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AT2020 Specification Sheet
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AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Microphone

The AT2020 reviews are in! Click here for details.

Audio-Technica’s stringent quality and consistency standards set the AT2020 apart from other mics in its class. Its low-mass diaphragm is custom-engineered for extended frequency response and superior transient response. With rugged construction for durable performance, the microphone offers a wide dynamic range and handles high SPLs with ease. The AT2020: the new standard for affordable side-address studio condensers.
  • The price/performance standard in side-address studio condenser microphone technology

  • Ideal for project/home-studio applications

  • High SPL handling and wide dynamic range provide unmatched versatility

  • Custom-engineered low-mass diaphragm provides extended frequency response and superior transient response

  • Cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of desired sound source

  • Pivoting, threaded stand mount attaches securely for easy and precise placement of the microphone

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 oz (345 g)
DIMENSIONS 6.38" (162.0 mm) long,
2.05" (52.0 mm) maximum body diameter
OUTPUT CONNECTOR Integral 3-pin XLRM-type
ACCESSORIES FURNISHED 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


SPECIFICATION GRAPHS
Click on the chart to view the larger image
POLAR PATTERN
POLAR PATTERN
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
FREQUENCY RESPONSE



Conditions
AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Overall rating 
4.8 / 5
4.8 / 5
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating breakdown 4 reviews
5 Stars
3
4 Stars
1
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Star
0
Reliability 
4.8 / 5
4.8 / 5
Audio Quality 
4.5 / 5
4.5 / 5
Durability 
4.8 / 5
4.8 / 5
Ease of Use 
4.8 / 5
4.8 / 5
4
4 <a href="http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/happenings/419c6513f828c90d/index.html" target="_blank"><b>The AT2020 reviews are in! Click here for details.</b></a><br/>Audio-Technica's stringent quality and consistency standards set the AT2020 apart from other mics in its class. Its low-mass diaphragm is custom-engineered for extended frequency response and superior transient response. With rugged construction for durable performance, the microphone offers a wide dynamic range and handles high SPLs with ease. The AT2020: the new standard for affordable side-address studio condensers.
Overall rating 
4.8 / 5
4.8 / 5
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating breakdown 4 reviews
5 Stars
3
4 Stars
1
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Star
0
Reliability 
4.8 / 5
4.8 / 5
Audio Quality 
4.5 / 5
4.5 / 5
Durability 
4.8 / 5
4.8 / 5
Ease of Use 
4.8 / 5
4.8 / 5
Product Reviews
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Ratings summary
Overall rating 
4.8 / 5
4.8 / 5
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating breakdown 4 reviews
5 Stars
3
4 Stars
1
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Star
0
Reliability 
4.8 / 5
4.8 / 5
Audio Quality 
4.5 / 5
4.5 / 5
Durability 
4.8 / 5
4.8 / 5
Ease of Use 
4.8 / 5
4.8 / 5
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Product ReviewsWrite a review
Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Solid High Quality Microphone
PostedJanuary 11, 2012
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Jose12
 
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from Puerto Rico
Environment:Computer
Expertise:Intermediate
How Long:Less than a month
Reliability 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Audio Quality 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Durability 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Ease of Use 
5 / 5
5 / 5
I am an audio enthusiast and a gamer, and I got this microphone because I stopped using headsets for gaming, and I started using audio-technica headphones, and I opted for a professional quality microphone, and the quality of this microphone is awesome without doubts. I paired this microphone with a high quality audio interface, and I can tell that this microphone works perfectly on VoIP( Voice over IP), Podcasting, Dialog and much more, A must-have professional microphone for any purpose where the performance and quality is a factor, and affordable for everyone.
Best regards!
Pros Vocals, Voiceover/Dialog, Podcast, Gaming, voice over ip
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Overall rating 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Cost Effective Side Address Microphone
PostedNovember 20, 2011
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UnheardSound
 
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from Central New York
Environment:Studio
Expertise:Intermediate
How Long:Over a year
Reliability 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Audio Quality 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Durability 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Ease of Use 
4 / 5
4 / 5
User submitted photo
Low self-noise, nearly flat frequency response, good sensitivity, with a rugged and durable housing at a very affordable price. Definitely one of the best performer in its class and price range that I actually have two of them in my 100+ personal microphone arsenal.
Pros Other, Vocals, Film/Video Production, Ambience, Voiceover/Dialog
Cons shockmount is available but not included
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Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5
BUILT LIKE A TANK...SOUNDS LIKE AN ANGEL
PostedOctober 20, 2011
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Takman
 
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from Tompkinsville, KY 42167, USA
Environment:Studio
Expertise:Intermediate
How Long:Over a year
Reliability 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Audio Quality 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Durability 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Ease of Use 
5 / 5
5 / 5
I am the GM of a high school radio station and we have three 2020's and two 2021's. Kids can be tough on equipment but these mics keep sounding great day in and day out. I use them to record with, live talk on the air, and even use them on stage occasionally and they never let me down. Way to go AT!!!
Pros Vocals, Field Recording, Guitar, radio broadcasting
+1point
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Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Great Product!
PostedJuly 26, 2011
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Yamahaguitark
 
