The AT2020USB-XP is a new addition to Audio-Technica’s AT2020 microphone sequence. This can be a USB-C microphone this is intended for use for recordings and different computer-related audio duties. Alternatively, because it’s according to a microphone designed for studio paintings, is it in reality the proper selection for other people simply short of a microphone for paintings conferences?
Editor’s observe: that is the primary model of the object. Updates will practice because the marketplace adjustments.
About this Audio-Technica AT2020USB-XP assessment: We examined the Audio-Technica AT2020USB-XP over a length of 1 week. The corporate supplied the unit for this assessment.
The Audio-Technica AT2020USB-XP is, firstly, a studio microphone and is most suitable for musical performances or recording podcasts. Alternatively, it’s additionally helpful as a microphone for voice and video calls. For those who’re a Twitch streamer, chances are you’ll wish to imagine the remainder of your house, because the microphone’s touchy design is liable to pick out up the sounds of button presses all the way through video games.
What’s it like to make use of the Audio-Technica AT2020USB-XP?
Integrated within the field are two equipment that make it simple to arrange the microphone and get running instantly: a tabletop stand and a pop clear out.
The Audio-Technica AT2020USB-XP is definitely built and durable, made basically out of steel. This can be a condenser microphone with a cardioid pickup development, similar to the opposite AT2020 sequence microphones. It comes with two other equipment that make it simple to arrange and use: a desktop stand that screws into the ground and helps to keep it upright on a flat floor; and a pop clear out that snaps into position in entrance of the microphone. You’ll be able to plug your headphones into the again of the microphone with a view to have it deal with each enter and output tasks, fairly than depending on an audio interface. It’s additionally imaginable to mount it on any same old microphone stand.
How do you keep watch over the Audio-Technica AT2020USB-XP?
The largest trade to this new style are those two buttons at the backside for adjusting the achieve and noise relief settings.
The Audio Technica AT2020USB-XP has 3 onboard controls that will let you modify the sound. At once at the entrance is a splash floor (no longer a button) that lets you mute the microphone, which adjustments the LED from crimson or blue to suggest whether or not it’s muted or no longer. At the backside of the microphone are two buttons to regulate the automated achieve keep watch over and the noise relief. There also are two dials at the entrance that will let you modify quantity and sidetone, which most effective practice in case you have your headphones plugged into it. The AT2020USB-XP lacks some options discovered on different microphones, comparable to a high-pass clear out, however this will also be accomplished with some virtual EQ to make up for it. Given the 24 Bit and 192 kHz solution to be had, modifying after the truth isn’t a large factor.
How does the Audio-Technica AT2020USB-XP attach?
The Audio-Technica AT2020USB-XP is simple to get arrange. Attached with the integrated USB-C cable, it even works on Linux.
The Audio-Technica AT2020USB-XP connects the usage of a normal USB-C cable. A USB-C to USB-A twine is integrated within the field, however you’ll be able to simply change it for a USB-C to USB-C will have to you want to. There’s no strategy to attach it by the use of XLR, so if that’s this sort of microphone you’re on the lookout for, you’re more than likely testing our XLR microphone highest record.
No, the AT2020USB-XP does no longer require an exterior energy supply, only a unmarried USB-C cable, of which one is integrated within the field.
How does the Audio-Technica AT2020USB-XP sound?
The AT2020USB-XP sounds higher in a much broader vary of recording environments than its predecessor.
The Audio-Technica AT2020USB-XP has a cardioid polar pickup development, making it best for shooting sound from in entrance of it, versus an omnidirectional microphone. With the addition of an automated achieve keep watch over and a noise relief function, the AT2020USB-XP has in reality surpassed its predecessors. In comparison to prior AT2020 sequence microphones, the place we discovered them probably the most helpful inside of an acoustically handled recording house, the AT2020USB-XP is valuable when utilized in an informal recording surroundings at house.
The new noise relief isn’t highest, and will sound a little bit unnatural when at the upper settings, nevertheless it does an efficient activity of creating this a a lot more flexible microphone. The automated achieve relief additionally solves clipping problems that haunted the former iteration of USB AT2020 microphone. You’ll be able to pay attention under and pass judgement on for your self the way it sounds, in addition to examine it to our earlier AT2020USB-X assessment.
Audio-Technica AT2020USB-XP microphone demo:
Audio-Technica AT2020USB-XP microphone demo with noise relief:
How does the microphone sound to you?
4 votes
Must you purchase the Audio-Technica AT2020USB-XP?
It’s a little bit bizarre that the mute button isn’t a real button, however having it’s a touch-sensitive pad cuts down on mechanical noise.
The Audio-Technica AT2020USB-XP is a notable step up from the former style. Whilst it’s dearer than its predecessor, the enhancements do so much to justify that worth trade. The design and building has been constantly forged around the AT2020 sequence of microphones, however now we after all have powerful sound high quality to check. This microphone is a lot more flexible, and can be utilized in a much broader vary of environments, and for extra functions. For those who’re on the lookout for a center of the variability microphone to start out podcasting or streaming, this can be an ideal possibility for you, particularly in case your acoustic surroundings is sub optimum.
Audio-Technica AT2020USB-XP
Noise relief and achieve keep watch over • Integrated equipment • Construct high quality
Whilst no microphone is perfect for each and every scenario, the Audio-Technica AT2020USB-XP does so much to strengthen at the sound of its predecessor. It will probably take on a broader vary of environments due to its new options whilst nonetheless turning in the similar nice construct high quality as the remainder of the AT2020 sequence.
What will have to you get as a substitute of the Audio-Technica AT2020USB-XP?
It’s one of the vital dearer choices available on the market, however there’s a reason the SM7B has grow to be ubiquitous in podcasting since its liberate.
Whilst this is a excellent microphone, the AT2020USB-XP isn’t appropriate to each and every scenario chances are you’ll wish to use it for. For those who’re short of one thing for a louder surroundings or for streaming whilst taking part in with one thing like a mechanical keyboard, then a gaming headset will paintings higher. If you wish to have a microphone basically for podcasting, then perhaps chances are you’ll wish to imagine competition in the similar product class, both the inexpensive HyperX DuoCast or the dearer Shure MV7. For those who’re short of to do skilled studio paintings with tools then you may want an XLR microphone as a substitute of a USB one, through which case chances are you’ll wish to imagine the inexpensive unique AT2020, the top class workhorse Shure SM7B, or each and every studio engineer’s highest good friend: the Shure SM57.
Regularly requested questions
The AT2020USB-XP is the latest model of the AT2020 circle of relatives of microphones, an replace to remaining yr’s AT2020USB-X. The largest trade is the addition of an automated achieve keep watch over and noise relief button, which in reality improves the sound in any surroundings that isn’t a recording studio.
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