I like to sing. I'm a hobbyist that knows just enough about recording so that I sound really ignorant when talking to experts. However, I have had a few set ups over the years.
My first set up ever was a live PA system that I cobbled together out of cheap equipment. That's really the crux of anything musical. You start with something cheap, and then as you use it, you begin to discover its limitations. However, it's best to not start with something expensive until you know exactly what you want, and that has been a big part of my journey.
That first PA set up from over 25 years ago had an interesting attribute in that the microphones I had were really cheap on a website called Musicians Friend. I think I paid $20 each, and I bought four. Over the next five or six years, as I met with various other musicians and hobbyist studio jockeys, I kept hearing accolades over how awesome those old microphones were. They were Audio Technical mics, and they were the dynamic kind that needed an external boost to get to "the next level". The beauty with that kind of mic is that you have a ton of freedom to do what you want to do with it, but you need external gear to do it. I played with that live set up for a few years, but I was ultimately limited on what I wanted to spend, and information on what I could do to make it better was limited in the early days of broadband internet.
A few years ago, I discovered a now defunct website where musicians could collaborate on music virtually. I think it was called BandHub, and it was really an awesome place to get together. The community was very supportive of musicians of all skill levels, and the couple of times I had a harsh critic on that site who had nothing constructive to offer, the rest of the site banded up and send that individual packing. Meanwhile, I learned a lot about recording and singing on a couple of compilations I did on that site, and I was completely honest with folks that my primary purpose there was to learn and have fun while doing it. I really do wish I could find one bloke I collaborated with on a Phil Collins song. He was so patient with me, offering me tons of tips on how I could improve my technique that I owe him a ton of thanks.
But that all is a digression. Moving from a PA set up to a computer recorded sound required a bit of customizing. I wanted to get something that was as easy to set up as possible, and a condenser mic was the best option for that. My first foray was an entry level mic made by Samsung. It worked okay for a few years, but I eventually began to learn its limitations.
Primarily, the issue I had with that mic was that it was too easy to overdrive. When I first bought it, it wasn't as much of an issue due to the fact that my singing technique wasn't very polished. As I've taken voice lessons and worked on my discipline, I'm finding that it's incredibly easy to overdrive the mic, and I was unable to find any kind of a setting where I could actually hear myself on the monitor without the overdrive happening.
So I was off to get a new mic, and I'll tell you flat out that there are two brands when it comes to audio equipment, based on what I have tried, that rank head and shoulders above all else. Audio Technica is one of those brands, and this appears to be their "entry level" version of a condenser mic. I figured it had to be better than the Samsung one I was using, and I was right.
I've been using this for about three days now, and I've been experimenting with different set ups to get the best sound. My favorite part of this mic, though, is the gain control to toggle the monitor between the microphone and the other input. This is great for monitoring, as it doesn't affect the sound output at all. I can make this mic overdrive, but I was able to find some settings where I can go all out and still return a decent sound.
You can spend a lot of money on this type of equipment. I think I got a pretty darn good deal here for $150. Unfortunately, I have a feeling that in order to upgrade again, which I might have to do in a few more years, I'm looking at a dollar value with a comma in it. I'll cross that bride when I get to it. For now, I'm trying to figure out which is better. Singing directly into the mic with an external pop filter, or singing just above or below the mic without a pop filter.
