The Even Cheaper AT-2020 USB Plus Microphone?

Photo by maitree rimthong from Pexels

Hey, there!
I love the AT-2020 USB Plus (+) microphone.

It’s the one I use to narrate all my stuff, including audiobooks for big publishers like Audible, Findaway and for clients on ACX.

at-2020-usb-plus

It has an amazing sound, amazing portability, a headphone jack, and it also plugs in nicely via the Apple Camera Adapter to your iPad, should a Mac or PC not be around.

And it’s really inexpensive – usually around $100-$150, depending on how Amazon is feeling that day.

But is it possible for it to be even less expensive? Like, just $60??

No.

Here’s why.

Hope this helps!

David

Responses

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  1. Hi David. A couple of questions: I was actually just about to get the studio version that you mention (which by the way wasn’t as cheap as you mentioned), because I use an MBox Mini interface with ProTools to record my audio. Is there a quality difference between the two models? Would you recommend that I switch to USB, but would that mean I wouldn’t be able to use ProTools and the MBox Mini? Thank you for this video and for your time and help.

    1. In your case, the one exception, is that you want to continue using a bridge/interface (the MBOX) and Pro Tools, so you absolutely should do that – get the studio version, as the capsule and construction are exactly the same, and the quality is the same heading in. You’ll be using the same conversion circuitry in the MBOX as you’d have in the USB version of the mic. So go for the studio version of the AT-2020! But you’re the only one!!

      1. Thank you for the advice, David. One last question: is it silly to keep using the Mbox? I use it because I am so familiar and comfortable with ProTools after so many years of working with it and I’m afraid of changing to another software such as Audacity. Or is the USB mic compatible with ProTools? Thank you again!

        1. You should do what you’re comfortable with. I used to use Pro Tools, and switched to my current configuration because I found it a lot easier for what we do as VO artists.

  2. I used to work for Sam Ash selling guitars, and an industry standard Shure SM58 vocal mic cost (and still costs) $99, so when I saw the price on the Audio Technica, I knew that this was a good deal. I’m all for saving money, but it’s no deal when you get the wrong item and have to waste time and money sending it back for the right thing. Thank you, David, for saving us some steps.

  3. A couple of years ago, Amazon ran a flash sale on the AT2020USB+, and I got a spare at $75 (50% off sale). You can be sure I triple-checked that my meant the AT2020USB+, because in addition to the 2020 and 2020USB+, AT also has the 2020USB, and 2020USBi, which have different features. You really have to pay attention and make sure you’re getting what you think you’re getting.

  4. Thank you for this video, David. It doesn’t get any easier or better than simply clicking on the links YOU provide directly to the right gear and software YOU use. Moreover, I know you gain nothing from sending us to a product that might APPEAR more expensive and I know that I DON’T know better than the folks at VO2GoGo (yet ) so I’d be crazy not to take advantage of the research you’ve already, in essence, done for us.

  5. What’s your opinion of the Blue Yeti USB?
    (or how it compares to the AT-2020 USB Plus, if you’ve experienced both)

    1. The whole point of any USB mic is that no interface is required – all the electronics that would be in the interface are in the mic itself. The mic plugs right into your computer, and you can use any sound editing software you like, including Audacity.