Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Studio XLR Microphone, Ideal for Project/Home Studio Applications
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No, an XLR cable and a stand are not included.
Yes, if you're using a converter box. Because phantom power is required (three prong, cylindrical shape), this model uses an XLR interface. This model can be used for around $100 if you buy a USB converter box. I use an AKAI professional ($250) with up to four microphones and four outputs, as well as a USB cable. All of this being said, you can just buy an "AT2020 USB" and skip the whole thing. There is no additional equipment to purchase because it connects directly to the laptop. Warning: If you use an AT2020 USB, it will deplete your battery life; you must keep your machine plugged in if you want to use it for an extended period of time. The following are the reasons: The mic consumes about 40 volts of power, and audio recording and engineering is a processor-intensive task (more CPU work = more power consumed), as well as a large amount of memory, so your HDD will be constantly running. br>If you're just having fun with it, get the USB and save some cash. If you want to do more serious work, the XLR is the way to go because it works with higher-end gear.
Yes, and speaking INTO THE BLUE LIGHT BEHIND THE SCREENS IS VERY IMPORTANT. That's the one I'm talking about- "sweet spot" in a particular direction. "And, since you didn't ask, I use the free software "Audacity" to record (as do most of my professional colleagues now stuck at home). " Some users have discovered that if you plug in the mic after loading Audacity, it may not recognize the AT2020 as a microphone option, and while it will still record, the results will be unsatisfactory. If this happens, simply restart Audacity and select the AT2020 option after plugging the USB into your computer.
Yes, you can use the monitor dial on the mic to toggle between PC and your own sound, or adjust the balance until it's right for you. (I'm speaking into a microphone while wearing headphones)
Selected User Reviews For Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Studio XLR Microphone, Ideal for Project/Home Studio Applications
I felt compelled to make a short 6. because this mic was so much better than I expected from a USB device. Video review of 5 minutes. I used the mic to record the audio for this review, and I hope the high-quality sound will aid you in your search for a mic that performs well beyond its price point. BTW - If you want a better audio experience while watching this video, I recommend using some good headphones. In summary, it's a well-built, high-quality microphone with a crisp, low-noise sound that's simple to set up and use. I hope this has been of assistance.
Be aware that this is not a USB microphone, and that using it with a PC will necessitate a significant amount of effort and additional products. I had to learn this the hard way, and I can only assume that some others are just as stupid as me. I returned it and replaced it with the USB version, which is excellent.
Except in high-end recording studios, I've been recording for 50 years, both music and audio books, and this is the best mic I've ever used. The distinction between those at the top of the food chain and those at the bottom is significant. What's the difference between this one and the other end microphones? "About a thousand dollars," my engineer says, smiling.
If you're new to audio interfaces, you should start with this mic. Don't squander your cash on a low-cost alternative. On a Scarlet 2i2, this mic sounds fantastic.
Edit: br>I'm editing this review to express my disappointment with AT support; I've been using this mic successfully for the past 40 days, despite the fact that the mic's USB driver died just after the first 40 days (just past the return window). I recently attempted to use it with JamKazam. The issue is that, according to JamKazam, the input and output rates do not match. It's also impossible to make it work. br>After AT receives the microphone, it takes about 10 days for it to be repaired. Shipping is not included in this price. If you ship it UPS Next Day, they'll repair it faster and return it the same day, but by the time I pay for that, I'd rather invest in a new mic like a Rode or go back to using a Yeti. Even though the Yeti didn't have the same sound quality, it was as solid as a brick and lasted for two years before the USB controller failed. (In addition, it is less expensive. ) Original Review: br>br>Original Review: br>br>Original Review: br>br>O br>How come I didn't give this a five-star rating? There's only one reason for this. After about 40 minutes, After 45 days of ownership, it began to appear as a Generic USB Mic. After some research, I discovered that this is a fairly common microphone issue. Unfortunately, if you want it repaired, you'll have to pay to have it shipped to Audio-Technica. Technica does not guarantee that the repair will not be charged to you. You've also been without a microphone for an unknown amount of time. Before this happened, I owned a Blue Yeti for about two years. Fortunately, even after the driver issue, this mic can still be used. I've already tried a different cable and a different computer, just in case any readers are curious. It's the mic that's causing the issue. I'm aware that this can happen with USB microphones, but it should only happen after a long period of use. br>On the plus side, and the reason I gave it four stars despite the software issues, the sound quality is far superior to a Blue Yeti, even after the driver issue. It's also lightweight, allowing it to easily attach to a boom mic stand without tipping it over. I adore everything Audio Technica produces, and even if this is their worst product, it's only one of many excellent ones. br>However, if you want something that will work as advertised for a longer period of time, I would recommend the Yeti or a Rode.
Condenser mic in the vicinity This is essentially the all-in-one solution. Grunt mic for the working class. It's reasonably priced, and in a controlled environment, the sound quality is excellent. The only other condenser mic that matches this guy for the price is the MXL 990. br>br>Condenser mics are not meant to be used during live performances in general, so you should be aware of this. br>br>In terms of condenser mics, the only other one that matches this guy for the price is the MXL 990. I believe the reproduction in 2020 will be warmer. br>br>In terms of quality, I've dropped this mic a couple of times (I know, that's a no-no for condenser mics) and it's still working fine; my MXL 990 broke on the first drop.
Prosbr>* Excellent recording quality. br>* Solid constructionbr>br>Consbr>* A little unwieldy to use on a deskbr>br>Suggestions: br>* To do this, you'll need a boom microphone floor stand. br>* Install a pop filter on your computer. br>* Please keep in mind that this is not a noise-canceling microphone. It will pick up on your neighbor's dog barking and people conversing in the next room. br>br>The benefits of a large condenser microphone, in my opinion, are primarily (1) excellent quality, (2) sensitivity, and (3) the microphone's ability to gracefully overload. That is, it does not simply latch on the power supply rail. It slows down as it gets closer to the power supply rail. As a result, the signal is rounded and does not suffer from the harsh cold distortion that is common with dynamic, electret, or piezo microphones. Another way of putting it is that the response is non-responsive. When the sound pressure is high, the line becomes linear. This is, fortunately, a useful feature. It produces a "warmer" sound and allows you to record at higher volumes than you could otherwise. To put it another way, it has a tube-like response. br>br>With built-in headphone monitoring, this microphone produces high-quality sound. Is it simple to set up the software? That is correct. Most software drivers for USB devices take a few tries to install, and this one is no exception. It's possible that you'll have to close other programs, restart a few times, and so on, but it'll eventually get installed and everything will be fine. br>br>I'm not a musician, but I've been an audiophile for a long time and can tell a good microphone from a bad one.
This was a birthday present for my son. It's what he uses to broadcast live. The sound and quality are excellent. To make it work, I had to purchase additional cables and a microphone stand. I'd double-check that you have all of the cables; my son was thrilled to receive it, but he had to wait several days for the cables before he could use it.
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