For sometimeI ummmed and errrred (not good for a VO wannabe!) Personally, I made teh right choice. If "almost" every studio has one then it must do something right. And it does. Great microphone. It's a tight market in that spot for a first time or handy kit to have I highly recommend this mic. Not I'm not being paid to say this. Great value

A solid choice for streamers

I purchased this mic to use for streaming on Twitch. I’d heard good things and can say that it is definitely a great choice. Be aware that it is VERY sensitive. It will pick up a lot of sound from things you might not think of; a TV in the next room or a housemate in the kitchen. I use software filters to cut out all the background noise and have tweaked my audio a lot so that it sounds much better. Background noise is no longer an issue.My only complaint is that I thought that being a cardioid mic, it would pick up minimal noise from the rear of the device. But it’s actually quite sensitive there too, though not as much as from the sides and front.If you’re looking at getting into streaming and want a quality USB mic, this is a great choice. Just remember that ... MoreI purchased this mic to use for streaming on Twitch. I’d heard good things and can say that it is definitely a great choice. Be aware that it is VERY sensitive. It will pick up a lot of sound from things you might not think of; a TV in the next room or a housemate in the kitchen. I use software filters to cut out all the background noise and have tweaked my audio a lot so that it sounds much better. Background noise is no longer an issue.My only complaint is that I thought that being a cardioid mic, it would pick up minimal noise from the rear of the device. But it’s actually quite sensitive there too, though not as much as from the sides and front.If you’re looking at getting into streaming and want a quality USB mic, this is a great choice. Just remember that it may need some additional configuration to sound it’s best.

Amazing Mic for the money

I bought this as a mic for recording podcasts and for video conferences, also possibly recording a ukulele player later on. The mic is plug and play and works on Mac and Windows 10 without any drivers to be added. Build quality is excellent. I also found that the headphone socket can be plugged into my mixers with a simple adaptor and I use an iPad USB power plug to provide power , so it can be used with a mixer and even my Tascam DR100 digital recorder ! All you need is a 3.5mm to 3.5mm plug cable for the recorder. Easy controls on mix and headphones. I did a recording of an audio podcast, played it back and ultra low noise. I may update the stand as the tripod is basic, but otherwise great. I even tried it on an old iMac which is probably ten years old and worked ... MoreI bought this as a mic for recording podcasts and for video conferences, also possibly recording a ukulele player later on. The mic is plug and play and works on Mac and Windows 10 without any drivers to be added. Build quality is excellent. I also found that the headphone socket can be plugged into my mixers with a simple adaptor and I use an iPad USB power plug to provide power , so it can be used with a mixer and even my Tascam DR100 digital recorder ! All you need is a 3.5mm to 3.5mm plug cable for the recorder. Easy controls on mix and headphones. I did a recording of an audio podcast, played it back and ultra low noise. I may update the stand as the tripod is basic, but otherwise great. I even tried it on an old iMac which is probably ten years old and worked first time. Brilliant mic !

Best beginner microphone to begin with.

This microphone is one of the best microphones to begin with. Reasons are it's accessories it comes with, simplicity of use, durability, and sound quality . As it comes with a durable and adjustable boom stand with a flexible standard xlr cable and a pop filter, this is perfect for any studio to begin with. I really love the stand since I do voice overs standing up. Cable is excellent with no issues at all while the pop-filter which I don't really need is also a nice addition for a professional looking setup. Also comes with a leather carry bag. Simplicity is key when starting anything as a beginner and this microphone is it. Yes it may not have those other fancy options like other mics or interesting setups, but it really is not needed YET. This microphone has ... MoreThis microphone is one of the best microphones to begin with. Reasons are it's accessories it comes with, simplicity of use, durability, and sound quality . As it comes with a durable and adjustable boom stand with a flexible standard xlr cable and a pop filter, this is perfect for any studio to begin with. I really love the stand since I do voice overs standing up. Cable is excellent with no issues at all while the pop-filter which I don't really need is also a nice addition for a professional looking setup. Also comes with a leather carry bag. Simplicity is key when starting anything as a beginner and this microphone is it. Yes it may not have those other fancy options like other mics or interesting setups, but it really is not needed YET. This microphone has weight and was able to stand a couple drops and bumps here and there (yes I am clumsy). However that is very good for us beginners since we hardly know how to handle recording equipment anyways. This is also a good affordable back-up mic as well. Great sidekick to the collection and easy to travel with. Sound quality of this microphone is basic. Does it suck? ABSOLUTELY NOT! Does it sound awesome? ABSOLUTELY NOT! However, It is the standard of what a condenser microphone should be. When beginners move on from theirUSB mics or computer mics and record with this condenser microphone, there will DEFINITELY be a wow factor at the same time not an overwhelming experience as to say using an expensive high end microphone. It is simply the standard and a great gateway for beginners to APPRECIATE and want a better microphone. In other words, this microphone is very safe and forgiving for all voice types. In conclusion, this microphone is one of the best beginner microphones why? SIMPLICITY! Beginners shouldn't start with expensive $400-$2000 microphones with complicated buttons and odd angles of which way to speak into the microphone and such. Think of this microphone as a loving mother. She is warm and will always do her best to take care of you as her child however you are under her household and limited to what you can do. When time comes and you mature, you will want to move out and begin wanting your own spouse owning your own household with it's own rules and niches. That is how I look at this microphone and is what I believe the healthiest way to begin with until you expand and explore for the bigger leagues.

