The Antlion ModMic range lets you turn your favourite pair of headphones into a headset mic. I was first introduced to their gear in 2016, and they’ve continually improved and upgraded with new models and innovations since then. Today, I’m taking a look at two of their latest iterations: the ModMic USB 2 and the ModMic Uni 2.
A big thanks to Antlion for sending this kit out to us for review. Our links to both mics are affiliates, so we’d earn a small commission should you choose to buy through them, never at any extra cost. Rest assured, though, that affiliates never stop us from giving our honest opinions about products – we always review fairly!
Why Consider Using a ModMic?
We live in an era where we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to mics. You can buy some quality gear for not very much at all, as we’ve covered in our best podcast microphones roundup. Now, here I am adding even more choice to the mix, but with good reason. Here are some reasons you might want a ModMic:
Small (Or Non-existent) Desk?
Desk space is at a premium for many creatives, and that’s assuming you even own one. True, a boom arm only takes up a few inches of tabletop, but it’s still a big lump of metal that can annoy you in other ways when you’re not recording.
Desk stands have their limitations, too. Even if you have the room to accommodate one, they’re almost never posture-friendly and are susceptible to conducting noise each time you accidentally bump or kick a table leg.
Travel Much?
If you have a Mary Poppins-esque ability to pack a bag that qualifies as hand luggage, you probably don’t want to be lugging around a Blue Yeti in there. All of the ModMics I’ve used have come in a handy, portable wee box that is robust enough not to get squashed. It’s about the same size as your sunglasses case, which is something you won’t need if you’re visiting Scotland.
Splashed Out on Fancy Headphones?
Okay, maybe you haven’t recently bought yourself a pair of Sennheiser HD600s; maybe you just like your existing cans and find them as comfortable as an old pair of slippers. In any case, you want the convenience of a headset-style mic but not the discomfort that tends to accompany it.
Need Dynamic, Hands-Free Presentation?
It’s true that most podcasting mics are “hands-free” but usually set in a semi-static condition. If you’re a practical demonstration kind of podcaster—say, a yoga instructor, chef, or DIY expert—the last thing you want to think about is, “Am I still on-mic?”. With a ModMic, you never need to worry about that.
So, if you tick one (or all) of these boxes, read on and consider the Antlion ModMic 2 USB and ModMic Uni 2…
The ModMic 2 USB
Would you believe me if I told you this was a USB mic? I know, I know, but it’s my job to break down these complex technical schematics so that you don’t have to. Anyway, yes, it pops into your computer or gaming console via a USB (A) connection, and there’s a USB-A to C adapter in the box for the hipsters. There’s also a handy Mute button on the boom neck; if you’re an expert (like me), you’ll know exactly what that does!
I’m not hugely impressed by the audio on this one (for podcasting, anyway). I much prefer the sound of the Uni 2.
The ModMic 2 USB currently costs $89.95 (Check prices on Amazon)
The ModMic Uni 2
The ModMic Uni 2 switches out USB for a 3.5mm connection. A 3.5mm plug is the wee one we all had on our earbuds back in the halcyon days. You can plug this directly into your computer if it has a 3.5mm jack specifically for an input (mic); the wee icon next to it will tell you. If you only have one 3.5mm jack on your computer, it’s almost certainly an output (headphone), and you’ll need an adapter to run the Uni 2.
You’ll also find 3.5mm jacks on most gaming controllers. I ran mine into my Zoom H5 recorder, and I could also stick a 1/4″ adapter on it and run it into the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2.
The ModMic Uni 2 has a Mute switch on the boom neck. If you’re a Mute button enthusiast, it looks and clicks slightly different from the USB 2 version, so write that in your wee ‘Mute Buttons of the World’ book.
I am impressed with the audio on this one, especially considering the price and overall convenience.
The ModMic Uni 2 currently costs $59.95 (Check prices on Amazon)
How Does the ModMic Attach to My Headphones?
Each ModMic comes with a bag of small magnetised clips. Stick one of these on your headphones, and you can attach and detach your mic quickly and easily. This means you’re not permanently turning your headphones into a headset, and the clip is so unobtrusive you barely notice it. I’ve had one stuck to my Audio-Technica M20Xs for the best part of eight years.
Antlion ModMics: Any Downsides?
Cons are an inevitable part of any gear review, and the ModMic USB 2 and Uni 2 have some potential downsides:
Mixed Audio Quality of the ModMic USB 2
Firstly, I’m not super impressed with the USB 2’s audio quality. There are a few reasons for that, none of which are entirely the mic’s fault. The main one is that I can’t help but compare it to the USB audio available at a similar (or lesser) price range elsewhere. With that said, the USB 2 hits back with a list of benefits mentioned earlier in this review.
I’ve also worked with audio for a long time, particularly in the fiction podcast and audio drama space, where I’ll scrutinise audio quite harshly. Nowadays, I find myself doing the odd remote interview with someone who uses built-in or earbud mics, and let me tell you, I’d be absolutely over the moon if they were using a ModMic USB 2. Bottom line; don’t let me tell you what to think of the audio quality, and be sure to judge for yourself.
Lack of Active Monitoring With the ModMic USB 2
Hearing yourself talk, as you talk, is good practice for recording any audio. You’ll be able to pick up on any technical issues and correct poor mic technique immediately, as opposed to discovering them baked into the hour-long file you’ve just started listening back to.
But, with the ModMic USB 2, your output is your headphones, which are plugged directly into the computer; thus, there is no active monitoring. For this to happen, a future iteration of the ModMic USB would need to have a 3.5mm jack on the device itself, as I’m sure the team at Antlion are very much aware of.
Compatibility of the ModMic Uni 2
Many laptops don’t have a 3.5mm input jack.
If you want to run the Uni 2 into your computer, you might need to buy an additional “splitter”-style adapter. You can pick one of these up for $8-$10, which still gives you a great-sounding mic (with all the pros and conveniences mentioned earlier) for around $70.
It’s also worth mentioning that any 3.5mm mic is heavily dependent on whatever you’re running it into. I’m getting great results with the Zoom H5, but it’s a first-class audio recorder. Don’t expect amazing results if you plug it into a tin of spam.
Conclusion: The Antlion ModMic USB 2 & Uni 2
For folks who lack space (especially desk space), often travel or record on the go, or really like the comfort of their existing headphones, a ModMic could be a great option.
I much prefer the sound quality of the Uni 2 over the USB 2. Remember, it might need an additional adapter to make it work on your computer, but these are cheap, and it would likely cost you less than $70 for both.
A ModMic’s setup time is less than two seconds, so they are ultra handy, especially if you get a text like “We are all waiting in the recording channel. Where are you?” or “Quick, let’s pwn some n00bz in Grand Theft Auto: Bognor Regis.”
On a final note, just remember that there’s never any one-size-fits-all answer when buying a mic, so weigh up your own situation and needs against the ModMic’s offerings. And if you want to do some more shopping around, be sure to check out our full guide to podcast microphones!
Originally posted on September 2, 2024 @ 2:25 am