Audio Technica AT2020USB+ USB Condenser Microphone

I have never used a microphone before. I wanted to see how I sound. My voice is rusty, crusty, and not very trusty. This microphone does its best to flatter what little vocal talent I have. With the standard Garageband settings I have some compression and other stuff including a bit of echo. It sounded like I was in a hallway somewhere. I tried a bit of singing (the last song I heard), andsometimes I hit the right note, other times I ran out of phlegm and my voice disappeared, but overall it wasn’t too horrible. Ext I talked and it actually sounded OK. I went close to the mike with no booming, and I backed off, but then my weak voice got even thinner. Well, not weak, but not as masculine and commanding as the voice in my head. My voice is soft but has some ... MoreI have never used a microphone before. I wanted to see how I sound. My voice is rusty, crusty, and not very trusty. This microphone does its best to flatter what little vocal talent I have. With the standard Garageband settings I have some compression and other stuff including a bit of echo. It sounded like I was in a hallway somewhere. I tried a bit of singing (the last song I heard), andsometimes I hit the right note, other times I ran out of phlegm and my voice disappeared, but overall it wasn’t too horrible. Ext I talked and it actually sounded OK. I went close to the mike with no booming, and I backed off, but then my weak voice got even thinner. Well, not weak, but not as masculine and commanding as the voice in my head. My voice is soft but has some substance, and is quite clear when I concentrate. There is an intimate quality which is quite reassuring. When sitting next to a stranger on a train or at a social event, that stranger will often tell me their life story and we will become friends quickly. I would like that quality to come through a microphone, and I think the AT2020 achieves that. Money well spent (plus it was the only decent mike my local store had at a price I could afford. No regrets.

A solid choice for streamers

I purchased this mic to use for streaming on Twitch. I’d heard good things and can say that it is definitely a great choice. Be aware that it is VERY sensitive. It will pick up a lot of sound from things you might not think of; a TV in the next room or a housemate in the kitchen. I use software filters to cut out all the background noise and have tweaked my audio a lot so that it sounds much better. Background noise is no longer an issue.My only complaint is that I thought that being a cardioid mic, it would pick up minimal noise from the rear of the device. But it’s actually quite sensitive there too, though not as much as from the sides and front.If you’re looking at getting into streaming and want a quality USB mic, this is a great choice. Just remember that ... MoreI purchased this mic to use for streaming on Twitch. I’d heard good things and can say that it is definitely a great choice. Be aware that it is VERY sensitive. It will pick up a lot of sound from things you might not think of; a TV in the next room or a housemate in the kitchen. I use software filters to cut out all the background noise and have tweaked my audio a lot so that it sounds much better. Background noise is no longer an issue.My only complaint is that I thought that being a cardioid mic, it would pick up minimal noise from the rear of the device. But it’s actually quite sensitive there too, though not as much as from the sides and front.If you’re looking at getting into streaming and want a quality USB mic, this is a great choice. Just remember that it may need some additional configuration to sound it’s best.

Best beginner microphone to begin with.

This microphone is one of the best microphones to begin with. Reasons are it's accessories it comes with, simplicity of use, durability, and sound quality . As it comes with a durable and adjustable boom stand with a flexible standard xlr cable and a pop filter, this is perfect for any studio to begin with. I really love the stand since I do voice overs standing up. Cable is excellent with no issues at all while the pop-filter which I don't really need is also a nice addition for a professional looking setup. Also comes with a leather carry bag. Simplicity is key when starting anything as a beginner and this microphone is it. Yes it may not have those other fancy options like other mics or interesting setups, but it really is not needed YET. This microphone has ... MoreThis microphone is one of the best microphones to begin with. Reasons are it's accessories it comes with, simplicity of use, durability, and sound quality . As it comes with a durable and adjustable boom stand with a flexible standard xlr cable and a pop filter, this is perfect for any studio to begin with. I really love the stand since I do voice overs standing up. Cable is excellent with no issues at all while the pop-filter which I don't really need is also a nice addition for a professional looking setup. Also comes with a leather carry bag. Simplicity is key when starting anything as a beginner and this microphone is it. Yes it may not have those other fancy options like other mics or interesting setups, but it really is not needed YET. This microphone has weight and was able to stand a couple drops and bumps here and there (yes I am clumsy). However that is very good for us beginners since we hardly know how to handle recording equipment anyways. This is also a good affordable back-up mic as well. Great sidekick to the collection and easy to travel with. Sound quality of this microphone is basic. Does it suck? ABSOLUTELY NOT! Does it sound awesome? ABSOLUTELY NOT! However, It is the standard of what a condenser microphone should be. When beginners move on from theirUSB mics or computer mics and record with this condenser microphone, there will DEFINITELY be a wow factor at the same time not an overwhelming experience as to say using an expensive high end microphone. It is simply the standard and a great gateway for beginners to APPRECIATE and want a better microphone. In other words, this microphone is very safe and forgiving for all voice types. In conclusion, this microphone is one of the best beginner microphones why? SIMPLICITY! Beginners shouldn't start with expensive $400-$2000 microphones with complicated buttons and odd angles of which way to speak into the microphone and such. Think of this microphone as a loving mother. She is warm and will always do her best to take care of you as her child however you are under her household and limited to what you can do. When time comes and you mature, you will want to move out and begin wanting your own spouse owning your own household with it's own rules and niches. That is how I look at this microphone and is what I believe the healthiest way to begin with until you expand and explore for the bigger leagues.