Frequently bought together
- +
![Pop Filter,PEMOTech [Upgraded Three Layers] Metal Mesh & Foam & Etamine Layer Microphone Windscreen Cover Handheld Mic Shield](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/813pCv3Q-nL._AC_UL116_SR116,116_.jpg)
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
4 stars and above
Page 1 of 1Start overPage 1 of 1
From the manufacturer
|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
Cardioid Pattern |
Condenser |
Zero Latency Monitoring |
USB Output |
Features
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
For Digital Recording UseProfessional condenser microphone with USB output for music recording, Zoom video meetings, Twitch game streaming, podcasts and more. |
Superb Audio QualityHigh quality A/D converter with 16 bit, 44.1/48 kilohertz sampling rate powers clear, professional sound for studio, podcast and work from home applications. |
Mix Control & Volume ControlMix control allows you to blend your microphone signal and pre-recorded audio; headphone jack volume control allows you to monitor the microphone signal with no delay. |
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
Smooth, Extended Frequency ResponseIdeally suited for podcasting, home studio recording, field recording and voiceover use. |
USB CompatibilityWindows 8.1, Windows 10, and Mac OS X or later |
Included accessoriesPivoting stand mount for 5/8"-27 threaded stands; 5/8"-27 to 3/8"-16 threaded adapter; soft protective pouch; tripod desk stand; 10' (3.1 m) USB cable |
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
Shock mount sold separatelyAT8458a microphone shock mount |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT2005USB | AT2020USB+ | AT2020 | AT2040 | AT2020USB-X | |
| Element | Dynamic | Condenser | Condenser | Dynamic | Condenser |
| Polar Pattern(s) | Cardioid | Cardioid | Cardioid | Hypercardioid | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 50-15,000 Hz | 20-20,000 Hz | 20-20,000 Hz | 80-16,000 Hz | 20-20,000 Hz |
| Maximum Input Sound Level | 144 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D. | ||||
| Noise | 20 dB SPL | ||||
| Bit Depth / Sample Rate | 16 bit / 44.1/48 kHz | 16 bit / 44.1/48 kHz" | N/A – analog | N/A – analog | 16 bit/24 bit | 44.1 kHz/48 kHz/88.2 kHz/96 kHz |
| Power Requirements | USB power (5V DC) | USB power (5V DC) | Phantom 48V DC, 2 mA typical | USB power (5V DC) | |
| Output Connector | USB-type; Integral 3-pin XLRM-type | USB-type | Integral 3-pin XLRM-type | Integral 3-pin XLRM-type | USB Type-C |
| Switches/Controls | On/off Switch; Headphone Volume Control; Headphone Output: 3.5 mm (1/8") TRS (stereo) | Mix Control; Headphone Volume Control; Headphone Output: 3.5 mm (1/8") TRS (stereo) | Mute; Mix Control; Headphone Volume Control; Headphone Output: 3.5 mm (1/8") TRS (stereo) | ||
| Accessories Included | Stand clamp; tripod desk stand; 6.6' (2 m) mini USB cable, 9.8' (3 m) XLRF-type to XLRM-type cable; pouch | Pivoting stand mount; 5/8"-27 to 3/8"-16 threaded adapter; pouch; tripod desk stand; 10' (3.1 m) USB cable | Stand mount; 5/8"-27 to 3/8"-16 threaded adapter; pouch | AT8487 mounting clamp, 5/8”-27 to 3/8”-16 threaded adapter, pouch | Desk Stand (AT8702), 5/8"-27 to 3/8"-16 threaded adapter, USB cable (2.0 m (6.6'), USB Type-C - USB Type-A), USB conversion adapter (USB-Type-A to USB Type-C) |
Customer reviews
Bought this for my son's birthday. He uses it to livestream. Excellent sound and quality. I had to buy extra cables and a mic stand to get it in working order. I would definitely make sure you have all the cables, my son was excited to get it, but then had to wait extra days for the the cables before he could actually use it.
Images in this review
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2021
Color: BlackStyle: AT2020USB+Pattern Name: MicrophoneVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2022
Color: BlackStyle: AT2020Pattern Name: MicrophoneVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2022
NOTE: there is a knob on the mic marked "MONITOR." For best results, it should be turned all the way to the right (the side marked "COM"). I see now why some people have commented that the controls on this product are confusing.
