ModMic USB 2 Review

The Antlion team is aiming to have a big 2024 with the launch of the ModMic USB 2 (and Uni 2). For the uninitiated, the ModMic was initially lauded as the product that turned audiophile-grade headphones into headsets, with an easy-to-attach microphone. Then, as virtual reality headsets appeared on the scene, the ModMic came in clutch by attaching to those headsets and delivering great audio quality. Now, in 2024, the ModMic USB 2 is here to upgrade the experience. This is my review.

What’s new?

The ModMic USB 2’s main upgrade is the new microphone capsule and housing design, which is capable of combining the strengths of the previous version’s two modes into one “do-it-all” mode. So there’s no need to choose between the uni-directional noise rejection or the higher quality of the omnidirectional, as the USB 2 packs in both.

The cardioid pickup pattern makes it great for capturing rich audio from the user’s mouth, while rejecting unwanted background sounds.

Speaking of unwanted sounds, users can quickly mute their mic by using the dedicated mute button. This on-device mute function is quick and easy to use, requiring next to no thought.

It’s been a while since a ModMic product released, but thankfully Antlion has been paying attention to the trend of USB-C. Inside the ModMic USB 2’s box is a USB-C adapter, which is great to see and will surely please those looking to plug and play with a device lacking USB-A ports.

Turning headphones into gaming headsets

Like with the previous version, the ModMic USB 2 can be attached to any headphones. You take your favorite pair of cans that you want to turn into a gaming headset, then attach the small magnetic connector. The ModMic USB 2 then attaches and detaches to that connector with ease, allowing users to change from gaming headset back to standard headphones at will.

As expected, the microphone’s sound quality is superb when compared to other gaming headset mics out there. It’s clear that Antlion was cautious in ensuring that it was actually improving audio quality with the second version, as the original product has received so much praise.

Small nitpicks

Though the sound quality is fantastic for a microphone of this scale and it serves its purpose very well, those looking for “podcast sound” will still want to invest in a desktop microphone. The ModMic USB 2 has clarity in the mids and highs, which is great for the clear voice chat needed in games, but the warm low-end is a touch lacking. It’s perhaps unfair to make this kind of comparison, but I must make it clear that there’s a limit to this mic’s quality, as impressive as it is.

Another nitpick is the lack of compatibility with Xbox consoles. I realize this isn’t exactly Antlion’s fault, but it should be included in this review for potential buyers to be wary of. (Note: The new ModMic Uni 2 can work with Xbox.)

Disclosure: Review sample provided by Antlion.