The name Audio Technica is certainly no stranger to those who demand quality audio
products at reasonable prices. Now, with the introduction of the AT2020, they've just
set the price/performance bar for studio-quality, large diaphragm condenser mics.
The AT2020 is a side-address condenser microphone, with a cardioid polar pattern.
The side address element adds life to your recordings by capturing room ambiance,
while the cardioid pickup pattern ensures a tight, focused recording, affording you
precise control over how much or how little ambiance you want. What the AT2020
lacks in extra features, such as a bass roll-off, or an attenuating pad, it more than
makes up for in sonic quality and innovative engineering.
As a home recording enthusiast, budget rules. And knowing what you're buying is
a must. Having had good experiences purchasing Audio Technica products in the
past, and seeing all that the AT2020 had to offer for the price, picking one up was
a no-brainer.
But would it perform as expected?
I'm pleased to report it did perform, and not merely by meeting my expectations,
but by beating them. With proper room placement, and a bit of acoustic treatment
(read: strategic placement of acoustic foam to deaden reflections) I have to say,
the sound coming out of this mic was not that of a $99 condenser. Had I walked
into a pro studio and heard it's reproduction quality, I'd have guessed I was listening
to a $600 large condenser, and not our modestly priced AT2020.
I even tested the AT2020 alongside my recently purchased AKG Perception 200
(which retails for some 30-50% more) and in nearly every comparison, the AT2020
performed admirably vs. the AKG.
It may not have the added features offered with the Perception 200, (such as a
shock-mount, and the above mentioned bass roll-off filter, and attenuator pad)
but one listen will make it readily apparent -- Audio Technica allocated costs
toward delivering an affordable, studio-quality mic that isn't just another pretender.
High SPL handling. Wide dynamic range. And a tight, ultra clean signal. All are
hallmarks of the AT2002. But let's face it. This mic is dead sexy. You'll look good.
You'll sound great. And you'll even have enough scratch left over to pair it with a
premium quality Mogami gold XLR cable (for added sexiness.)
And right about now I hear you asking --
"That's all fine & good, but should I buy the flippin' thing?"
If you can squeeze an additional $40-60 out of your budget, I'd lean toward getting
the AKG Perception 200 (
Reviewed Here), which slightly edges out the AT2020 as
a better choice. Otherwise, the Audio Technica AT2020 simply outclasses everything
at its price. I can state without reservation that both mics are destined to become
mainstays for years to come.
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