Verdict
It may not be much to look at , and there are cut corners here and there , but the Audio - Technica AT2020USB+ is a firm performer that will suit heap of home audio setups .
Pros
Cons
Key Features
Introduction
For a blade with a inheritance dating back more than 60 years , Audio - Technica probably does n’t total to mind for many streamers and creators . The Audio - Technica AT2020USB+ deserve a daub in the conversation .
The Japanese marque ’s reputation is strong in the professional world though , and that experience with tone audio is patent in the rather clunkily name Audio - Technica AT2020USB+ . A USB cardioid electrical condenser microphone , the AT2020USB+ is looking to take professional gear home with a mid - range damage period to flush .
Design
Audio - Technica ’s roots are in the studio and that ’s open from the innovation of the AT2020USB+ . Other streamer - center microphones , like theLogitech Blue Sona , have put obvious effort into bet as good as they sound , the AT2020USB+ takes a more practical itinerary . This six - column inch , matte grey cylinder is not atrocious needs , but it ’s for sure not make headway any ravisher contests .
There ’s a surprising weight to the AT2020USB+ , thanks largely no doubt to the all - metal twist . It ’s nottooheavy though and it gives the microphone a reassuring sturdiness . Everything feels solid and machined with no hollowness even when I went looking for it . A majority of the weight is in the bottom one-half of the AT2020USB+ . So , despite weighing in at 386 thou overall , it hung mirthfully in all position on any mic subdivision I tried it with .
For the most part , the AT2020USB+ rocks a pretty classic microphone style with little to quetch about . Therearea few design oddities that get down the overall experience .
The entire body is covered in a mordant maculation pattern … why ? The effect ends up looking like you blank out to flip a dust canvass down before painting the ceiling , rather than something I want to see on a microphone . The two plastic wheels on the front feel sleazy and like a gillyflower part on any mass - acquire , non - brand item . They also do n’t sit centrally in their cutout slot , which is needlessly irritating .
Rather than RGB , Audio - Technica has just depart with B. A single blue LED sits behind the mesh grill . It ’s disappointingly objectionable as , while it does give the internal cavity a squeamish coloured glow , the effect is ruined when you’re able to see the cheap rectifying valve itself – some variety of diffusing board would go a long way here . Also , it ’s constantly on when the mike is connected , even with my microcomputer off , with no way to control this through software .
None of these qualms is a dealbreaker , they ’re relatively minor complaints in the high-flown scheme , but they ’re a constant monitor that the Audio - Technica AT2020USB+ is a halfway - of - the - road option . These little touches are a chance to impress and go a whole tone forward , but can also cheapen a product which is the unfortunate case here .
Performance
For home studio setups , the Audio - Technica AT2020USB+ is a solid all - debauchee that should suit a variety of creator . The specification sheet reads well , with a 20 - 20,000 Hz frequency and 44.1/48 kHz sample rate bringing it neatly in blood line with other microphones in this and even high price range . It ’s also great to see a USB mic play nice with both PC and Mac setup .
Through specific outspoken examination and cyclosis on Twitch , I establish the AT2020USB+ delivered a vindicated but slightly shallow strait . There was no issue with the quality of the sound recording itself , it was detailed and crisp , I ’d just have care a little more bottom end and plug to my vocalization . This kind of phone is n’t necessarily surprising from a condenser microphone , but other choice like theRode tenner XCM-50do manage to put up more dynamism if you have a little extra budget to work with .
When play , the AT2020USB+ mic ’s wide 120 ° cardioid polar rule was susceptible to picking up a chunk of general desk noise , like mechanical keyboard clacker . This was n’t overbearing , but it was surely detectable in the background and some Maker may happen this an annoying distraction . It was particularly prominent when using the included tripod , as this put the AT2020USB+ in the firing line , bring up it just a few centimetres off the desk .
Unless you turn to the AT2020USB+ from up close , there ’s some roominess to the sound , which quickly increased the further back I strike . Where possible I endeavor to keep my microphone ride off - tv camera when know cyclosis , which put me around 30 cm from the mic . I never sounded distant to a demerit from this range , but it did start to water the strait down further and do off with any spirit level of ‘ broadcast ’ finger that some creators may like .
beat near enough to the grill to subdue that airiness land other challenges . There ’s no intimate daddy filter , which leave the AT2020USB+ vulnerable to knockout occlusive . Audio - Technica does offer an external daddy filter and jar mount , but you ’ll need to bribe both on an individual basis though . It ’s a shame there ’s no include treatment , as this is something we regularly see with other condenser mike , even at this price level .
Features
The AT2020USB+ is the very definition of a plug - and - recreate USB microphone . Everything you take to get going is in the boxwood , include a incentive padded convey bag , which is a surprisingly generous touch at this price . There ’s no app needed , just stop up in a single cable and you ’re away . Audio - Technica has opted for a USB Type B connector , that ’s the rounded square one you ’ve probably seen on a printer , which is a unequaled selection but in the end harmless .
You ’ll chance a received 3.5 millimetre appurtenant headphone port on the back of the AT2020USB+ , which extend zero - latency sound monitoring , not probable to be a handsome deal for streamers but ready to hand for podcasters or voice - over artists . Across the front are two restraint wheel for this output , allowing you to balance headphone volume levels and the restitution audio commixture from your PC .
The included tripod stand is fine and , thankfully , bring a smaller overall step than the one Rode let in with theXCM-50 . Though any Divine search to take their output seriously should be using a mic arm anyway . alteration and locating can be a little tricky with the heavy - bottomed AT2020USB+ often overbalancing if you get your Angle or feet emplacement amiss . Unless it ’s an sheer necessity or you have a unique setup like transcription instruments , do yourself a favor and amaze it on a proper mic weapon system .
Latest deals
Should you buy it?
The AT2020USB+ can often be find on sale and does an telling Book of Job for a lower - price mike .
This condenser mike offered a shallower vocal performance than other options .
Final Thoughts
On the whole , Audio - Technica has done a good Book of Job with the AT2020USB+ . For a microphone that can now often be found below £ 100 , it delivers an overall audio character that exceeds that Mary Leontyne Price point in most situations . Vocals are absolved and detailed and while it might lack the depth of other choice , this can be overlooked given the investment .
There are also some shortcoming and a couple of odd pattern choices to be found , but these are n’t hugely bothersome . However , theRode X XCM-50is an overall betterment and is usable for not that much extra money , at around £ 140 . Or , there ’s the much pricier , but excellent , Logitech Blue Sona(£282 ) if your budget is far higher .
Nevertheless , those about to startle their contented journeying or looking for a nice upgrade from a headset microphone should happen the AT2020USB+ an enticing choice at under £ 100 .
Trusted Score
How we test
During each mike review , we conduct a serial publication of recording trial run that let in sample audio frequency during ideal preferences , with background interference applied and in an out-of-door mount ( where potential ) , to give you the best idea of how each gimmick performs in real - world use .
FAQs
The AT2020USB+ is intimately suited to vocal recording while the AT2021 is tailor-make for instrument like acoustic guitar or piano .
XLR microphones are the industry standard when it comes to broadcasting , streaming and the like . Quality is paramount with XLR . However , USB microphones continue to improve and typically arrive in at a cheaper price .
Full Specs
