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Audio-Technica AT2020 Studio Microphone

Do you need an affordable condenser microphone for studio work? The AT2020 is an excellent choice. 166 People rated this product: Rate and Review This Product
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zZounds' Take on Audio-Technica AT2020

There are only a few condenser mics on the market that deliver serious bang for super-low bucks. So, with the plethora of budget-priced condensers now available to the masses, you may hear the occasional microphone-snob insisting that anything sub-$200 isn't worth trying. To silence the skeptics, we humbly present the Audio-Technica AT2020, a decidedly no-frills, rock-solid condenser mic with performance that belies its low price. With a low-mass capsule capable of faithfully reproducing fast transients, this versatile mic captures instruments admirably, and its crisp top end paired with lower-mid warmth is consistently flattering on vocals. zZounds customers agree: the AT2020 condenser is an affordable favorite, priced to fit into any home studio's budget.

Sturdy Construction

You may have heard that condenser microphones are more fragile than their dynamic cousins. True as that may be, the AT2020 sports a heavy, durable build quality that puts much higher-priced condensers to shame. Check the customer reviews for reports of folks unceremoniously dropping this bad boy -- with no harm done to the microphone. Although we can't recommend deliberately abusing your AT2020, it's inspiring to have a piece of gear that feels this sturdy and solid on its stand. After all, you'll want to be using this microphone for a long, long time.

Innovative Back-Electret Capsule Design

Being built like a tank is one thing, but when you're shopping for an all-around studio condenser, you need a mic that can deliver the goods sonically. To see what sets the AT2020 apart, take a close look at its unusual back-electret capsule design. Like most condenser microphones, the AT2020 requires 48V phantom power. While most condenser mics send this charge directly to the diaphragm element, Audio-Technica instead runs the voltage to the back-plate of the condenser, so the diaphragm itself can be much thinner and more responsive -- a feature often found in professional measurement microphones. Additionally, the AT2020's diaphragm is 16mm in diameter, considerably smaller than the standard one-inch diaphragm -- giving it a faster transient response that's great for instruments, or paired up on drum overheads. A gentle 5-15 kHz boost delivers a clean, crisp, airy top end, and an intrinsic low-mid-frequency warmth makes it a favorite on male and female vocals. So don't be fooled by the price -- this mic produces sound quality characteristic of Audio-Technica's higher-priced models without the "hyped" characteristic found in cheap condensers.

High SPL Handling

The AT2020 is rated at a maximum Sound Pressure Level of 144 dB, so it can accurately reproduce loud instruments and strong vocals with clarity and precision. A jackhammer at a distance of one meter measures approximately 100 dB SPL, so you get an idea of the Audio-Technica AT2020's capabilities. Bring on the close-miked horns, crashing drums, and screaming vocals -- this mic can handle them. Whether it's your first studio condenser or just an affordable addition to a well-stocked mic closet, this mic is made to be as versatile as it is durable.

Cardioid Pickup Pattern -- Ideal For Vocals

If you're building a budget-minded home studio, it's likely you'll be recording vocals in the same room as your computer. And that means excess noise in the recording environment. All the more reason to use a vocal microphone with excellent off-axis rejection, like the Audio-Technica AT2020. Its cardioid pickup pattern helps isolate your performance, rejecting sound from the sides or rear. It's the classic pickup pattern for recording vocals, and it's useful for building stereo X-Y pairs or ORTF setups with two microphones -- after all, at this price, you may well want to pick up a pair.

Features:

- Unbeatable price/performance ratio for a studio condenser
- Sturdy build quality reminiscent of much more expensive models
- Unique low-mass diaphragm reproduces fast transients faithfully
- High SPL handling -- record loud sources, even without a pad
- Excellent off-axis rejection -- ideal for home studios with computer noise
- Included stand mount for easy placement
- Excellent "first condenser" for home studios -- an ideal introduction to Audio-Technica quality

Manufacturer's Description for Audio Technica AT2020 Studio Microphone

Audio-Technica's stringent consistency, reliability and quality standards bring professional performance to an extremely affordable price point in home/project studio microphones.

