Audio-Technica AT2020

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TL;DR: Beginner value, but sensitive to room noise, thin sound.

Overall

#7 in

External Microphones

according to Reddit Icon Reddit

Sentiment score74% positive
104
17
19

Top Pros

Top Cons

Last updated: Apr 30, 2026

Reddit Reviews

Reddit Icon99spitfire
5 months ago

I'd recommend the AT2020 tbh, great sound for a good price

Reddit IconAble-Medicine4237
7 months ago

Switching from a Blue Snowball USB mic to an AT2020 and Scarlett 4i4 made a huge difference In my recordings. I have a little more control over the input so I have less to adjust in post.

Reddit IconAdmirable-Diver9590
3 months ago

used AT2020 or SM57. Audient ID4 mk2 (cheapest in the series but out of your budget)

Reddit IconAdventurousInterest9
7 months ago

Honestly, if you have a small carpeted room, or can a find a good space I think that matters more. I used a blue snowball my first 40 or so auditions and got roles. Now I have an AT2020 with a cage and interface and my music producing friend said it didnt sound that different. I dont think it does either. Oh and don't talk directly in the mic, just try to avoid popping it maybe put a sock on it or something

Reddit IconAliens-Wanted
4 months ago

That's what I have - and also recommend the SM57 or SM58 if they don't want the AT2020.

Reddit Iconarobbins7653
7 months ago

i got my first million streams (producing/mixing) with a presonus audiobox and a audio technica at-2020 mic. all together abt $250 but i was able to hone my skills using these

Reddit Iconastrofuzzdeluxe
11 months ago

The At2020 is a cheap med diaphragm condenser with a pretty flat frequency response. Ive recorded plenty of vocals with it, used as a room mic, drum overhead, bass, etc. its not the greatest mic, no frills but useful and will get the job done.

Reddit Iconbagelnox
10 months ago

Hey all, need some advice. I cut my demo on my Blue yeti USB mic. I know everyone says you shouldn't use USB mics, so i went out and bought an Audio Technica AT2020 XLR microphone and a Focusrite Solo audio interface to see the difference? Tested it out, and... the audio clips sound exactly the same to me...? Seriously, I dont hear a difference at all. I even hear a background hum in the XLR mic. (I soundproofed my studio the exact same way the last time.) Am I doing something wrong? Edit: Hey so in hindsight, maybe I should've been more clear. I never asked whether the Blue Yeti was better than the XLR. I KNOW an XLR mic is better, which is why I bought one. I was just confused because I got the right kind of equipment but wasn't seeing a difference. Thank you u/[Spriinkletoe](https://www.reddit.com/user/Spriinkletoe/) for the clarity!

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