Audio Technica AT2020 Microphone

[ZeusKOTG]

I have a chance to buy either the Audio Technica AT2020 xlr or the usb version for my computer, for video streaming, for a really good price. I have a Creative X-fi Xtrememusic with the front panel thing off of a higher end xfi. I have an xlr female to male 1/4" adapter to hook into it. I was just wondering, which would possibly give me the better sound the xlr(hooked into the xfi) or the usb? Any help and opinions are appreciated.

 

[shlemielo]

I believe that is a condenser mic, so you'll need phantom power. Not sure if the X-fi has that, but you'll want to check if you plan on going the XLR route. You'll likely not notice much difference in audio quality, but I always believe in going with the fewest connections/adapters as possible. The USB is a nice added level of convenience too.

 

[Cerb]

One thing to note is that the USB reviews are nothing like the analog reviews. The analog version gets praised left and right, but the USB one faces QC problems, and complaints about muddy audio, even though it is far more expensive. Doing just speech, it probably won't make a lick of difference, of course.

That said, XLR<->TRS just a connector adapter. You'd need a balun for the conversion. This gadget is made just for that purpose. But, SE does not do phantom power, and the balun removes one of the connectors, so you'd need something like this before the adapter. Then, if that doesn't work...???

 

[ZeusKOTG]

Ah ok that does make sense on the xlr version needing phantom power. I am 100% sure that the front panel connector doesn't have phantom power. I guess I will just have to look at the usb version and get that one. Thanks for the help.

 

[Childs]

I have the ATR-2500 which is USB, and its pretty good. Has a zero latency monitoring port, which the AT2020 doesnt have. Other than that and the color, I couldnt really find a reason to pick the AT2020 over it. If you are going USB you might want to look at it, as its $70, vs the $130 for the AT2020USB. It might be cheaper than the deal you can get for the AT2020USB.