Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $98
Budget/Beginner
$100
$401+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Microphone". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Microphone is a game-changer in the realm of studio recording gear. With its cardioid polar pattern, it reduces the pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, enhancing isolation of the desired sound source. This makes it an excellent choice for home studio recorders and musicians who crave quality and durability.
The AT2020 features a low-mass diaphragm, custom-engineered for extended frequency response and superior transient response. It comes with a high SPL handling and wide dynamic range, providing unmatched versatility. This microphone is known for its amazing signal-to-noise ratio, ensuring the sound output is as clear and precise as possible. Remember, it requires a 48V phantom power supply.
Key Features: - 16mm low-mass diaphragm - Cardioid polar pattern - Frequency range of 20 - 20,000 Hz - Signal-to-noise ratio: 74 dB, 1,000 Hz at 1 Pa - Dynamic range: 124 dB (typical), 1,000 Hz max. SPL - Sensitivity: -37 dB (14.1mV) re1V at 1Pa - Impedance: 100 ohm - Max. SPL: 144 dB (1,000 Hz, 1% THD) - Requires 48V phantom power - Includes mount and pouch
Product specs
| Microphone Type | Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Diaphragm Size | 0.63" (16mm) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Max SPL | 144dB |
| Output Impedance | 100 ohms |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 74dB |
| Self Noise | 20dB |
| Connector | XLR |
| Power Source | 48V phantom power |
| Dimensions | 6.3" x 2" |
| Weight | 0.76 lbs. |
| Included Accessories | Stand Mount, Microphone Pouch |
FAQs
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What is the primary application for the Audio-Technica AT2020 microphone?
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The Audio-Technica AT2020 is primarily used for home studio recording, podcasting, and streaming, offering clear and detailed audio capture for vocals and instruments.
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Does the Audio-Technica AT2020 require phantom power?
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Yes, the AT2020 requires 48V phantom power to operate, which is commonly provided by most audio interfaces and mixers.
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How does the Audio-Technica AT2020 handle background noise?
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The AT2020 features a cardioid polar pattern, which focuses on capturing sound from the front while minimizing background noise from the sides and rear.
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Is the Audio-Technica AT2020 suitable for recording loud sound sources?
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Yes, the AT2020 can handle high sound pressure levels up to 144dB, making it suitable for recording loud instruments like drums and guitar amplifiers.
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What type of connection does the Audio-Technica AT2020 use?
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The AT2020 uses an XLR connection, which is standard for professional audio equipment, requiring an audio interface or mixer for connectivity.
Videos
Podcastage
Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Mic Review / Test
Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Mic Review / Test
Podcastage
Is the audio technica AT2020 worth it in 2020?
Tech Examined
Is the Audio-Technica AT2020 the Best Home Studio Mic? XLR Review
Kelli
AT2020 Microphone | STOP Making These 5 Mistakes!
Kettner Creative
Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Mic Review / Test (vs. MXL770, MXL990, Ember, More)
Podcastage
Best Budget Microphone For Home Studio in 2020 Hands Down! (At 2020 in 2020)
MrDifferentTV
Audio-Technica AT2020 Review and Test - Good For Vocals?
Tim Moxey
AT2020 | Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Audio-Technica USA
Reviews
PROS
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Delivers crisp, clean, and truly accurate sounding vocals
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Versatile for recording various instruments and vocals
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Durable build quality, withstands years of use
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Excellent value for the price, suitable for beginners to professionals
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Low self-noise, suitable for studio recording
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Can be used for professional voice acting gigs
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Provides a full sound for high gain guitar tracks
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Good for both vocal and instrument recording, including acoustic guitar
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Picks up sound clearly without needing close proximity
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Performs well for podcasting and voiceovers due to bassy coloring
CONS
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Stand mount adapter is prone to falling apart
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Does not come with a mic stand mount
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Mount not very practical, tricky to position
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Higher self-noise at 20dBA compared to some mics
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Might require additional investment in a separate shock mount
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Some find it lacks in mid frequencies
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EQ coloring can make post-recording adjustments challenging
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Not ideal for applications requiring minimal processing or layering
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Can be sensitive to high SPL, requiring caution in use
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Described as peaky, bright, and inconsistent by some users
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Microphone.
Features and functionality
Use cases and applications
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For professional music recording, the XLR version is preferred due to its potential for higher sound quality with the right interface.
Source -
The AT2020 is favored for rapping and speaking vocals, with users noting its suitability for male voices in hip-hop without high-end screaming.
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Users highlight the AT2020’s effectiveness in untreated rooms, acknowledging the condenser’s sensitivity to ambient noises compared to dynamic mics like the Shure SM58.
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Position the microphone close to your mouth and keep the interface gain low to reduce background noise, especially when using it for gaming or Discord.
Source
Comparisons
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The AT2020USB+ provides consistent performance, making it suitable for simpler applications like voice-overs or casual streaming.
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The AT2020 is often compared to more expensive models like the Rode NT1, with some preferring the NT1’s frequency response for certain vocal types.
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The AT2020 is considered a significant upgrade over the BM-800, offering more low end and overall better sound quality.
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For instrument recording, the MXL 770 is recommended over the AT2020, though both perform similarly for vocals.
Source
User experience
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Owners report the AT2020 remains reliable even after several years of use, with some mentioning over 6 to 10 years without issues.
Source
Value and pricing
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 51 Reviews and 223 Ratings
1248
424
Pretty Cool Condenser.
Yeah um, its been great with me! Definitely a budget microphone, but honestly im really surprised with how good this mic is, I would probably put this in the same category as the Rode NT1-A, (Maybe the Rode goes a little higher) But overall, a great mic.
