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There are many reasons for the universal praise the AT2020 has inspired. A-T's renowned quality and consistency standards aare evident in details like it's low mass diaphragm, painstakingly engineered for extended frequency response and superior transient response. The microphone offers an extremely wide dynamic range and handles high SPL's effortlessly.
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Technical Details
- The price/performance standard in side-address studio condenser microphone technology- Custom-engineered low-mass diaphragm provides extended frequency response and superior transient response
- High SPL handling and wide dynamic range provide unmatched versatility
- The price/performance standard in side-address studio condenser microphone technology^Ideal for project
- The price/performance standard in side-address studio condenser microphone technology Ideal for project/home-studio
- Cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup from sides and rear
- High SPL- Handling and a wide dynamic range
- Rugged, all metal construction
- The Price and Performance standard in it's class
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By Lynn Breaux (New Iberia, LA United States)
I tried to post a review before, but I'm thinking I didn't specify I was over 13, so it didn't go through. I'm 55. I bought two of these on the advice of my equipment supplier, who has never lead me wrong before. He didn't lead me wrong this time either. I've used these on acoustic guitar, backing vocals, spoken word for a radio show, percussion and guitar cabinets. For the money, I've not found anything as versatile. I wouldn't put them everywhere I'd put a SM57, but they are purported to take high spl's well. I just didn't want to break something I use so much. I bought two more as well as a USB version.
By In H. Joh (Atlanta, GA USA)
This mic does its job. I am giving 5 starts for the value.
Pros:
1) Affordable price
2) Low noise: I was actually quite surprised when I heard my test recording. Even after signal amplification, I do not hear much noise.
Cons:
1) Small gain: Since I use it mainly for instrumental recording, the gain is a bit low for me. From 2 feet away, a series of amplification is a must, but it works out all right due to low noise. I am not sure for vocal works.
2) Weak bass: You won't hear much bass from this.
3) Sound getting lumped: Although being neutral, the sound still comes flat.
Overall, I am impressed with this. My complaints won't go away unless spending ~$1000.
By D. Davis
This is a wonderful microphone. I use it to record interviews in the field instead of a shotgun set up. It is more hassle to use because it requires phantom power. But it provides a clean, clear, warm voice print.
I also plan to use it to record my children's musical performances here at home. So for home concerts and for my field work, this mic works for me.
DD
By B. King (IDF, France)
I have a couple other condensor mikes with shock mounts in the same price range, but this one is the best. Not sure you can do much better for anywhere near the price. I loaned one to a friend and he immediately returned his mike to the shop for one of these. Nice neutral sound, solid construction, I use it with a tube amp to get some non-linear compression for voice.
By D. Lockman (Southern California, United States)
I was especially fortunate and got a new one for around [...]
making this beautiful-sounding vocal mic
a spectacular bargain for the home-recording musician or audio-blogger.
I don't know of any truly-decent large-diaphragm condensers with
the full 1" diaphragm size for under [...] (don't be a sucker for the
super-cheapies that look so big & cool). The AT2020 has a 2/3-inch diaphragm size, but
sounds better & bigger than anything else I have ever heard in the price range.
If you can spend [...]on a wonderful AT2035 or maybe a Studio Projects mic,
then by-all means, do it.
But the AT2020 [...]on all competition under [...], IMO.
I use it with the Studio Projects VTB1 Mic Preamp and the sound is B-I-G.
The AT2020 and the VTB1 are definitely a sweet pair together.
Although, I suspect any decent preamp used properly with the AT2020
would sound pretty darn good.
And DO use a preamp, even if only a $30 Art Tube MP.
Count on buying the 2 items together.
The pre will "send your AT2020 to the gym", by giving it
a thicker, fuller, BETTER sound.
The thing to remember with preamps is to
try to get close to the *loudest possible clean sound*
coming out of the preamp and generate
a BIG signal going IN to the recording device, which should
have its input gain quite LOW (maybe like "2" or even "1").
Watch your clipping/overload levels,
listen for any audible noise or distortion in the recording,
and make adjustments to cut those sound flaws, if they are present.
For vocals,
Experiment with going as loud as you can from the preamp while still sounding CLEAN,
until you find you particular setup's "sweet spot".
"Straight-up" dial-settings is often around where you end up.
The AT2020, used with a decent pre like the one I have (there are many others),
should get you a serious studio vocal sound
with pro-quality clarity and little coloration.
IMO, it's got to be the world champ of under-[...]studio Condenser Mics,
at least right now (in 2009),
until something more miraculous comes along.
And if you are presently recording vocals with
something like an SM58, moving up to the AT2020
with a modest preamp will absolutely blow your mind--Much "bigger" sounding,
with much finer detail, presence and clarity.
I hear this mic is good for miking electric guitar cabs
and various percussion too.
But voice is its forte, I believe.
It's a gem.
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Buy Audio Technica AT2020 Side Address Cardiod Condensor Studio Mic Now
