Audio-Technica AT2020 – The legendary cardioid XLR microphone for home studios, vocals & instruments
Introducing the AT2020, the iconic and critically acclaimed cardioid condenser microphone that has set a new benchmark for performance, reliability, and quality for more than 15 years. It has become a top choice among creators, podcasters, musicians, and voice-over artists looking for professional sound without exceeding their budget.
Designed to reveal every sonic detail with precision, the AT2020 redefined what a studio microphone could offer at an affordable price. Its lightweight, highly sensitive diaphragm – powered via a standard XLR connection and 48 V phantom power – accurately captures every nuance of vocals or instruments, ensuring a natural and detailed sound reproduction.
The cardioid microphones from Audio-Technica feature a heart-shaped pickup pattern that focuses on the source placed directly in front of them. This directionality naturally reduces sound coming from the sides and rear, improving isolation and delivering cleaner, more accurate and controlled recordings.
Backed by over half a century of Japanese audio engineering, the AT2020 makes studio-grade recording accessible to anyone exploring content creation: podcasting, voice-over, singing, guitar, acoustic instruments or home-studio production.
The AT2020 also has a sibling, the AT2020USB, designed for plug-and-play USB recording. The AT2020 (XLR) is ideal for users equipped with an interface providing 48 V phantom power who require maximum studio compatibility and reliability.
As a member of the 20 Series, this model follows the same philosophy: delivering professional, versatile and accessible audio capture for all creators.
Technical Specifications:
- Type: Side-address XLR condenser microphone
- Capsule: Fixed-charge electret condenser
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency response: 20 – 20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: -37 dB (14.1 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa
- Maximum SPL: 144 dB SPL (1 kHz, 1% T.H.D.)
- Dynamic range: 124 dB (1 kHz, at max SPL)
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 74 dB (1 kHz, 1 Pa)
- Power requirements: 48 V DC phantom power (2 mA typical)
- Connector: Integrated 3-pin XLRM
- Dimensions: Length 162 mm; max body diameter 52 mm
- Weight: 345 g
- Included accessories: AT8466 pivoting stand mount (5/8"-27), 5/8"-27 → 3/8"-16 adapter, protective soft pouch
Key Points:
- A long-standing industry reference for over 15 years in home studios.
- Unbeatable price-to-performance ratio in side-address condenser microphones.
- Lightweight diaphragm delivering extended frequency response and excellent transient detail.
- High SPL handling (144 dB) ideal for vocals, singing and instruments.
- Cardioid pickup pattern optimized to reduce ambient noise and isolate the source.
- Universal compatibility thanks to the standard XLR output.
- Pivoting stand mount included for precise and stable positioning.
- Built to last with Audio-Technica’s renowned robust construction.
- Part of the 20 Series: studio-quality sound accessible to everyone.
