You are probably well aware that Audio Technica microphones are some of the best on the market, or perhaps you are new to this whole thing and just want to find the best microphone for you. Either way, you are in the right place. In our Audio Technica Microphones review, we will take a close look at some different microphones that Audio Technica offers, especially our featured model: the AT2020. Once you finish this article, not only will you will have the knowledge needed to decide which microphone works best for your project, you will know which microphones work best for other projects you may want to try in the future.
Each of the models we researched in this Audio Technica Microphones review has specific applications it is best suited for. Our featured model is the best one for audio applications such as podcasts, YouTube, Twitch, and other streaming.
We will also review the best USB version that hooks straight into your computer for the same type of streaming. Then, we will look at the best microphone for video applications/outdoor recording, and last, the best microphone for close-mic applications, otherwise known as an instrument microphone.
So, depending on what your passion is, Audio Technica has a microphone that you will not only want to use, but that you will love to use.
Price Range of the Audio Technica Microphones on This List
The prices of the microphones in our Audio Technica microphone review range from around $75.00 to around $280.00 and can be purchased from Amazon.com.
Here are the Audio Technica Models We Reviewed
We picked a few similar products available on the market to see how they compare to our featured product in our Audio Technica Microphones review.
- Audio Technica Microphone AT2020
- Audio Technica Microphone ATR2500-USB
- Audio Technica Microphone Condenser AT8035
- Audio Technica Microphone ATM650
Audio Technica Microphone AT2020
The AT2020 is an excellent starter Mic, and it sets a standard of affordability and performance for other side-address studio condensers in its class.
It has a rugged construction that will give years of performance. It is highly versatile due to its high SPL handling and wide dynamic range.
Everything from the rugged build to the superb audio quality of this microphone offers excellent performance.
The AT2020 offers solid quality for streaming and voice recordings for videos and gives a major step up in the sound quality compared to USB microphones.
The noise level is 20dB SPL, and it has a custom-engineered low mass diaphragm that offers superior transient response and extended frequency response.
The cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the rear and sides, better isolating the desired sound. The output connector is an integral 3 pin XRLM-type and must be purchased separately. This mic is ideal for project home/studio applications.
Sound [5 Out of 5 Stars]
Customers used words like warm, rich, excellent, clear, and sharp to describe the sound quality of the AT2020. We agreed. We gave it 5 out of 5 for sound quality.
Quality [5 Out of 5 Stars]
The AT2020 is rugged and can hold up to a lot of use. Everything from the custom-engineered low-mass diaphragm to the pivoting threaded stand mount, which secures well and assures right placement, provides excellent quality. We gave it 5 out of 5 stars for overall quality.
Design [5 Out of 5 Stars]
The cardioid polar pattern helps to reduce outside noises and then the low mass diaphragm assures the sound you want comes through to your recordings. The microphone itself is also designed tough for many years of use. We gave the design of the AT2020 5 out of 5 stars.
Durability [5 Out of 5 Stars]
Though you should try your best never to drop a condenser microphone, it happens. Customers rave about the AT2020’s ability to withstand an accidental drop and to keep going. We gave the durability of the AT2020 a 5 out of 5 star rating.
Warranty [5 Out of 5 Stars]
Audio Technica offers a 1-year limited manufacturer’s warranty and customers are pleased with their customer service. We decided on 5 for warranty.
Pros
- 40-20,000 Hz
- Ideal for home and studio applications
- Good mid-range sound
- Good isolation of sound to the desired source
- Sets a standard for performance and price
Cons
- Does not come with an XLR cable
Price $
Audio Technica Microphone ATR2500-USB
The ATR2500-USB is a side address condenser microphone with USB output for easy connection to your computer. This one is perfect for podcasting, home studio recording, field recording, and voiceovers.
It comes with a built-in headphone jack so that you can monitor your microphone output without an audible delay. It has a high-quality AD converter with a 16 bit, 44.1-48/kHz sampling rate.
Plug this one into your computer’s USB port and it is made to work seamlessly with your favorite recording software. It has a quality analog-to-digital converter and it is compatible with both Windows and Mac.
Sound [4.5 Out of 5 Stars]
This microphone records quieter than some, so it is necessary to turn up your gain. Sometimes, this can cause a fuzzy background noise. But once that fuzz is removed with a sound removal tool, the ATR2500 has a crisp, clear sound. We gave it a 4.5 out of 5 because of the need for adjustments to get the perfect sound.
Quality [4.5 Out of 5 Stars]
The overall quality for sound and performance is great with this microphone, but the stand could be a little higher quality. This microphone is great, especially for the beginner; it is made well and will hold up well. We took away a half star for the stand.
Design [5 Out of 5 Stars]
For design, we gave this offering from Audio Technica a 5. It has the low-mass diaphragm and low self-noise, and it comes with both USB and XLR connections. It is designed well to cut down on side or back noise and to keep the sound where it matters most.
Durability [5 Out of 5 Stars]
Though we are not so certain of the stand’s durability, the microphone itself is solid and well-made. It should offer years of superior performance. We gave it a 5 for overall durability.
Warranty [5 Out of 5 Stars]
All of our models in the Audio Technica Microphones review have a 1-year limited warranty and great customer service.
Pros
- 30-15,000Hz
- Cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds
- Pivoting stand mount included
- Has both XLR and USB connections
Cons
- Records quietly so more gain is necessary
Price $
Audio Technica Microphone Condenser AT8035
The next model in our Audio Technica Microphones review is the AT8035. This model is well-suited for video production, outdoor recording, ENG, and other, specialized uses.
It is designed for video production and broadcast (ENG/EFP) audio acquisition.
