A USB version must have seemed a no-brainer to Audio-Technica, and the AT2020 USB was released a few years ago.

One thing we love the most about the Audio Technica AT2020USB+ Cardioid Condenser is the design aesthetic.Overall the Audio Technica AT2020USB+ is an amazing USB condenser microphone, and we can see why it's found so much popularity with the podcast community.

This isn't exceptional but it's adequately low for typical close-miked studio applications, which is precisely what this mic is intended for. Headphones are plugged into the mini-jack socket on the side of the mic and a thumbwheel potentiometer governs the headphone level, while another adjusts the balance between the direct signal from the mic (for latency-free monitoring) andthe computer's stereo output. The latest addition to the 2020 stable, the AT2020 USB+ addresses precisely this deficiency, and bundled accessories include a conventional stand-mounting swivel clamp, a small tripod desk stand and a 10 foot USB cable.

Luckily, most audio interfaces include switchable phantom power, so you shouldn’t let this deter you from purchasing the Audio-Technica AT2020. Featuring a custom-engineered low-mass diaphragm, this microphone provides extended frequency response and superior transient response. The AT2031 was released in 2011 to provide a cost-effective recording solution for stringed instruments in both live and studio applications. It is a pleasant-sounding microphone for ambitious beginners and advanced users alike, ideal for making professional-sounding vocal recordings. Since the AT2020 is a plug n’ play microphone, you should have absolutely no issues getting it to work; simply connect it and that’s it, you can now record!

While that may come included, it looks significantly better on a boom stand, which helps you avoid any handling noises from desk vibrations.When holding it in my hand it doesn’t feel like a cheap product at all, quite the opposite actually. There is currently a range of seven microphones within our 20 Series, each providing unique qualities to benefit particular applications, from live performances to at-home studio recordings. The addition of a mute button, LED lighting, and a headphone jack, along with its associated controls make it more useful than the original AT2020. This cardioid pattern improves isolation of any desired sound source for rich and accurate recording.