Audio Technica AT2020USB-X Review / Test

Today I review a new USB mic from Audio Techncia, the 2020USB-X. This is an update to the 2020USB+ and it's offering higher conversion 24-bit/96kHz and it adds a new mute button. It comes with a desktop stand as well which the original did not, but it abandons the standard 2020 mount that the original USB+used in lieu of a 1/4" threading on the bottom. It offers a clear sound that leans into the territory of being a bit harsh, and it picks up a bit more room tone and reflections than I'd prefer. However, in a world of decreasing plug and play mics, it offers a pretty decent sound for those who need the limited functionality.

Buy the Audio Technica AT2020USB-X (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/at2020usbx
Sweetwater: n/a
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/44A0Pnj
Thomann: https://www.thomannmusic.com/audio_technica_at2020usb_x.htm?offid=1&affid=2060

NOTE (FULL DISCLOSURE): As an associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info check my FAQ page links below.

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
Computer Level: 29%
Boosted in Post: +0dB

SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Freq Response : 20Hz - 20kHz
Bit Depth: 16/24-bit
Sample Rate:  44.1 - 96kHz

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
00:24 - What’s in the Box
00:48 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:33 - Specifications
01:46 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:05 - Plosive Test
02:24 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:41 - Background Noise Test 
02:57 - Untreated Room Test
03:18 - Shock Rejection Test
03:36 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:50 - Mute Button Test
04:04 - Desktop Stand Test
04:35 - Intro to Comparison
05:03 - Razer Seiren Mini Comparison
05:32 - Blue Snowball Comparison
06:00 - Samson C01u Pro Comparison
06:28 - Blue Yeti (Original) Comparison
07:00 - Rode NT-USB Mini Comparison
07:26 - Blue Yeti Nano Comparison
07:54 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
08:28 - Audio Technica AT2500X-USB Comparison
08:57 - Sennheiser Profile Comparison
09:30 - Audio Technica AT2020USB+ Comparison
10:10 - Elgato Wave 3 Comparison
10:42 - sE Electronics Neom Comparison
11:11 - Rode NT-USB+ Comparison
11:35 - Blue Yeti X Comparison
12:11 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
12:41 - Music Test
14:09 - Pros & Cons
15:49 - Overall Thoughts
17:22- Recommendation
19:00  - Outro

Bandrew Scott

Bandrew Scott is the founder and host of the youtube channel Podcastage, where he posts reviews of audio gear, and shares tips and tricks to improve the audio of your Podcast, YouTube Channel, or Live Stream.

He also founded the Geeks Rising podcast network, which is home to amazing education, wellness, and pop culture podcasts such as Tourette’s Podcast, Sunshine & Powercuts, and On The Subject.

Bandrew also runs his own show titled the Bandrew Says Podcast. On this show he analyzes the latest news to determine how it affects the content creation ecosystem, and shares that to help creates remain aware of how the platform they use is changing.