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.
Jimmy –
I recently moved countries for work, but didn’t bring everything with me. So my nice condenser microphone was left overseas. I didn’t really want to spend the money on a second one in the middle of a major move, so I did some research and ended up buying this mic on a whim.
Works great, the sound quality is great – not perfect, but honestly it works quite well. The noise cancelling is good, and the control knob lets you adjust your volume nicely. That’s all there is to say really, it’ s not perfect – but for the price I’m quite happy. 🙂
Seul –
So, I didn’t expect a whole lot out of this mic. Given it said it has a wide pickup pattern, like you would want for a group, like in a conference room sitting around a table, I thought it would probably be a bit weak. Folks on zoom calls with me tell me that’s not the case, that it sounds just fine, like I’m “on the radio.”
I have done some test recordings and while it’s no directional mic, it’s actually pretty good for just me sitting at my desk doing zoom calls. In comparison recordings, sound was only slightly less strong than the “gaming” headset mic I was using before. Sound was a little different, slightly more distant though, again, not weak, but still good quality. I’m running my mic gain about 80% on the PC and it’s fine, so I even had some room if I want to boost it a bit. If you consider the gaming rig puts the mic 3″ from my mouth and I sit this 2-2.5 feet away and it’s only SLIGHTLY less strong, I’d say that’s a definite win. I can move around, kick back in my chair, etc. and there is only a slight change in how I sound, although I use it in a very small home office with lots of ‘hard’ surfaces and without much in there to absorb sound, so others’ experience in this regard may vary.
I really like the mute button on the mic which allows me to keep the mic in the muted state unless I’m using it. On Zoom, I mute with the app, but not all apps have that. THe button has a nice positive click, not mushy or cheap feeling. The LED that shows green for live, red for mute is very helpful to know which state it is in.
NO, it’s not a $100 (… or more…) mic, but the build quality exceeded what I expected for this price point. The gooseneck is easy to bend, allowing you point point it where-ever, but it’s firm and holds any position I’ve put it in just fine. USB cord is adequately long. The base is neither large nor heavy, but is very stable. I thought the blue LEDs on the top were trivial but as they are on all the time, turns out they are quite helpful to alert me right away if I accidentally pull the mic USB cable out instead of some other device I’m trying to unplug. Now I like them! It just worked, no drivers needed (using MX Linux).
I bought this as a “just try it out” sort of purchase on a whim and I thought it might just be something I moved to one of our machines out in the house where we would use it doing video calls with family and I’d move up to something twice the price. But it turned out I REALLY like this mic! In fact, it has earned a spot in my tech inner-circle and is now part of my daily-use equipment and I haven’t looked at mics since I bought it.
If I need a second mic for me or one for someone else in the family, this will be a buy-again.
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Update 3/2023: STILL going strong, great mic for the money. As I said I would … buying another for my son.
Susanne –
This worked very well for zoom meetings.
Lori A. Mckenzie –
easy to install
Eric –
No ocupa mucho espacio, recoge bien el sonido y lo envÃa con buena calidad. El botón de mute (silenciar) funciona muy bien. Estoy muy contento con la compra.
Flash –
I bought this to replace the Microsoft Lifecam VX2000 I’ve been using for about a decade. The audio quality is about as good as that 15 year old webcam was but I’ve made use of the mute button so I’m happy with the purchase. I read something about noise suppression in the description when I bought this, it has none just an fyi.
EDIT: If you’re buying this for the “highly sensitive omnidirectional mic” don’t you have to keep this thing 2 inches from your mouth and pointing right towards you. its not highly sensitive or omnidirectional.
TTYler –
Easy install, win 11 recognized microphone and installed driver automatically. Great quality and LEDs make things enjoyable. Plus for gaming and communication.
Diane –
A friend helped me test this when it arrived – I was told the sound was good and clear.
midi2004 –
I bought this to convert my desktop computer into a voice recognition station. It integrates seamlessly with Windows 11 and there was no setup involved, just plug it in and it started showing up! Now I can dictate to Google or whatever other website I’m on where a lot of typing is involved. Should have bought this years ago.
M. Johnson –
It is easy to keep out of the way and it is there when you need it. I do not use it for gaming but I suspect it will be fine. I do use it for video conference calls and the like and it works well. Once in a while it has to be unplugged from the USB port to reset it. Has not been a problem since I no longer plug it into the back to the PC. It is on a USB multi-port on my desk. Disconnect/reconnect and all good.
First, a reader –
Nearly plug and play. You need to be pretty close to the microphone: 6-12 inches. If I’m farther than two feet, I can’t be heard at all. I’d like a much better range. Still, it’s better than the laptop mic which went in and out, then died completely.
Gregory William Pinz –
This has a start and stop function that works well. The voice recognition is decent, but for the price its a pretty good value
Norah LeClare –
I’m quite happy with this mic which I’m using to write a book. It picks up your words very well and makes writing so much easier.