$100 Broadcast Battle! Audio Technica AT2040 vs Rode PodMic (Studio/Booth/Untreated Comparison)

[@joaotiagosantos6547]

Hello! Thank you for your great review! I´ve purchased my Podmic (will arrive on monday), but I started seeing some reviews comparing with this AT2040. Do you think it´s better for me to change my order? I will use the mic for voice over and singing (I don´t have a treated room). What´s your opinion? Thank you in advance.

[@RebelTech1990]

Between these two, the PodMic the my personal choice. You can’t really go wrong with it. Sure, you can be picky but you’ll get great quality for the price. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@Lyander25]

Much obliged! I can get the AT2040 for about 70% of the cost of the Podmic here in the Philippines, but with the Podmic being something of a gold standard I'm inclined to lean into that one; the grille colours look excellent as well. I was torn between spending a hell of a lot more on a Procaster, but with a voice on the warmer side (more a baritone I guess?), the greater warmth of the Procaster may have risked my voice ending up sounding muddier overall. Bit annoyed at the greater cost, but based on your impressions I'm inclined to think the Podmic is more worth it by far. Definitely an upgrade from an ATR2500, I'd hope!

[@RebelTech1990]

It would definitely be an upgrade. Also consider the other ones I’ve covered as well. Plus there are more that I don’t even have to consider. Nowadays there are so many options that you should have to settle.

[@kilowhiskeyone5062]

Really helped. I can't believe views are so low. Outstanding Video Overall. Thank you.

[@RebelTech1990]

The community is growing and the views will follow. I’m sure of it. Thanks for checking out the video! I’m glad it was helpful!

[@Primetime3209]

I just got the Audio Technica AT2040 and I'm loving it!! I upgraded from Blue yeti

[@RebelTech1990]

Awesome! I'm glad it fits your style. It really does depend on the individual. With a brand like Audio Technica, I trust that they do their research enough to make a educated decision with tuning their mics. Thanks for checking out the video, and have fun with the mic!

[@theoutsiderjess1869]

I went with the podmic also upgraded from the yeti

[@Primetime3209]

@@theoutsiderjess1869 nice nice

[@yasunakaikumi]

to my mind, I think podmic is definitely for streamers who speaks quite far away from the mic as we already see in your test it picks more than AT2040. AT2040 seems to be more better for standard podcasting recording rather than streaming... as of me, I prepared podmic frequency response since it has more leeway for Post EQ compare to AT2040 already near polished sounding to my ears *it's a good thing for people who doesn't know how to EQ and just go raw sound from of the mic when streaming. While Podmic needs a bit of work, that work pays better quality sounding IMO.

[@RebelTech1990]

It’s funny that you mention that. I say that same thing about the PodMic. I feel the PodMic is close to what people are looking for in a mics tone, naturally. Grated, compared to the AT2040, you’re right the PodMic is much easier to EQ. Mostly because it has more Hz to play with than the AT2040. The AT2040 is just for a specific person. Maybe you’re right with it being for a podcast style. Maybe that tone will lend well to that type of content. My concern is, with long form content, will it become straining to listen to. That’s an issue that comes up with specificity tuned mics. Thanks for checking out the video! I really like your take on these mics!

[@ulfrinn8783]

Sure.. but I mean that EQing doesn't work for everyone. Studio dynamic mics seem to be intended to be put through EQ or other filters so they tend to have expanded frequency responses and flatter curves, so the end user can tune the mic as they need it to sound. Handheld mics tend to be tuned in a specific way because they're not really intended for studio environments that have that kind of control. So the Podmic is a budget studio dynamic, the AT2040 is a handheld mic in a larger body. IMO, a $20 XM8500 or SL75C sounds better than either of them. I should also point out the AT2040s roll off in the bass responses is pretty common in handheld mics as well, as that sub 100hz bass is where most of your handling noise is going to come from, so they roll it off to reduce handling noise. It also helps in reducing plosives, wind, and some of the excessive boominess of the proximity effect. So that makes the AT2040 even more like a handheld than a studio mic. Buying the Podmic or AT2040 is more about the aesthetic at this point than they are about the sound. Otherwise there's a pile of handheld dynamics in the $100 price point that'll get the job done better.

[@Tagard]

Great in depth review! What audio interface should I get for the rode? Will Scarlett solo handle it? Streaming and yt rec.

