Audio-Technica AT2020 for Rap: How to Set It Up

For a lot of people, the Audio-Technica AT2020 is their first real studio mic. A condenser mic with XLR that plenty of home studios start with. Here's how to set it up properly for your rap vocals.

What you need

• An XLR cable. This AT2020 has no USB, so you connect it to an audio interface.
• An audio interface with 48V phantom power.
• A mic stand. The box includes a mount for your stand.
• A pop filter. It's not included, so you buy one separately.
• Closed-back headphones, so the beat doesn't leak into your recording.

1. Rap into the right side

The AT2020 is a side-address mic. So you don't rap into the top, you rap into the side. According to Audio-Technica, the side with the logo faces you. Rap into the back and your voice will sound dull and far away.

2. Connect it and turn on 48V

The AT2020 only works with 48V phantom power. Plug the XLR cable into your interface's mic input, then turn on the 48V button. No sound? First check that 48V is really on. Audio-Technica also recommends securing the cable to your stand, with a small loop of slack at the mic.

3. Set your gain

A condenser mic is more sensitive than a dynamic one. So you usually need less gain than with, say, an SM58. Rap your loudest part and turn the gain up until you're nicely in the green, with no red. How to do that per interface: Scarlett Solo, Scarlett 2i2, Audient EVO 4 and Behringer UMC22 and UMC202HD.

4. Pop filter and distance

Put a pop filter a short distance in front of the mic. It helps against hard P and B sounds and keeps you at a fixed distance. Pick a distance and stick to it for every take, or your tone will jump all over the place. Read how to set up your mic for rap recording at home.

5. Watch your room

Like any condenser mic, the AT2020 picks up your room too. Record in a quiet room with soft stuff around you, like a closet full of clothes. Don't put the mic right in front of a bare wall. More tips in how to remove room echo from rap vocals.

6. Mixing

Done recording? Build your vocal chain. Read the rap vocal chain for Ableton Live or GarageBand, or FL Studio vocal chain: the perfect plugin order.

No interface? There's a USB version too. Read how to set up the AT2020USB-X. Still choosing a mic? Read how to set up the RØDE NT1 and recording rap with a Shure SM58.

FAQ

Why is there no sound from my AT2020?

48V is probably not on. The AT2020 only works with phantom power. Also check that you picked the right input in your DAW.

Which side of the AT2020 do I rap into?

The side with the logo. It's a side-address mic, so not the top.

Is the AT2020 good for rap?

Yes, definitely to start with. Just use a pop filter and watch your room.

Source: the Audio-Technica AT2020 user manual and specifications.