The AT2020 is certainly capable of a useable acoustic track but it definitely sounds like the placement technique is not right. Sounds two inches too close and too direct to the sound hole.
Mention
Music & Instruments
Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Best Entry-Level Condenser Mic for Home Studios
The Audio-Technica AT2020 has been the default entry-level studio condenser microphone for 15+ years — flat, accurate frequency response, low self-noise at 20 dB SPL, and XLR output that interfaces with any standard audio interface.
15 mentions · 8 threadslast mention Apr 20267.6/ 10
ClearPick Score
Decent
Score informed by 15 owner mentions across 8 Reddit threads · see every quote ↓
7 positive5 mixed3 negative
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Best Entry-Level Condenser Mic for Home Studios
Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Microphone
~$149 CAD est. on Amazon.ca
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Every mention, sourced
Real comments from Reddit, linked to the original thread. Nothing paraphrased.
I would say the AT2020 is a better option if you are on a budget and want to save money. ... Overall I would get the AT2020 because the two microphones don’t have that much of difference and the AT2035 isn’t worth the extra $70.
Comparison
Personal opinion, but the AT2020 is the worst mic I’ve ever owned. Unusable thin. It has no long term investment value.
Complaint
AT2035 is better in terms of picking up your voice, but if you stay closer than 30cm to your mic it's the AT2020 is perfect, in terms of price/performance. ... For voice-overs the AT2020 is more than enough.
Comparison
The 2020 is way brighter. They're both ok entry level mics and would get the job done for a while.
Comparison
I recorded what I consider my best vocal on an AT2020. Later on I got an AT4060 tube mic. I've found that I was able to get a good vocal on both but the it was a lot less work to get final level quality vocal with the AT4060.
Praise
So previous at2020 owner here. Mic is great... If you don't have a noisy place and proper sound proofing. I personally recommend moving to a dynamic mic instead.
Complaint
Having said that, AT2020s are entry level mics and there are certainly much better microphones on the market. But that particular microphone is most likely not the thing that's holding you back right now.
Mention
And the AT2020 has a fair amount of self-noise. I'd really try to get up to a Røde NT1a at least for paid voiceover work. The space you record in would need to be treated.
Complaint
Save your money - the 2020 is great and you probably won't use those other features, although they are nice to have
Praise
Game changing? Probably not. Will there be a difference? Yes. ... The AT2020 is a very capable mic.
Praise
It was all I had along with an SM57 for several years and it let me get lots of music recorded.
Praise
I have the 2020 and it sounds very natural when I'm close to it. Directional pickup pattern is good, I'm able to take advantage of that to optimize its position in my untreated room.
Praise
yep i had the 2020 and you could hear a flea fart across the room. got the sm58, and while it has its own challenges, it is vastly better in noise rejection.
Complaint
The 2020 is very sensitive. Additionally, a noise gate can further help.
Complaint
✅ What Works
- Widely recommended as the best value pick over pricier alternatives like the AT2035
- Sounds natural and directional when used close-mic'd
- "More than enough" for voice-over and vocal work, per multiple owners
⚠️ Worth Knowing
- Room noise pickup is the most-cited complaint — self-noise is noticeable in untreated spaces
- Entry-level mic; several owners say better options exist once budget allows
- Requires careful mic placement, especially for acoustic instruments
ClearPick Verdict
Owners are largely positive but not uncritical of the AT2020. Of 15 mentions, 7 are positive, 5 mixed, 3 negative — with "room noise pickup" the single most-cited theme (4 mentions). Several owners flag noticeable self-noise and say the mic is unforgiving of untreated rooms, with one describing it as able to "hear a flea fart across the room." At the same time, it's consistently recommended as the best value entry point over pricier alternatives like the AT2035, and multiple owners say it's "more than enough" for voice-over and vocal work when used close-mic'd. This is a mic that rewards a treated room and punishes a noisy one. Good for budget-conscious buyers in a quiet space; skip it if your room is untreated or noisy.
