Audio-Technica AT2020 Microphone Review: A budget Condenser Mic with Up-to-Snuff Quality
Today’s market isn’t the best place for any mic to preen itself as the likes of the Neumann U87 and the Telefunken U-47 own the high end of the chart. However, not everyone’s looking for top-tier mics with far-fetched price points. In fact, the majority of beginners need a budget mic that offers a fairly good amount of durability and performance. That’s when Audio-Technica 2020 claims a role in the game.
Costing only $99, the Audio-Technica AT2020 offers a range of bang for the buck that sets it apart from the rest of the alike mics in the row. This XLR mic is a capable choice for beginner musicians and podcasters and a suitable exchange for USB mics as well.
Throughout this review, we’ll get to know the different features of Audio-Technica’s economical condenser, so you’ll know who would want to keep this mic as an appropriate option on the table. Moreover, a few accessories that take the AT2020 up a notch will be recommended.
High Dynamic Range Handling
I hope you haven’t experienced a perfect day of recording ruined just because of an unintentional slip or tomfoolery of shouting your head off. It is most definitely a bummer to lose your dear mic in no more than a second; however, the Japanese Audio-Technica has thought all this out for the popular low-budget item in its catalog.
The Audio-Technica AT2020 suits best for capturing crispy vocals with up-to-snuff clarity. However, there is no reason to be bashful with it as it craves to listen to ear-splitting tones like overdriven guitars and such. With a satisfying SPL level of 144dB, the AT2020 won’t disappoint you, even if you tend to record a heavily distorted guitar line or scream in front of it.
Cardioid Polar Pattern
It’s not surprising the Audio-Technica AT2020 offers a fixed cardioid polar pattern, as it’s the most prevalent type among the best-sellers on the market. Nonetheless, there must be a reason for it, and that’s because the sound source can be targeted directly.
This feature enables the Audio-Techinca AT2020 to perform outstandingly for both musical and podcast purposes. That said, other pickup patterns, including omnidirectional and Figure 8, might suit you better if you wish to have conversations using only one multi-pattern microphone such as the trustworthy Audio-Technica AT2050.
Appealing Output
Although we should expect to be confronted with a marginally above-average noise level, the output sounds inviting and polished at the end. The Audio-Technica AT2020 can entail a whole range of 20Hz-20kHz bandwidth, which makes it a functional mic to opt for. That strengthens the AT2020 position among the prime condensers that don’t break the bank balance.
Although the 16-mm diaphragm works perfectly at capturing nuances of the input sound, the proximity effect is something that AT2020 owners should cope with; it’s simply when a gradual boost in the bass range occurs as the source gets closer to the microphone. So, you’ve got to be cautious with the AT2020 placement, especially when you want to have a sit with a Johnny Cash type of guy on a podcast episode.
Enjoying a back-electret capsule, the AT2020 offers a quality output. Additionally, the 16-mm diaphragm plays an important role in making the AT2020 nimble and sensitive to respond to transients more accurately.
Solid Built, but Also Good-Looking
Holding the 345-gram AT2020 is quite an experience: there’s a unique character to it, while it’s disguised with simplicity. The cast metal body gives the AT2020 not only a comely look but also solid robustness. What’s more, a firm wire mesh shields the electronics, and a second layer rests on the outside designed in harmony with the rest of the body.
Both the front and back of the microphone are noticeably specified by the descriptions on the gear. Besides, the all-black design might feel timid, but you’d find yourself chained once you’re face to face with the AT2020, wanting to record for hours.
Audio-Technica AT2020 Accessories
XLR Cable
Despite the multifunctionality of the AT2020, the company felt free to cut corners here and there to keep the price tag as low as possible. As a result, you won’t find anything in the box but the mic, a protective pouch, a threaded adapter with a stand mount, and some documentation.
That said, you don’t need to get all worked up. There are plenty of aftermarket cables in different grades. One of the cheapest ones on Amazon won’t cost you more than $10.
Pop Filter
Two layers of rough mesh wire might seem enough protection against the plosives and other redundant stuff. Yet, it’s for the best to pair your AT2020 with an additional pop filter to get the most refined results.
Even though the Audio-Technica AT2020 lacks a cable and a stock pop filter to be competitive on the economical aspect, there are a dozen of items you can pick on your own for a fair deal. And of course, the AT2020 bundle is available for $149 as well, offering all the essentials.
Final Thoughts
With such a broad frequency response, the Audio-Technica AT2020 is one of the finest elementary-level condenser mics that would satisfyingly blend with vocals and instruments. It is also a practical option for podcasters, though the fixed cardioid pattern appears slightly binding if you’re looking to have guests.
The Audio-Technica AT2020 USB is of little financial value, and the primary model connects only through an XLR cable, meaning that it calls for an audio interface mate. However, it should hold its value by bearing a fine sound quality. Since it’s not a hand-held microphone and would grab unwanted noises, make sure you don’t touch it while using it, and it’s good enough for jazz.
