The Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ condenser microphone is a remarkable choice for those seeking an exceptional recording experience. With a focus on simplicity and quality, this microphone is tailored for singers, podcasters, and creators looking to elevate their audio game without a steep learning curve.
At the core of its features is the condenser microphone itself, renowned for its studio-grade performance. The AT2020USB+ connects to your device effortlessly via USB, eliminating the need for complex setups or additional audio interfaces. It’s a true plug-and-play solution that streamlines the recording process.
One of its standout features is the cardioid polar pattern, ensuring that your recordings capture the intended sound source while effectively reducing background noise. This makes it ideal for vocals, single instrument recordings, and podcasting. The cardioid pattern is especially useful when you need to isolate your voice from ambient sounds.
To add convenience to your recording experience, the AT2020USB+ comes equipped with a built-in headphone jack. Real-time monitoring allows you to hear your recordings as they happen, enabling you to make necessary adjustments on the fly. This feature is especially valuable when recording vocals or podcasts, as it helps you achieve the best results with minimal hassle.
The microphone itself is built to last, with excellent shock mounting and a reliable pivoting stand mount. This durability ensures that your investment in the AT2020USB+ will serve you well for years to come. It’s a testament to Audio-Technica’s commitment to delivering quality audio equipment.
In the realm of pros, the AT2020USB+ boasts exceptional sound quality. The microphone captures audio with remarkable clarity and warmth, making it a fantastic choice for vocals and podcasting. Its budget-friendly price tag further adds to its appeal, offering impressive value for its cost. Moreover, the microphone’s ease of use and real-time monitoring capabilities are noteworthy advantages for both beginners and experienced users.
As for the cons, the microphone’s cardioid pattern, while excellent for isolating sound sources, may not be the most versatile choice for users looking to record multiple voices or instruments simultaneously. Additionally, it’s important to note that the AT2020USB+ exclusively offers USB connectivity, which may not suit advanced setups requiring XLR connections.
In conclusion, the Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ condenser microphone is a reliable and cost-effective option for those who prioritize sound quality and user-friendly features. If you’re a singer, podcaster, or content creator in search of a microphone that offers exceptional performance without the complexities of high-end equipment, the AT2020USB+ is an excellent choice that won’t disappoint.
Mark –
I was skeptical of this mic despite the glowing reviews – even the limited reviews on youtube are good, with most finding that the limitations of the microphone are far fewer than it’s benefit – which, frankly, is it’s price. I picked it up for $24 dollars on a flash sale, but it’s well worth the normal price for how it sounds.I picked it up with the Neewer NB-35 Microphone boom arm (which is PERFECT for this microphone, btw and comes with a pop filter!) Less than 50 bucks for a complete usb microphone setup. That alone is pretty great.Less than a week after buying this, however, I was at bestbuy for a big sale, and saw that the Blackout edition Blue Yeti was on sale with the ghost recon wildlands game combo for a shocking $75 dollars. So I bought it.I’m a singer/songwriter with 20+ years of recording behind me and play PC games and do some streaming and needed a new mic.All day I’ve been testing this mic (I have the black Fifine K669B for the record) and the Yeti side by side. The Yeti is larger, feels more premium, and has a mute button, gain control adjusts to louder volume, has 4 different polarity settings for doing podcasts or recording in stereo among other things. But I tested this side by side with the Yeti using the Yeti’s cardioid settings to match the Fifine’s. I adjusted the gain controls to be the same in windows, and slightly higher on the Fifine’s gain knob to match the Yeti so they were as evenly matched as possible.I cannot distinguish a large enough difference in the audio (flat recorded in mono with audacity) to truly be able to justify the already discounted price of the Yeti compared side by side with the Fifine.Yes, the audio is just that good. I mean, as good as a USB mic is going to be. If you have the extra scratch and need more than one polarity pattern than just right in front of the mic (and the sides) then you cannot go wrong with the Fifine. I was so taken aback after hearing such good things about the yeti, but they both pickup the same background noises, and feel very similar. When positioned about 6″ from the mics with pop filters in place, my voice felt more natural coming from the Fifine, with a bit more clarity perhaps in the Yeti but barely noticable. What bassiness there was (my voice isn’t very bassy) was – to my ears – better on the Fifine. Not like, stupid bassy, but naturally the tone sounded more pleasing. And that’s where this mic will be, about 6″ from my face. It’s small, light, very well made, all-metal, and about 1/4th the size of the Yeti. And the yeti weighs A TON, and has some bizarre irregular threading on the mount part where you need to buy a specific adapter or pray that you get one that the threads like. The Fifine just works. And if something happens to it you just buy another one for 25 bucks and call it a day.For professional streamers or people looking for a pro-level mic for doing voice/singing work, neither mic is going to be worth your time, you’re going to want to use an interface and XLR mic/s for that, to get the sound as good as it can be. But if you’re laying down tracks, writing idea songs, playing around, gaming, streaming, chatting with your friends in discord, this mic is an incredible value. I wish it had a mute button, that’s a downer. But you can just turn the gain all the way down.I don’t work for Fifine or Neewer, and I really want to like the Yeti, but I’ll probably return it in the morning. It’s a beautiful mic, but not as beautiful as having 50 bucks and something that sounds just as good. (IN CARDIOID MODE that is.) Also the Yeti is bigger, heavier, and takes up more space. I thought for sure when I started testing them that the Yeti was going to blow my mind, but insanely I can NOT tell the difference, or rather, I cannot detect why anyone would believe the Yeti is better sounding.I feel that maybe it’s a reputation thing, as with the Beats headphones. Beats aren’t all that good, my daughter has a pair and when I listen to them they’re not bad but sound about as good as a pair of Klipsch I paid 30 bucks for on sale. Same situation here. I think Yeti’s are maybe for people who either need that headphone passthrough, plan to use this for something greater than streaming or talking, and kids who just think they’re good because other kids use them.TLDR: Don’t be fooled, trust your ears, and just get this microphone and try it for yourself. You’ve got very little to lose.
Susan –
I bought this as my first upgrade but still at a beginner’s level.What I love: It’s super easy to use. You literally just plug it in and it’s ready to go. It immediately improved my audio quality and therefore also made my editing a lot easier too.What is just so-so: It is nice is that it does come with its own tripod but it isn’t very pose-able. The mic itself can only be tilted up or down and the tripod can only able to be used in the position shown in the photos. But it sits well and is very sturdy.I read about this brand in a book by a long time VO and it was the brand he started his career with.Pink is my favorite color; so this to me is super cuteI can’t wait to try it with a mic stand.It has a USB plug and play cord and so far that is working well. At this point I’m not sure about the durability but it has a nice solid feel so I’m guessing that it is well built but I will only know that for certain after using it for some time.So far one week into using it and I am very happy with this purchase. I can see using it for quite a while to get up and going before I’m ready for another upgrade.For the price point 5 stars.