Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ Cardioid Condenser Microphone

Audio Technica designed this mic for users’ voices, whether they use it to stream game-play over Twitch, participate in VoIP conference calls, or sing over productions they’ve created on their laptop.

The mic will operate with both Mac and Windows computers as well as tablets, so long as you have the compatible adapter for mobile devices (available separately). No preamp, interface, converter, or mixer are necessary for recording your voice.

The microphone makes use of a directional cardioid polar pattern to minimize off-axis sound. This polar pattern naturally yet effectively tamps down room tone and focuses the audio capture on what’s directly in front of the mic, so everyone can clearly hear your voice.

The mic offers a headphone jack for monitoring. Just plug a pair of headphones into the AT2020USB’s 3.5mm jack, and you’ll be able to listen to your broadcast-quality audio in all its glory. A convenient volume dial helps you raise or lower the headphone volume, so you won’t have to change the volume on your computer or your recording software to hear audio at your desired level. Finally, the mic gives you a blend knob, which comes in handy for recording music. You can use it to adjust the balance between your mic’s pickup and any pre-recorded audio; adjust this knob to your liking, and you won’t hear any latency as you record.

When you use the AT2020USB+, you’ll have access to a high-quality headphone amp built right into the housing. The audio streaming from the mic into your headphones will be clear, strong, and free from any noise you don’t want to hear.

The mic records audio at sample rates and resolutions up to 16-bit or 48 kHz, giving you the broadcast standard for media playback. When it comes to the digital technology in this mic, you need not worry about recording a substandard sound.

With the included tripod stand, mic mount, and USB cable, you can get up and running right away. Simply place the mic in the mount, attach the mount to the stand, and run the USB cable from your ATUSB2020+ into your computer. When you’re done, stow the mic in the included pouch for safekeeping.