You can also ensure that the mic is recorded into a new channel different from that of the game audio. You can adjust the gain a bit if it does clip. When setting the right mic distance, mimic the loudest possible sound you will make during recording, and make sure that the audio signal doesn’t clip or hit 0 dB. When talking at a normal level, the gain should hit around -12 dB. The pop filter should be around an inch away from the microphone.
It is a condenser mic, and works best when it is 6 to 8 inches away from your mouth. One characteristic of the AT2020 that you must bear in mind is its polar pattern.
If the acoustic input doesn’t change dramatically, you don’t need any further mic level adjustments.īesides the abovementioned tips on how to optimize the use of your AT2020 mic, you can also do the following added settings adjustments and recommendations for optimal use of your AT2020: Set the Mic at the Right Distance Moreover, you can boost the mic’s gain through the control panel or through the recording program. You can also tone down the volume via the recording software. You can turn the mic’s volume level via the control panel settings.
You should turn the mic volume level down once you hear distortion or if the recording software indicates high peak levels. It should be high as it can be, sans overloading your computer’s input. If you want optimum performance for your AT2020, you need to make the right adjustment to your microphone level. When it comes to game audio, you can set it at -12 dB or even less to ensure that your mic will be heard over that of the audio. If you normalize it to -1dB, you can make your sound loud enough without necessarily clipping. You can also make your voice clearer by tinkering with other EQs. Of course, your voice will not get that low, so it will help to remove those sounds lower than 100 Hz because they are mostly low-end background sounds and noise. It is advisable to remove any sound that goes lower than 100 Hz. You can set the compressor setting EQ to -1dB. When it comes to configuring your EQ setting to ensure that you can do good editing, you can tinker with the compressor settings. You can double-check the control settings to ensure that your sound source is the AT2020USB+. Your software will identify with ease this mic once you have connected it to your computer, and your computer will make this mic your default sound source for your recording. Since the AT2020 comes with a USB cable for easy connecting to your PC, you can quickly attach this mic to your computer using the standard USB cable. However, at a moderate SPL of around 70 to 76 dB, you will find the digital resolution at about 10 bits. If you are using the AT2020 at close range using your singing voice at 90 t0 95 dB SPL, it will have an effective resolution at around 12 to 13 bits. The AT2020 will clip at around 112 to 115 dB SPL. Since the AT2020 makes use of fixed gain before the signal enters the converter, you will not see any max SPL rating on its spec sheet. If you can’t find any gain adjustment feature on the software, you can then go to your PC’s Control Panel and select Sound. You will find this gain adjustment feature on the software, depending on the DAW you are using. So, you need to adjust the gain on your DAW. Of course, you will not find gain adjustment on the mic. This range level is somewhere between -18dB and -6dB. Doing this helps you record at the software’s quality level. In this way, you can hit the sweet spot or the ideal balance of your voice’s natural volume and the mic’s sensitivity. In most instances, you must adjust the gain on the mic. Once you’ve set up this mic on its stand, you can follow the guide and tips below to improve your recording result with your AT2020 microphone.
This mount stand pivots, allowing you to make the precise placement for this microphone. The AT2020 comes with a threaded stand mount that you can attach firmly. If you are a bit worried about setting up your AT2020, just take a deep breath and relax, for it is quite easy to set up. Conclusion Recommended Settings for Audio Technica AT2020 USB & XLR for Optimal Recording Quality