Audio Technica AT2020 Side Address Cardiod Condensor Studio Mic
The Audio Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Microphone features an all-new proprietary design, with the proven reliability of Audio-Technicas modern engineering and manufacturing expertise.Ideal for project/home studio applications, the AT2020 features a custom-engineered low-mass diaphragm, providing extended frequency response plus the ability to handle extremely high SPLs. The AT2020 has a fixed cardioid polar pattern to allow isolation of the desired sound source. The mic features excellent performance specifications, including a flat, extended frequency response (20 20,000 Hz), high SPL handling capability (144 dB), and a wide dynamic range (124 dB). Every aspect of the AT2020 has been tailored for a very smooth, natural sound while ensuring maximum accuracy, making it a perfect complement for todays digital recording equipment. The AT2020 comes standard with a pivoting, threaded stand mount, which attaches securely for easy and precise placement. The microphone requires 48V phantom power that may be provided by a mixer/console. In addition, the AT2020 measures 6.38 inches long, has a maximum body diameter of 2.05 inches, weighs 12.1 oz., and comes with a soft protective carrying pouch.Audio Technica AT2020 FeaturesThe price/performance standard in side-address studio condenser microphone technologyIdeal for project/home-studio applicationsHigh SPL handling and wide dynamic range provide unmatched versatilityCustom-engineered low-mass diaphragm provides extended frequency response and superior transient responseCardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of desired sound sourcePivoting, threaded stand mount attaches securely for easy and precise placement of the microphone
User Ratings and Reviews
4 Stars Great Mic! My 1st Studio mic!
So happy to get my new mic it sound great but i have not rec with it so i give 4 star for the design, the sound, the price etc… so if u are look for a Studio mic that are around $80 THIS IS THE ONE!
5 Stars For the price this is it!
I have a couple other condensor mikes with shock mounts in the same price range, but this one is the best. Not sure you can do much better for anywhere near the price. I loaned one to a friend and he immediately returned his mike to the shop for one of these. Nice neutral sound, solid construction, I use it with a tube amp to get some non-linear compression for voice.
5 Stars Astonishing sound and value for well under 100 bucks!
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.
5 Stars Great Value
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.
4 Stars AT2020
This is a wonderful microphone. I use it to record interviews in the field instead of a shotgun set up. It is more hassle to use because it requires phantom power. But it provides a clean, clear, warm voice print.
I also plan to use it to record my children’s musical performances here at home. So for home concerts and for my field work, this mic works for me.
DD
Looking for a high quality mic that looks great on your desk? This is a good choice. 
