Does anyone here own and use the Audio Technica AT2020 microphone?

[CooolJazzz]

I've already searched the forum, and I've seen this microphone suggested several times as a decent and affordable microphone, but not by anyone who claims to actually own or use it...(as far as I could tell).

I'm considering getting one of these microphones...along with a Phonic FIREFLY-302 audio interface. I can get both of these items for just under $200.00 combined total. Not a bad price at all if they're as good as what I'm told. I realize we're not talking about top of the line equipment. I'm on a very tight budget, and this is about all I can justify paying to upgrade recording equipment that isn't used very often...and isn't used for highly professional purposes.

Audio Technica also has a usb version of the AT2020 microphone which would save me some money, but I like the idea of using an audio interface because it gives me more flexibility regarding input levels, etc... (I've already discovered that using a usb microphone with my current sound card leaves me with no way to adjust the input levels as I'm recording, so I would have to deal with that issue in my mixing software after the fact...sometimes with less than desirable results).

Any thoughts or comments from first hand experience about any of these items?

Thanks...

[hakukani]

I've already searched the forum, and I've seen this microphone suggested several times as a decent and affordable microphone, but not by anyone who claims to actually own or use it...(as far as I could tell).

I'm considering getting one of these microphones...along with a Phonic FIREFLY-302 audio interface. I can get both of these items for just under $200.00 combined total. Not a bad price at all if they're as good as what I'm told. I realize we're not talking about top of the line equipment. I'm on a very tight budget, and this is about all I can justify paying to upgrade recording equipment that isn't used very often...and isn't used for highly professional purposes.

Audio Technica also has a usb version of the AT2020 microphone which would save me some money, but I like the idea of using an audio interface because it gives me more flexibility regarding input levels, etc... (I've already discovered that using a usb microphone with my current sound card leaves me with no way to adjust the input levels as I'm recording, so I would have to deal with that issue in my mixing software after the fact...sometimes with less than desirable results).

Any thoughts or comments from first hand experience about any of these items?

Thanks...

I have two AT 3035's. I've used 2020's. AFAIcantell, they use the same capsule, with a different design on the internal preamp.

If you can get a good interface, don't get the USB mic. You're stuck with the ADA converter in internal to the mic--no upgrade path.

If you can afford it, get the best interface. The Phonic gets good reviews. The apogee duet seems to be one of the best bangs for the buck, however
.

[CooolJazzz]

If you can afford it, get the best interface. The Phonic gets good reviews. The apogee duet seems to be one of the best bangs for the buck, however
.

I just looked up the apogee duet at your suggestion, and it appears to be "Mac" only...so that one is out since I'm on a Windows system.
I pretty much already knew that I didn't want a USB microphone after having bought a fairly expensive one about a year ago and had to send it back for the reasons I described earlier. I wasn't able to control the input levels the way I could with a cheap computer mic that plugs directly into the sound card. I'm sure the audio interface will solve that problem...or at least I'm hoping it will. I only need it for a single microphone...won't be using guitars or multiple mics.

I appreciate the input!