Audio-Technica makes two great entry-level microphones for starting podcasters: the  and the . Now, they're entering the higher end range with the .

The BP40 is Audio-Technica's first broadcast microphone. It's a large-diaphragm dynamic microphone but also captures a broader range of sound, like a condenser microphone would.

By moving the mic capsule deeper into the BP40, Audio-Technica was able to integrate a pop filter into the design.

Instead of connecting the microphone to a stand by its bass, the uses a detached ring-mount that nicely balances the weight of the microphone.

Audio-Technica's AT8484 custom shockmount is the easiest I'm ever seen! The microphone locks in with a simple push and turn and still nicely balances the microphone.

The BP40 also includes a low-cut-rolloff switch to reduce anything below 80 Hz (typically rumbles caused by passing cars, bumps on the microphone, and such).

I was most impressed with the apparent durability of the BP40. The microphone is heavy and had a solid metal chassis.

I could not yet compare the BP40 with other podcasting microphones like the or . But I did like the tone and off-axis noise rejection.

The basic and the shockmount for $99 in summer, 2015.