Audio-Technica AT2005USB

Yes, the AT2005USB has both a USB output for direct connection to a computer and a standard XLR output for connecting to an audio interface or mixer. This dual-output design is relatively rare at this price point and makes it versatile for both home recording and live use.

Both the AT2005USB and the Samson Q2U are dynamic USB/XLR hybrid microphones popular for podcasting, and they are direct competitors in the same price range. The AT2005USB has a slightly brighter high-end frequency response, while the Q2U is often described as having a warmer sound with a more pronounced proximity effect.

While the AT2005USB does not come with a built-in pop filter, its dynamic capsule is somewhat less sensitive to plosives than condenser microphones. However, for close-mic podcasting, a foam windscreen or an external pop filter like the Blue The Pop is still recommended to minimize p-pops.

No, the AT2005USB is a plug-and-play USB class-compliant device that works without drivers on Windows, macOS, and most Linux distributions. You may need to select it as your input device in your recording software, such as Audacity or OBS Studio.