Audio-Technica AT2020 USB User Manual

AT2020 USB

USB Cardioid Condenser Side-Address Microphone

Features

• Side-address studio condenser with USB digital output (Windows and Mac compatible)

• Ideal for podcasting, home studio recording, eld recording and voiceover use

• Custom-engineered low-mass diaphragm provides extended frequency response and superior transient response

• Low self-noise—perfectly suited for sophisticated digital recording equipment

• Cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of desired sound source

• Rugged design and construction for reliable performance

• Pivoting, threaded stand mount attaches securely for easy and precise placement of the microphone

• Tripod desk stand with folding legs for secure and easily portable tabletop use

Description

The AT2020 USB is a side-address xed-charge condenser microphone with USB digital output (Windows and Mac compatible) and a cardioid polar pattern. Designed to plug directly into a computer’s USB port, the microphone is ideal for digitally capturing music or any audio source using your favorite recording software. The microphone offers studio-quality articulation and intelligibility perfect for home studio recording, eld recording, podcasting and voiceover use.

20 series studio microphones

Operation and Maintenance

The AT2020 USB is designed to plug into a computer’s USB port. Detailed instructions for setting up the microphone with Mac OS X, Windows XP, and Windows Vista are included with the product and available online at www.audio-technica.com.

It is important to position the microphone directly in line (on axis) with the person speaking/ singing or instrument (or other sound source) to achieve the best frequency response of the microphone. For use in speaking/singing applications, the ideal placement for the microphone is directly in front of the person speaking/singing. The same placement is optimal when miking an instrument such as an acoustic guitar, drums or piano. Experiment with different mic placements to nd the best sound for your particular setup.

Set up the microphone with included pivot mount and tripod desk stand as follows: First, screw the pivot mount onto the top of the tripod desk stand. Next, place the tripod desk stand on a at surface. (The tripod legs will extend to provide a wide, secure base.) Install the AT2020 USB microphone into the threaded collar of the pivot mount and tighten collar while holding the microphone in place. The front of the microphone should be facing the sound source. (A USB icon and blue LED indicate the front of the microphone; the product model number is displayed on the rear of the microphone.) If necessary, adjust the microphone’s angle with the pivot mount’s thumbscrew. Plug the provided USB cable into the USB digital output at the base of the microphone.

Avoid leaving your microphone in the open sun or in areas where temperatures exceed 110° F (43° C) for extended periods. Extremely high humidity should also be avoided.

Architect’s and Engineer’s Specications

The microphone shall be a side-address xed-charge condenser with USB output, designed to plug into a computer’s USB port. It shall have a cardioid polar pattern with a uniform 120° angle of acceptance and a frequency response of 20 Hz to 16,000 Hz. The microphone shall operate from USB Power (5V DC) supplied through a computer’s USB port. Output shall be of the USB type at 16 bit, 44.1 kHz.

The microphone shall be 162.0 mm (6.38") long and have a maximum body diameter of 52.0 mm (2.05"). Weight shall be 374 grams (13.2 oz). The microphone shall include a pivoting stand mount, a tripod desk stand and a 3.1 m (10') USB cable.

The microphone requires USB Power (5V DC) for operation; this is supplied through the computer’s USB port via the included USB cable.

The cardioid polar pattern of the microphone is more sensitive to sound originating directly in front of the element, making it useful in controlling feedback, reducing pickup of unwanted sounds and providing isolation between performers.

The output of the microphone is a USB-type connector. The microphone has a bit depth of 16 bits and a sample rate of 44.1 kHz.

The microphone includes a 3.1 m (10') USB cable that connects the microphone to any computer with a USB port.

The microphone is enclosed in a rugged housing. The included pivoting stand mount permits mounting on any microphone stand with 5/8"-27 threads. A tripod desk stand and a soft protective pouch are also included.

The Audio-Technica AT2020 USB is specied.

Specications

Element

Polar pattern

Frequency response

Phantom power requirements

Bit depth

Sample rate

Weight

Dimensions

Output connector

Accessories furnished

In the inter est of standards devel opment, A.T.U.S.

offers full details on its test me thods to other industr y

1 Pascal = 1 0 dynes/cm

Specication s are subject to chang e without notice.

professional s on request.

= 10 microb ars = 94 dB SPL

467

AT2020 USB

Fixed-charge back plate, permanently polarized condenser Cardioid 20-16,000 Hz USB Power (5V DC) 16 bit

44.1 kHz 374 g (13.2 oz)

162.0 mm (6.38") long,

52.0 mm (2.05") maximum body diameter USB-type Pivoting stand mount for 5/8"-27 threaded stands; 5/8"-27 to 3/8"-16 threaded adapter; soft protective pouch; tripod desk stand; 3.1 m (10') USB cable

Federal Communications Commission Statement

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for

a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: — Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. — Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. — Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

— Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

frequency response: 20 –16,000 Hz

10 dB

100

12" or more on axis

330˚

200

Frequency in Hertz

0˚

180˚

500

30˚

150˚

LEGEND

polar pattern

300˚

270˚

240˚

210˚

SCALE IS 5 DECIBELS PER DIVISION

60˚

120˚

10k

90˚

LEGEND

200 Hz

1 kHz 5 kHz 8 kHz

Response in dB

20k