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.
Rebecca –
Great delivery time of one day, but it did not work out of the box, which effectively makes the delivery time much longer. It was not my equipment at fault as everything worked with a different mic, phantom power turned on. I tried to call Studio Projects 800 number for product support and the automated service hung up on me while playing some prerecorded message. I am thankful for Amazon’s return policy, and am trying it out one more time, so I will change this rating if it works as well as other reviewers have led me to believe.
I’m changing my review from 1 star to 4 because the replacement was excellent, but I am not impressed with Studio Projects support. I do, however, give the replacement credit to Amazon. When you receive a working item it works as well as the other reviewers have said. I hope this item lasts a long time. If it doesn’t makes it past a year, I will update this product review.
Andremunay –
It truly is the best in its price range. The quality is near professional and as a musician it’s nice to hear your instrument’s sound captured so nicely.
WARNING: Condensers capture a lot of sound, so do not buy if you are in an apartment where you can hear your neighbors. The B1 can even pick up sounds that you normally can’t hear. I’d recommend a dynamic mic if your in that situation.
Todd –
Worst mic terrible quality! Save your money and spend another 100 on a mic! It sounds like something you would buy at wal-mart if you want a really good mic go with a mic around 200 to 300!
Thomas Downs –
For the money, you can’t beat this mic. People can’t believe it’s me on the vocal recordings I’ve made. Good for the mic, bad for me. Low noise and clear. It has given me a year of trouble free great sounding recording so far. At first I was disappointed with how it sounded recording my acoustic guitar, but I found that was more my recording technique as opposed to the microphone. I’ve done a few acoustic tracks now that sound way better than my guitar should. I highly recomend this mic.
M. Morgan –
I bought a few LDC lately. The bluebird, the mxl 990, and this one and I must say for vocals this mic is better than the bluebird in my opinion. It has great clarity and it picks up hi’s and low’s great…. I would recommend to anyone but you must have a good preamp to get the full experience. I don’t even use the pads so they probably make even more of a difference. very touchy gain and shockmount is pretty weak but the mic is nice!!!!
A de Waard, Vermont –
I purchased this microphone as a second condenser microphone–I also own the MXL V67G. My one complaint about that microphone was that it had an pretty high amount of self-noise. This microphone is just amazingly clear, and has virtually no noise in comparison to the similarly priced V67G. It’s a very heavy and sturdily built microphone, and much larger than I expected, with an attractive champagne finish and a nice SP logo on the front. This mic deserves every bit of the praise it gets–it has a really nice sound, little to no self noise, and has very effective bass roll-off and pad switches on the front and back.
My one complaint about the sound is that it is very treble-y and bright, much less mellow and warm than the V67G. However, it still sounds great on acoustic guitar, piano, clarinet, and violin. It’s also very effective for voice-over or even room recording, due to its low self-noise. I would definitely purchase this microphone again any day. Great buy, very satisfied.
F. Gibbons –
I’m not an expert on microphones but this one seems like a great buy for the money.
The first thing I noticed was how well it is packaged. I would not expect a mike in this price range to come in such solid packaging. It’s in a box that looks expensive and looks like it’s made to hold something expensive. The sound quality seems fine for my home recording needs. I’m not sure how it stacks up to something expensive and professional because I have no basis for comparison.
The mike itself is solidly built. I’m surprised that something of this quality sells in this price range.
2/1/2015 Update: I’m updating this because after using it for a longer period of time, I’m even more impressed with it. I’ve increased my review to five stars. Everything I said before is still true. But I did drop this on my floor which is wood and not carpeted and it still works! I don’t recommend that you try that, but I’ve heard condenser mikes break easily. This one didn’t. Also, I thought the shockmount that comes with it was flimsy and didn’t hold the mike well. I’ve realized that it holds the mike very well if you put the mike in it properly–hook the lower rubber ring to the upper brackets and the upper rubber ring to the lower brackets.
Alex Dominguez –
FOR ANYBODY STARTING UP A HOME STUDIO YOU SHOULDN’T GO OVER $150 YOU CAN FIND GREAT MICS FOR UNDER 150 AND IF YOU DONT USE THE CHEAPER MICS YOU DON’T LEARN LITTLE TECHNIQUES HERE AND THERE ALONG THE WAY BUT THIS IS A GREAT HAS A NICE FULL TONE TO IT AND WOULD BY A SECOND FOR A STEREO PAIR IF I EVER NEED IT yOU CANT GO WRONG WITH THIS MIC FOR A HOME STUDIO