The new Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X uses a design that looks strangely familiar because so many brands have copied the original look of the best-selling AT2020 original. And by relaunching the USB version of the AT2020 with an updated USB-C model, Audio-Technica is also fighting back at the many copycats.
That is why its important to understand a bit of microphone history, basically initiated when the famous Japanese company established Audio-Technica Taiwan Co., Ltd., in 1988. That's the start of an ambitious program that enabled Audio-Technica to become recognized in professional microphones, capitalizing on the opportunities presented by the broadcast market, and later the growth originated by the home studio and project studio recording market.
In 1991, Audio-Technica introduced the AT4033 cardioid condenser microphone - a large-diaphragm side-address studio condenser that broke the $1000-barrier in its class and helped the company gain global recognition. The next year, the AT4033 microphone was considered "best microphone" at the Audio Engineering Society (AES) convention. This paved the way for the brand to expand its 40 series microphones and, in 2004 to introduce the new 20 Series that set a new price/performance standard for the home studio market.
The series was promoted with the AT2020 side-address studio cardioid condenser microphone that used a new low-mass diaphragm, extremely tolerant to high-SPL and maintaining great frequency response consistency in variable scenarios. This incredibly affordable microphone (priced under $100 USD) remains popular today and is generally regarded as a well engineered microphone that sounds great on vocals and instruments and delivers professional results - ideal for home studios and podcasting.
Incredibly, the AT2020 would also help establish a new standard with its familiar, understated profile that quickly became a reference in gaming and desktop microphones that wanted to look "professional" - an unwelcome tribute for a company that had precisely established the category since 2008, with the USB model of the AT2020.
Improvements to the latest AT2020USB-X include a soft-touch capacitive mute button on the body to quickly and silently mute audio at the microphone, a new high-resolution 24-bit A/D converter with 96kHz sampling rate for clear and natural sound production, two-state LED indicator ring lights for when the microphone is powered on or muted (when you can't beat the gaming copycats, join them), and an improved custom desk stand for a stable and secure base.
The AT2020USB-X also features a built-in headphone jack with volume and mix control to let users directly monitor with no delay, as well as blend the microphone signal with computer audio. Now already equipped with a USB-C output, this expands the microphone's compatibility and makes it easier to use, now and in the future. Also of note, the AT2020USB-X has a high-output internal headphone amplifier that delivers clarity, volume, and musical detail.
It ships with accessories that include a 3/8"-16 to 5/8"-27 threaded adapter, desk stand, 2m USB-C to USB-A cable with a USB-A to USB-C adapter. Available separately is the AT8455 shock mount, to effectively absorb vibration noise - compatible with 3/8"-16 and 5/8"-27 threaded stands. The AT2020USB-X is now available with an MSRP of $149 USD.
www.audio-technica.com
