Each pack has a mic, headphones, a boom arm and a shock mount in one box, so the only thing left to sort is the wrapping paper.
Audio-Technica’s six studio combo packs bundle a microphone, M-series headphones, a boom arm and a shock mount into a single box. That makes them one of the easier gifts to get right this Christmas for anyone who’s been talking about starting a podcast, streaming their gaming sessions or recording at home. Everything in each pack is chosen to work together, so there’s no second-guessing which headphones suit which mic or what else needs to go in the trolley.
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This is the third generation of combo packs Audio-Technica has released in Australia. The packs are sold through selected music retailers and the Audio-Technica Australia website, with RRPs from $499 to $999.
The two Creator Packs are built around the AT2020, a condenser that has been a home studio staple for years thanks to its detailed sound and sensible price. The Creator Pack XLR ($499) uses the standard AT2020, while the Creator Pack USB ($549) swaps in the AT2020USB-X and adds a desk stand. Both come with ATH-M20x headphones, an AT8700 boom arm and an AT8455 shock mount.
For gamers and anyone else going live, the Streamer Pack-Pro USB ($799) steps up to the AT2020USB-XP. Its three noise suppression modes cut room noise without needing to treat the space, which helps keep keyboard clatter and fan noise out of the stream. A pair of ATH-M40x headphones plugs straight into the mic for real-time monitoring, and the low-profile AT8705 boom arm keeps the mic out of the camera’s way. It’s a big step up from the headset mic most gamers start with and arrives just in time for some huge releases this year.
The Podcast Packs centre on the AT2040, a hypercardioid dynamic designed for spoken word that picks up what’s directly in front of it and rejects most of the room. It comes as an XLR version ($499) or a USB version ($569), each with ATH-M20x headphones, an AT8700 boom arm and a shock mount.
At the top of the range, the Podcaster Pack Elite ($999) features the AT-BP40, Audio-Technica’s large-diaphragm dynamic broadcast mic. It’s used in radio stations around the world, and has a switchable 100Hz high-pass filter and an all-metal build. It’s paired with ATH-M40x headphones and the AT8705 boom arm.
For gift buyers, the main thing to check is the connection type. The USB packs plug straight into a computer, so they’re the safest choice for someone just starting out. The XLR packs need an audio interface or mixer, which makes them a better fit for someone who already has one on their desk.
If there’s a singer on your list, Audio-Technica Australia’s Black Friday sale is also worth a look. The standout deal is the ATS99, a premium hypercardioid dynamic vocal mic with a machined aluminium body, which has dropped from $599 to $150. That’s a big saving on a mic built for the stage, and it makes a handy companion to any of the XLR packs for someone who wants a dedicated live vocal mic alongside a studio condenser.
For local enquiries, head here.