Features:

- The AT2020 has the price/performance standard in side-address studio condenser microphone technology.
- It is ideal for project/home-studio applications.
- High SPL handling and wide dynamic range provide unmatched versatility.
- Custom-engineered low-mass diaphragm provides extended frequency response and superior transient response.
- Cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of desired sound source.
- Pivoting, threaded stand mount attaches securely for easy and precise placement of the microphone. zZounds is an authorized dealer of Audio Technica products.
- Element: Condenser
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Response: 20 - 20,000 Hz
- Open Circuit Sensitivity: -37 dB (14.1 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa
- Impedance: 100 ohms
- Maximum Input Sound Level: 144 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.
- Signal to Noise Ratio: 74 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa
- Dynamic Range (Typical): 124 dB, 1 kHz at Max. SPL
- Phantom Power Requirements: 48V DC, 2 mA typical
- Noise: 20 dB SPL
- Weight: 12.1 oz (345 g)
- Output Connector: Integral 3-pin XLRM-type
- Accessories Furnished: Stand mount; 5/8 in. - 27 to 3/8 in. - 16 threaded adapter; protective pouch
Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
Base Item
Shipping Weight: 2 lbs
Shipping Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 3 in
with Tripod Boom Stand and Mic Cable (18.5 Foot)
Shipping Weight: 8 lbs
Audio Technica Warranty If you have additional warranty questions, please call the manufacturer at 330-686-2600
Our extended 30-Day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee applies on this product. Buy it, and if it isn't just right for you, return it!
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Customer Reviews
4.5 out of 5 (166 ratings) Rate and Review This Product
"A quality, inexpensive condenser mic for your home recording rig"
Sound: This is a great sounding entry level mic. To get the most out of this mic, you need to turn up the pre on your channel strip until you can hear yourself breathing in the cans, and step back so you are between 1 and 2 feet away from the mic. you have to keep a distance. use a pop filter if it helps you to remember. If you are right on top of the mic, even at lower gain levels, you will experience problems. This mic will pick up subtle nuances that you didn't even realize were present in the performance. It will also make you keenly aware of noise in the environment. Quality: If you are even involved in a deathmatch on an alien world, and you have to choose just one microphone with which to bludgeon an alien creature into a green paste; the AT2020 is the one you should choose. It's heavy, it's quite sturdy, and it'll only cost you around a hundo to replace it - so it doesn't raise your blood pressure every time it comes out of the case. Build quality aside, if you are reading this you're probably wondering if the mic is any good. This is an excellent recording microphone, but it's not going to work as well for live performances. Get yourself a Shure SM58 for that. The mic does a good job of rejecting sounds coming from behind the mic - a good feature when you're trying to bring in as little extraneous noise as possible. Value: You're really getting a lot of value for your cash with this one. The Wow Factor: The mic just looks great, and has a pleasing heft. Overall: If you are looking at this mic you are probably just getting started in home recording, and wondering if it's worth the $100. You don't want to spend a lot of money, but you don't want to end up with a completely useless piece of junk. I purchased this microphone about 5 years ago, for more than twice what it's selling for here - and I've never once regretted it. There are better microphones out there, but you're not going to find them at this pricepoint. There are cheaper microphones out there, but they don't come close in terms of quality. For the starting recordist, this microphone offers tremendous bang for the buck.
Style of Music: Singer Songwriter
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zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us. "BEAUTIFUL SOUND IF YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING!!!!"
Sound: sound quality is great, i was reading over ratings and noticed they said it sounded muffled, it was most likely because they had the mic backwards. this mic actually has a front and back to it. so make sure u are pointing it in the right direction and you will not have a problem. it labeled on the mic itself. other than that, sounds fantastic and clear.picks up everything so make sure you do use it in a booth. when i first got this mic i used it in my closet and picked up my neighbors talking. Quality: very well built, had mine going on 4 years. took it on an overseas tour, and still work great. this mic has been through alot and sounds Exactly the same way when i bought. so you WILL not have to worry about this bad boy getting damaged at all. this mic has seen war. Value: This is unbeatable for the price, i have dealt with other mics and i would have to say that this mic is worth alot more than what its priced. The Wow Factor: VERY VERY SEXY, has a nice wieght to it also. i own it. Overall: overall it's a very good mic for its price and recommend any that wants that great sound and feel to their vocals to get this mic. "NOTE FOR BEGINNERS" just cuz a mic sounds good doesnt mean you do not have to put eq on it.
Style of Music: All
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