Audio-Technica AT2020 USB 
Medium-diaphragm Cardioid Side Address Condenser Microphone with USB Connectivity
The AT2020 goes USB!
The AT2020 USB brings the sound, quality, and affordability of the AT2020 to the desktop for direct-to-computer simplicity. This black beauty is perfect for any recording situation where ease of use is a must, but quality is essential. From podcasting to tracking your masterpiece the AT2020 USB provides reliable and accurate pickup. Like its predecessor, this digital mic/recording interface is built to AT's exacting standards, ensuring the best sound available at an amazing price. The AT2020 led the charge of affordable condensers, and the AT2020 USB continues that legacy. Audio-Technica AT2020 USB at a Glance:- Based on the renowned AT2020
- Low self noise
Based on the renowned AT2020The AT2020 USB is based on the design of Audio-Technica's critically acclaimed AT2020 cardioid condenser microphone. Like the AT2020, it features a low-mass diaphragm, custom-engineered for extended frequency response and superior transient response. Low self noiseWith low self-noise, the AT2020 USB is perfectly suited for sophisticated digital recording equipment. Audio-Technica's state-of-the-art design and manufacturing techniques ensure that the microphone complies with the company's renowned consistency and reliability standards. Audio-Technica AT2020 USB Features: - Side-address studio condenser with USB digital output (Windows and Mac compatible)
- Crystal-clear, natural sound for podcasting, home studio recording, field recording, and voiceover use
- Custom-engineered low-mass diaphragm provides extended frequency response and superior transient response
- Cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of desired sound source
- Low self-noise - perfectly suited for sophisticated digital recording equipment
- Includes tripod desk stand, pivoting stand mount, USB cable and storage pouch
- Fixed-charge back plate, permanently polarized condenser
- Cardioid
- 20Hz-16kHz
- USB bus power
- Bit Depth: 16 bit
- Sample Rate: 44.1 kHz
The popular Audio-Technica AT2020 goes digital with the AT2020 USB!
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Sweetwater Advice
Carson McClain
This is one of the most reliable USB mics we have.
Scott DeMarko
The AT2020 is a mic that you second-guess for the price, and then you second-guess because you thought you were using that other more expensive mic you just bought. In my many uses for the AT2020 from hip hop/MCs who can battle like champs to R&B soulful delights and even acoustic recording the AT2020 mic is a great contender in a pile of mics in this price range. Sound quality is superb, it is very clean, without any extra artifacts. To be plain and simple the AT2020 mic is one of my favorite go-to mics because it has stood the test of time in a studio where it gets abused, and being affordable doesn't mean it's lacking in quality. It really delivers a great sound for the price. The USB version of this mic means you don't need to spend extra money buying a separate audio interface. 1 - Open box. 2 - Plug in. 3 - Record!
The BEST usb mic on the market
by Brian from Fresno, CA
December 25, 2008
Music Background: Professional musician
I use this mic in all kinds of recording situations. I use it mainly for recording electric and acoustic guitar, bass guitar, and vocals, but I have also used it to record full musical ensembles (incl ... read more [+]uding drums) and it reproduces the sound with amazing clarity. There is no background noise. This is the BEST usb microphone on the market. It is a condenser mic so it will pick up sounds accurately without coloring them. Another feature about condenser mics is that they are very sensitive; they don't "normalize" sounds like dynamic mics do. So recording with one is more difficult because you will have to keep constant volumes. You'll have to set the input volume on your computer very low if recording something loud, or else it will peak and sound broken and distorted; this is normal with all condenser mics. If you try to use a dynamic mic to record, it will have a "live" kind of sound to it (listen to Blink-182's self-titled album). Some people like that, but for a professional sounding recording condenser is the only way to go, and even though this one is most expensive one I tried (at $150) it was by FAR the best.
Comes with a small tripod desk stand, the USB cable, and a carrying pouch. I don't trust the stand; it is small and flimsy. If you don't set it just right, the mic will fall over. If you do set it just right, it won't fall over unless you touch the cable with a small amount of force. In all it's just not trustworthy. I am going to get a new stand. You'll also want to buy a hard case for the mic. Condenser mics are much more fragile than other mics and much more sensitive to moisture. I keep mine in the hard case whenever I'm not using it. It has paid off tremendously. No buttons, knobs, or dials to speak of. I wish it had a volume control on it. It is cartoid (as opposed to unidirectional or omnidirectional).
Just plug it in and use it. I have two computers; one with Windows XP and one with Windows Vista and they both immediately recognize the mic. You'll need to set the input volume via control panel, and set it LOW for instruments.
It has a metal casing, but as with all condenser mics, the insides will break before the outside if you don't take proper care of it. I treat mine with more care than any of my stuff; keep it in a safe place, away from moisture and risk of getting knocked over or hit. Use a pop filter when recording vocals to keep moisture away from it.
You could spend hundreds to thousands of dollars on a "pro setup"; get a mixing board, preamps, dedicated instrument mics, etc or if you just want to record one track at a time and have it sound great, get this for a fraction of the price. I would speculate that if you got multiple of these you could record multiple tracks at once. close [-]
Bang for the buck
by Charlieman from Middletown, NJ
October 22, 2008
Music Background: Audio Engineer
I just got one of these, and I am really impressed. Low self noise, flat response, great for voiceovers.
See Also: USB Condenser Mics
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