Introduction
The Audio-Technica AT2020 USB is a cardioid condenser microphone.Usually, it’s ideally suited for computerized recording. It is in fact the easiest way to make a high quality recording using your PC.
The Audio-Technica AT2020 USB in a few words
Equipped with a USB digital output, it offers a crisp and clean sound. It’s the perfect USB microphone for your home studio or field recording. It is also suitable for podcasting or off-camera recording.
The Audio-Technica AT2020 USB provides excellent recording quality. By the way, its design was inspired by the AT2020, another legendary cardioid condenser studio microphone.
It features a custom-made, low mass diaphragm. This allows it to provide extended frequency response and superior transient response.
The microphone also has an integrated headphone jack with volume control. This gives you direct access to control your microphone without delay. With it, it is also possible to make a mix control combining a microphone and pre-recorded audio. While its cardioid directivity provides excellent off-axis rejection. And its A/D converter guarantees a well articulated sound reproduction.
Features of Audio-Technica AT2020
The Audio-Technica AT2020 USB is a side-address condenser studio microphone. This type of microphone has a USB digital output. This makes it one of the best studio microphones,and also a versatile recording tool.
In addition, it allows you to pick up an acoustic wave and convert it into an electrical signal. In fact, it works similarly to an ordinary microphone. The only difference is that it is external.
he Audio-Technica AT2020 USB microphone is for people who want to record anywhere. It connects directly to your computer via a USB cable (USB port). This guarantees an easy and optimal use. This simplicity of use makes it the ideal recording equipment for use in the home studio or in the workplace..
Audio-Technica microphone offers a microphone that is perfect for podcasts and voice-overs. It is also able to record instruments. In other words, for all types of recording, the result will not disappoint you.
By the way, the Audio-Technica AT2020 USB is a small, easy to carry microphone. Once plugged into your PC’s USB port, it will work seamlessly with your recording software. With low self-noise, it fits into even the most sophisticated recording equipment.
Audio-Technica AT2020 Design
Made entirely of durable materials, the Audio-Technica AT2020 USB is truly mobile. Indeed, its body is cut in a solid metal, guaranteeing its durability.
It seems to be able to withstand a lot of shocks. A rigid grille protects the capsule. The microphone is connected via a square USB connector. Finally, it comes with a three-meter long cable and a tripod.
Application and user guide
The Audio-Technica AT2020 USB features a side-mounted studio condenser with a USB digital output. Its low-mass diaphragm is custom-made, allowing for extended frequency response and superior transient response. To achieve better isolation from the sound source, Audio-Technica has opted for a cardioid directivity.
Indeed, this allows a reduction in the side and rear sound pickup. By the way, its own noise level is particularly reduced. This makes it particularly suitable for high-level recording equipment. For optimal recording, I also recommend that the microphone be aimed at the sound source. In other words, the microphone should be placed in front of the person speaking or singing.
The same applies to the sound of the instruments. This will allow a very good response in terms of frequency. Also, in order to obtain the best acoustics, you will have to proceed to positioning tests.
This microphone is perfect for podcasting. It is also must-have equipment for a recording studio. Very versatile, it is also very well suited to off-camera and field recording. In all these situations, its audio quality remains intact.
This version of the AT2020 requires the use of a laptop or a home studio. Very easy to use, a Plug and Play will do very well. For classic microphone use, its performance will surprise you and leave you speechless. Its smooth frequency response makes it a must-have for nomads. Compared to its competitors (the Yeti USB), its curve is by far the best.
In view of its technical characteristics, its quality/price ratio remains unbeatable. It offers very good quality recordings. In terms of sound recording, this model offers a very natural and smooth sound reproduction. The microphone can also be very sensitive and produces a natural sound. Its cardioid directivity makes it the ideal tool for recording voices and instruments.
Microphone setup
Before using the microphone, it is important to make a few settings. First, it comes with a tripod that must be set up on a flat surface. The tripod’s extendable legs guarantee a much larger and more stable support surface.
Then make sure that the front of the microphone is facing the sound source. Then insert the microphone into the threaded collar of the swivel mount and tighten the collar while holding the microphone.
The swivel mount has a manually operated screw for adjusting the microphone angle. Then, once all the adjustments are made, you can plug in the USB cable and enjoy your Audio-Technica AT2020 USB. It is important to note that this microphone is compatible with Windows and Mac. However, you will need to setup the device accordingly.
An adjustment of the microphone level is very important to guarantee optimal performance. To do this, set the volume to its maximum. If distortion is perceived, reduce the microphone volume using either the control panel settings or the functions of your recording software.