Excellent, high quality simple mic for beginners

This is a great condenser mic for the pricepoint.The USB is truly plug and play - no hassles and works with no need for additional gear (interface, XLR cables etc.) or software drivers.Recording quality is great for vocals and for podcasting/voice recording.The mic build quality is solid and sturdy. It comes with a little tripod which is well made enough but you may want a different mount depending on your setup. There is an audio output jack on the mic for monitoring and a hard balance control wheel.There aren't a ton of bells and whistles or other controls, which is ok for the price point. I can't really ding it for much. Highly recommended overall.

First USB Microphone

This is one of the best USB microphones I have tested. I do have dual Sennheiser MK8 and dual NTRs, and I find performance from this very similar to more expensive XLR mics. I now use this mic on (almost) a daily basis, apart from my XLR mics, to record my grand piano.Pros of this mic:*Very wide dynamic range and frequency, goes from 20Hz-20000Hz/20kHz.*Well balanced bass and treble voices for mono setup*Amazing build quality, solid full metal build*Internal LED light to indicate power to mic*Real-time zero latency monitoring off headphone jack*Sturdy included stand*Nice codec 16bit 44.1/48kHz*Premium mic pouchCons of this mic:*No pop filter or any other goodies apart from the short mic stand*USB mics, so no two way ORTF or any stereo type of ... MoreThis is one of the best USB microphones I have tested. I do have dual Sennheiser MK8 and dual NTRs, and I find performance from this very similar to more expensive XLR mics. I now use this mic on (almost) a daily basis, apart from my XLR mics, to record my grand piano.Pros of this mic:*Very wide dynamic range and frequency, goes from 20Hz-20000Hz/20kHz.*Well balanced bass and treble voices for mono setup*Amazing build quality, solid full metal build*Internal LED light to indicate power to mic*Real-time zero latency monitoring off headphone jack*Sturdy included stand*Nice codec 16bit 44.1/48kHz*Premium mic pouchCons of this mic:*No pop filter or any other goodies apart from the short mic stand*USB mics, so no two way ORTF or any stereo type of recording. You can't use two USB mics at the same time. Workaround: Plug each individual mic into different computers, then transfer both audio files into a single computer and sync audio in post*Wished they included an XLR port. Some USB mics have XLR built in as well.Overall, Audio-Technica does not dissapoint. Another amazing mic from the legendary Japanese audio company

Great product. Honest and humble service.

