PC & Console Peripherals

Evolution instead of revolution? – Antlion ModMic USB 2 in the test

Good headsets with a high-quality microphone are few and far between on the market. Users often have to compromise on audio quality or comfort. The Antlion ModMic elegantly avoids this problem, as it allows you to freely choose any headphones that can be transformed into a fully-fledged headset in just a few simple steps.

The next generation of the popular clip-on microphone is now available in the form of the Antlion ModMic USB V2, which we want to take a closer look at in this test. Our detailed test will show whether the ModMic USB V2 is convincing in terms of sound quality and ease of use.

Scope of delivery

The ModMic USB 2* comes with a comprehensive scope of delivery:

  • A USB-A to USB-C adapter
  • A hardshell travel case
  • Various cable clips for attaching the cable to the headphone cable
  • Two headphone attachments
  • One alcohol preparation pad

Technical details and features

The technical details of the ModMic can be found in the following table:

Product name Antlion ModMic USB 2
Connection USB Type-A (incl. USB Type-C adapter)
Polar pattern Uni-directional
Sampling rate 48kHz, 16-bit
SPL 110 dB
Cable length 2 meters
price € 107.98 *

Compared to the previous model, the new version of the ModMic has changed very little in terms of technical data. The basic specifications such as frequency range and sensitivity have largely remained the same. One significant improvement, however, is the change in the directional characteristic. While previous models were equipped with a cardioid polar pattern, the new version now works with a uni-directional polar pattern. This change ensures that voices are picked up more evenly and reduces background noise from all directions, which should ensure a clearer recording, especially in louder environments.

Design and processing

Externally, the Antlion ModMic USB 2* has hardly changed compared to its predecessor. The design remains almost identical and the workmanship remains at a high level. The tried and tested system with the magnetic holder attached to the headphones has been retained and continues to work reliably.

However, there are two disadvantages compared to the ModMic Uni V5: Firstly, the mute switch is now no longer a separate element. In addition, the cable is slightly shorter on the new model, which could play a role depending on the setup.

Overall, the ModMic USB V2 remains a robust and well thought-out microphone that impresses with its practical design.

Sound quality in practice

In the test, the ModMic USB 2* was compared directly with the ModMic Uni v5*. Both microphones were mounted in the same way in order to create conditions that were as identical as possible. Since the most common use is in voice chats such as Discord or Teamspeak, the same text was recorded via Teamspeak, which can also be listened to and compared here.

Test setup
Test setup

Recording of the Antlion ModMic USB 2:

Recording of the Antlion ModMic Uni 5:

The ModMic USB V2 proved to be the clear winner in the test. The voice is transmitted much more clearly and the recording is of a higher quality overall. A particularly positive aspect is that the USB connection prevents mains hum. Due to the design of the ModMic Uni v5, this can be audible depending on the setup because of the jack connection. Although Teamspeak removes this noise quite well with its background suppression, this is also at the expense of the sound quality, which means that the voice on the ModMic Uni v5 also loses clarity. The ModMic USB V2 does not require this background suppression, which leads to an overall better voice quality in normal chat mode.

Background noise, such as keyboard clatter, is also better suppressed by the modified characteristics of the ModMic USB V2 than its predecessor. This makes the recording sound even better.

Overall, the new ModMic USB V2 impresses across the board in terms of sound quality. The clearer voice reproduction and reduced susceptibility to interference make it an excellent choice for voice chats and other applications.

Conclusion of the ModMic USB 2 test

The ModMic USB 2* is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality microphone to turn their headphones into a high-performance headset. The sound quality was convincing in the test, especially in voice chats such as Teamspeak or Discord, where the clear and interference-free transmission of the voice offers significant added value. The USB connection eliminates typical background noise such as mains hum and the improved directional characteristic effectively reduces background noise.

However, this quality also comes at a price. It currently costs around €100 (currently: € 107.98*). This is precisely why minor improvements are particularly noticeable: A longer cable would increase flexibility. Also a mute button, which should be separately accessible instead of permanently integrated in the cable.

Overall, the ModMic USB V2 is a recommended solution for anyone who values good voice quality and is prepared to pay the price for it. Especially if you already have high-quality headphones, the ModMic offers a flexible and convincing way of transforming them into a fully-fledged headset.

Antlion ModMic USB 2

Processing
Recording quality
Equipment
Price-performance ratio

90/100

An expensive improvement with few weaknesses!

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