Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $121
Standard/Professional
$100
$401+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Audio-Technica AT2020USB Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
The Audio-Technica AT2020USB Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone is a versatile tool for musicians, podcasters, and content creators seeking studio-quality sound without the need for complex setups. With its built-in A/D converter and USB output, this mic simplifies your recording process by letting you plug directly into your computer, ensuring you capture every nuance of your performance. Its cardioid pickup pattern excels at isolating your voice or instrument from background noise, delivering clear and accurate recordings.
Ideal for everything from home studio projects to on-the-go podcasting, the AT2020USB boasts a built-in headphone jack with volume control, allowing for zero-latency monitoring—a feature that many professionals can't live without. The microphone also features a mix control, so you can seamlessly blend your live vocals with pre-recorded audio, making it a breeze to create polished audio tracks.
Whether you're recording a delicate acoustic guitar line or a powerful vocal performance, the AT2020USB delivers with a frequency response that captures the full spectrum of sound. Its rugged design ensures durability, while the included tripod desk stand offers stability and easy portability. Compatible with both Windows and Mac OS X, this microphone is a practical choice for anyone looking to elevate their audio game with minimal fuss.
Key Features:
- USB output for easy digital recording
- Cardioid pickup pattern for excellent noise isolation
- Built-in headphone jack with volume control for zero-latency monitoring
- Mix control to blend microphone and pre-recorded audio
- 16-bit, 44.1/48kHz sampling rate for high-quality sound
- Comes with a tripod desk stand, USB cable, and storage pouch
- Compatible with Windows and Mac OS X
Product specs
| Brand | Audio-Technica |
| Model | AT2020 USB |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2010s |
| Categories | Microphones |
| Electronics | Digital |
| Microphone Type | Digital/USB, Large-Diaphragm Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Wired/Wireless | Wired |
FAQs
-
Is the Audio-Technica AT2020USB microphone suitable for podcasting?
-
Yes, the Audio-Technica AT2020USB is well-suited for podcasting due to its cardioid polar pattern, which effectively isolates the speaker's voice from background noise, ensuring clear audio capture.
-
Does the Audio-Technica AT2020USB require any additional equipment to connect to a computer?
-
No additional equipment is required. The AT2020USB connects directly to your computer via USB, making it convenient for home studio setups and portable recording.
-
What is the polar pattern of the Audio-Technica AT2020USB, and why is it important?
-
The AT2020USB features a cardioid polar pattern, which is important for capturing sound primarily from the front while minimizing noise from the sides and rear, making it ideal for vocal recordings.
-
Can the Audio-Technica AT2020USB be used for recording music vocals?
-
Yes, the AT2020USB is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone designed to capture detailed and accurate vocal performances, making it suitable for recording music vocals in a home studio environment.
-
How does the Audio-Technica AT2020USB differ from the standard AT2020 model?
-
The primary difference is that the AT2020USB includes a USB connection for direct computer connectivity, whereas the standard AT2020 uses an XLR connection, requiring an audio interface for digital recording.
Equipboard's Expert Review
Equipboard tested this
Go for the AT2020USB+ instead
To set the stage, based on features, price point, and sound quality, the Audio-Technica AT2020USB is frequently compared head-to-head with the Blue Yeti. If you require a USB mic capable of taking on tasks like voice work and recording instruments, we think the AT2020USB is a great match.
Musicians and recording artists might favor the fact that this microphone can be mounted to a shock mount and traditional mic stand. It does however come with a small stand for desktop use.
The Blue Yeti has the AT2020USB beat out in terms of sheer number of features. For instance, the AT2020USB lacks an onboard volume control and headphone jack (the upgraded Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ does have those things).
All in all, the Audio-Technica AT2020USB is one of the best sounding USB mics in its price range (and call us superficial, but it just looks really cool). However, we recommend going with the updated "PLUS" version for the added controls.
Videos
Podcastage
Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Mic Review / Test
Reviews
PROS
-
Exceptional sound quality for vocals and podcasting
-
Built-in monitoring eliminates need for separate audio interface
-
Versatile USB functionality for easy setup
-
Impressive performance on male vocals
-
Positive feedback from YouTube content creators
CONS
-
Requires a preamp for optimal mixing, not feasible with USB version
-
XLR version recommended for those needing preamp connectivity
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Audio-Technica AT2020USB Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone.
