The AT2020USB-X is a good choice for semi-professional recording, but it’s not for everyone. The best and worst thing about this condenser microphone is that it is very sensitive. If you have a good place to record, it’s a good way to record your voice. It looks good with the new features, and the USB-C connection makes it easy to use.
Like most USB mics that come into our office, this one from Audio-Technica looks more like a studio tool than a gaming accessory. We couldn’t be happier about that, to be honest. When we’re recording, the last thing we want is for a confusing array of RGB lights to distract us from what we were about to say or play.
[content-egg-block template=offers_logo hide=price]The desktop stand looks like a tripod, like the kind you’d use with an AKG D112 kick drum mic. It might look a little bit flimsy, but the locking tripod arms make it stable, so you don’t have to worry about the mic falling while you’re recording your WWE podcast. Due to the number of hinges and screws, it’s a little hard to adjust and balance. We prefer the simpler options from Razer and Beyerdynamic, where the base stand is just a big piece of metal.
Specifications
- Sample rate 44kHz
- Bit rate 16-bit
- Frequency response 20Hz–20kHz
- Condenser type Fixed-charge back plate, permanently polarized
- Polar patterns Cardioid
- Cable length 3.1m
- Connectivity USB
Where to get Audio-Technica AT2020USB?
Gain and volume controls, as well as a headphone monitoring input and a monitoring level adjuster, are all on the USB microphone itself. They are all controlled by thumb wheels in the middle of the microphone. The AT2020USB+ (couldn’t someone come up with a better name?) has a small blue led that lights up when it gets power from USB. The USB connector is at the very bottom of the device. There is also an adapter for boom arms and a “professional”-looking leather case with a lot of padding. If you bring it up while someone is reading Sound On Sound, they will look at it like a moth to a flame.