One of the most important decisions you’ll make when setting up your home studio is what type of audio interface to use.
Several different options are available, but two of the most popular are Audio Technica At2020XLR microphone and At2020USB microphone.
So, which microphone is better of the two mics? The answer depends on your specific needs and preferences for audio interfaces and music production.
Here are a few things to consider: specifications, audio quality, and additional equipment needed.
Please keep reading our article to figure out the best mic for you for gaming and recording game audio.
Table of Contents
At2020 Xlr vs Usb
Comparison
Specifications
At2020 Xlr
- Type: Condenser mic
- Noise – 20 dB SPL
- Polar Pattern – Cardioid
- Frequency Response – 20-20,000 Hz
- Dynamic Range – 124 dB
- Phantom Power Requirements – 48V DC
USB
- Type: Condenser mic
- Polar Pattern – Cardioid
- Power – USB
- Frequency Response – 20 – 20,000 Hz
- Bit Depth – 16 bit
- Volume Control – Mix and headphone volume control panel
At2020 Xlr Microphone vs. USB Microphone
Choosing the best audio interface for streaming can be a daunting task. Do you need an At2020 XLR microphone or USB audio interface? What are the differences? Which one is right for you?
An XLR microphone is a traditional microphone that uses an XLR cable to connect to a sound mixer or amplifier. Professional musicians and sound engineers typically use these microphones.
XLR mics use a physical cable to connect to your recording device, and they usually require phantom power. This means that you need to have a particular audio interface that can provide power to the microphone.
A USB microphone is a newer microphone that connects to a computer via a USB cable. These microphones are typically used by people who want to record podcast vocals or music.
An XLR audio interface is typically used in a professional setting. It has a more robust build and typically provides more features than a USB audio interface.
A USB interface is smaller, less expensive, and easier to use. It is perfect for home studios and beginner musicians. They don’t require any additional power, making them a convenient option for laptops and other portable devices.
So, which is right for you? If you are a professional musician or audio engineer, an XLR mic is the best option. If you are a beginner or just starting, a USB mic is better.
Sound Quality
There are a lot of factors to take into consideration when you’re thinking of the best mic for you. Today’s most popular interfaces on the audio Technica At2020 XLR mic and USB mic. You might be wondering what exactly is the difference between them?
Firstly, an XLR audio interface uses analog signals to send audio between other devices, while on the other hand a USB audio interface uses digital signals to communicate. This means that an XLR audio interface will typically have a higher quality sound.
But, a pro of the USB audio interface is that it’s a simple plug-and-play type of device.
Ultimately, choosing between an XLR audio interface or a USB audio interface depends on your needs and preferences. If you’re looking for the best possible sound quality, then an XLR audio interface is the way to go.
XLR cables are typically used in professional audio applications. They offer a high-quality, balanced connection and are very reliable.
On the other hand, USB cables are typically used in consumer audio applications. They offer a lower-quality, unbalanced connection and are not as reliable.
To sum it up, the XLR microphone is better for professional use when it comes to audio quality, as it provides a higher quality of sound. However, a USB microphone is more user-friendly and can be connected to a broader range of devices via USB cable.
Is an XLR mic better than USB?
There is a considerable debate in the audio world about which is better: XLR mics or USB mics. Both have their pros and cons, and it can be tough to decide which is the right microphone choice for your needs.
XLR is a more traditional audio connection and is often seen in professional settings. It has low noise and is less susceptible to interference. However, it can be more expensive and complicated to use compared to USB mics.
USB is a newer connection type and is often seen in consumer-grade audio equipment. It is less expensive and simpler to use than XLR mics, but it can be less reliable and may not have as low noise.
Does XLR to USB work with AT2020?
A few different methods can be used to connect an AT2020 USB microphone to a computer. One popular way is to use an XLR to USB adapter.
This adapter allows you to use a standard XLR microphone cable to connect the microphone to the computer.
Another method is to use a USB audio interface. This device converts the USB signal to an XLR signal, which can then connect the microphone to the computer.
The AT2020 is a popular choice for a USB mic because it has a giant diaphragm and is cardioid, meaning it is good at rejecting sound from the back and sides.
In short, yes, XLR to USB works with the AT2020. It is a popular converter for people who want to use XLR microphones with their computers. The converter allows you to use the XLR microphone with your computer, providing power to the microphone.
Is USB or XLR better for gaming?
There are a few things to consider when choosing a gaming microphone. One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether you want a USB microphone or an XLR microphone.
USB microphones are easy to use – you plug them into your computer, and you’re ready to go. It is also easier to use because you don’t need special cables or adapters.
However, XLR is not as familiar as USB, so there are not as many gaming headsets that use XLR. XLR microphones require a little more setup but offer more flexibility in what you can do with them. It would help if you also had a special cable or adapter to use the XLR version.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. USB microphones are generally cheaper, while XLR microphones offer better sound quality. Whichever you choose, make sure you get a gaming microphone.
Conclusion
The world of audio quality and expensive microphones is vast and ever-growing. There are dozens of different connectors used to hook up audio equipment, and it can be tricky to know which one to use, the XLR cable or the USB version.
This article compared two of the most common audio connectors and mics: USB vs XLR.
We concluded that it comes down to what the user wants to achieve, the better quality mic sounds with an XLR cable or a USB microphone to connect directly and with no additional equipment.