Audio-Technica AT2020USBI Condenser USB Microphone Instruction Manual
- June 13, 2024
- Audio-Technica
Table of Contents
Audio-Technica AT2020USBI Condenser USB Microphone
Introduction
Thank you for buying the Audio-Technica AT2020USBi Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone. Equipped with a digital output, this microphone is designed for digitally capturing music or any acoustic audio source using your favorite recording software. The AT2020USBi offers studio-quality articulation and intelligibility perfect for home studio recording, field recording, podcasting, and voiceover use. The AT2020USBi features a microphone gain control that allows you to adjust the input level directly on the microphone itself. The microphone’s cardioid pickup pattern delivers excellent off-axis rejection, while its A/D converter with a 24-bit, up to 96 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 digital output for convenient recording
- High quality A/D converter with 24-bit, up to 96 kHz sampling rate for superb audio
- Mic gain control allows you to adjust input level on the mic itself
- Smooth, extended frequency response ideally suited for podcasting, home studio recording, field recording and voiceover use
- Compatible with Windows 7 and above, Mac OS 10.6 and above and iOS 7.02 and above (requires Lightning connector)
- Tripod desk stand with folding legs for secure and easily portable tabletop use
- Included USB and Lightning cables provide ready connectivity to computers and iOS devices
Description
- Capsule — Condenser microphone element with cardioid polar pattern
- Blue LED — Blue light shows microphone is receiving USB power
- Mic Gain Control — Dial controls input level
- Metal Construction — Tough, durable, resilient design
- Digital Output Connector — Use the included USB or Lightning cable to connect AT2020USBi to your Mac, PC, iPad or iPhone
- USB Cable
- Lightning 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 at surface. (The tripod legs will extend to provide a wide, secure base.)
- C. Install the AT2020USBi 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 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 or Lightning cable into the digital output at the base of the microphone.
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/
Preliminary setup with Mac OS X
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Plug the free end of the provided USB cable into the USB port on your computer. The microphone’s blue LED will illuminate, indicating the microphone is receiving power. Your computer will automatically recognize the USB device and install a driver.
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To select the AT2020USBi as your audio input, first, open your System Preferences.
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Next, click Sound to display the Sound preference pane.
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Click the Input tab and select the AT2020USBi as the device for sound input.
Preliminary setup with Windows 8
- Plug the free end of the USB cable into the USB port on your computer. The microphone’s blue
- LED light will illuminate, indicating the mic is receiving power. Your computer will automatically recognize the USB device and install a driver.
- In the lower right portion of your screen you may get a message that new hardware was found; or you may see a driver software installation notice.
- Start menu > Control Panel > Sound
- To select the AT2020USBi as your default recording device, begin at your Start menu. Select Control Panel
- Select Sound.
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The following screen will pop up
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Select the Recording tab, and choose AT2020USBi as the default device.
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Double click on the AT2020USBi icon to open the Microphone Properties window. Select the Levels tab to adjust microphone level (loudness). It is recommended that you set the gain control on the microphone to max before adjusting the level in Properties. That way any adjustments needed during recording can be easily performed from the microphone itself
Additional Information
Selecting software
You have many choices in recording software. Audacity, available for free
online at http://audacity.sourceforge.net/, is a widely used software
program that provides basic recording software.
Setting your software levels
Correct adjustment of microphone level is important for optimum performance.
Ideally, the microphone level should be as high as possible without
overloading the input of your computer. If you hear distortion, or if your
recording program shows levels that are consistently overloaded (at peak
levels), turn the microphone volume (or level) down, through either the gain
control on the microphone, your control panel (or system preferences) settings
or your recording software. If your recording program shows insufficient
level, you can increase the microphone gain via the microphone dial, the
control panel (or system preferences) settings or your recording program. No
further microphone level adjustments should be needed, as long as the acoustic
input does not change significantly.
Positioning your microphone
It is important to position the microphone directly in line (on axis) with the
person speaking/singing, the instrument (or other sound source) to achieve the
best frequency response of the microphone. For use in speaking/singing
applications, the ideal placement for the microphone is directly in front of
the person speaking/singing. The same placement is optimal when miking an
instrument such as an acoustic guitar, drums or piano. Experiment with
different mic placements to find the best sound for your particular setup.
Protecting your microphone
Avoid leaving your microphone in the open sun or in areas where temperatures
exceed 110° F (43° C) for extended periods. Extremely high humidity should
also be avoided
Specifications
- Element : Fixed-charge back plate, permanently polarized condenser
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Response: 20 – 20,000 Hz
- Power Requirements : USB (5V DC); Lightning (3.3V DC)
- Bit Depth : 24-bit
- Sample Rate: Up to 96 kHz
- Controls : Mic gain control
- Weight : 350 g (12.3 oz)
- Dimensions : 162.0 mm (6.38″) long, 52.0 mm (2.05″) maximum body diameter
- Output Connector: Micro HDMI
- Accessories Included: Pivoting stand mount for 5/8″-27 threaded stands; 5/8″-27 to 3/8″-16 threaded adapter; soft protective pouch; tripod desk stand; 4.9′ (1.5 m) USB cable; 4.9′ (1.5 m) Lightning cable
Compatibility
- Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard and above
- USB1.0 or 2.0
- Mac computer with an Intel processor
- 1GB of memory
- 5GB of available disk space
Windows 7 and above
- USB1.0 or 2.0
- 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
- 1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
Frequency Response
Polar Pattern
FCC
Compliance with FCC rules (USA only)
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
- this device may not cause harmful interference, and
- 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.
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.
To reduce the environmental impact of a multi-language printed document, product information is available online at www.audio-technica.com in a selection of languages.
Audio-Technica Corporation
- audio-technica.com
- ©2015 Audio-Technica
- P#1494-06700B
FAQs
1. What is the Audio-Technica AT2020USBI Condenser USB Microphone?
The Audio-Technica AT2020USBI is a high-quality condenser microphone with a USB connection, designed for professional audio recording and podcasting.
2. Is the AT2020USBI compatible with both Windows and Mac computers?
Yes, the AT2020USBI is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, making it versatile for various users.
3. Does the AT2020USBI require an external audio interface?
No, the AT2020USBI has a built-in USB interface, eliminating the need for an external audio interface.
4. What kind of audio quality can I expect from the AT2020USBI microphone?
The AT2020USBI offers high-quality audio with its condenser design, making it suitable for vocals, instruments, and podcasts.
5. Can I monitor audio in real-time with this microphone?
Yes, the AT2020USBI features a headphone jack for real-time monitoring, ensuring accurate recordings.
6. Is a pop filter included with the AT2020USBI microphone?
A pop filter is not typically included, but it is recommended for reducing plosive sounds during recording.
7. What is the maximum sample rate and bit depth of this microphone?
The AT2020USBI supports a sample rate of 16-bit, 44.1/48 kHz, providing high- quality audio recordings.
8. Does the AT2020USBI require any special drivers for installation?
No, the microphone is plug-and-play, and no special drivers are required for installation.
9. Can I use the AT2020USBI with recording software like Audacity or GarageBand?
Yes, the AT2020USBI is compatible with popular recording software such as Audacity and GarageBand.
10. What is the warranty for the Audio-Technica AT2020USBI microphone?
The AT2020USBI typically comes with a limited warranty from Audio-Technica to ensure its quality.
11. Is there a carrying case included with the AT2020USBI microphone?
A carrying case is not typically included, but it is recommended for safe storage and transportation.
12. Can the AT2020USBI be used for streaming and online content creation?
Yes, the AT2020USBI is a great choice for streaming, podcasting, and creating online content due to its high-quality audio capture.
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