ATR2500x-USB Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone User Manual Contents Introduction & features 2 Setting up your microphone with pivot mount & desk stand 3 Preliminary setup with MacOS Mojave 4 Advanced setup with MacOS Mojave 7 Preliminary setup with Windows 10 9 Advanced setup with Windows 10 Using headphones Selecting software Setting your software levels Positioning your microphone Protecting your microphone Specifications Warranty 11 15 15 15 15 15 16 17
Compliance with FCC rules (USA only) This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. FCC WARNING You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.
ATR2500x-USB Setup Stand clamp Headphone volume USB-A USB-C 3.5 mm (⅛") headphone jack Tripod desk stand 1 For desktop use Screw the microphone into the threaded portion of the tripod desk stand. The front of the microphone should face the A-T logo. Extend the tripod legs to provide a wide, secure base, and place the tripod desk stand on a flat surface. For mic stand use Screw the microphone stand clamp to your mic stand. Screw microphone into the stand clamp.
Preliminary setup with MacOS Mojave NOTICE Regarding MacOS Catalina With the release of MacOS Catalina, Apple has introduced restrictions on using non-Apple software. Unless the recording application is officially supported to run under MacOS Catalina, you will not be able to access the microphone even if it shows up as a sound input device! If you are using an older version of MacOS, your computer will automatically recognize the USB device and install the appropriate driver.
Preliminary setup with MacOS Mojave (continued) 3. Because the ATR2500x-USB Microphone has a built-in headphone output, the Mac selects it as the output device. Should you desire to use the internal speakers for playback audio, click the Output tab and choose the desired output device. The balance control sets the left to right balance in the output device. The Output volume controls the playback level from the Mac.
Preliminary setup with MacOS Mojave (continued) 2. To make changes, you will need to unlock the padlock on the Security and Privacy window by entering your user name and password. Scroll down to make certain the apps you want to use the microphone with are enabled. If not, use the switch slider associated with the App to turn it on. 3. Click the microphone icon and verify that a check mark appears next to the applications that need access to the microphone.
Advanced setup with MacOS Mojave Advanced Sound Settings 1. At this point the Mac is set up to use the ATR2500x-USB microphone as the input device and your selection as the output device. The sample rate is set for the default value (44.1 KHz CD Quality). However, additional settings are available that enable you to change the audio sampling rate and individually adjust left and right input signal levels if you desire.
Advanced setup with MacOS Mojave (continued) 3. The ATR2500x-USB is capable of very high-quality recording and supports sample rates of up to 192 KHz. In some situations higher sample rates can provide better results. However, as the sample rate increases, the file size becomes much larger. If you are recording voice-overs for video or music that will be synchronized with video, the default sample rate needs to be changed from 44.1 KHz to 48 KHz.
Preliminary setup with Windows 10 If you are using an older version of Windows, your computer will automatically recognize the USB device and install the appropriate driver. The first time you plug the microphone in, you may see a message that new hardware has been found, or you may see a driver software installed notice. After the first time, you will not see any of these as the computer has already installed the necessary drivers for a USB microphone.
Preliminary setup with Windows 10 (continued) 3. When the System window opens, in the left column, click “Sound.” 4. The Sound tab opens showing the active input and output device which should be the USB microphone. To use the computer speakers as your output device, click “Choose your output device” and in the drop-down menu choose the desired item. At this point, your computer is set up to use the ATR2500x-USB microphone as the audio input device and whatever you chose as the audio output device.
Advanced setup with Windows 10 At this point Windows 10 is set up to use the ATR2500x-USB microphone as the input and output device. The sample rate is set for the Windows default (44.1 KHz CD Quality). However, additional settings are available, including input level and sampling rate. 1. To access these settings, click “Sound Control Panel.” 2. When the Sound Control Panel opens, select the “Recording” tab and select the ATR2500x-USB microphone. 3. Click “Properties.” 4.
Advanced setup with Windows 10 (continued) 5. The ATR2500x-USB is capable of very high-quality recording and supports sample rates of up to 192 KHz. In some situations higher sample rates can provide better results. However, as the sample rate increases, the file size becomes much larger. If you are recording voice-overs for video or music that will be synchronized with video, the default sample rate needs to be changed from 44.1 KHz to 48 KHz. To change the sample rate, click the Advanced tab.
Advanced setup with Windows 10 (continued) With recent updates to Windows 10, Microsoft has included a privacy setting allowing you to control which apps have access to the microphone. In order to use the ATR2500x-USB microphone with certain applications you need to verify that the apps are enabled to have access to the microphone. 1. In the main Sound setup window, click the “Microphone privacy settings.” 2. The Privacy settings window for the microphone opens.
Advanced setup with Windows 10 (continued) 3. Scroll down to make certain the apps you want to use the microphone with are enabled. If not use the switch slider associated with the app to turn it on. 4. Scroll down to the section ”Allow desktop apps to access your microphone” and verify that the switch is turned on. This allows applications such as Audacity to have access to the microphone (or other chosen audio source).
Additional Information Using Headphones The 1/8" (3.5 mm) headphone jack on the bottom of the microphone allows you to directly monitor your recording with a pair of headphones. When your preliminary setup is completed, and your USB microphone is connected to your computer’s USB port (the microphone’s blue LED is illuminated), plug your headphones into the headphone jack on the bottom of the microphone. While talking into the microphone, you should hear yourself in the headphones.
ATR2500x-USB Specifications† Element: Condenser Polar Pattern: Cardioid Frequency Response: 30 – 15,000 Hz Power Requirements: USB Power (5V DC) Bit Depth: Up to 24 bit Sample Rate: 44.1 kHz/48 kHz/96 kHz/192 kHz Controls: Headphone volume (up/down) buttons Weight: 366 g (12.9 oz) Dimensions: 155.0 mm (6.10") long, 50.0 mm (1.97") maximum body diameter Output Connector: USB-C Headphone Output Power: 10 mW @ 16 ohms Headphone Jack: 3.
ATR2500x-USB U.S. Lifetime Limited Warranty This product is warranted in the U.S.A. by Audio-Technica U.S., Inc. (A.T.U.S.) for the lifetime of the original purchaser. During the warranty period, A.T.U.S. will repair or replace these products, provided they are sent prepaid to the address below, with proof of original purchase and $15.00 for handling and return to a U.S. address. Check or money order required; no cash or stamps. A.T.U.S. reserves the right to replace any product with one of equal value.
