In this article we discuss the 5 most common mistakes that we see people make with the Audio Technica AT2020 Condenser Microphone.
1 – Phantom Power
The Audio Technica AT2020 is a condenser microphone. All condenser microphones require +48v of Phantom power in order to activate the microphone. The AT2020 is not an exception to this rule.
This means that XLR to USB Cables or XLR to 1/8″ Cables will not work with this microphone because they do not provide the +48v that is required. You must use an XLR cable.
In order to use this microphone, you will need an audio interface or an audio mixer that can supply +48v of phantom power to your AT2020 Microphone.
2 – Microphone Direction
The AT2020 is a side-address microphone. This means that it is designed to capture audio from the side of the microphone. Specifically, you should be talking into the logo that is on the microphone.
Common mistakes that we see people make with this microphone:
- Speaking into the top of the microphone
- Speaking into the rear of the microphone
If you make either of these mistakes, you will notice that your audio is more roomy sounding and is not high quality.
3 – Pop Filter
We always recommend some type of pop filter when using the Audio Technica AT2020 Mic.
The pop filter has two jobs:
- Prevent Plosives (“P” and “B” sounds are problematic with microphones)
- Reduce some sibilance (Makes “s” sounds easier to listen to, reduce mouth noise)
You can use any type of pop filter that you have available to you. We recommend adding a foam windscreen to your microphone because we think it’s the most consistent and best looking solution.
4 – Microphone Distance
As a general rule, we recommend staying about 4-6 inches away from the microphone when you are speaking into it.
If you get too close to the microphone, you will be prone to getting plosives.
If you get too far away from the microphone, you will notice that the tone is thin an wispy.
5 – Shock Mount
The AT2020 Microphone has a tendency to transmit any bumps, taps, or shakes that it experiences. For this reason, we recommend that you use a shock mount with this microphone to make sure that your audio recording is as clean as possible and that the bumps and taps don’t distract your audience.
Pricing & Specs For Equipment
- Audio Technica AT2020 Condenser Microphone: https://currentprice.io/at2020
- Solid State Logic SSL2+ Audio Interface: https://currentprice.io/ssl2_plus
- Foam Windscreen For AT2020: https://geni.us/XKG3n5t
- Shockmount for AT2020: https://geni.us/zS69yd
- Mic Stand: https://currentprice.io/desk_stand
- XLR Cable: https://currentprice.io/xlr_cable
- Audio Technica AT2020 USB Version: https://geni.us/9TRr
Topics Covered In This Video
- 0:00 – Introduction
- 0:15 – Pricing & Specs
- 0:57 – Phantom Power
- 2:05 – Microphone Direction
- 3:15 – Pop Filter
- 4:15 – Microphone Distance
- 4:58 – Shock Mount
- 5:45 – Room Treatment
- 6:15 – Final Thoughts
Additional Videos With More Information
- Audio Technica AT2020 Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBiJowbL0i4&list=PLaYwW78QvMUDA3JHCDQJPk3gX0EN5sLtS&index=3&t=1s
- Audio Technica AT2020 Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaYwW78QvMUDA3JHCDQJPk3gX0EN5sLtS