[@RebelTech1990]

If you plan on streaming then I think you would do well with the wave xlr. You can use vst’s and route your signals very easily. Also the preamps can support just about any mic. It’ll cost you a little more but it’s totally worth the extra cash.

[@GhostLeaderMilk]

Are you using a cloud lifter with either of these? Really leaning towards the 2040, but love the aesthetic of the podmic

[@RebelTech1990]

With this tests it’s just the mics going into the Zoom F6. Nothing in between. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@DragonsinGenesisPodcast]

My problem with the PodMic is that you have to be in a very particular spot for the audio to pick up nicely. If you move left or right just a few inches the volume drops off significantly. You can always hear it when a host moves their head a few inches to the side. It suddenly sounds like they’re two feet away. I guess it’s okay if you sit absolutely still the entire time, but when even subtle head motion degrades audio quality it’s too much for me.

[@ArtemioSilva]

Awesome video, Justin. What would you choose between the AT2040 and the Q9U?

[@RebelTech1990]

That’s a great/tough question to answer. I listened to some examples of the Q9U and I wasn’t impressed. It needs a lot of back end work to get to sound the way you want it. Next issue, which is my personal issue, I don’t like duel output mics. Meaning USB/XLR in the same mic. I’d rather save the money and have one, not both. The redundancy makes no sense to me. Rejection of handing noise, off axis rejection and tone. Despite the AT2040 chopping the low end way too far, I think it has the Q9U in all categories. Last thing, price. The AT2040 is half the price. I would totally go with the AT2040 over the Q9U. I also feel Audio Technica is a much better brand than Samson. Might be obvious but I’m sure someone will disagree with me. Hope this helps, thanks for checking out the video!

[@ArtemioSilva]

@@RebelTech1990 I liked the AT2040, but a couple of friends recommended the Q9U. Thanks for your feedback!

[@fotomagiczny]

I'm a presenter in internet radio, which of these mics will be better for me? AT2040 or Podmic? I'm not singing, but talk a lot and i want to add some bass to my voice on air, can you advice me? It's great comparison by the way, you have my sub ;)

[@RebelTech1990]

The PodMic would probably be more fitting. It might need some eq and post processing but that’s up to you. The wider range is better for what you need in the low end. The AT2040 might be a little too narrow for your use. Thanks for the sub and checking out the video!

[@fotomagiczny]

@@RebelTech1990 Thank you very much for your answer. I have PreSonus Audiobox USB 96, it is be good for Podmic? Post processing is impossible, my audition going on air, but i can do some eq in real time. Until now i use a Blue Yeti, but i think some dynamic mic sound will be better for me. Temporarily i check Shure SM48S but is not what i'm looking for.

[@RebelTech1990]

I just looked up the specs and it looks like it should be good. The PreSonus Audiobox USB 96 offers up to 52db of gain, which should be enough. Worst case is you pick up a mic activator, like a fethead or cloudlifter. Hope this helps.

[@fotomagiczny]

@@RebelTech1990 Thank you again. You're great :) I decide to collect money and will to buy Shure MV7 / MV7X instead of Podmic or AT2040. Because of dedicated application and possibility to use radio mode (called "dark" inside an app). And i think about Klark Teknik CT-1, it's should to be enough. Original Cloudlifter is out of my finance range unfortunately.

[@RebelTech1990]

That’s a great choice, especially for the price. I would say only buy the 7 if you plan on using the usb connection. If you aren’t then don’t waste the extra cash. The MV7X is especially the same mic. Have fun with the mic and feel free to ask more questions when you get it.

[@tylerproper123]

I currently have a quadcast and it picks up way too much noise I have come down to the rode podmic and the at2040 and I think this video made up my mind! the at2040 just seems more richer in sound and it eliminates more background noise!

[@tylerproper123]

any suggestions on a good audio interface to hook it up to such as the scarlett

[@RebelTech1990]

All depends on what you plan on using it for. What are you making with it?

[@itscarlosreally]

I keep holding out on upgrading my microphone because I have a feeling you'll make videos like these. And I'm glad I have been because these are my top contenders. The #ZDM1Supremacy is waning on my end. Hahaha!

[@RebelTech1990]

Just so you know I'm just about to record the budget battle we spoke about the other day. It's going to be a crowded one. I don't plan to throw the ZDM-1 under the bus but it will be grazed by a mirror for sure lol. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@itscarlosreally]

@@RebelTech1990 Daaaamn. Nice! Hopefully, the shock mount holds out. LOL Always a treat, my dude!

