Audio-Technica AT2020USB-XP vs Audio-Technica AT2040USB Comparison

Audio-Technica AT2020USB-XP

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. The Rode NT-USB+ is the closest USB condenser alternative. For voiceover work the high sample rate gives editing headroom.

Audio-Technica AT2040USB

Audio-Technica specifies an 80 Hz to 16 kHz response and a high-resolution converter rated for 24-bit / 96 kHz. The low-cut filter rolls off at 80 Hz with an 18 dB per octave slope. Speech sounds focused and smooth, with a controlled low end that avoids boominess at close range.

Audio-Technica AT2020USB-XP

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.

Audio-Technica AT2040USB

Hypercardioid pickup is narrower than cardioid at the sides, with a small rear lobe. Audio-Technica designed it to reduce ambient noise such as the hum of a computer fan. Aimed at your mouth from about 5 to 10 cm, it keeps keyboards and room sound well down. Turn your head to a second screen and your level drops faster than with a cardioid model.

Audio-Technica AT2020USB-XP

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.

Audio-Technica AT2040USB

The mic has a silent capacitive mute, a headphone level control, a mix control and a low-cut switch. A two-state LED ring glows blue when live and red when muted. The touch mute makes no sound at all, which makes it one of the best mute designs for meetings. The colour ring is visible on camera, so others can see when you have muted yourself.

Audio-Technica AT2020USB-XP

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.

Audio-Technica AT2020USB-XP

The body is metal, with a short tripod desk stand and a standard thread for boom arms. 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.

Audio-Technica AT2040USB

The metal body weighs about 600 g and measures 145.3 mm long with a 52 mm diameter. An integrated shock mount and a multistage foam and mesh windscreen are built in. That internal isolation means bumps to the desk or arm are well damped, and close-talking produces few pops. The included AT8487 clamp attaches to stands and boom arms with a 5/8 to 3/8 inch adapter.