Can the AT2020 Microphone Be Used To Record Into a Computer?

Answer: Yes. But, as always, you will want to make certain you have the proper setup to ensure that all of your equipment is compatible. The AT2020 is a side-address studio microphone that utilizes a standard XLR output. Also, it is a condenser microphone that, as discussed in our Condenser Microphone Question of the Week, requires phantom power to operate. So you will need to use an adapter to connect the mic to your computer. Most XLR to USB cables and adapters won’t work since they don’t, generally, provide the phantom power needed. These adapters do work well with dynamic microphones, such as the PRO8HEx microphone, or condenser microphones that receive power by other means (such as the battery with the AT897 microphone). An XLR to 3.5 mm cable won’t fit the bill, either, since, like the USB input, the computer’s 3.5 mm jack won’t provide the necessary phantom power. But there are plenty of adapters available that will allow you to plug your AT2020 microphone into your computer, properly convert the analog signal to digital, and provide the proper voltage for the microphone. Please check to make certain the adapter you choose will work by contacting our Audio Solutions Department. Audio-Technica also offers the AT2020USB+ and AT2020USBi microphones, which give you the same high-quality performance of the original AT2020, but are engineered to plug directly into a computer, so no adapter is required. Once your AT2020 microphone is properly connected to your computer, you’ll be able to enjoy the convenience of today’s robust recording software and make great music for years to come. See the AT2020 microphone in action in our Recording Drums on a Budget video. If you have questions about using any AT2020 microphone with a computer, feel free to contact our Audio Solutions Department. And be sure to stop by next week for another Question of the Week.

* Quick Tip from ATMicMan:

The AT2020 microphone is a side-address and NOT an end-address microphone!