Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ Cardioid Condenser Microphone (USB connection) for voiceover, podcasting, streaming and recording

Product Information

Whether you are looking for the best streaming microphone or looking to enhance your content creation for YouTube videos, the AT2020USB-X is the optimal choice for all types of content creation. Rode is known for making extremely high-quality equipment at reasonable prices, and the Rode NT USB is no exception to this rule. Even though the microphones might be identical in every way, there might be a slight difference in audio quality due to the cables;

You will have to get an Audio Interface and XLR microphones anyway, and what you spent on the USB microphone will be wasted. Audio Quality The AT2020 XLR needs an Audio Interface, Mixer, or other equipment to work, and doesn’t come with any additional features.

What should you get instead of the Audio-Technica AT2020?

Another great alternative to the AT2020 is the Rode NT1-A, which is a bit higher priced, but definitely sounds more professional. Still, the much better route to take would be to go for an Audio Interface and a regular XLR microphone. But that’s really it; it’s a microphone with no bells and whistles that jut does what it’s supposed to at a very low price. Lastly, USB microphones are responsible for the Analog to Digital conversion, while with XLR ones the Audio Interface takes care of this, and they usually do a better job at it as well resulting in higher audio quality.

Bringing the studio-quality sound of our 20 Series to the stage, the AT2010 cardioid condenser vocal microphone was released in 2007. The Audio-Technica AT2020 has been the standard microphone for most home recording studios for years now due to its great sound quality at a very affordable price. Cardioid microphone with Micro-HDMI output for high-resolution recording, on iPad or iPhone (with Lightning connector) or on the computer via USB Like I mentioned, it includes a pop filter which is rare since most microphones don’t include one, and even though it feels a bit cheap, it’s still a free pop filter that works. The vast majority of people say they’re very happy with the Audio-Technica AT 2020USB+ Condenser USB Microphone that many of them awarded it a five-star rating.The cardioid polar pattern reduces unwanted sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of the desired sound source. The AT2020’s ability to produce studio-quality sound with unwanted pops is ideal for podcasters looking to elevate their current podcast equipment for a more professional sound. In addition to podcast equipment, the AT2020 is an ideal streaming microphone, delivering crystal-clear communication during streaming sessions. Audio-Technica’s AT2020 is a condenser microphone. It is a critically acclaimed model that provides affordable, professional-quality audio for both recording and home studios. Fixed Cardioid Polar Pattern which improves isolation of the intended sound source and reduces extraneous noises. The AT2020 is Audio-Technica’s 20 Series flagship microphone and our best-selling model. Ideal for both the studio or at-home applications, the AT2020 features excellent performance specifications, including a custom-engineered diaphragm that provides extended frequency response. Artists, content creators and audio engineers can rely on the AT2020 for a smooth, natural sound with maximum accuracy. Don’t get me wrong, the Rode NT USB is a great USB mic, but it’s certainly not as good as the AT2020+.

This mic is a must-see for anyone wanting to start recording on their laptop or home computer, or if you’re doing some podcasting. So if you haven’t already, you should take a look at the several great features that the AT2020USB+ microphone has to offer. Top 5 Features of the Audio Technica AT2020USB+: The AT2020 USB is more expensive than the AT2020 XLR, but you need to remember that the AT2020 in XLR format will require at least a 1-input audio interface, making the initial investment on par with the USB mic, or even higher. Both the AT2020 and AT3035 are cardioid condenser microphones designed for studio applications. Though the AT3035 has now been discontinued, many of its features can be found in our AT2035 studio microphone.This is the first microphone that I bought for my home recording sessions as per recommendations from a friend of mine who works as a professional sound engineer. Great microphone for its price.

The 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. Great low and high frequencies, but maybe falls a bit short in regards to the mid frequencies. Have been using it to record vocals, different types of sound samples (finger snaps, claps, etc.) as well as acoustic guitars, which sound great through this microphone. Some of the recorded home samples with this microphone have been used later in professionally recorded songs, so you are definitely looking at a great quality, affordable microphone.

Should you get the Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X instead?

The AT2020USBi is equipped with an high quality A/D converter with a sampling frequency of 24-bit / 96 kHz sound reproduction resolution. The cardioid polar pattern provides excellent off-axis rejection and the quality of the capsule provides a highly intelligible sound reproduction. “Gain control” Another common negative point is the included microphone stand. The stand is reported to be flimsy and not very sturdy. Considering that this microphone is a bit on the hefty side, this is a real issue. More than one reviewer complained that the microphone has a tendency to tip over on the enclosed stand, and many suggested purchasing one that is sturdier. Some also reported trouble putting the stand together. Sound Quality Combining high audio resolution and numerous connectivity options, AT2020USBi adds a level of audio quality and practicality to the range of Audio-Technica microphones. Designed from the famous AT2020, the AT2020USBi has a digital output with A/D converter that allows a sampling frequency of 24-bit / 96kHz to provide articulation and intelligibility, ideal for recording in a home studio, outdoors and also for podcasting or voiceovers. Unless you’re 100% certain that you will need just the one microphone, then the XLR alternative is much more versatile, plus there are a lot more microphones available in an XLR format. Price