AT2020USB+
Instruction Manual
Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone
AT2020USB+
Contents
Introduction & features 3
Setting up your microphone with pivot mount & desk stand 4
Preliminary setup with Mac OS X 5
Preliminary setup with Windows 7 7
Using headphones 10
Using mix control 10
Selecting software 10
Setting your software levels 10
Positioning your microphone 10
Protecting your microphone 10
Specifications 11
Compliance with FCC rules (USA only)
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
FCC WARNING
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could
void your authority to operate this equipment.
Canada only
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme á la norme NMB -003 du Canada.
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.
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Introduction
Thank you for buying the Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone.
Equipped with a USB output, this microphone is designed for digitally capturing music or any acoustic
audio source using your favorite recording software. The AT2020USB+ offers studio-quality articulation
and intelligibility perfect for home studio recording, field recording, podcasting, and voiceover use.
The AT2020USB+ features a built-in headphone jack with volume control that allows you to directly
monitor your microphone signal with no delay. It also offers mix control that blends microphone and
pre-recorded audio. The microphone’s cardioid pickup pattern delivers excellent off-axis rejection,
while its A /D converter with a 16-bit, 44.1/48 kHz sampling rate ensures extremely articulate sound
reproduction.
Audio-Technica’s state-of-the-art design and manufacturing techniques ensure that the microphone
complies with the company’s renowned consistency and reliability standards.
Features
• Condenser microphone with USB output for digital recording
• High quality A/D and D/A converter with 16 bit, 44.1/48 kHz sampling rate for superb audio
• Headphone jack with volume control allows you to monitor the microphone signal with no delay
• Mix control allows you to blend your microphone signal and pre-recorded audio
• High-output internal headphone amplifier delivers superior clarity and musical detail as well as
more volume overall
• Smooth, extended frequency response ideally suited for podcasting, home studio recording,
field recording and voiceover use
• Compatible with Windows 7, Vista, XP, 2000 and Mac OS X
• Tripod desk stand with folding legs for secure and easily portable tabletop use
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AT2020USB+
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(on back)
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1. Capsule — Condenser microphone element with cardioid polar pattern
2. Blue LED — Blue light shows microphone is receiving USB power
3. Headphone Level Control — Dial controls headphone volume
4. Mix Control — Blends microphone and pre-recorded audio
5. Headphone Jack — 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) stereo jack for connecting your headphones
6. Metal Construction — Tough, durable, resilient design
7. USB Connector — Use the included USB cable to connect AT2020USB+ to your Mac or PC
8. USB Cable
Setting up your microphone with included pivot mount and tripod desk stand
A. Screw the pivot mount onto the top of the tripod desk stand.
B. Place the tripod desk stand on a flat surface. (The tripod legs will extend to provide a wide,
secure base.)
C. Install the AT2020USB+ 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.)
D. If necessary, adjust the microphone’s angle with the pivot mount’s thumbscrew.
E. Plug the provided USB cable into the USB digital output at the base of the microphone.
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Note: Many recording software programs are available online. Audacity is widely used free software
for recording and editing sounds. It is available online at http://audacity.sourceforge.net/
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