First USB Microphone

This is one of the best USB microphones I have tested. I do have dual Sennheiser MK8 and dual NTRs, and I find performance from this very similar to more expensive XLR mics. I now use this mic on (almost) a daily basis, apart from my XLR mics, to record my grand piano.Pros of this mic:*Very wide dynamic range and frequency, goes from 20Hz-20000Hz/20kHz.*Well balanced bass and treble voices for mono setup*Amazing build quality, solid full metal build*Internal LED light to indicate power to mic*Real-time zero latency monitoring off headphone jack*Sturdy included stand*Nice codec 16bit 44.1/48kHz*Premium mic pouchCons of this mic:*No pop filter or any other goodies apart from the short mic stand*USB mics, so no two way ORTF or any stereo type of ... MoreThis is one of the best USB microphones I have tested. I do have dual Sennheiser MK8 and dual NTRs, and I find performance from this very similar to more expensive XLR mics. I now use this mic on (almost) a daily basis, apart from my XLR mics, to record my grand piano.Pros of this mic:*Very wide dynamic range and frequency, goes from 20Hz-20000Hz/20kHz.*Well balanced bass and treble voices for mono setup*Amazing build quality, solid full metal build*Internal LED light to indicate power to mic*Real-time zero latency monitoring off headphone jack*Sturdy included stand*Nice codec 16bit 44.1/48kHz*Premium mic pouchCons of this mic:*No pop filter or any other goodies apart from the short mic stand*USB mics, so no two way ORTF or any stereo type of recording. You can't use two USB mics at the same time. Workaround: Plug each individual mic into different computers, then transfer both audio files into a single computer and sync audio in post*Wished they included an XLR port. Some USB mics have XLR built in as well.Overall, Audio-Technica does not dissapoint. Another amazing mic from the legendary Japanese audio company

Good quality for the price

I've been working in the music field for the better part of 40 years as a soundman. Also I am an Extra Class amateur radio operator I have tried just about any mic handed to me or have been curious about. I first tried a AT 2020 about 4 years ago (2013) and was pleasantly pleased with what I heard. I was expecting ,as with many of the lower priced condensers, a brittle sound but I was surprised when that didn't occur with the 2020. Don't get me wrong it wasn't "Neumann Quality" but it was very workable as a vocal mic and for section mics in an ambient recording situation as with a symphonic orchestra. I have used the AT 2020 on my Yaesu amateur radio with great results. I recently bought one for a friend to use on an amateur radio station and his audio quality was ... MoreI've been working in the music field for the better part of 40 years as a soundman. Also I am an Extra Class amateur radio operator I have tried just about any mic handed to me or have been curious about. I first tried a AT 2020 about 4 years ago (2013) and was pleasantly pleased with what I heard. I was expecting ,as with many of the lower priced condensers, a brittle sound but I was surprised when that didn't occur with the 2020. Don't get me wrong it wasn't "Neumann Quality" but it was very workable as a vocal mic and for section mics in an ambient recording situation as with a symphonic orchestra. I have used the AT 2020 on my Yaesu amateur radio with great results. I recently bought one for a friend to use on an amateur radio station and his audio quality was cleaner and had more fidelity than the Heil PR 40 he was using. He's so impressed with the quality and the reports he's getting he's asked me to buy him another Audio Technica. All in all a great entry level mic for home studio or a ham radio station playing with ESSB or Hi Fi AM.

