Audio-technica ATR2500X-USB User Manual
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 11
Using headphones 15
Selecting software 15
Setting your software levels 15
Positioning your microphone 15
Protecting your microphone 15
Specifications 16
Warranty 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.
Canada only
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme á la norme NMB -003 du Canada.
Thank you for buying the Audio-Technica ATR2500x-USB cardioid condenser microphone. Designed for computerbased recording, this microphone is ideal for digitally capturing music or any acoustic audio source using your favorite
recording software.
Equipped with a USB output for easy connection to your computer, the ATR2500x-USB offers studio-quality
articulation and intelligibility perfect for home studio recording, field recording, podcasting, and voice over use.
The ATR2500x-USB also features a built-in headphone jack with volume control that allows you to directly monitor
your microphone’s output during recording. The microphone’s focused pickup pattern delivers excellent offaxis rejection, while its A/D converter with up to 24-bit, 192 kHz sampling rate ensures clear, articulate sound
reproduction.
Audio-Technica’s state-of-the-art design and manufacturing techniques ensure that the microphone complies with the
company’s renowned consistency and reliability standards.
Features
• Side-address condenser microphone with USB output for easy connection to your computer
• Ideal for podcasting, home studio recording, field recording, and voice over use
• Built-in headphone jack lets you monitor directly from the microphone
• Controls on the front of the microphone allow you to easily adjust headphone volume
• High-quality A/D converter with up to 24-bit, 192 KHz sampling rate
• Compatible with Windows and Mac
• Low-mass diaphragm provides excellent frequency response
• Cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of unwanted sounds from the sides and rear,
improving isolation of desired sound source
• Low self-noise – ideally suited for digital recording
• Sturdy tripod desk stand with folding legs is easy to set up and transport
• Pivoting, threaded stand mount attaches securely to a conventional microphone stand
• Durable metal construction for long-lasting performance
• Includes two 2 m (6.6') cables: USB-C to USB-C, USB-C to USB-A
2
ATR2500x-USB Setup
USB-CUSB-A
Stand clamp
Headphone volume
3.5 mm (⅛") headphone jack
Tripod desk stand
For desktop use
1
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.
Use a screwdriver or coin to loosen/tighten the
2
stand’s pivot screws for angle adjustment.
Plug one of the provided USB cables into the USB
3
output at the base of the microphone then connect
the other end of the cable to your digital recording
device.
When connecting the microphone to a USB-C port,
you must use a USB On-The-Go (USB OTG) cable
like the one included.
When using with equipment that includes a
built-in mic, consult that device’s user guide for
instructions on disabling its mic.
Optional headphone monitoring: Connect
4
headphones with 3.5 mm (⅛") plug into front of
microphone. Use up/down buttons for volume
control.
3
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 ocially 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.
If you are using MacOS Mojave, you must enable software access to the microphone, using the security and privacy settings.
1. Connect the ATR2500x-USB microphone to an open USB port on the Mac (Type A or Type C).
Open the system preferences by clicking the Apple logo in the upper left corner of the menu bar and selecting
System Preferences. Alternatively, you can click on the gear icon in the dock. Click the Loudspeaker icon to open
the sound preferences.
Click the Apple Logo and select System Preferences Click the Loudspeaker icon to open the
sound preferences
2. By default the Mac selects the internal microphone as the sound input device. When the ATR2500x-USB is
plugged in, the Mac assumes that it is the desired input device and automatically selects it.
Verify that the ATR2500x-USB is highlighted.
The input volume for the microphone can be adjusted by moving the input slider and watching the level meter
while speaking into the microphone. Setting the level too low will not provide enough input signal to your
recording application. Setting it too high can overload the input to the recording application resulting in clipping or
distortion.
Note: The output volume slider controls the Mac’s speaker or headphone jack output and does not affect the input
sound level. This slider replicates the volume control associated with the small speaker icon in the menu bar and
the volume controls on the keyboard.
4
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. It is the same as clicking on the small speaker icon in
the menu bar and adjusting volume or using the keyboard controls.
With recent updates to MacOS Mojave and the latest MacOS Catalina, Apple implemented a privacy setting
allowing you to control which apps have access to the microphone.
If you are using MacOS Mojave, you must enable software access to the microphone, using the security and privacy settings.
1. 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.
Open the system preferences and click on the Security and Privacy icon.
5
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.
Make certain to click the lock to lock it after making the changes.
6
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