Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone

i've been using this mic for many years now and it sounds fantastic compared to all the cheap stuff that has been introduced since. other than the shure MV7 (for way more coin) this thing is really hard to beat.

i prefer it over all of the blue mics and the ability to use it as an audio output as well is a big plus for me.

for gaming, i plug my headphones into the mic itself for playback from the computer. the mic also has 2 simple thumbwheels for headphone volume and the mix control between the mic itself vs. computer sound output. this is great for adding just a touch of "yourself" to your ears when gaming with closed-ear headphones and on comms.

i've also used it for a fair number of webinars for work as the voice-over and live moderator and it never disappoints.

only cons imo are the sometimes quirky ASIO drivers, but I prefer that to a vendor that just drops support, which happens far too often.

they're blowing these out as the new usb-c version has just been released with higher quality A>D conversion using the same capsule.

fwiw i am a professional sound engineer and have always thought this mic in it's xlr version is a total cheap sleeper. sure, it's not my "first" choice when i have a deep mic locker, but in a pinch this little dude sounds pretty damned good on most any source, especially with a stereo pair.

Great mic