With proper gain staging and mic placement, the AT2020 can hold its own surprisingly well when recording drums. So can it be used live? Technically, yes, but there are far more practical options. It isnвЂ™t meant to be handheld, and although the mesh protecting the capsule is rather heavy, a pop filter is still more or less necessary. Theoretically, this microphone could be used in live applications due to its high SPL level, although it wouldnвЂ™t be our first choice. While it may not cut through the mix as well as brighter microphones like a Shure or MXL 990, it provides depth and a silky high end that can be quite favorable for many singers. The AT2020 is a fantastic choice for vocalists. Phantom power is required, and there are no battery replacements available. ItвЂ™s chunky, and a heavy wire mesh protects the capsule inside. Weighing in at about 12 oz, the AT2020 is a fairly sturdy mic.

It has a max SPL of 144 dB, so itвЂ™s well capable of handling louder sound sources such as drums and brass, with minimum distortion. It has a narrow dip around 70 Hz and a slight presence boost in the high end in the 5 вЂ“ 15 kHz range. It has a 20 Hz вЂ“ 20 kHz bandwidth, and has a surprisingly rich sound. The AT2020 features a fixed cardioid pattern, with no switches or filters available. While there are better microphones in the world, at $100, the AT2020 delivers a performance well beyond its price.Д¬heck availability, prices, and deals: Sweetwater Amazon Polar pattern and frequency response Image credit: Audio-Technica Our verdict on the AT2020 4.0ДЇor all things considered, the AT2020 is a fantastic microphone.

Audio technica at2020 usb vs blue yeti