Audio-Technica has been releasing a whole slew of work-from-home audio equipment, each slightly different for you to choose the one that fits you best. The newest on the block is the ATH-101USB and ATH-102USB USB headset. The ATH-101USB is a single-ear headset, while the ATH-102USB is a dual-ear headset, both retailing for S$48.
Tech specs
| Headphones Type | Dynamic |
| Driver | 30mm |
| Frequency Response | 20 to 20,000 Hz |
| Sensitivity | 92 dB/mW |
| Impedance | 32 ohms |
Build quality and design
The ATH-101USB and ATH-102USB are pretty much the same in terms of design, except that the ATH-101USB has just a single side of audio output. Both headset are made from plastic which feels lightweight and hollow. The headbands have decent flex to them but I probably won’t put them through too much rough use.
The ATH-101USB is designed rather smartly such that you can wear headset either on your left or right ear as the microphone is able to rotate 120-degrees. There is a non-detachable USB-A cable attached to both headsets. Audio-Technica provided a USB-A female to USB-C male adaptor in case your device only has USB-C. I’m not sure if it exists, but it would have been nice there was a USB-A female to 3.5mm audio adaptor included as well.
The cable on the headphones contains a simple volume rocker cum mute switch. The mute switch is conveniently located around chest level when you wear the headphones, allowing you to go on mute quickly. Audio-Technica has highlighted that the headset, controller, plugs, earpads and windscreen are all treated with an antimicrobial deodorising agent that inhibits bacteria growth – probably good to have in today’s COVID-19 world.
Connectivity
As aforementioned, both the ATH-101USB and ATH-102USB comes with either USB-A or USB-C (using dongle) output, and they are simple to use with a laptop. Using the USB-C dongle, I was able to get it to work with a Samsung Android phone as well – audio played through the headset and microphone source was from the headset as well. This should play well with all the USB-C iPads as well.
Comfort and fit
The earcups on both the ATH-101USB and ATH-102USB have thin and soft earpads that rest gently on my ears. The earpads used do offer good breathability. The headband doesn’t have have padding on the top, but as the headset is very lightweight, they generally do not heavy heavy at all.
The ATH-101USB has a head support on the side which doesn’t have an audio output. The head is a tad hard so I can actually something pressing against my head after extended periods of wearing the headset. It would have been nice if the head support was slightly padded.
The ATGM1-USB pack is designed is for versatility, whereby you have the option of splitting the input and output of your audio conferencing. The ATH-770XCOM is designed for individuals who work noisy environments so that over-ear headphones help to block out external noise. The latest ATH-101USB and ATH-102USB is designed for fuss free plug-and-play use in a light and comfortable package.
Microphone and audio quality
Both the ATH-101USB and ATH-102USB features a bi-directional electret condenser microphone. The microphone quality is actually pretty good. Voice pickup is clear and detailed. My voice doesn’t have as much depth and low-end when compared to the microphone on the ATH-770XCOM. Having said that, my voice still possess enough body to it that it doesn’t sound too thin and weak.
Another strength of the microphones is that it does a really good job at cancelling out unwanted background noise, and isolates my voices well without any distortions. My voice was still able to remain forward without breaking. As for general audio quality, both ATH-101USB and ATH-102USB sounds flat and neutral. Emphasis is placed on voices.
Conclusion
If you found the ATH-770XCOM to be too bulky and warm because it was an over-ear headset, then both the ATH-101USB and ATH-102USB being lightweight and on-ear – should be way more comfortable when audio conferencing. With its simple plug-and-play setup and reliable microphone, I think either of the ATH-101USB and ATH-102USB is a good work-from-home tool to purchase for meetings at S$48.