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I’ve tried several different microphones lately. At the moment, I’m checking out the Audio Technica at2020 USB Mic. I’ve not been having the best of luck finding the sound quality that I need for my live shows, as well as my videos. How do you think this one sounds?

The Audio-Technica AT2020 USB Microphone offers studio-quality articulation and intelligibility. The AT2020 USB plugs right into your computer’s USB port, and functions seamlessly with your favorite recording software. Equipped with a USB digital output, the AT2020 USB is perfect for home studio recording, field recording, podcasting, and voiceover use. The AT2020 USB is based on the design of Audio-Technica’s critically acclaimed AT2020 cardioid condenser microphone. Like the AT2020, it features a low-mass diaphragm, custom-engineered for extended frequency response and superior transient response. With low self-noise, the AT2020 USB is perfectly suited for sophisticated digital recording equipment. Audio-Technica’s state-of-the-art design and manufacturing techniques ensure that the microphone complies with the company’s renowned consistency and reliability standards. Experience AT2020 USB. Plug it in and transform your sound.

What’s great about this is that it’s literally just plug-and-play. It works in both Windows and OS X. All I had to do was plug it in, and start talking. Heck, even I can handle that! There’s nothing more you need to do. The quality is just excellent, which we all know is very important when you’re trying to record or even broadcast live.

If you’re interested in buying one of these using the Amazon link above, make sure you email me first. I may just be able to save you even more money with a coupon.

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• USB Desktop Microphone

I’m not an audiophile, though I’m finding myself surrounded by an increasing number of media gadgets. On someone’s suggestion, I purchased a Samson C01U for general recording purposes – and it’s served me quite well to this point. Even so, Lew Hann tells me that its position on my desktop has not been optimal:

Chris…I am somewhat surprised that someone has not mentioned this earlier, but are you aware that the Samson CO1U mike you are using is a “side-address” microphone? The way it looks in the video, it is positioned so that you are talking into the TOP of it, rather than the SIDE. It should sit vertically, with the green USB light facing in your general direction. I think the already good audio will be even better in this position. Forgive me if I you already know about this and just want to use it differently. Regardless, I love the “show.”

I sit corrected. After repositioning the USB microphone accordingly, people in the chat room claimed to hear no difference. Guess this is a really good mic after all!

• Yet Another USB Microphone Review