A condenser microphone like the AT2020 contains a thin diaphragm that captures the vibrations of the sounds you want to record. This diaphragm is so thin that it requires power through the XLR cable, ensuring that every aspect of your instrument or voice is captured with clear detail.
Audio-Technica's cardioid microphones have heart - metaphorically and literally - thanks to the shape of the sound capture area. Cardioid microphones capture what is in front of them in a rough heart shape, from the top of the sound capture at the front of the microphone to the graded capture at the sides. This cardioid pattern enhances the isolation of any desired sound source for rich and accurate recording.* The XLR cable is sold separately.