Question: How can I maximize audio quality (resolution) on my AT2020USB-XP microphone?

Answer: The AT2020USB-XP microphone is a professional upgrade of the popular AT2020USB-X microphone, retaining many features from that mic while adding an improved high-resolution analog-to-digital converter and onboard digital signal processing. The advanced converter supports multiple sample rates, with recording resolution up to 24-bit/192 kHz for extremely clear, natural sound capture. To take advantage of this high-quality converter, it is important that the sample rate for the microphone (input device) be set the same in both the computer and the recording program, otherwise you may experience inconsistencies in playback speed and pitch. In some scenarios it may be desirable to utilize a higher sampling rate and bit depth. Supported sampling rates are noted below.

44.1 kHz/48 kHz/88.2 kHz/96 kHz/192 kHz

Note that sampling at 192 kHz requires the headphone output be set at 16-bit. Although recording at 24-bit/192 kHz is supported, playback can only handle 16-bit (per channel) as this is a stereo signal.

For Windows

Open Sound settings, select the Recording tab, select Microphone AT2020USB-XP as the default recording device, then click on the Properties button.

Select the Advanced tab, and set your preferences for the default recording format to 1 channel, 24 bit, 192000 Hz.

Click OK.

In Your Recording Program

Go to Audio Settings > select Microphone AT2020USB-XP as the Recording (input) Device > channels should be 1 (Mono) > set the Default Sample Rate to 192000 Hz > set the Default Sample Format to 24-bit.

Select the Playback tab in Windows Sound settings, select Headphones AT2020USB-XP as the default Playback device, then click on the Properties button.

Click on the Advanced tab in the Headphones Properties window and set the default playback format to 2 channel, 16-bit, 192000 Hz. NOTE: The recording and playback sample rates must be set the same, otherwise the microphone’s LED will continue blinking to indicate there is a problem. You may receive an error message from your recording program indicating there is a mismatch in the sample rates and/or the microphone will not be recorded.

Click OK.

Click OK to close the Sound window.

In Your Recording Program

Go to Audio Settings > select AT2020USB-XP as the Playback Device.

For Mac

Open Audio MIDI Setup, select AT2020USB-XP as the Input device. Set your preferences for the default recording format to 1 channel, 24-bit, 192.0 kHz.

Select AT2020USB-XP as the Output device. Set the Default Format to 2 channel, 16-bit, 192.0 kHz.

If you have any questions regarding the AT2020USB-XP microphone, please contact the Audio Solutions Team for further information.