Audio-Technica AT2020: Complete Review
The Audio-Technica AT2020 is the best-selling condenser microphone in history. $99, 20dB-A self-noise (quiet!), bright cardioid pattern. Perfect for vocals, acoustic instruments, podcasts. The go-to budget home studio mic for 15+ years. At $99, it's hard to beat.
📊 Technical Specs
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Price | $99 |
| Type | Condenser cardioid (XLR) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz |
| Self-Noise | 20dB-A (very quiet) |
| SPL Max | 144dB (loud sources OK) |
| Impedance | 100Ω |
| Phantom Power | 48V required (condenser) |
| Included | Thread adapter, pouch |
| Weight | 345g |
| Warranty | 1 year |
🎤 Sound: Bright, Detailed, Clear
Signature Tone
- Bright highs: +3dB at 8-12kHz (presence/air)
- Neutral mids: Transparent (no color)
- Tight bass: No muddy low-end
- Detail: Captures breath, room ambiance (sensitive!)
Best For
- Vocals (pop, rock, acoustic)
- Acoustic guitar (bright strumming)
- Podcasts (clear speech)
- Piano/strings (room recording)
NOT ideal for: Untreated rooms (picks up everything), aggressive rap (too bright, use SM7B), loud guitar amps (use dynamic).
🔇 20dB-A Self-Noise: Why It Matters
What Is Self-Noise?
Self-noise = mic's internal electronic noise. Lower = cleaner recordings.
| Mic | Self-Noise | Quality |
|---|---|---|
| AT2020 | 20dB-A | Very good |
| Rode NT1-A | 5dB-A | Exceptional (world record) |
| Budget condensers | 25-30dB-A | OK (slight hiss) |
Verdict: AT2020 at 20dB-A is excellent for $99. NT1-A is quieter but costs $169.
⚡ Phantom Power Required (48V)
What You Need
AT2020 is a condenser mic = needs 48V phantom power:
- Audio interface: Most have 48V button (Scarlett, Volt, SSL...)
- Mixer: Check if 48V phantom available
- Standalone phantom supply: $30-50 if your device lacks it
Warning: Always turn OFF phantom when unplugging (protects mic + interface).
⚖️ AT2020 vs Competition
| Mic | Price | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT2020 | $99 | Condenser | Budget all-around (bright, detailed) |
| Rode NT1-A | $169 | Condenser | Premium vocals (5dB-A noise, warmer) |
| Shure SM7B | $399 | Dynamic | Broadcast/untreated rooms (rejects noise) |
| Shure SM58 | $99 | Dynamic | Live stage (less detailed) |
| AKG P120 | $79 | Condenser | Cheaper condenser (more noise) |
Verdict: AT2020 = best $99 condenser. NT1-A = upgrade if budget allows. SM7B = better for untreated rooms.
🏠 Room Treatment Warning
Condensers Are Sensitive
AT2020 picks up EVERYTHING:
- Computer fan noise
- Room reflections (echo)
- Street sounds, neighbors
Recommendations:
- Minimum: Foam panels behind + reflection filter
- Better: Bass traps in corners + absorption panels
- Budget hack: Record in closet (clothes absorb sound)
If your room is untreated → consider dynamic mic (SM7B, SM58) instead.
✅ Verdict
Strengths
- ✅ $99 (unbeatable value)
- ✅ 20dB-A self-noise (very clean)
- ✅ Bright detailed sound (pro quality)
- ✅ 144dB SPL max (handles loud sources)
- ✅ Best-selling condenser (proven reliability)
- ✅ Works with any 48V interface
Weaknesses
- ❌ Bright tone (can be harsh on sibilance)
- ❌ Picks up room noise (needs treatment)
- ❌ No accessories (need pop filter, stand separately)
- ❌ Cheaper build vs NT1-A (plastic mount)
🛒 Where to Buy AT2020
AT2020: $99 (mic only)
AT2020 USB+: $149 (USB version for podcasting)
Buy on Audio-Technica View on Thomann🎯 Final Verdict
The AT2020 is the best $99 mic you can buy. Period. Bright detailed sound, 20dB-A low noise, proven reliability. Perfect first condenser mic for home studios. BUT you need a treated room (condenser sensitivity).
Worth it?
- YES if: Budget $100, have treated room, recording vocals/acoustic, need bright detailed sound
- NO if: Untreated room (get SM7B/SM58 dynamic instead), want warmth (NT1-A better), budget under $100 (save more)
Who is it for? Beginner home studios (first "real" mic), singer-songwriters, podcasters with treatment, acoustic recordings. Used by millions globally for 15+ years.