I am a professional. I know this microphone is good. I use it for TV voiceovers and it covers up many of my home/office's acoustic deficiencies. I buy my professional equipment from B&H as, many of my coworkers do. My last order was truly an ordeal but I would not really blame the seller for the lack of supply, because it was a popular microphone and the demand for it had peaked during the pandemic. B&H charges you in advance even it is backordered, unlike many others sellers do. So the money is taken away from your credit account for that transaction period, even if it is backordered or has not arrived yet. That is what happened to me for more than a month. I did write to them about my issue and they kindly and humbly replied. I know it sounds unusual to many ... MoreI am a professional. I know this microphone is good. I use it for TV voiceovers and it covers up many of my home/office's acoustic deficiencies. I buy my professional equipment from B&H as, many of my coworkers do. My last order was truly an ordeal but I would not really blame the seller for the lack of supply, because it was a popular microphone and the demand for it had peaked during the pandemic. B&H charges you in advance even it is backordered, unlike many others sellers do. So the money is taken away from your credit account for that transaction period, even if it is backordered or has not arrived yet. That is what happened to me for more than a month. I did write to them about my issue and they kindly and humbly replied. I know it sounds unusual to many consumers. B&H does not need me to speak for its favor. But it was worth the patience. They sent the microphone when they had the order available and it saved a lot of my time when I began using it. Our video editors are also happy with the sound quality. During this one-month wait process, it took my attention that the product was being offered by third party sellers for a little less than its worth, but I would not take any risk. I know it sounds unusual to many online consumers. B&H does not need me to speak in favor of it. There have been a few times B&H tested my patience, especially when I ordered my SL-1210GR, but that order is the true meaning of my life. One thing I am sure though, a coworker of mine had earlier ordered a webcam, but the backorder period took to long. She had cancelled it. She was refunded immediately. So your payment is safe even if you have backorders, but you are going to receive your professional orders from truly professional people.

Like it enough that I now own 3

I have one first generation version, which lacks the headphone jack, and this is my 2nd of the newer generation. If using this in an application where you want a shock mount, be sure to buy the Audio Technica shock mount that is made for this exact form factor. I have both of mine on boom arms. I like the side address form factor and the ability to get cheap pop filters that are semi-cylindrical. Compared to the much more expensive gold standard Shure SM7B, this sounds a bit brighter and has a wider, flatter frequency response. That makes the AT2020 better suited for instrumentals and other sound sources, whereas the SM7B tends to be very specifically suited to voices. I own USB and XLR versions of this mic, and the integrated analog-to-digital conversation seems ... MoreI have one first generation version, which lacks the headphone jack, and this is my 2nd of the newer generation. If using this in an application where you want a shock mount, be sure to buy the Audio Technica shock mount that is made for this exact form factor. I have both of mine on boom arms. I like the side address form factor and the ability to get cheap pop filters that are semi-cylindrical. Compared to the much more expensive gold standard Shure SM7B, this sounds a bit brighter and has a wider, flatter frequency response. That makes the AT2020 better suited for instrumentals and other sound sources, whereas the SM7B tends to be very specifically suited to voices. I own USB and XLR versions of this mic, and the integrated analog-to-digital conversation seems very good, not introducing detectable noise.

Moneys Worth

It's decent, although probably requires a decent setup to make full use of it.So don't go around plugging it into a laptop with roaring fans underneath.It is convenient to use and easy to set up. However the cable does not fit under gap in the lower part of the plastic at the bottom, which is supposed to allow the cable to pass under it while the stand is holding the microphone. This is no issue for users, just a massive production failure where the cable is 3x the size of the gap where it is meant to go in.You can however just have the cable go sideways instead of under so this is not a problem for users.

This is my 2nd

I bought a first-gen AT2020USB. I didn't think I cared that this one added a +, but I was wrong. In addition to having really pleasing, nicely directional pickup, this thing is really a full-fledged external sound card. If one needs to monitor one's own voice through headphones, such as while podcasting, this offers a latency-free headphone jack on board. In addition to a physical volume control, there's a very smart mic/com control, which allows the user to mix the mic's pickup with the computer output in the headphones. While the mic is a solid performer and a good value in my estimation, don't use the included mount and tripod. You'll really need the OEM AT shockmount and a proper height adjustable desktop stand or adjustable boom arm. You REALLY don't want ... MoreI bought a first-gen AT2020USB. I didn't think I cared that this one added a +, but I was wrong. In addition to having really pleasing, nicely directional pickup, this thing is really a full-fledged external sound card. If one needs to monitor one's own voice through headphones, such as while podcasting, this offers a latency-free headphone jack on board. In addition to a physical volume control, there's a very smart mic/com control, which allows the user to mix the mic's pickup with the computer output in the headphones. While the mic is a solid performer and a good value in my estimation, don't use the included mount and tripod. You'll really need the OEM AT shockmount and a proper height adjustable desktop stand or adjustable boom arm. You REALLY don't want this--out of the box with the included mount and stand--to be too far from your mouth AND easily transmit low frequency thumps and paper and keyboard sounds. Budget accordingly for the accessories to get the most out of it.