The Audio-Technica AT2020 is a legendary microphone. Launched in 2004, it is their first 20-series microphone and turned out to be their best-selling model, surpassing 1 million units in 2021, thanks to their affordable price point for a studio-quality sound. I actually bought one myself in 2007 and it’s still with me today. You can still buy one in Singapore for S$138, but it requires an XLR connector and an audio interface with 48V phantom power to power the microphone.
Launched in 2022, the AT2020USB-X retails for S$188 in Singapore and has a built-in USB interface which allows you to connect directly to any computer via the USB port to power the mic and do recordings. It also has additional controls on the mic itself., like a touch-sensitive mute button that lets you mute the mic without any moving part that can generate noise.
During operation, the blue LED lights up from inside the condenser pickup chamber, while the red LED indicates mute.
You can plug a 3.5mm headphones directly to the AT2020USB-X, effectively doubling as an external audio interface and a no-latency mic monitor. A mixer slider lets you balance between the mic monitor level and the computer audio level, while a separate volume knob adjusts the headphones loudness.
The mic stand keeps the mic firm and steady on the surface, but if you have an existing mic stand, you can also mount it via the included 5/8-inch adapter.
To compare the AT2020USB-X with my 15-year-old AT2020, I used two separate computers to record the mics simultaneously. The recording waveform appears slightly different at some sections because the mics are extremely sensitive so during my test, my voice might hit one of the mics more than the other.
I find that both mics record sound identically, as if they are recorded from the same mic.
Verdict
The AT2020USB-X is the modern cardioid condenser mic for the new generation content creators who connect devices to USB and wants to experience the classic AT2020 sound. It would be fabulous if the AT2020USB-X comes also with an XLR connector, just like the Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB dynamic mic. The AT2020USB-X retails in Singapore for S$188, available at Audio-Technica outlets and music retail shops. Visit the official SEA product website for more product info.
