Audio Technica AT2020 Microphone

Feb 17, 2010 by Dan Taylor    2 Comments    Posted under: Technology, Video

The folks at Audio Technica have done an outstanding job at packing a much more expensive sounding microphone into a minuscule $79.99 price tag. A Condenser Cardioid microphone, the AT2020 is perfect for recording voiceovers for your video productions and/or podcasts. An excellent entry level studio quality microphone, I’ve demonstrated in the video below a few of the finer points of the AT2020, including the usage of a pop filter, and not.

I also put the AT2020 to the test over the weekend, and closely mic’d by bass amp, and am proud to report no overdrive at all. Even at a fairly loud (by apartment standards) volume level, the AT2020 didn’t flinch.

While Audio Technica certainly had the bottom line in mind when the AT2020 hit the market, it’s a shame that the normally included accessories, a pop filter and spider mount, are not included. This additional cost will put you in the same price range as some low priced ‘middle range’ similar studio microphones. Overall, for the cost, tone, and overall design, I give the Audio Technica an A-.

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

I’m also looking at AKG’s slightly more expensive Perception 220 model, which features a bass roll off as well as a -20db feature that would be beneficial for tightening sound in on the source, as well as maximizing gain (without creating distortion).