Having a passion for singing is a talent that not many people are gifted with. However, if not honed appropriately, the talent soon dies a quick death.
With this thought in mind, the microphones were introduced and they soon become a success to reckon with.
Buying a microphone for your singing or recording needs is not easy either. You must compare all the available products on the basis of performance, range, price and other features. To make your choice a little easier, I am comparing the AT2020 vs AT2020 PLUS (USB) here.
Read on to know the differences between both of them and make your decision basis the analysis. Also, are mentioned their pros and cons as a separate addition.
Design
AT2020
The size of an AT2020 microphone is quite easy to handle and designed such that it makes for superior mount use. Its stand, mic casing, and threaded attachment are all made of heavy-duty metal and the chances of breakage are minimal. Fortunately, the design does not make the product heavy and you can use it comfortably.
The weight of the AT2020 sits at a paltry 1.8 pounds and the low mass diaphragm adds up to the sound quality offered. The length lies around 6.38 inches and the diameter is close to 2.05 inches. Black speckles given on the mic make the product look stylish and good for external use too.
AT2020 PLUS (USB)
The AT2020 PLUS (USB) comes with a free pop-up filter. Moreover, it offers the benefit of using a USB connector, which is not available in its counterpart. The weight of the microphone stands at around 0.16 ounces, which makes it for lightweight and convenient use.
There is a blue LED provided inside the basket, which informs you that the microphone is on and working. No pads or filters are given along with the product since it has the ability to handle very high-level SPL with ease.
Audio Quality
AT2020
The audio quality of an AT2020 is crisp and smooth. In fact, when the user hears his voice it appears as if this is the most accurate representation of his voice that could ever be heard. The frequency range offered by the product is top-notch and this provides it a great quality sound that is tough to match.
The AT2020 uses a cardioid pickup pattern. So if you are recording sounds directly in front of the mic it would not pick up any adjoining sounds. However, ensure that your mouth needs to be fairly close to the device.
AT2020 PLUS (USB)
On the other hand, the AT2020 PLUS (USB) is able to draw out rich frequencies in the voice. This lends the user’s voice professionalism that is hard to match. The range of frequency registration is neither too high nor too low and since the audio quality is high, you can use it for any kind of recordings.
Thus the AT2020 PLUS (USB) is also well suited for different types of vocal styles. The ability to balance the mic and computer return signals is perfect especially if your system is prone to getting latent.
Features
AT2020
With a noise level of 20dB, the AT2020 microphone is apt for both home and studio usage. A wide dynamic range and use of SPL technology lend it a versatility that is hard for others to match. Along with the custom-engineered low mass, diaphragm gives extended frequency and superior transient response benefits.
The AT2020 is equipped with a cardioid polar pattern, which reduces the probability of picking up any additional sounds from outside. This improves the isolation of the desired sound source and provides a better sound delivery. A pivoting threaded stand mount ensures that the product can be securely placed at the time of usage.
AT2020 PLUS (USB)
The AT2020 PLUS (USB) on the other hand is a USB microphone, which makes it more useful. With the presence of the USB facility, you can get superior quality output through digital recording. The product is provided with a free pop up filter which is an additional benefit that others may not have.
In order that you receive a superior quality output, the device comes with a high-quality A/D converter having 16 bit. You get a headphone jack with volume control which allows you to control the microphone signal as per your need. In the end, the mix control lets you blend the microphone signal and any pre-recorded audio.
Pros and cons
| AT2020 | AT2020 PLUS (USB) | |
|---|---|---|
PROS:
|
PROS:
|
|
CONS:
|
CONS:
|
|
| check prices | check prices |
Conclusion
When it comes to sound quality and design both the AT2020 and AT2020 PLUS (USB) are top scorers. However, the latter definitely has the advantage if being a USB product. This feature only increases its usability to a higher level.
Moreover, the other accessories provided by the AT2020 PLUS (USB) are considered to be better defined. This ensures that when you set up the device for usage the chance of it falling or losing balance is less. In comparison, many reviewers have complained AT2020 of being provided with flimsy stand and other accessories.
If you have been looking for a suitable microphone yourself the AT2020 and AT2020 PLUS (USB) are clearly the winners. You can make your choice basis for the in-depth analysis of the product we have provided. If you are clear on what your exact need is it won’t be difficult to make a choice.
