Audio-Technica AT2020USB-XP Review

Audio-Technica AT2020USB-XP Review

Capsule Quality & Fidelity 8.9/10

The capsule is a cardioid condenser, and the converter runs at up to 24-bit / 192 kHz, far beyond what calls need. Audio-Technica rates the frequency response at 20 Hz to 20 kHz.

Voices come through natural and slightly bright, with clean detail in consonants. Compared with the Rode NT-USB+ the tone is a touch leaner in the low mids, which helps clarity on laptop speakers but can sound thin on deep voices.

For voiceover work the high sample rate gives editing headroom. For Teams and Zoom, 48 kHz is all the platforms use.

• Element Condenser
• Sample Rate 192 kHz
• Bit Depth 24 bit
• Freq. Range 20 Hz – 20 kHz

Interface Versatility & Patterns 7.7/10

As a condenser, it hears more of the room than a dynamic mic, and the cardioid pattern rejects mainly from the rear. That makes placement more important than with Shure’s dynamic models.

The built-in AI noise reduction is the XP’s answer. A button on the body toggles processing that removes steady background noise, such as fans and traffic, before the signal reaches your app.

With it on, the mic becomes usable in a typical home office. It is still not a substitute for a dynamic in a busy shared space.

USB-C connects to Windows and macOS without drivers, and Audio-Technica includes cables for USB-C and USB-A ports. It works with any app that accepts a standard USB microphone.

There is no companion software requirement, which helps on locked-down work laptops. All the key features, including noise reduction, run on the hardware.

No XLR output means no upgrade path to an interface. For that, look at a hybrid such as the Samson Q2U or Shure MV7+, or read the condenser microphone primer before you choose.

• Connect USB-C
• XLR No
• Pattern Cardioid
• Patterns 1

On-Mic Hardware Controls 9.7/10

A mute button with a status light sits on the front, alongside a headphone volume knob and a mix control that balances your mic against computer audio.

The mix knob is useful on calls, because you can hear yourself naturally without echo while still hearing the far end. Most rivals at this price only offer a fixed monitor level.

The noise reduction button rounds out a control set that covers almost everything a meeting user needs, without opening any software.

• Gain Yes
• Monitor Yes (3.5 mm)

DSP Engine & Software 10.0/10

The AT2020USB-XP does not list a named companion app. Onboard DSP is listed as Onboard noise reduction (3 levels) and automatic gain control. AI noise processing includes built-in AI noise reduction.

The software or onboard controls also include monitoring (3.5 mm), gain control (switchable automatic gain control) and a mix control. Official capture is listed at 192 kHz and 24-bit. It connects over USB-C. When I hook this up for a webinar, I check whether the processing lives on the mic or only in the app.

• AI Noise Yes

Mounting & Shock 7.1/10

The body is metal, with a short tripod desk stand and a standard thread for boom arms. It feels sturdy and familiar if you have used any AT2020 variant.

The included stand is functional but low. Most desks benefit from a boom arm, which lifts the mic to chin height and keeps it further from keyboard vibration.

There is no shock mount in the box. If you type heavily while speaking, a third-party shock mount reduces thumps that travel through the desk.

• Thread Standard mic thread
• Stand Tripod desk stand included
• Pop Filter Yes (included)

DSP Engine & Software

The AT2020USB-XP does not list a named companion app. Onboard DSP is listed as Onboard noise reduction (3 levels) and automatic gain control. AI noise processing includes built-in AI noise reduction.

The software or onboard controls also include monitoring (3.5 mm), gain control (switchable automatic gain control) and a mix control. Official capture is listed at 192 kHz and 24-bit. It connects over USB-C. When I hook this up for a webinar, I check whether the processing lives on the mic or only in the app.

Full Specifications

Product Details