Note: requires 48 V phantom power
With the AT2020, Audio-Technica offers an affordable large-diaphragm condenser microphone that packs a punch. Audio-Technica's microphone is the most affordable large-diaphragm microphone, which is not to say that any corners have been cut. It is a pleasant-sounding microphone for ambitious beginners and advanced users alike, ideal for making professional-sounding vocal recordings. But other applications are also possible. The Audio-Technica AT2020 comes with a mount to attach it to a microphone stand and a high-quality leatherette case to protect it from bumps, scratches, and exposure to the elements during transport and storage.
The Audio-Technica AT2020 exhibits a fairly linear mapping of frequencies in its frequency spectrum from 20Hz to 20kHz, i.e. the entire audible range. There is only a slight boost in the frequency range between 5kHz and 10kHz, but this may be intentional, as it can emphasize the brightness of a vocal recording, for example. The AT2020's polar pattern is a non-adjustable cardioid, which is sufficient for the vast majority of applications. A/B and ORTF stereophony are therefore quite feasible with two AT2020s, which also makes it a conceivable choice as an overhead microphone.
No (home) studio should be without a good large-diaphragm condenser microphone, as it is the top choice for recording vocals and acoustic instruments. The proximity effect adds a flattering touch to vocals, but the AT2020 is also a great microphone for guitar amps. The Audio-Technica AT2020 also performs very well on piano and acoustic guitar. Only close-up miking on the drums should be done with caution, as the AT2020 does not have a pad circuit, but the maximum SPL is 144dB, so there should be no problems.
The Japanese company Audio-Technica was founded in 1962 and at first manufactured affordable phono cartridges. The company has since become acclaimed for a whole range of quality audio products. Audio-Technica released their first headphones in 1974. The company later gained huge popularity among musicians with the release of the AT4060 tube microphone. Audio-Technica focuses on high-quality components at affordable prices. Today, their product rang offers a wide variety of microphones, headphones, and turntables as well as many other accessories.
The Audio-Technica is a good large-diaphragm condenser microphone stripped down to the essentials. Audio-Technica's focus when designing the AT2020 was on flawless sound rather than extra frills and accessories. It is a high-quality microphone for vocal recordings in the studio or at home, but also performs well when used for other applications. In addition, it has a very sturdy grille and housing, so it will last for many years to come. You should definitely take a look at the Audio-Technica AT2020 if you're looking for an affordable microphone with an excellent price-performance ratio that sounds great and is also very versatile on top of that.