Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Medium-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Audio Technica AT2020

The black Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Microphone is designed to bring sonic performance distilled from the company’s reputable studio condensers to the realm of home recording for podcasters, musicians, and content creators. The capsule features a low-mass, side-address diaphragm with a cardioid polar pattern for rejecting ambience and noise behind the mic, a welcome trait when tracking in untreated rooms. It comes with a pivoting stand mount for straightforward attachment to your existing mic stand.

The AT2020’s extended, linear frequency response enables the flexibility to accurately reproduce signals from a wide variety of sources such as vocals, speech, and instruments. High SPL handling and wide dynamic range allow the AT2020 to capture loud signals with minimal noise and distortion. Since the AT2020 is a solid-state condenser with an XLR output, it should be mated to an XLR-equipped mic preamp capable of sending 48V phantom power.

Audio-Technica’s stringent quality and consistency standards set the AT2020 apart from other mics in its class. Its low-mass diaphragm is custom-engineered for extended frequency response and superior transient response. With rugged construction for durable performance, the studio microphone offers a wide dynamic range and handles high SPLs with ease. The AT2020: the new standard for affordable side-address studio condensers.

This is the AT2020, the iconic and critically acclaimed cardioid condenser microphone that brought affordable, professional quality into the homes and home-studios of podcasters, musicians and voiceover artists alike. Engineered for crisp detail, the critically acclaimed AT2020 redefined budget-friendly technology and has been a firm favorite amongst creators for 15 years.

A Condenser microphone such as the AT2020 contains a delicate diaphragm that captures the vibrations of the sounds you’re wanting to record. This diaphragm is so delicate that it requires powering through the XLR cable*, ensuring every aspect of your instrument or voice is captured in crisp detail.

• For Vocals, Speech, and Instruments
• XLR Output for Hookup to Mic Preamp
• Operates on 48V Phantom Power
• Pivoting Stand Mount
• Cardioid Pattern Lessens Room Noise
• Handles High SPLs without Distortion
• Extended Frequency Response
• Custom 0.6″ Low-Mass Diaphragm
• Rugged Design for Reliable Performance
• Includes Protective Pouch

The AT2020 features a classic and robust design typical of Audio-Technica’s microphone lineup. Its construction primarily consists of metal, ensuring durability and a solid feel in hand. The microphone’s matte black finish and silver grille give it a professional appearance, suitable for studio environments.

The body of the microphone feels sturdy and well-built, capable of withstanding regular use. It weighs approximately 12.1 ounces (345 grams), which is moderate for a condenser microphone of its size. This weight contributes to its stability when mounted on a stand or boom arm, preventing unnecessary vibrations or movements during recording sessions.

The AT2020’s dimensions (6.38 inches long, with a maximum diameter of 2.05 inches) make it compact and easy to position in various recording setups. Its side-address design allows sound to enter from the side of the microphone, requiring proper alignment with the sound source for optimal performance.

Frequency Response and Polar Pattern

The AT2020 utilizes a fixed cardioid polar pattern, focusing on capturing sound from the front while minimizing pickup from the sides and rear. This characteristic makes it ideal for recording vocals and solo instruments, as it helps isolate the desired sound source and reduce ambient noise and room reflections.

In terms of frequency response, the AT2020 offers a flat, extended response from 20Hz to 20kHz, capturing both low-end richness and high-frequency detail with clarity. This wide frequency range ensures faithful reproduction of audio across the spectrum, making it versatile for various recording applications.

Sensitivity and SPL Handling

With a sensitivity of -37 dB (1V/Pa at 1kHz), the AT2020 is reasonably sensitive, capable of capturing subtle nuances and details in acoustic performances and vocals. Its ability to handle high sound pressure levels (SPL) up to 144 dB ensures distortion-free recording of loud sound sources, such as drums and guitar amplifiers, without compromising audio quality.

Noise and Self-Noise

One of the notable characteristics of the AT2020 is its low self-noise level, rated at 20 dB SPL. This low noise floor makes it suitable for capturing quiet passages and achieving clean recordings even in quieter environments. The microphone’s excellent signal-to-noise ratio contributes to its reputation for delivering clear and transparent audio reproduction.

Mounting and Connectivity

The AT2020 features a standard 3-pin XLR output, requiring +48V phantom power for operation. This connectivity option is standard in professional audio interfaces and mixing consoles, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of recording equipment. Users should ensure their setup includes phantom power to fully utilize the microphone’s capabilities.

The microphone includes a threaded stand mount for easy attachment to microphone stands, boom arms, or shock mounts. This mounting mechanism provides flexibility in positioning the microphone according to the recording environment and the desired sound capture.

Accessories

Audio-Technica typically includes a pivoting, threaded stand mount with the AT2020, allowing for secure attachment to microphone stands and boom arms. However, shock mounts and pop filters are often recommended accessories to further enhance recording quality by reducing vibrations and minimizing plosive sounds during vocal recordings.

Applications

The AT2020 excels in a variety of recording applications, including:

• Vocals: Ideal for capturing vocal performances with clarity and warmth, suitable for both singing and spoken word recordings.
• Instruments: Well-suited for recording acoustic instruments such as guitars, pianos, and stringed instruments, capturing their natural tonal characteristics.
• Podcasting and Streaming: Provides clear and articulate audio for podcasting, voiceovers, and live streaming, ensuring professional-quality sound for online content creation.
• Studio Recording: Suitable for use in professional recording studios, home studios, and project studios, offering reliable performance in a controlled acoustic environment.

AT2020 vs. AT2035

The Audio-Technica AT2035 offers similar build quality and design to the AT2020 but includes additional features such as a switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter and a -10 dB pad. These features make the AT2035 more versatile in handling higher sound pressure levels and filtering out low-frequency rumble, making it suitable for a wider range of recording scenarios.

AT2020 vs. Blue Yeti

The Blue Yeti is a USB microphone designed for direct computer connectivity, offering convenience for podcasting, streaming, and voiceover work. In contrast, the AT2020 requires an audio interface with phantom power for operation but typically delivers superior audio quality and versatility in professional recording environments.