Audio-Technica AT2020 Review

Are you looking to score big with your audio recordings? The Audio-Technica AT2020 is here to help you hit the bullseye. This microphone packs a punch with features and specs that surpass its price tag.

Unleash your sound with this mic’s 20 Hz to 20 kHz bandwidth, a max SPL of 144 dB, and a fixed cardioid polar pattern. And with its 12 oz weight and heavy wire mesh protecting the capsule, you can trust that this mic is built to last.

Whether you’re in the studio or on the stage, the AT2020 will make sure your vocals, drums, guitar amps, and acoustic guitar sound crystal clear.

Get ready to turn up the volume with this Audio-Technica AT2020 review.

Key Takeaways

  • The Audio-Technica AT2020 is a fantastic microphone at a $100 price point, delivering performance beyond its price.
  • It has a fixed cardioid polar pattern and a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, with a narrow dip around 70 Hz and a slight presence boost in the high end.
  • The microphone is sturdy and weighs about 12 oz, with a heavy wire mesh protecting the capsule. It requires phantom power and does not have battery replacements available.
  • The AT2020 is great for studio vocals, recording drums (except inside a kick drum), guitar amps, and acoustic guitar. It can deliver depth, silky high end, and warm mid-range presence depending on proper placement.

Performance and Specifications

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better performing microphone for the price than the AT2020. With a fixed cardioid pattern, 20 Hz to 20 kHz bandwidth, and maximum SPL of 144 dB, the AT2020 offers a great deal of power and versatility.

The AT2020’s frequency response is quite broad, with a narrow dip around 70 Hz and a slight presence boost in the high end. It also features a sturdy build, weighing in at 12 oz, with a heavy wire mesh protecting the capsule.

You’ll need to use phantom power with the AT2020, but no battery replacements are needed. Overall, the AT2020 is a fantastic choice for any audio enthusiast looking for great performance on a budget.

Studio Applications

Moving on from its great performance and specifications, the AT2020 is also a great choice for studio applications.

Its fixed cardioid pattern and wide frequency response make it a great choice for vocal recording techniques, capturing the depth and silky high end of many singers.

It can handle drums too, with a high max SPL of 144 dB, making it suitable for overhead, tom mic, and hi-hats. However, it’s not recommended for inside of a kick drum.

The AT2020 also works great for recording electric guitars, thanks to its depth and warm mid-range presence.

Proper placement is key for acoustic guitar, though. With the right positioning, it can capture usable acoustic guitar sounds, but it does require time to find the best positioning.

With its great performance and reasonable price, the AT2020 is a great choice for studio applications.

Live Applications

For live applications, the AT2020 is theoretically usable, though not meant to be handheld. Its cardioid pattern means it’s best suited for miking instruments and other sound sources in front of it. A pop filter is necessary, as it’s a condenser microphone and thus sensitive to plosives. To get the most out of its sound, proper microphone positioning techniques should be used for live vocals.

Alternatives to the AT2020 may be better suited for live performances, such as dynamic microphones like the Shure SM58. This microphone is designed to be handheld, and features an internal pop filter, making it more practical for live vocals. Other dynamic microphones, such as the SM7B and RE20, are also popular options for live performance.

Comparisons

When comparing the AT2020 to other microphones, it’s important to consider the performance needs as well as the microphone’s features.

For instance, when comparing the AT2020 to the Blue Yeti, the AT2020 offers more quality and better sound but fewer features.

The AT2020 also outperforms the AKG P120 in sound quality, though the P120 does have a few convenient features like an internal pop filter.

In the end, the AT2020’s superior sound quality makes it a better choice for most audio applications.

For streamers and Discord users, however, the features of the Hyperx Quadcast may be more beneficial.

Ultimately, it’s important to weigh up the performance needs and features of each microphone before making a decision.

Availability and Price

Price and availability for the AT2020 can be easily checked online at popular retailers like Sweetwater and Amazon. Both retailers usually offer competitive prices for the AT2020, although they may vary and change over time.

Sweetwater often offers discounts for the microphone, while Amazon may have availability for international customers. The AT2020 is usually priced at around $100, making it one of the most affordable microphones in its class. It’s also a great value, as it delivers performance beyond its price.

If you’re looking for an AT2020, both Sweetwater and Amazon offer reliable options at competitive prices.

Conclusion

The Audio-Technica AT2020 is an affordable yet high-performing microphone that’s perfect for both studio and live applications.

With a fixed cardioid polar pattern, a 20 Hz to 20 kHz bandwidth, and a max SPL of 144 dB, this mic gives you a great sound that won’t break the bank.

Whether you’re recording vocals, drums, guitar amps, or acoustic guitar, the AT2020 is worth the investment.

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