Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica AT2020
Side-address cardioid condenser (electret, 16 mm diaphragm)
Power Phantom, 48 V DC.
- Type
- Condenser (electret)
- Pattern
- Cardioid
- Sensitivity
- −37 dBV/Pa
- Among 204 condensers: more output than 51%
- Among 311 mics: more output than 66%
- Self-noise
- 20 dB(A)
- Among 258 condensers: quieter than 23%
- Among 272 mics: quieter than 23%
- Max SPL
- 144 dB SPL
- Among 277 condensers: takes louder sound than 79%
- Among 343 mics: takes louder sound than 75%
- Rated range
- 20 – 20k Hz
vs 75 side-address condensers
More output than 36% of 75 side-address condensers.
Each stripe is one side-address condenser with a published sensitivity, and each bar counts them; further right means more output. This mic is in blue.
vs 99 side-address condensers
Quieter than 5% of 99 side-address condensers.
Each stripe is one side-address condenser with a published self-noise, and each bar counts them; further right means quieter. This mic is in blue.
vs 107 side-address condensers
Takes louder sound than 79% of 107 side-address condensers.
Each stripe is one side-address condenser with a published max SPL, and each bar counts them; further right means it takes louder sound. This mic is in blue.
Instruments sources recommend it for most
2 of 4; all under Recommended for.
Proximity effect: the bass it gains up close
From the spec sheet, p. 1.
Printed under the graph: "12" or more on axis" (30 cm or more). Anechoic or not, smoothing and typical-vs-individual are not stated.
Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.
Polar pattern
From the spec sheet, p. 1.
Full circle, 0° at the top, 5 dB per ring. Measuring conditions not stated.
In practice
All specs
| From the spec sheet | ||
|---|---|---|
| Capsule | 16 mm diaphragm, side-address"Custom-engineered 16 mm low-mass diaphragm"; "side-address studio condenser". | p. 1 |
| Sensitivity | −37 dBV/Pa (14.1 mV/Pa)open circuit, re 1 V at 1 Pa | |
| Self-noise | 20 dB(A)typical, A-weighted, Audio Precision System One. Printed as "Noise: 20 dB SPL" with footnote 1 ("Typical, A-weighted"). | |
| Max SPL | 144 dB SPL1 kHz, 1% THD | |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 74 dB1 kHz at 1 Pa, typical, A-weighted | |
| Dynamic range | 124 dBtypical, 1 kHz at max SPL | |
| Output impedance | 100 ohm | |
| Rated frequency range | 20 Hz to 20 kHzTolerance not stated. | |
| Powering | phantom, 48 V DC"It requires 48V DC phantom power". | |
| Current draw | 2 mAtypical | |
| Connector | XLR-3 male"Integral 3-pin XLRM-type"; balanced, pin 2 hot. | |
| Weight | 345 gless accessories. 12.1 oz. | |
| Dimensions | 162 × 52 mmLength × maximum body diameter. | |
| Supplied accessories | Stand mount for 5/8"-27 threaded stands; 5/8"-27 to 3/8"-16 threaded adapter; Soft protective pouch | |
| Output | Low impedance (Lo-Z) balanced; signal across pins 2 and 3, pin 1 ground (shield) | |
| Polarity | "Pin 2 hot": positive acoustic pressure produces positive voltage at pin 2 | |
| Phantom power supplies suggested | Audio-Technica AT8801 (single channel), CP8506 (four channel) | |
| Storage | Avoid temperatures above 110 °F (43 °C) for extended periods, and extremely high humidity | |
| Test methods | A.T.U.S. offers full details on its test methods to other industry professionals on request | |
Documents
- AT2020 cardioid condenser microphonespec sheet
- AT2020 cardioid condenser side-address microphonespec sheet, 2010 edition
Copies kept by Mic Archive (manufacturers move and drop their documents), unchanged, with their original addresses. Each is © its publisher.
Recommended for
By recording guides, engineers and mic makers, for this mic or an earlier version of it.