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from Muskegon, MI
Environment:Studio
Expertise:Intermediate
How Long:Less than a month
Reliability 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Audio Quality 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Durability 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Ease of Use 
5 / 5
5 / 5
I just got this microphone and boy was I suprised. The price was very reasonable and the quality of the mic is great. I use it mostly for vocals in my home studio and it is very warm and responsive. I am looking to use it for a long time.
Pros Voiceover/Dialog
+2points
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(13 Questions : 15 Answers)

Product Q&A

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2 answers

AT2020 not working with mixer

Hey

I've got two types of Audio-Technica mics to use through my mixer. When I plug my two ATR2100-USB they work fine, this is not using the USB jacks, but then when I plug in my AT2020 GarageBand, my audio program, doesn't get any sound.

I tried to plug it into my studio speaker which I use for my piano and that didn't work either. The ATR2100-USB did work on the studio speakers.

I'm wondering if there's a on-off button that I'm missing? Can you let me know what I need to do to fix this.

Thanks for your time.

Bevan
Age: 25-34
User Type: Studio
Experience: Amateur
6 months ago
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Answer: 
You need to make sure that your mixer has phantom power enabled. The AT2020 is a condenser microphone, meaning that you need to have 48v phantom power for it to work. Check your mixer for a button near the channel or on the bakc that will say either +48v or Phantom power, and it should work. you can check your mixer's online webpage to see if it supports phantom power
Age: 18-24
User Type: Studio
Experience: Amateur
5 months, 2 weeks ago
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Canada
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Answer: 
This will need some trouble shooting steps and additional questions to resolve. I suggest that you contact the Audio Solutions Team at (330) 686-2600 ext 5000 and they will be glad to help you with this.
Age: 45-54
Experience: Pro
5 months, 3 weeks ago
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I have the at2020, but I need a way for it to hook it up to my computer. I'm using this mic for studio recording. If anyone can help me with this, it would be well appreciated.
Age: 18-24
User Type: Studio
Experience: Amateur
3 months, 1 week ago
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Answer: 
If I understand your question correctly, you have an AT2020 instead of the AT2020 USB and you want to hook it up to the USB port of your computer. There are a number of manufacturers that make USB adaptor that would allow you to connect a microphone with an XLR connector to a USB port of your computer and provide the phantom power that your condenser microphone requires. To my knowledge, Audio Technica does not have one, and as such, I would guess that it would be ok to tell you that Shure has one called X2U, MXL has the Mic Mate, and Blue has the Icicle.
Age: 45-54
User Type: Other
Experience: Pro
2 months, 1 week ago
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Central New York
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Answer: 
Thank you for your inquiry. In order to connect this to your computer you need an audio interface that provides 48V of phantom power and connects to the computer via USB or firewire. Please be aware there are XLR to USB cables available that will not work with the AT2020 because they do not provide phantom power.
Age: 45-54
Experience: Pro
3 months ago
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Stow, OH
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5 months, 1 week ago
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Answer: 
Thank you for your inquiry. There are many audio interfaces available at many price points, both USB and Firewire that will work with the AT2020. The main consideration is that the interface has XLR inputs and provides a full 48V of phantom power
Age: 45-54
Experience: Pro
5 months, 1 week ago
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Stow, OH
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I'm using the AT2020 going into my USB interface, which then runs into my computer. I hear sound coming out, but when I look at my computer screen nothing happens. When I try to record, I still get no response. What do I need to do to connect the microphone to my DAW so I can use it to record?
Age: Under 18
User Type: Studio
Experience: Novice
4 months, 3 weeks ago
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Pennsylvania
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Answer: 
Thank you for your inquiry. Your question appears to require several trouble shooting steps to find out what the issue is. I suggest that you contact the Audio Solutions Team at (330) 686-2600 ext. 5000 and they will be happy to help.
Age: 45-54
Experience: Pro
4 months, 3 weeks ago
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Stow, OH
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1 answer

Sound Quality of Mic on Male High vocals

I'm having trouble with higher lead male vocals. Trying to sing as softly as possible but still at higher volumn. Works great for mid range and lower vocals. Records acoustic guitar and mandolin great. Has a sort of distortion on the higher notes. Tried standing back a couple feet from mic. No luck. Recording mostly below 0 db. Spiking just above 0 barely. Help. Using Cardoid AT2020 Mic.
Age: 45-54
User Type: Studio
Experience: Amateur
3 months, 2 weeks ago
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Bozeman, MT
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Answer: 
Thank you for your inquiry. The maximum SPL for the AT2020 is 144 dB SPL, so it is doubtful that you are distorting the microphone. I can think of only 2 thinks that could cause this behavior. First, the input gain of your recording device is too high, leaving you no head room or secondly, your recording device is not providing a full 48V of phantom power.
Age: 45-54
Experience: Pro
3 months, 2 weeks ago
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AT2020 : Cardioid Condenser Microphone
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