So I thought about getting a new microphone and a friend of mine recommended the AT2020 and I saw the USB version was 35£ more expensive. Is there any difference between the two? Also would a XLR to USB adapter degrade quality?
Should I skimp out and buy the XLR version or is it worth it to buy the USB version?
The USB solution is fine. It's unnecessary to go the XLR route with the 2020 unless your job is to produce professional grade audio or something along the lines.
MrBlame, just wanted to chime in here with a few opinions about mics if you're looking for a new one. The AT2020 is a great mic. Depending on what you're going to do with the mic and how much budget you have to spend on the set up. The AT2020 USB version is fine if you're going to be doing things like team speak, skype and even voice overs for YouTube vids. I have 4 of the XLR versions myself and one USB and 3 more USB mics from other companies. They work fine and give you the plug and play option. I'd suggest if you're really wanting to get into the voice over thing, get the XLR and either a decent mixer or the interface like the focusrite that was mentioned earlier. I use a Peavey 8 USB mixer board myself but I also have sound going into three computers from it along with running skype back out from one PC into my main mix. Depending on how noisy your space is you might want to think about a dynamic mic the ATR-2100 (silver) or ATR-2005 (black) are very good mics for vocal work and they are a little bit less costly than the AT2020. It also has XLR and USB plugs so you can use it either way. Get a cheap boom arm to hold it with a shock mount and that one can actually grow as you decide to add more things to your set up. Such as start off with the USB and if you decide later get a mixer/audio interface later on.
Also if you got money to burn look into the Rode Procaster XLR or Podcaster USB version. I use that myself and have been very happy the last 3 years with it. Just some other suggestions hope this helps.
Thanks alot for the long response. I ended up going with the USB version because I travel alot so the extra quality isn't worth the time it takes to set it up.