Among the best-selling USB microphones for over a decade has been the extremely widespread Audio-Technica AT2020. Not solely is that this microphone competitively priced, but it surely additionally presents excellent sound seize and can be utilized with nearly any laptop that has a USB port. The Japanese audio model has now up to date the microphone as the brand new AT2020USB-XP, which I’ve been testing for a few weeks.
This AT2020USB-XP is a cardioid condenser USB microphone supreme for podcasting and recording musical devices or singing. This newest iteration has new studio-quality options because of some onboard digital know-how.
With its cardioid directional polar pickup sample, the AT2020USB-XP is a entrance tackle microphone and is extra delicate than dynamic microphones. New to the AT2020USB-XP is an onboard noise discount circuit that filters out undesirable background sounds if you need to report or stream in less-than-ideal circumstances.
The onboard noise-reduction swap has three totally different ranges of noise discount, or the function will be turned off totally to be used in studio circumstances. In the meantime, the brand new computerized acquire management will be switched on to keep up a constant mic output stage no matter how loud or tender the sound being recorded is.
Like all good USB microphones, the AT2020USB-XP has a 3.5mm headphone jack with a high-output amplifier and quantity management that provides zero-latency monitoring with wonderful sound high quality. While you plug a pair of headphones into the microphone, you may hear your voice or instrument alongside the audio sign from the host laptop. That sign may very well be one other music observe you will have already recorded or a dwell feed from Skype, Zoom, or another software program.
To steadiness the sound between your dwell voice and the audio sign from the pc, a monitor combine management on the AT2020USB-XP blends the sign from the 2 sources. The headphone output additionally has a quantity management for setting the over sign.
Not like some USB microphones, the AT2020USB-XP has a sizeable mute button with a tender capacitive contact operate, so the microphone gained’t choose up the sound of the swap being turned on. In broadcast studios, this function is usually known as a cough button and it’s useful in case you really feel a tickly cough approaching or must clear your throat.
The massive distinction between the AT2020USB-XP and its predecessor is the microphone’s high-resolution analog-to-digital converter that may be set to report at a 24-bit/192 kHz sampling price. This increased stage is right for capturing each nuance of an acoustic instrument or a voice. Many USB microphones are restricted to 16-bit/48kHz, so if you wish to seize the highest-resolution sound, the AT2020USB-XP is an inexpensive selection.
The AT2020USB-XP has a built-in grille to guard the delicate condenser capsule that picks up the sound. Contained in the grille is an LED that glows blue when the microphone is dwell and purple when the mute button is engaged. It’s helpful for individuals who concern sizzling mics.
Additionally new to the AT2020USB-XP is a redesigned desktop stand, considerably enhancing the unique mannequin’s unstable tripod-style stand. Audio-Technica has additionally included a clip-on steel pop filter that may tame plosives. If you’d like, it’s also possible to use an optionally available foam microphone defend. Lastly, the microphone’s physique has an ordinary thread for attaching to a stand. A 2m USB-C to USB-A cable and a USB-A to USB-C adapter are additionally included within the field.
Verdict: The Audio-Technica AT2020USB-XP is a worthwhile improve for anybody who is aware of how good the unique AT2020USB was. The additional decision provided by the upgraded analog-to-digital circuit is price the additional cash, particularly for musicians recording at residence. The noise discount and computerized acquire features are wonderful however not essentially important. My favourite function is the superb monitor combine management and the silent mute button. For the cash, the AT2020USB-XP might be among the best hi-res USB microphones in the marketplace.
Pricing & Availability: Audio-Technica’s AT2020USB-XP is obtainable from the Audio-Technica web site for $169 / £149 / €169.
Extra information:
Tech Specs:
- Sort: Condenser.
- Polar pickup sample: Cardioid.
- Interface: USB.
- Headphone monitoring: Sure.
- Monitor combine: Sure.
- Max decision: 24-bit/192kHz.
- Noise discount: Three ranges.
- Computerized acquire management: Sure.
- Equipment: Desk stand, clip-on pop filter, 3/8″-16 to five/8″-27 threaded adapter, 2m (6.6′) USB-C to USB-A cable, USB-A to USB-C adapter.
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