Great Mic

Sound:Being 16 bit this mic will not compete with professional analog mics or 24 bit digital mics, however for 16 bit it is exceptional. It is a flat EQ mic and if I had to say where the weakness lies it might be in the high end, but it might be perfect depending on the range of the vocalist. I feel any frequency issues could be corrected with EQ in the DAW.Features:Most useful feature is the ease and simple connection via USB. There is also a mini-jack in the mic, so you can plug in headphones and monitor directly from the mic itself. Meaning, you could hear raw audio as the mic hears it, then via another pair of headphones hear the audio or mix from the DAW. Very handy. Weakest feature is the 16bit convertor. Its good, just 16 bit, not 24.Ease of ... MoreSound:Being 16 bit this mic will not compete with professional analog mics or 24 bit digital mics, however for 16 bit it is exceptional. It is a flat EQ mic and if I had to say where the weakness lies it might be in the high end, but it might be perfect depending on the range of the vocalist. I feel any frequency issues could be corrected with EQ in the DAW.Features:Most useful feature is the ease and simple connection via USB. There is also a mini-jack in the mic, so you can plug in headphones and monitor directly from the mic itself. Meaning, you could hear raw audio as the mic hears it, then via another pair of headphones hear the audio or mix from the DAW. Very handy. Weakest feature is the 16bit convertor. Its good, just 16 bit, not 24.Ease of Use:Extremely easy mic to set up and begin recording with.Quality:Mic is solid, well crafted. Heavy to the feel, good paint and nice cables. Includes a little stand.Value:This mic is extremely cheap compared to other mics of the same quality. I think it is the best of its class by far.Manufacturer Support:I haven't dealt with AudioTechnica before, but there is the good reputation.The Wow Factor:Very appealing to beginners and semi professional musicians. Could even be a great mic for a professional musician for the road, random spontaneous recording, since it is portable and connects via USB so easily.Overall:After researching for many months, I decided on the AT 2020 USB mic. This is a high quality mic with excellent range and detail for instrument and vocals. There really is no question that the mic has excellent recording, the only fact you need to be aware of is that this is a 16bit input not a 24bit input. 16bit is 'just' enough quality for a semi-pro recording session. I believe in terms of 16bit mics and USB mics this is the best model.

I absolutely love it.

I used to have an AT2020 back then, then I bought an AT2035, then I bought an AT4040. Over the years, I have changed my workflow and of course, learned a lot in mixing. Now, the ease of use is a lot more important to me than it was back then. I guess I was new to recording and enjoyed putting stuff together.BUT, the main thing about the 2020USB+ to me is the sound quality. It is STEALING for this price. You just get the raw signal, cut a little low end, compress it, and you have extraordinary vocal quality right there.And what I experienced, that the sound is very responsive to digital EQs. I tried Waves REQ, VEQ, SSL EQ on it and I also have an UAD-1 with Neve and a few others. The sound of the 2020USB+ responds differently to all, which means it record a very ... MoreI used to have an AT2020 back then, then I bought an AT2035, then I bought an AT4040. Over the years, I have changed my workflow and of course, learned a lot in mixing. Now, the ease of use is a lot more important to me than it was back then. I guess I was new to recording and enjoyed putting stuff together.BUT, the main thing about the 2020USB+ to me is the sound quality. It is STEALING for this price. You just get the raw signal, cut a little low end, compress it, and you have extraordinary vocal quality right there.And what I experienced, that the sound is very responsive to digital EQs. I tried Waves REQ, VEQ, SSL EQ on it and I also have an UAD-1 with Neve and a few others. The sound of the 2020USB+ responds differently to all, which means it record a very detailed, rich signal.

Is good

It's very nice. Just plug it in to start using it.Also has a 3.5mm jack so you have an easier way of plugging your earphones/headphones. You can also use this to listen to yourself and what the mic is picking up which is very convenient for making sure everything is working properly and sounds correct.

Very nice mic and very reasonably priced

This mic has a very natural sound. Flat frequency response from 20 Hz to 20kHz, good sensitivity and good S/N ratio. I love the flat frequency response, since its a lot easier to shape it to your preference using an equalizer, or you can just leave it alone. I am using this mic with a Blue Icicle XLR to USB converter and feeding it into my MacBooks USB port. Setup was a cinch. Everything worked perfectly right out of the box. I like it that this mic is smaller and more lightweight than a Blizzard 4000 MXL that I tried earlier. Its more stable on the mic stand, while the Blizzard always felt that it would tip over. Overall, Im very happy with my purchase.