8 inch adapter → 10.0; Stand / Mount: AT8487 mounting clamp (no desk stand) → 10.0; Pop Filter / Windscreen: Internal multistage windscreen → 6.0 | 12% | 7.8 | 7.8 |
| Expert Score | 7.5/10 | ||
Audio-Technica AT2040USB Review
Audio-Technica launched the AT2040USB in May 2023 as a USB-C version of its AT2040 broadcast dynamic. 9to5Toys reported the launch, and it joined the brand’s 20 Series for content creators.
Capsule Quality & Fidelity 7.2/10
Audio-Technica specifies an 80 Hz to 16 kHz response and a high-resolution converter rated for 24-bit / 96 kHz. The low-cut filter rolls off at 80 Hz with an 18 dB per octave slope.
Speech sounds focused and smooth, with a controlled low end that avoids boominess at close range. It lacks the extra sparkle of a condenser, which keeps sibilance and mouth noise in check.
The Shure MV7+ is the closest dynamic rival.
- Element Dynamic
- Sample Rate 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96 kHz
- Bit Depth 16-bit / 24-bit
Interface Versatility & Patterns 7.7/10
Hypercardioid pickup is narrower than cardioid at the sides, with a small rear lobe. Audio-Technica designed it to reduce ambient noise such as the hum of a computer fan.
Aimed at your mouth from about 5 to 10 cm, it keeps keyboards and room sound well down. Turn your head to a second screen and your level drops faster than with a cardioid model.
Avoid placing a loud PC directly behind the mic, because the rear lobe is where hypercardioids are least selective.
A USB-C port connects to Windows and macOS, with a USB-C to USB-A cable about 2 m long and a USB-A to USB-C adapter included. It is fully plug and play.
The 3.5 mm jack outputs 77 mW into 32 ohms, which drives most headphones comfortably for monitoring. There is no XLR output on this USB version.
If you want XLR, the original AT2040 is the analogue sibling. The USB model is aimed squarely at single-cable desk setups.
- Connect USB-C
- XLR No
- Patterns 1
On-Mic Hardware Controls 7.6/10
The mic has a silent capacitive mute, a headphone level control, a mix control and a low-cut switch. A two-state LED ring glows blue when live and red when muted.
The touch mute makes no sound at all, which makes it one of the best mute designs for meetings. The colour ring is visible on camera, so others can see when you have muted yourself.
There is no gain knob, so level depends on distance and your app settings. The 20 Series Control plug-in for Stream Deck adds quick software control.
- Gain No hardware gain control
- Zero Lat. Yes
- Monitor 3.5 mm headphone output
Mounting & Shock 7.8/10
The metal body weighs about 600 g and measures 145.3 mm long with a 52 mm diameter. An integrated shock mount and a multistage foam and mesh windscreen are built in.
That internal isolation means bumps to the desk or arm are well damped, and close-talking produces few pops. The included AT8487 clamp attaches to stands and boom arms with a 5/8 to 3/8 inch adapter.
There is no desk stand in the box, so budget for an arm or a stand when you buy it.
- Shock Mount Integrated
- Thread 5/8 inch with 3/8 inch adap…
- Stand AT8487 mounting clamp
- Pop Filter Internal multistage windscr…
Full Specifications
General
| Best For | Streamers and callers next to loud PCs |
|---|---|
| Release Year | 2023 |
| Launch Price | $149 |
| Use Case | Streaming, gaming, calls, podcasts |
| Weight | About 600 g |
| Dimensions | 145.3 mm long, 52 mm diameter |
| In the Box | Mic, AT8487 clamp, thread adapter, USB cable, USB-A to USB-C adapter |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Model Number | AT2040USB |
Capsule Quality & Fidelity 7.2/10
| Transducer Type | Dynamic |
|---|---|
| Sample Rate | 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96 kHz |
| Bit Depth | 16-bit / 24-bit |
| Frequency Response | 80 Hz to 16 kHz |
| Microphone Type | Dynamic USB |
| Capsule Size | Dynamic |
Interface Versatility & Patterns 7.7/10
| Connection | USB-C |
|---|---|
| XLR Output | No |
| Polar Pattern | Hypercardioid |
| Number of Patterns | 1 |
| USB Connector | USB-C |
| Cable | USB-C to USB-A, about 2 m |
| Phantom Power | No (USB bus powered, 5 VDC) |
| OS Compatibility | Windows 10/11, macOS |
On-Mic Hardware Controls 7.6/10
| Gain Control | No hardware gain control |
|---|---|
| Zero-Latency Monitoring | Yes |
| Touch Mute | Yes |
| Headphone Monitoring | 3.5 mm headphone output (77 mW at 32 ohms) |
| Mix Control | Yes |
| Headphone Volume | Yes |
| Lighting | Two-state LED ring |
| Low-Cut Filter | 80 Hz, 18 dB/octave |
| Mute Button | Yes (capacitive touch) |
Mounting & Shock 7.8/10
| Shock Mount | Integrated |
|---|---|
| Mount Thread | 5/8 inch with 3/8 inch adapter |
| Stand / Mount | AT8487 mounting clamp (no desk stand) |
| Pop Filter / Windscreen | Internal multistage windscreen |
| Boom Arm Compatible | Yes |
| Materials | Metal |
Product Details
| Brand | Audio-Technica |
|---|---|
| Model | AT2040USB |
| Model number | AT2040USB |
| Release year | 2023 |
Price Comparison
| Store | Price | Deal |
|---|---|---|
| Audio-technica.comOfficial Audio-Technica store | Launch price $149 | View deal (opens in a new tab) |
The Verdict
Buy the Audio-Technica AT2040USB if you sit still at a desk with a noisy setup and want a simple USB mic with silent mute.
Skip it if you move around while talking. Mount it on an arm like the Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP to keep it aimed at your mouth.
This is a research-based review built on Audio-Technica’s official specifications and product page. The Expert Score is calculated from official specifications; How We Score explains the criteria and weights.
FAQs
What pickup pattern does the AT2040USB use?
Hypercardioid.
What is its maximum resolution?
24-bit / 96 kHz.
Does it have a gain knob?
No, it has headphone level, mix and low-cut controls.
Is the mute silent?
Yes, it is a capacitive touch button.
Is there a desk stand?
No, it comes with a mounting clamp for a stand or arm.
How heavy is it?
About 600 g.
Does it have XLR?
No, the XLR version is the AT2040.
When was it launched?
May 2023.