Features and functionality
Setup and maintenance
-
Owners find that configuring noise reduction, including spectral noise filtering and noise gating, is crucial for optimal performance in various room conditions.
Source -
Users highlight the importance of using room treatment, such as the Altron PF8, to enhance the microphone's performance in untreated spaces.
Source
Use cases and applications
-
The microphone can be effective for voice acting if the room is well-insulated and low noise, as the mic is sensitive to background sounds.
Source -
The AT2020USB is deemed effective for rap vocals, particularly if users focus on proper EQ and gain settings to optimize recording quality.
Source -
For beginners, dynamic mics may be more forgiving than the AT2020USB due to its sensitivity to ambient noise, which can capture unwanted sounds.
Source -
For voice acting, some users indicate the AT2020USB+ may be preferable over the AT2020USB-X for its richer sound profile.
Source
User experience
-
A user reported experiencing an echo effect when listening back, indicating potential setup issues with levels or drivers that might require troubleshooting.
Source -
One owner criticized the AT2020USB for producing a "tinny" sound, suggesting it might not suit everyone’s tonal preferences.
Source -
The inclusion of an LED light and a mute button on the AT2020USB-X adds functionality not present in the AT2020USB+.
Source
Comparisons
-
Some users prefer the MXL with an interface over the AT2020USB, citing a preference for more traditional setups over USB mics.
Source -
The AT2020USB-X is noted to sound clear but crisp, whereas the AT2020USB+ is preferred for singing due to its sound volume and fuller tone.
Source -
A video review shared by users provides a comparative analysis of various microphones, aiding in informed decision-making for potential buyers.
Source
4.0 out of 5
Based on 7 Reviews and 19 Ratings
109
Middle Grade Go To
I have a lot of microphones, XLR and USB, and out of the USB microphones this one is definitely my favorite. The microphone is very durable (I've dropped it thousands of times and it still works fine), it is widely compatible in boom arms and other holders, and it sounds great. The only issue I have had with it is the USB port going a bit loose, but that was completely my fault.
181
Amazing sound, with a ton of features
The sound quality is what you would expect. Perfect for vocalists laying down scratch tracks, podcasters, etc. I love the built it monitoring. I don't have to break out a separate Audio interface just to use it, the entire mic becomes a USB I/O device. Very clever.
Sturdy and Decent
Pop this XLR verision of this baby into a preamp and it sounds pretty smooth for a ~100 dollar mic
Very good on male vocals
That said, it can be fairly hard to mix in without a preamp- and obviously the usb version can't connect to one.
Get the XLR version
The Best USB Microphone
I've tested several USB microphones and this one is undoubtedly the most powerful for a music producer. Good quality in the recording of voices and instruments.
This review has been translated automatically into English. See originalArtist usage
Add artist
In his cover of "Starboy" by The Weeknd ft. Daft Punk on YouTube, Alex Aiono is seen using the Audio-Technica AT2020USB Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone. Although some might confuse it with the standard AT2020 model, the presence of a USB cable confirms it is indeed the USB version, eliminating the need for an audio interface. Additionally, Aiono uses a different stand, which he purchased separately.
In this video, Dave records a song with James. At 8:58 in the video (when they start recording the vocals), you can see the microphone is an Audio-Technica AT2020USB because the cable is thin and we don't see a xlr to usb interface anywhere in the video. Plus, He is using a portable setup, in this case it is better to use a usb microphone instead of a xlr microphone. Therefore is must be somekind of AT2020 USB variant because Audio-Technica doesn't any other microphone that is usb.
It has been confirmed by wifiskeleton's long-time friend and manager that from 2021 to 2024, wifiskeleton used the Audio-Technica AT2020USB Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone. This information is supported by a screenshot image provided as proof.
Visible in this February 22, 2013 Instagram post and this June 10, 2015 Instagram post. The latter post specifies its recording of birdsong for See Us Through.
Sing birds, sing. You gonna make a record someday. #wakingmorning #seeusthrough2015
Album Usage
The Audio-Technica AT2020USB Cardioid Condenser USB 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.
More Audio-Technica Condenser Microphones
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Condenser Microphones
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
circuitmindGear IQ 454
-