Color: BlackStyle: AT2020USB+Pattern Name: MicrophoneVerified Purchase
Perfect Mic for Zoom
By Don Ross on August 12, 2022
Since Covid, I am making my living via teleconference, working as a licensed psychotherapist. Since my clients can't see me in person, it is extra important that they can hear me really well, since I rely heavily on my voice to convey a sense of caring and empathic connection. This mic delivers the goods--with a full-frequency reproduction of my voice. When I test it on Zoom, the recording sounds just like I were there in the room. With my simple desktop setup, my mouth is at a nearly ideal distance of about 8 inches from the condenser. I say "nearly," because I would sound even better with a closer setup. But, as it is, I don't seem to need a pop filter. I also want to acknowledge the helpful video clips you can find here. It's great to literally be able to hear how the thing sounds before buying. Highly recommended investment.By Don Ross on August 12, 2022
NOTE: there is a knob on the mic marked "MONITOR." For best results, it should be turned all the way to the right (the side marked "COM"). I see now why some people have commented that the controls on this product are confusing.
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
dusty_brooms
You'll need to purchase about $300 of additional equipment to use this product.
Reviewed in Canada on May 26, 2019Color: BlackStyle: AT2020Pattern Name: MicrophoneVerified Purchase
ibrahim i.
200x better than expected
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 13, 2019Color: BlackStyle: AT2020Pattern Name: MicrophoneVerified Purchase
200x better than expected
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 13, 2019
If I could give value for money 6/5 stars I would. This is a STEAL at it's price range. If an SM57 is the staple bang-for-buck for dynamic mics, then this is it's counterpart for condensers. I used it for vocals, acoustics, glockenspiel, shaker, kalimba, ukulele and as a room mic for drum recordings and I can't tell you how perfect it has been for all of these. If you are a budget bedroom producer like me then just grab this and an SM57 and you are all set for life. Amazing mic at a horrendously low price. I am shocked.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 13, 2019
Images in this review
I. Dransfield
A flawless entry level XLR choice
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 7, 2017Color: BlackStyle: AT2020Pattern Name: MicrophoneVerified Purchase
Vasiliki D.
Outstanding
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 24, 2020Color: BlackStyle: AT2020Pattern Name: MicrophoneVerified Purchase
Ryan Tech Reviews
Good Microphone but stuck to built in AD convertor
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 8, 2016Color: BlackStyle: AT2020USB+Pattern Name: MicrophoneVerified Purchase
Good Microphone but stuck to built in AD convertor
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 8, 2016
When researching into microphones the Audio Technica AT2020 is often recommended as it is modestly price and it sounds great too. From its success came the AT2020 USB microphone, but as with many early USB mics it lacked features such as headphone output which is must for many applications. This lead to the release of AT2020 USB+ microphone, an upgraded AT2020 USB bundled with accessories which include a small tripod desk stand, 10 foot USB cable and pop filter.Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 8, 2016
This microphone is similar in design to the previous variants with a medium diaphragm 16mm cardioid mic. It is powered directly by a USB (type A to type B) cable where the connector takes the places of the previous XLR socket. The microphone has a self-noise figure of 20dB, which is not brilliant but is adequately low for most studio applications. There is no means of on the fly filtering so any necessary filters must be applied after recording.
The USB side takes care of the 16bit Analog to Digital conversion which is convenient, but the user is restricted to this convertor. Headphones can be plugged into the phono jack socket on the side of the mic and there are two thumbwheels on the front of the device which control the headphone volume and the balance between the microphone signal and computer stereo output. The microphone is a class-compliant device and requires no additional driver to use on Apple operating systems and a suitable driver should download automatically on Windows (if not already installed).
Recorded speech confirms that this mic has the same characteristic of the XLR variants but with the added warmth to the lower mids in vocals. It is well suited to all vocal styles and can double as a very capable acoustic instrument mic.
The tripod stand carries the weight of the microphone very well and it is of very high quality. However it is prone to falling over if it is knocked.
For audio recordings it is recommended to use the free software Audacity and apply software filers. However for our video recordings we use Camtasia (which does not support audio filters) and instead use Voice Shaper (intended for AM radio) combined with a virtual audio cable to filter audio on the fly.
Images in this review
