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Audio-Technica AT2020

An XLR mic: it reaches a PC or Mac through an audio interface or mixer. No console maker statement.

XLR microphoneAn XLR condenser for gamers who have, or will buy, an audio interface with 48 V phantom power; Audio-Technica sells the AT2020USB-X for plugging straight into USB

Check this setup

Platform connections

“Works” means the maker lists that platform for the connection shown; “Maker doesn't say” means it doesn't mention it either way. On a headset, it also depends on the edition you pick.

Audio-Technica AT2020: how it connects and what you can adjust

How it connects

  1. Audio-Technica AT2020
  2. XLR cable + interface
  3. USB to computer
  4. Chat input
Connections
3-pin XLR (integral XLRM)
Mute
Not listed by the maker
Hear yourself
Not listed by the maker

Choose it if…

  • You want to connect an XLR microphone through an audio interface or mixer.
  • You are happy to check your voice with your chat app’s mic test instead of hearing yourself continuously in headphones.
  • You can match your stand or arm to 5/8-inch thread (pivoting stand mount) · 3/8-inch thread (with the included adapter).

Before choosing this model

  • It has no USB: it needs an XLR cable and an audio interface or mixer before a PC, Mac or console can hear it.
  • It needs 48 V phantom power (2 mA) from the interface, mixer or an in-line supply; without it there is no signal.
  • There is no mute button, gain knob or headphone jack on the mic; the interface or mixer does those jobs.
  • It is side-address: speak into the side with the Audio-Technica emblem, not the end.
  • Audio-Technica's own page says condenser mics pick up the subtlest sounds in a room, where dynamic mics keep room noise down.
  • No XLR cable, stand, pop filter or shock mount in the basic box; the CBK and CWH packages add the pop filter and shock mount, not a cable.
  • The white AT2020 is sold in the US only as the AT2020CWH accessory package.
  • Audio-Technica's submittal sheet lists only the stand mount and pouch as included; its spec sheet and product page also list the 5/8" to 3/8" adapter.
  • Audio-Technica names no console or computer system for this mic.
  • It has no USB, so it doesn't plug into a console or computer by itself: it goes through an audio interface or mixer.
  • Check the stand, thread and desk position before ordering a mount. Include attached shock mounts and adapters in the total weight. Arms rated for this mic →
  • Also needed: XLR cable (XLRF to XLRM); audio interface or mixer that supplies 48 V phantom power, or a separate in-line phantom supply; mic stand or boom arm.

Others like it

All Audio-Technica models compared →

Controls and specifications

Not listed by the maker. Software: Not listed by the maker.

Connections, controls and fit
Connections 3-pin XLR (integral XLRM)
Microphone mute No mute on the microphone: mute on the interface or mixer.
Monitoring Not listed by the maker
Chat controls Not listed by the maker
Mounts 5/8-inch thread (pivoting stand mount) · 3/8-inch thread (with the included adapter)
Dimensions 162.0 mm long, 52.0 mm maximum body diameter
In the box and parts
Included parts AT2020 · Stand mount for 5/8"-27 threaded stands · 5/8"-27 to 3/8"-16 threaded adapter · Soft protective pouch
Additional parts XLR cable (XLRF to XLRM) · Audio interface or mixer that supplies 48 V phantom power, or a separate in-line phantom supply · Mic stand or boom arm
Manufacturer specifications for Audio-Technica AT2020.
Microphone type condenser (fixed-charge back plate, permanently polarized)
Microphone connection XLR
Connections Integral 3-pin XLRM-type
Pickup pattern Cardioid, side-address
Frequency response 20-20,000 Hz
Sensitivity -37 dB (14.1 mV) re 1 V at 1 Pa
Impedance 100 ohms (spec sheet and submittal; not on the product page)
Maximum sound pressure level 144 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.
Self-noise 20 dB SPL (A-weighted)
Dynamic range 124 dB, 1 kHz at max SPL
Signal-to-noise ratio 74 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa
Diaphragm 16 mm low-mass diaphragm (spec sheet; the product page gives no size)
Phantom power needed Yes
Phantom power 48 V DC, 2 mA typical; from a mixer or console, or an in-line supply such as the AT8801 or CP8506
Weight 345 g (12.1 oz), without accessories
Dimensions 162.0 mm (6.38") long, 52.0 mm (2.05") maximum body diameter
Mounting threads Pivoting stand mount for 5/8"-27 threaded stands · 5/8"-27 to 3/8"-16 threaded adapter
In the box AT2020 · Stand mount for 5/8"-27 threaded stands · 5/8"-27 to 3/8"-16 threaded adapter · Soft protective pouch
Sold separately XLR cable · Audio interface or mixer with phantom power · Mic stand or boom arm
How it connects XLR cable to an audio interface, which converts the signal and feeds the PC
Accessory package AT2020CWH/CBK: AT2020 plus AT8175 pop filter and AT8458a shock mount (3/8"-16 and 5/8"-27 stands)

Questions about the Audio-Technica AT2020

Does the Audio-Technica AT2020 need an audio interface?

Yes. It is an XLR mic, so it needs an audio interface or mixer (and an XLR cable) to reach a computer.

Does the Audio-Technica AT2020 work on PS5?

Not directly: an XLR mic goes through an interface, and Audio-Technica doesn't document this path for the PS5. For PS5 chat, use a USB mic or headset its maker lists for PS5.

Will the Audio-Technica AT2020 fit a boom arm?

Its mount: 5/8-inch thread (pivoting stand mount) · 3/8-inch thread (with the included adapter). It weighs about 345 g as its maker lists it; add a shock mount if you use one and compare with the arm's limit.

Set it up for game chat.

  1. Connect the parts shown in the diagram. If you use XLR, connect the microphone to the interface before selecting it in your app.

  2. Choose the intended input in the operating system. Run the Discord input check or use your console’s microphone test.

  3. Check speaking level and mute with headphones on. Change only one gain, sensitivity or suppression control between tests.

References