| The price/performance standard in side-address studio condenser microphone technology, Audio Technica's AT2020 studio mic has a low-mass diaphragm that is custom-engineered for extended frequency response and superior transient response. With rugged construction for durable performance, the microphone offers a wide dynamic range and handles high sound pressure levels (SPLs) with ease. Ideal for project/home-studio applications, the cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of desired sound source. The pivoting, threaded stand mount attaches securely for easy and precise placement of the microphone 
See larger image. | The AT2020 is intended for use in applications where remote power is available. It requires 48V DC phantom power, which may be provided by a mixer or console, or by a separate, in-line source such as the Audio-Technica AT8801 single-channel and CP8506 four-channel phantom power supplies. Specifications
- Element: Fixed-charge back plate, permanently polarized condenser
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Response: 20-20,000 Hz
- Open Circuit Sensitivity: –37 dB (14.1 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa
- Impedance: 100 ohms
- Maximum Input Sound Level: 144 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.
- Noise: 20 dB SPL
- Dynamic Range (typical): 124 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL
- Signal-To-Noise Ratio: 74 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa
- Phantom Power Requirements: 48V DC, 2 mA typical
- Weight: 12.1 ounces
- Dimensions: 6.38 inches long, 2.05-inch maximum body diameter
- Output Connector: Integral 3-pin XLRM-type
- Accessories Includes: Stand mount for 5/8"-27 threaded stands; 5/8"-27 to 3/8"-16 threaded adapter; soft protective pouch
- Audio-Technica Case Style: R7
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 Great Value |
| Review Date: May 18, 2009 |
| Reviewer: j eastman, Minneapolis |
Let's face it...I'm just a hobby musician. A guy in his mid-30's who has tinkered with music most of his adult life. I've played both as a solo artist and with bands. I've also been fortunate enough to spend time in actual recording studios with true professionals. None of this qualifies me as an expert...but I do have a certain level of familiarity on the subject.
I purchased this mic to supplement my home studio. I was hoping to get a little better sound than my usual stable of dynamic mics provide. I think I got pretty lucky with this purchase - it's my understanding that in this particular price range, you shouldn't expect a whole lot. I mean, it's just a microphone, right?
What I will say is that I was certainly satisfied with my purchase. I've used this microphone in conjunction with a tube preamp on a handful of recordings with great success. I bought this with the intention of using it for vocals, but I've found that I actually prefer it to record my acoustic guitar - this microphone picks up all the sound that I'm looking for from my acoustic - it's the nice, mellow, and full bodied sound that I hear when I'm playing, but that I was never able to capture before. In terms of its originally intended use, I felt is was only a slight improvement over the SM58 that I typically used for vocals - however, I wouldn't put too much stock into my assessment, as vocals are not one of my strengths when it comes to music (let's face it, autotune was created for a reason, right?)
Granted - everyone is going to have different opinions of this product, and I happen to think it works great for those of us on a budget. In terms of value - it is a great product for a fantastic price. I liked this microphone so much, I plan on buying at least one more.
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Great product and sound quality
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| Review Date: February 13, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Evan MACK, |
| This mic has a great pick up and produces a clear sound. It is best to have 2 and record in stereo. |
All you need!
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| Review Date: February 25, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Remaining Anonymous ahaha, CA |
Wow! This microphone is amazing. I see what people mean when they talk about condenser microphones being more fragile than normal dynamic microphones, but this isn't a piece of plastic, it's built well.
I paired it with the Behringer 502 5-input mixer, and it sounds great, totally professional quality. I just wanted something simple to begin home music projects, and this microphone's quality is more than enough for me.
It's very warm and highly sensitive. I don't even notice that it's side address, you can turn it up so that it picks up everything in the room.
I would have bought a stand for it as well, and a cheap pop filter. Otherwise, great deal for a mic of this quality. |
Astonishing sound and value for well under 100 bucks!
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| Review Date: August 23, 2009 |
| Reviewer: D. Lockman, Southern California, United States |
I was especially fortunate and got a new one for around [...]
making this beautiful-sounding vocal mic
a spectacular bargain for the home-recording musician or audio-blogger.
I don't know of any truly-decent large-diaphragm condensers with
the full 1" diaphragm size for under [...] (don't be a sucker for the
super-cheapies that look so big & cool). The AT2020 has a 2/3-inch diaphragm size, but
sounds better & bigger than anything else I have ever heard in the price range.
If you can spend [...]on a wonderful AT2035 or maybe a Studio Projects mic,
then by-all means, do it.
But the AT2020 [...]on all competition under [...], IMO.
I use it with the Studio Projects VTB1 Mic Preamp and the sound is B-I-G.
The AT2020 and the VTB1 are definitely a sweet pair together.
Although, I suspect any decent preamp used properly with the AT2020
would sound pretty darn good.
And DO use a preamp, even if only a $30 Art Tube MP.
Count on buying the 2 items together.
The pre will "send your AT2020 to the gym", by giving it
a thicker, fuller, BETTER sound.
The thing to remember with preamps is to
try to get close to the *loudest possible clean sound*
coming out of the preamp and generate
a BIG signal going IN to the recording device, which should
have its input gain quite LOW (maybe like "2" or even "1").
Watch your clipping/overload levels,
listen for any audible noise or distortion in the recording,
and make adjustments to cut those sound flaws, if they are present.
For vocals,
Experiment with going as loud as you can from the preamp while still sounding CLEAN,
until you find you particular setup's "sweet spot".
"Straight-up" dial-settings is often around where you end up.
The AT2020, used with a decent pre like the one I have (there are many others),
should get you a serious studio vocal sound
with pro-quality clarity and little coloration.
IMO, it's got to be the world champ of under-[...]studio Condenser Mics,
at least right now (in 2009),
until something more miraculous comes along.
And if you are presently recording vocals with
something like an SM58, moving up to the AT2020
with a modest preamp will absolutely blow your mind--Much "bigger" sounding,
with much finer detail, presence and clarity.
I hear this mic is good for miking electric guitar cabs
and various percussion too.
But voice is its forte, I believe.
It's a gem. |
AT 2020
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| Review Date: February 15, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Travis Milsap, |
| Great mic, fantastic sound. all you need is a decent mixer. Great customer service, very fast shipping |
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