AT2020 USB+ question

[Cybergooch]

I'm doing some voice over work, using an AT2020 USB+.

The mic has a headphone jack, and I can monitor as I record with a set of headphones.
But I'd also like to be able to use the headphones to hear playback (from Audacity).

Although the mic is listed in both the recording and playback in the sound devices in Windows, I can't get playback through the headphones, and don't even know if that's possible. Can a mic be both the recording device and the playback device? (with playback through the headphones attached to the mic).

[Hugh Robjohns]

Although the mic is listed in both the recording and playback in the sound devices in Windows, I can't get playback through the headphones, and don't even know if that's possible.

Yes it is possible. The manual is your friend.

http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/resou ... sb__om.pdf

Assuming you have configured your DAW (and computer) correctly to output audio to the microphone's USB port, the key is adjusting the mix control on the front of the mic which blends the direct signal from the mic and the sound coming back up the USB cable from the DAW.

Can a mic be both the recording device and the playback device? (with playback through the headphones attached to the mic).

You have to remember that it's not just a mic. Inside the mic body shell is a microphone, a mic preamp, an A-D converter, and a USB transmitter all for getting the mic signal into the computer... and then there is also a USB receiver, a D-A converter, a two-channel mixer, and a headphone amp allowing you to hear either the direct signal from the mic preamp, or the sound coming back from the computer, or a mix of both.

H

[Cybergooch]

Thank you!

I'm completely new to the audio side of things, sorry for the noob questions. Knowing it's possible, I'll now see if the mix control does the trick when I output playback to the 2020.

[Hugh Robjohns]

Nothing wrong with noob questions. Come back if you're still having troubles.

H