The AT8035 measures 14.53″ in length and can pick up sound from around 5 feet away.
For best quality sound and recording, 3-4 feet is ideal, and closer works well, too. It comes with an AT8132 windscreen, battery, and protective carrying case.
Sound [5 Out of 5 Stars]
The AT8035 has excellent directional sound, and it picks up less ambient sound than some other boom microphones. Customer ratings are great for the sound production of the AT8035. We agreed and gave it 5 out of 5 stars.
Quality [5 out of 5 Stars]
Reviewers referred to this one as a workhorse. It holds up to a lot of situations where a “shotgun” microphone is needed and delivers. It also has a solid build while weighing less than 5 pounds. We gave it a 5 for overall quality.
Design [5 out of 5 Stars]
This is a great microphone for the applications it is recommended for. This one wouldn’t work well in a home studio, but then again, it isn’t made to. This one has a solid design. We gave it a 5.
Durability [5 Out of 5 Stars]
The AT8035 is made with the same quality materials as the rest of our Audio Technica models and also includes a padded carrying case to help protect it. We gave it 5 out of 5 stars.
Warranty [5 Out of 5 Stars]
Another 5 for this one, same 1-year limited warranty and great customer service.
Pros
- Picks up less ambient sound
- 5/8″-27 to 3/8″-16 threaded adapter
- Windscreen, carrying case, and battery included
Cons
- Not ideal for other uses
Price $$$
Audio Technica Microphone ATM650
The hyper-cardioid pattern of the ATM650 reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear.
It also has a special dual-wall floating construction that reduces handling noise and assures consistent performance between mics.
It has a high-energy neodymium magnet for improved output and transient response. The ATM650 has a multi-stage flat grille design that makes it easy to place it as close as possible to the sound source.
The ATM650 works especially well with microphone instruments such as snare drums or guitar/bass amp cabinets and gives durable performance for professional applications.
Sound [4.5 Out of 5 Stars]
The ATM650 works very well for close-mic applications such as guitar/bass and tom-tom drums. It can be used passably for vocals, but its best performance will not come from vocal use. We gave it a 4.5 for overall sound, but it is excellent for its intended use.
Quality [5 Out of 5 Stars]
Customers who use this mic for close-mic applications offer many rave reviews. It offers great quality, even when compared to more expensive models in the same class. We gave it a 5 for overall quality.
Design [5 Out of 5 Stars]
The ATM650 has a solid build, and the XLR connector has a snug fit. It has a nice weight and is very professional looking. We gave it 5 out of 5 stars for overall design.
Durability [5 Out of 5 Stars]
Durable performance is one thing this one offers and delivers on. We gave it 5 stars for durability.
Warranty [5 out of 5 Stars]
Not to repeat ourselves, but as with all of our other Audio Technica Microphones review models, this one comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty and great customer service.
Pros
- Excellent for close-mic applications
- Multi-stage flat grille design
- Dual wall floating construction
- Hyper-cardioid pattern
Cons
- Does not work as well for vocals
Price $$
Our Verdict on Microphones
Our Audio Technica Microphones review has introduced you to some great microphones so far. But which one is right for you? We have reviewed one for just about every application you would need, and all we have left for you is to decide which one will work best for your project or home/studio applications.
Our Choice: The AT2020
We featured the AT2020 cardioid microphone in our Audio Technica Microphones review because we felt it offers both a price and performance standard when compared to similar microphones in its class.
It also has excellent customer reviews, with few complaints. The most common complaint was that it did not come with the XLR connector; that it must be purchased separately.
You’ll Need an Interface as Well
We felt this was a small inconvenience, but wanted to make you aware of it so you can purchase one with the AT2020. Also keep in mind that this microphone is not a USB connect microphone, and cannot be plugged directly into your computer. It requires an audio interface to plug in to. Take a look at our article on the best USB audio interface options for more information on those.
Great for Beginners and Experts
This model has a rugged construction and will supply many years of service for the user. It is not only a good beginner microphone—it would be great for podcasts, YouTube, Twitch, or other similar applications—but even more seasoned users still enjoy this mic and recommend it to others. The warranty ensures that you can buy this microphone with confidence that it will meet your expectations.
Overall Rating: 5 out of 5
Overall, we decided to give the AT2020 our highest rating of 5 stars for overall performance, quality, durability, design, and sound.
Every Great Microphone Needs a Pair of Headphones
If you’re looking for a mic maybe you’re also looking for a pair of studio headphones. Depending on the build-quality you are looking for as far as a self-adjusting headband, your ideal price point, and whether you want bluetooth headphones or some with a detachable cable, headsets have a huge range of options.
Those not wanting to bother with a cable may see a set of Bluetooth 5 wireless headphones as their most favorable option.
Some audiophiles may prefer noise cancelling earphones, while others prefer an open back pair of headphones, depending on if you prefer a little ambient noise in your listening experience. If portability is important to you, and you’re looking for something lighter than studio headphones, you also have the option of going with over-ear or on-ear headphones, or even earbuds.
When it comes down to it, Google and Amazon make it very easy to go through and pick the best headphones to suit your needs.
Some brands and models of headphones worth checking into, besides Audio-Technica, are:
- Sony
- Bose
- Sennheiser
- Apple Airpods (if you’re frequently on the go)
Most Bose models will be in a higher price range, but they offer some of the best noise cancellation available on the market.
If you are looking for a wireless Bluetooth 5.0 model of headphones, you will want to check the compatibility with your device, whether you have an iPhone or Android.
Hopefully, this article has given you some good ideas for the best microphone to suit your needs, as well as an idea of where to start when shopping for your next pair of headphones.
