If you’ve recently decided to start your very own podcast, or you simply want to take your podcast show to the next level – we’re sure that you will agree with us that, when it comes to recording vocals, having the right mic is key to ensuring a professional sound that your listeners will enjoy.
Sure, even though it might feel like the norm to splurge on a microphone that costs upwards of a thousand dollars, the good news is that you don’t need to break the bank to get your hands on a decent, cheap mic. The Audio Technica AT2020 demonstrates that perfectly.
The only question is, is this particular mic model right for you?
If you’re currently curious about the Audio Technica AT2020 and would like to discover more about it before making your final decision of whether or not to get it – rest assured that you have come to the right place.
In this post, we are going to be taking a deep dive look into this microphone in order to help you make the most well-informed choice of whether to buy it or not.
So, without further ado, just keep reading to learn all about the Audio Technica AT2020.
Audio Technica AT2020: Overview
Before we jump any further into this guide, we first think that it would be a good idea to provide you with a quick overview of what you can expect to get from this microphone.
Positioned in the lower price range of microphones, this is a mic that offers plenty of affordability and is an excellent choice for anyone that is just getting started in the world of podcasting.
It is a condenser microphone that features a delicate diaphragm that will be able to capture all of the vibrations and authenticity of the specific sounds that you are wanting to record – and that also go for any vocals that you might wish to record.
Along with being an ideal choice for anyone that wants to record vocals for podcasting or other streaming purposes – the cardioid pattern that this mic follows also ensures that this mic can be used for a variety of other purposes, such as for recording music and instruments.
Along with offering a great sound for a fraction of the price of some of the more expensive models currently out there on the market, this mic also comes with the promise of a long service life thanks to its durable, bulky design that is absolutely perfect for those just getting started in the world of podcasts.
Pros
- Excellent value for money and ideal for those who are on a budget
Cons
- Bulky
- Doesn’t capture full range of the voice, which means that higher octaves can often sound distorted
- Sensitive to loud sounds
Main Features
1. Professional Sound
The main key feature that you should be aware of when it comes to the Audio Technica AT2020 is that it features a professional sound at a fraction of the price of what some of the more premium models cost.
It follows a cardioid pattern which means that it has been superficially optimized for vocals.
So, in other words, this is a fantastic option for anyone that is looking for a mic that is suitable for recording podcasts, streaming, and many other live broadcast sessions.
2. Large Diaphragm
The second key feature that you should be aware of when considering this microphone is a super large diaphragm that will ensure that this mic will be able to capture everything that is in front of it without causing any disruption.
The large diaphragm in condenser mics like the Audio Technica AT2020 is ideal for recording vocals as they provide a more accurate response to sound over a larger area, ensuring that you get the best possible vocal recordings.
Thanks to this, it means that if you were to be recording a podcast, for example, – this mic would be able to catch everything that you say in an authentic way.
In other words, your listeners will be able to listen to everything that you say with excellent accuracy.
So much so, that if you were to move, change your seating positions, or even move your proximity to the mic – the audio recording captured would sound exactly the same.
This mic also does well with recording instruments such as acoustic guitar or piano as it produces a clean sound with excellent high-end frequency response.
Due to the sensitive diaphragm, the Audio Technica AT2020 needs an XLR connection, which is a professional studio standard, and needs an audio interface.
This isn’t generally the case with other cheaper mics but it helps the Audio Technica AT2020 pick up sound accurately and deliver great-quality recordings when you want them. In contrast with a USB mic, an XLR mic like the AT2020 requires more setup but also provides better sound quality.
Being a condenser mic, the Audio Technica AT2020 requires a phantom power supply. This is a type of power that runs through the XLR cable and powers the microphone, so it’s essential to have an audio interface with phantom power if you want to use this mic.
Unlike a dynamic microphone, the Audio Technica AT2020 is more sensitive to sound and so needs more power.
3. Big Sweet Spot
The next main feature that you should be aware of when considering whether or not this mic is going to be an ideal choice for you is that it features a large sweet spot that will ensure professional sounding audio – even when recording a live broadcast, such as a podcast.
Thanks to the large sweet spot offered by this mic, it means that you will be able to easily move the proximity to the mic (that includes both you and any guest speakers that you might choose to invite onto your podcast show) without compromising the quality of the sound that is being recorded.
For example, if you were to move backwards, change your seating position or even lean over to speak closer to your guest – you will be able to have the confidence that the quality of the sound that is being recorded will not be compromised in any way.
This means that this microphone is especially ideal for anyone that is looking for a microphone that they can use for recording their very own podcast shows. For best results, a mic stand with a pop filter is recommended.
4. Easy Mounting
The next main feature that this microphone offers is that it offers you the ability to easily mount this mic to a shock mount or another accessory designed for holding your microphone in place.
We really like this, as it means that you will be able to easily mount your microphone without any issues to your set-up, while also ensuring that there will be no unwanted sound interruptions from touching the mic or adjusting the mic while you are recording your podcast or your livestream.
Does It Come With A Warranty?
One of the biggest questions that many people who are looking to purchase a microphone often ask themselves is whether or not it comes complete with a warranty included in the purchase.
When looking to invest in a piece of equipment such as a mic, opting for a microphone that comes with a warranty is always going to be a good idea – as it means that your purchase is going to be protected, while also ensuring that you are purchasing from a company that truly has your best interests at heart.
In the case of the Audio Technica AT2020 – you can have the peace of mind that you are going to get a limited one year warranty upon purchase of your mic.
In order to activate the mic, please keep in mind that you are going to need to activate the warranty that you will be entitled to via the Audio Technica official website, where you will be prompted to fill in the relevant information with regards to the warranty – as well as what model of mic you happen to have.
By making sure that you have activated your warranty, you will be able to have the peace of mind that if anything was to go wrong you would be able to get a repair or replacement entirely free of charge.
Although, please keep in mind that the company will not be liable for any replacements or repairs should you find that you accidentally or intentionally caused damage to the microphone.
The Bottom Line: Is The Audio Technica AT2020 Worth The Money?
So, now for the all-important question!
Is the Audio Technica AT2020 worth making the investment in? Well, generally speaking, as you will have been able to see from our review of this mic above – while it is not the worst microphone out there by any means, it also certainly isn’t the best.
Still, despite the fact that there are some clear performance issues that you should be aware of and make note of before you decide to go ahead and make the purchase – it is also important to remember that the Audio Technica AT2020 also just so happens to be one of the most affordable microphones out there right now.
Along with this, it is also worth keeping in mind that the Audio Technica AT2020 features a pretty decent sound quality that rivals some of the more premium options out there, while its durable and bulky design is a great option for those who are just getting started in the world of recording and want a user-friendly design with plenty of functionality.
All in all? If you’re just getting started in the world of podcasting or streaming and you would like a beginner-friendly mic that isn’t going to require too much know-how to use – the AT2020 is a great choice for you.
It’s also an ideal choice for anyone who wants a decent sound without breaking the bank.
Thank you for taking the time to read through this guide, and goodbye for now.
