Table of Contents
In contrast to an omnidirectional microphone, the Audio-Technica AT2020USB-XP has a cardioid polar pickup pattern. Because of this, it is ideally suited for recording sound that is coming from in front of the microphone. The AT2020USB-XP has significantly exceeded its predecessors thanks to the inclusion of both an automatic gain control and a noise reduction feature. Both of these features can be found on the device. When compared to previous microphones in the AT2020 series, the AT2020USB-XP is effective when utilized in a casual recording environment at home. We discovered that these microphones were most useful when they were placed inside of an acoustically treated recording room.
The improved noise reduction isn’t flawless, and it can sound a little strange when it’s turned up to its maximum levels, but it does a good job of making this microphone considerably more adaptable overall. Clipping problems, which plagued earlier versions of the USB AT2020 microphone, are now resolved thanks to the microphone’s automatic gain reduction feature. You can give it a listen down below and form your own opinion about how it sounds.
Audio Technica AT2020USB-XP Specifications
The AT2020 series of microphones from Audio-Technica has been updated with the inclusion of the AT2020USB-XP. It is a microphone that connects to your computer through USB-C and may be used for recording as well as other audio-related duties on your computer.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Controls | Headphone level control, Mix control, Mute, Auto gain control, Noise-reduction |
| Frequency response | 20–20,000Hz |
| Weight | About 375 g (13 oz) |
| Dimensions | 142 mm (5.6″) long, 52 mm (2.0″) maximum body diameter |
| Sample Rate | 44.1 kHz/48 kHz/88.2 kHz/96 kHz/192 kHz* |
Audio Technica AT2020USB-XP review: Design
The AT2020USB-XP is more than just a microphone when it comes to making content. It’s a partner in your artistic journey. It’s like a reliable helper that’s always ready to help you make content that people will want to read. The AT2020USB-XP is made with your needs in mind, whether you’re an artist, podcaster, streamer, or someone who works from home.
The AT2020USB-XP has studio-quality audio, so your material will always sound like it came from a professional studio. It’s like having a recording studio at your fingers, ready to catch your voice in all its richness and nuance. The AT2020USB-XP makes sure that your voice is heard loud and clear when you record a podcast, share a live event, or hold an online meeting.
But the AT2020USB-XP does more than just make good music. It’s also about making things easy. The USB-C plug-and-play feature of the microphone lets you start recording right away. It’s like having a fast-forward button for the setup process, saving you time and effort.
The AT2020USB-XP also has a bunch of extra features that are meant to make your life easy. You can choose from three levels of noise reduction built into the device to get rid of any unwanted room noise. No matter how loud or soft your voice is, the automatic gain control keeps the output levels the same. It’s like having your own personal sound tech who makes sure your sound is just right.
Audio Technica AT2020USB-XP review: Controls
At least its onboard controls have a few distinguishing characteristics. On the front of the body are three controls: a mix control that allows you to choose between direct monitoring and the sound coming from the computer, a headphone volume adjustment, and a huge capacitive mute button. When utilizing the pop filter that is provided in the package, it may be difficult to access the two dials.
The bottom of the device features two additional buttons: one for automated gain control and one for noise reduction. Both of these buttons can be used simultaneously. When turned on, the LEDs in both of them will illuminate. Because the noise reduction can be set to one of three different levels, including off, there are three different LEDs that correlate to each level to indicate the level of noise reduction that is now being used.
Audio Technica AT2020USB-XP review: Sound Quality
Due to the extended frequency response range of the microphone, the recording process will not result in the loss of any nuances. As you can hear in the sample that follows, my voice is clear even without the auto-gain function being on. The subsequent recording, which had auto-gain enabled, did not sound as good and, in essence, made me seem a lot louder than I intended. Again, if you keep your voice low, you should have success with this strategy.
I’m not entirely sure if the clip-on pop filter does a good job of dealing with plosive sounds, despite the fact that it provides a beautiful visual touch. If you conduct a lot of talking in your recordings or produce podcasts, making an investment in a pop filter of a more professional grade might be the best course of action for you to do.
It is important to point out that the AT2020USB-XP only comes with a single polar pattern. This means that it does not have the same level of adaptability as a microphone like the Blue Yeti X, which can handle numerous speakers and a variety of settings.
The AT2020USB-XP is comparable to other products, such as the HyperX Quadcast S and the Elgato Wave 3, in terms of both its audio quality and its cost. In the sound comparison that follows, you can hear how it stacks up against these two other options.
Price and availability
The Audio Technica AT2020USB-XP is not cheap for a USB mic. At $169, £149, or AU$349, it costs more than many of the best USB microphones. It only has one polar pattern and no mic gain control, which is not only limited but also something that some of its competitors have.
For example, the Blue Yeti microphone, which is still one of the most popular choices, costs $129.99 (about £100 or AU$180) and has a strength control and three polar patterns. At least the Audio Technica AT2020USB-XP can record at a higher bit rate and sample rate than the Yeti can (16-bit/48kHz vs. 24-bit/192kHz).
Or, think about the AKG Lyra, a great microphone from a well-known business. It costs $149.00/£149.99/AU$269.00 and has the same high bit rate and sample rate. It also has four polar designs. The Audio Technica AT2020USB-XP has a few benefits over the AKG Ly
Final Words
There are three settings on the Audio Technica AT2020USB-XP that let you change the sound. There is a touch area (not a button) right on the front that lets you mute the microphone. The LED changes from red to blue to show if the microphone is muted or not. Two buttons on the bottom of the microphone let you change the automatic gain control and noise reduction. There are also two dials on the front that let you change the volume and sidetone when your headphones are put in. Some things that other mics have, like a high-pass filter, are not on the AT2020USB-XP.
Audio Technica AT2020USB-XP review: The good and The bad
While you’re streaming content, the Audio-Technica AT2020USB-XP has this feature, which helps suppress the sound of an air conditioner or people conversing in the background.
The Good
- Included accessories
- Build quality
The Bad
- No mic gain control
Questions and Answers
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are the best headphones for studio use that have a closed back. Closed-back headphones are good for jobs like recording audio because their design helps block out some background noise. This means you can still hear what’s going on around you while listening to your audio.
The company has a great name in the pro audio world for its sound quality, dependability, and relatively low prices. With Audio-Technica mics, you can get a rich studio sound for a fraction of the price of, say, more expensive studio staples. In fact, many people think that A-T gear is strong and reliable.