The rule remains the same if your recording program indicates levels that show a clear overload (peak level). Depending on your needs, you can then adjust the parameters. Once the settings have been made, there should be no further adjustments to be made as long as the acoustic input does not change significantly.
You can also consult our complete guide to the Neumann TLM 103 microphone. This guide contains a complete test, review, opinions, and demo of this condenser microphone for voice recording studios.
Technical features
- Type: Permanently polarized capacitor with fixed charge plate
- Directivity : Cardioid
- Frequency response: 20-16 000 Hz
- Power Type: USB (5V CC)
- Resolution: 16 Bits
- Weight: 374 g (13,2 oz)
- Dimensions :
- Length 162,0 mm (6,38 po)
- Maximum body diameter 52,0 mm (2,05 po)
- Output connector : USB type
- Supplied accessories :
- Swivel mount compatible with threaded feet 5/8 po-27
- Threaded adapter to convert feet 5/8 po-27 en 3/8 po-16
- Soft protective case; tripod holder
- Cable 3.1 m long (10 pi)
- System requirements :
- Macintosh : Mac OS X ; USB 1.0 ou 2.0 ;REQUIRED 64 MB RAM (minimum)
- Windows : XP Home Edition or XP Professional Edition; USB 1.0 or 2.0; 64 MB RAM (minimum)
Who is the AT20202 USB designed for?
The Audio-Technica AT2020 USB is the improved version of the AT2020. But its USB adapter is one of its main assets. While being very easy to use, it certainly offers excellent sound quality.
What’s more, you can use it anywhere just by connecting it to your laptop or MacBook. In view of its ease of use, this USB microphone is aimed directly at beginners. But not only for beginners.
It’s also a faithful friend for outdoor recordings. In fact, it can be used with any conventional computer. This microphone is very easy to use and will surprise you for sure. To try it is to adopt it. It can also be used in home studios as well as in renowned studios.
You can connect it with all types of computers: desktop, laptop, Mac OS. No need for a mixing console or phantom power, its USB cable does the trick.
In addition, to protect your microphone, it is advisable not to expose it to direct sunlight or to places where the temperature is above 43°C for a prolonged period. You should also avoid excessive humidity. This could impair its performance.
Whether you’re recording in the studio or in the wild, the Audio-Technica AT2020 USB is sure to please. In fact, it is a high-performance microphone in every respect. Whether for podcasting (see also the Rode Podcaster microphone) or for recording musical instruments (clarinet, acoustic guitar…) the sound quality remains the same.
My verdict
Are you planning to buy a USB microphone for your studio or personal use? The Audio-Technica AT2020 USB is one of the best dynamic microphones. It is very easy to set up and doesn’t require any special technical knowledge. Once connected, the microphone installs the drivers automatically. With just a few clicks, the microphone is fully operational. For the price, it is a very good USB microphone.
Its frequency response gives it exceptional clarity. Used for live-streaming or broadcasting, its sound quality is both rich and good. The addition of a windscreen will only improve the quality of the recording. Of course, it’s not a Neumann U87 professional for studio or an AKG microphone, but it is a static microphone for beginners who want to record their track directly from a PC. In fact, it is the ideal tool.
By the way, if you travel a lot, or if you want to save some space on your workstation, do not hesitate to choose the Audio-Technica AT2020 USB. As a reminder, it is based on a condenser technology and has a USB connectivity. This is a plus not to be missed.
Another relevant detail is its frequency response. Compared to its competitors, it is by far the best. Indeed, USB microphones are notorious for all that background noise. But with the Audio-Technica AT2020 USB, you won’t encounter that kind of annoyance. It offers a high quality response at a low price.
Personally, I find the Audio-Technica AT2020 USB to be a good USB microphone at a decent price. By the way, it offers a quality that goes beyond my expectations. Do you need something for your home studio? Do you have hobbyist or semi-professional clients who need something that is easy to use and easy to set up? Then I would recommend this product without hesitation.
It is without a doubt the best choice. Moreover, it doesn’t need a very powerful sound card or an amp to perform well. To improve the results, you can also use an anti pop filter. for picking up the sound of acoustic instruments, or for voice recording, the microphone should be aimed at the sound source. In any case, rest assured that this microphone even masters high frequencies.
Our Global Review
Global Sound Quality
Quality / Price ratio
Overall Score
Our opinion on the Audio-Technica AT2020 USB
With a connection through a cable, the Audio-Technica AT2020 USB is easily adjustable. Versatile, it is among the best USB microphones of its range. True to the manufacturer’s description, the results obtained are much better.
Audio-Technica AT2020 USB Demo
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