Audio Technica AT2020 Side Address Cardiod Condensor Studio Mic

by Audio-Technica

Product Features

• The price/performance standard in side-address studio condenser microphone technology
• Custom-engineered low-mass diaphragm provides extended frequency response and superior transient response
• High SPL handling and wide dynamic range provide unmatched versatility
• The price/performance standard in side-address studio condenser microphone technology^Ideal for project
• The price/performance standard in side-address studio condenser microphone technology Ideal for project/home-studio

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 9.6 x 2.6 inches ; 12.2 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B0006H92QK
• Item model number: AT2020
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (44 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #182 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)
  • #5 in Musical Instruments > Recording Equipment > Microphones > Condenser Microphones

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The price/performance standard in side-address studio condenser microphone technology, Audio Technica's AT2020 studio mic has a low-mass diaphragm that is custom-engineered for extended frequency response and superior transient response. With rugged construction for durable performance, the microphone offers a wide dynamic range and handles high sound pressure levels (SPLs) with ease.

Ideal for project/home-studio applications, the cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of desired sound source. The pivoting, threaded stand mount attaches securely for easy and precise placement of the microphone

See larger image.

The AT2020 is intended for use in applications where remote power is available. It requires 48V DC phantom power, which may be provided by a mixer or console, or by a separate, in-line source such as the Audio-Technica AT8801 single-channel and CP8506 four-channel phantom power supplies.

Specifications

• Element: Fixed-charge back plate, permanently polarized 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.
• Noise: 20 dB SPL
• Dynamic Range (typical): 124 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL
• Signal-To-Noise Ratio: 74 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa
• Phantom Power Requirements: 48V DC, 2 mA typical
• Weight: 12.1 ounces
• Dimensions: 6.38 inches long, 2.05-inch maximum body diameter
• Output Connector: Integral 3-pin XLRM-type
• Accessories Includes: Stand mount for 5/8"-27 threaded stands; 5/8"-27 to 3/8"-16 threaded adapter; soft protective pouch
• Audio-Technica Case Style: R7

Product Description

There are many reasons for the universal praise the AT2020 has inspired. A-T's renowned quality and consistency standards aare evident in details like it's low mass diaphragm, painstakingly engineered for extended frequency response and superior transient response. The microphone offers an extremely wide dynamic range and handles high SPL's effortlessly.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars It's Okay..., February 3, 2011

By 

Ryan S. (NY,NY USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Audio Technica AT2020 Side Address Cardiod Condensor Studio Mic (Electronics)

I bought this as a gift for a friend he was really happy with it but, I have a completely different view. The AT2020 is a pretty bright mic which sounds good at first but once you layer tracks on top of each other it can sound very harsh. Second it is not a true large diaphragm condenser. It is a very good mic for people starting out in music or just using it for podcasts, but there are a bunch of better mics near this price. Two that come to mind are the MXL V67g and Studio projects B1 (stay away from the studio projects C1) both exceptional microphones for the price. Although there is one mic you that is a bit more expensive but is absolutely amazing, the MXL 2003a. A lot of people have claimed the studio projects C1 sounds like the Neumann u87 it doesn't, the MXL 2003a however sounds very similar and is easily the best LDC mic under $500. With that being said the AT2020 is not a bad microphone but it is not great, to people who have just used built in mics on there computer or camera this will blow them away but as time goes on they will learn the limitations of this microphone.

Although to be fair I have a lot of experience in pro audio and production, so I maybe a bit overly critical. One thing is for sure though; there are definitely better mics in or near this price range.

34 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Value, May 18, 2009

By 

j eastman "ex-teen idol" (Minneapolis) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Audio Technica AT2020 Side Address Cardiod Condensor Studio Mic (Electronics)

Let's face it...I'm just a hobby musician. A guy in his mid-30's who has tinkered with music most of his adult life. I've played both as a solo artist and with bands. I've also been fortunate enough to spend time in actual recording studios with true professionals. None of this qualifies me as an expert...but I do have a certain level of familiarity on the subject.

I purchased this mic to supplement my home studio. I was hoping to get a little better sound than my usual stable of dynamic mics provide. I think I got pretty lucky with this purchase - it's my understanding that in this particular price range, you shouldn't expect a whole lot. I mean, it's just a microphone, right?

What I will say is that I was certainly satisfied with my purchase. I've used this microphone in conjunction with a tube preamp on a handful of recordings with great success. I bought this with the intention of using it for vocals, but I've found that I actually prefer it to record my acoustic guitar - this microphone picks up all the sound that I'm looking for from my acoustic - it's the nice, mellow, and full bodied sound that I hear when I'm playing, but that I was never able to capture before. In terms of its originally intended use, I felt is was only a slight improvement over the SM58 that I typically used for vocals - however, I wouldn't put too much stock into my assessment, as vocals are not one of my strengths when it comes to music (let's face it, autotune was created for a reason, right?)

Granted - everyone is going to have different opinions of this product, and I happen to think it works great for those of us on a budget. In terms of value - it is a great product for a fantastic price. I liked this microphone so much, I plan on buying at least one more.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars At first I thought it was amazing..., February 24, 2009

By 

Remaining Anonymous ahaha "flickr user and am... (CA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Audio Technica AT2020 Side Address Cardiod Condensor Studio Mic (Electronics)

Wow! This microphone is amazing. I see what people mean when they talk about condenser microphones being more fragile than normal dynamic microphones, but this isn't a piece of plastic, it's built well.

I paired it with the Behringer 502 5-input mixer, and it sounds great, totally professional quality. I just wanted something simple to begin home music projects, and this microphone's quality is more than enough for me.

It's very warm and highly sensitive. I don't even notice that it's side address, you can turn it up so that it picks up everything in the room.

I would have bought a stand for it as well, and a cheap pop filter. Otherwise, great deal for a mic of this quality.

Edit:
I now notice that the mic lacks full sound across all frequencies... which isn't something I noticed without looking for it specifically. Basically, the mic can be crystal clear and warm and all that, but still not retain the bass depth in a deep voice and the highs of a high voice. It is sensitive and clear, but it doesn't do what professional mics do--which is drop the midtones and hit the highs and lows.