Preferred Settings + Usage:
Weirdly enough, mine has been shocking my face when I am using it to record. Idk if mine is just faulty, but anyway, a great resolution for that is to just use a pop filter or windscreen.
115
Does it's job very well.
I was put onto this microphone by a fellow musician when looking to replace my (not very good) old Sony drum microphone and get a vocal mic. For the price I love this thing, it's very clear and even in my non sound-treated room it works wonders. Nice and warm if you know the right distance from the mic, I recorded acoustic guitars, vocals and amps with this microphone.
260
Solid First Mic
I purchased this mic on a whim shortly after returning home from my short stint at university. While I was away, I had written tons of hooks and lines, but had no way to record them other than my phone and I was itching to have a way to record in higher quality, just to have something to play with within my DAWs. While a couple of months of experimentation led to my realization that the mic didn't have the range for my singing, it is a solid mic for voiceovers, podcasting, and some instruments. I plan on upgrading my audio interface so I'll be able to use this and my Blue Spark in tandem, recording to have higher control over my mix and experiment stereosonically.
244
Vox YES! Layering NO!
the AT2020 has a higher self-noise at 20dBA, but also just sounds a ton better out of the box than many other microphones in its price range without a massive amount of EQing needed. That being said... because of the self noise, Im not in love with using this on anything other than Vocals or acoustic guitar. But boy does it do a great job on Vox and Acoustic Guitar. Anything that doesnt need a ton of processing or layering Yes, stereo pairs and getting crazy with layers, not this guys wheelhouse, you start to hear it humping itself.
For what it is this is one of the best value oriented best sounding Vox mics out there. A must have in any bedroom mic locker.
1033
Perfect for the price.
This is the best microphone I have used by far, I don't use USB mics so this is perfect. The highs and lows are actually really nice for this microphone, it doesn't pick up noise as much, neither the walls in my room. I'm really glad I got this mic and gave up my scarlett studio mic because this one just beats it by so much. I use this to record vocals, and to record videos!
99
Really good mic to record speech and singing vocals
I've been using this mic for almost two years now in combo with my motu m2 and the quality & clarity of the mic is outstanding for the price.
195
Decent Entry-Level Mic for Voice Actors
The AT2020 is a well-made condenser mic that offers great mileage for professional voice actors. I've spoken and worked with professionals who have used this mic for video games and cartoon voice acting gigs. However, you should definitely replace this with a better mic once you've progressed in your career. Read our full review here:
106
Good for podcasting and maybe as a backup to record acoustic. Pales in comparison with the AKG P420
I'm giving it 3 stars because you do get what you pay for. It is robust and records sounds. For an inexperienced user, the bassy colouring it gives sounds nice and reduces the amount of EQ you need to put on. However, it does not sound professional at all, and the EQ 'colouring' makes it difficult to EQ afterwards, in comparison with a similar-range mic like the AKG P420.
This mic is perfect for podcasting, where you need boosted bass, but I wouldn't record vocals on it.
244
hmm, I think its very useable out the box and wouldn't call it colored, especially on the lows, I would actually say it sounds bright especially in the 2 and the 12. Agreed if you have a sound you are going for it doesn't eq well, to me thats a biproduct of the 20dBa self noise, but going through my relatively transparent RME Fireface UFX its very useable for mid male and most female vocals
142
Insane.
Compared to my previous microphone, the Yanmai Q8, the AT2020 is infinitely better. I have used it for Commentaries along with my music and it keeps the same tone without faulter. The farther I move away, I can still be heard very clearly, I may have to turn the gain up on my interface slightly though. Sibilance could still be an issue depending on the vocal style, but more than often it is BEYOND solid.
Artist usage
Add artist
Mac DeMarco can be seen recording on an AT2020 microphone at 3:15 in this video.
When initially working together, a period that included the production of songs such as “Ocean Eyes,” “Six Feet Under” and “Bellyache,” O’Connell used an Audio-Technica AT2020 cardioid condenser mic on his sister’s vocals. More recently, he has been using a Neumann TLM 103 large diaphragm mic. “I recommend the TLM 103 to anyone; it’s such a good microphone.”
Billie's vocals for 'Ocean Eyes' were recorded with the 2020, which sounds great. It's not quite as good as the Neumann, but I have never found a microphone that I like more than the 2020 that's less expensive than the Neumann. The 2020 is a really good starter microphone.
(Finneas O'Connell (Billie's brother, producer & co-writer) in Sound On Sound magazine)
"Solid multi-purpose microphones I've used: Shure SM7B https://reverb.grsm.io/shure-sm7b Audio Technica AT4040 https://amzn.to/2ok3dNw Audio Technica AT2020 https://amzn.to/2wpB37o Rode NT1 https://amzn.to/2PIeWC9"
In this video as well as majority of Alex's other videos, he can be seen using the AT2020 Condenser Microphone. In this particular video, the item can be seen on the right side of the screen throughout the whole video. This video was uploaded about 1 month ago at his house where most of his videos are recorded.
in this picture juice wrld can be seen using an audio technaca at2020 mic
The microphone that SeamlessR uses in pretty much every single video for his commentary.
All throughout this stream, an AT2020 is seen in the top-right corner of his "B Setup"
Brakence stated, in a reddit AMA, that he use to use the Audio Technica AT2020
In the description of the listed YouTube video, it clearly states, "the microphone is an audio-technica at2020, and i'm using audio-technica ath-m50 headphones".
Album Usage
The Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Microphone has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Microphone, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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Community setups
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