[@RebelTech1990]

It’s gonna be a tough edit. So many audio sources makes for a crazy time line lol

[@onlymyopiniontech]

Nice comparison. It’s really going to depend on the person’s voice and if they need to move around a bit. 😃

[@RebelTech1990]

It really does and I try to say it in my mic reviews. With these things it really comes down to personal preference and what fits each person. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@AliBounds]

My conclusion is the road adds a bit more detail but not as good as decling noise while the 2040 is the opposite Also will any stand work or any suggestions

[@RebelTech1990]

All of these mics will work with any stand. You will need to get an adapter but those are cheap and easy to get if you don’t have one. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@AliBounds]

@@RebelTech1990 no problem thanks for the information

[@deddwolf]

I live in Arizona so needless to say I have fans blowing around me nearly year round. I think I might go with the AT2040 based on its rejection. Though I talk with a brighter but sometimes softer tone so that might be a case for the Podmic still. I'm gonna have to mole it over

[@RebelTech1990]

Have you seen the video between the ZDM1 and AT2040? Those have great rejection and you might like the sound of the ZDM1 more. Also, if your high end is too much the wind screen will dampen that some

[@deddwolf]

@Rebel Tech i will look that up now. Thank you so much for the recommendation

[@theoutsiderjess1869]

I'm starting to like the rode podmic on my voice again I had braces on my top teeth and I didn't realize how much it changed my voice and speech when I spoke into the mic

[@RebelTech1990]

It’s crazy how much those things change your voice

[@theoutsiderjess1869]

@@RebelTech1990 while it did make my voice bassier it also made my siblance worse and certain s words became harder to say it was driving me insane

[@RebelTech1990]

Unfortunately, with sibilance, a mic can only do so much. Practicing to have less in your performances is the best way to keep it out of the recording

[@waynepatton689]

I am starting a video podcast in the near future and have a budget for equipment so I wanted the best for my bang. I bought two Rode Podmics and I am running the Podmic into an ART TubeMic preamp and it goes from a great mic to a “Wow, that sounds incredible!” mic.

[@RebelTech1990]

That sounds like a sweet set up. Best of luck with the podcast! Thanks for checking out the video!

[@SuT4G4Racing]

Good video, do you plan to make a budget video (quality / price) to start streaming with good audio quality (Microphone, sound card, XLR cable, etc)? Thank you very much in advance and keep it up

[@RebelTech1990]

I actually did a video similar to that, but not many people watched it. It's about different budgets for content creation. not specifically about streaming but the gear still applies. Here's the link to that video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWGaaGVplNiGfck I do plan to do a streaming specific version of this video but that will be after this batch of videos I have planned. Hope this helps and let me know if you want me to direct you in a specific direction. You can give me your budget and I can throw together something that you may like. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@SuT4G4Racing]

@@RebelTech1990 I had not seen that video, now I will see it, my idea is to buy everything at Christmas (when I buy the new PC), I do not know what a budget would be according to that. I'll wait for that specific video you say.

[@STORIESACIL]

For you, who is best suited for voice overs? rode pod mic at2040 At2020

[@RebelTech1990]

It really depends on a bunch of things. The PodMic and AT2040 are better in untreated areas. But the detail might lack in some areas. If you have a room that isn’t too reflective, then go for the AT2020. It will give some nice detail but it can pick up more of the room. I have a bunch of videos covering all of these. Give them a listen and see how they are in different environments.

[@karr5496]

​@@RebelTech1990 I'm actually on the same boat! been looking at a few mics with my broke college student bank and I've been debating. I was just wondering, what does a reflective room mean? I have a super small room if that's useful to know!

[@RebelTech1990]

“Reflective” is usually referring to hard flat surfaces. So that could be drywall, wood, concrete, etc. Parallel reflective surfaces are the worst because the sound bounces all over the place. The best example of bad acoustics is if you clap your hands in a tile bathroom and hear that “flang” effect. There are plenty of ways to reduce reflection. Stuff in a room will help reduce sounds bouncing back directly towards the mic but it won’t dampen the sound. I use moving and sound blankets in my studio. It’s not the best but it does a good job. It also is only for reflection reduction, not “sound proofing”. Sound proofing has to start with the structure of the wall. But that’s a long conversation. Hope this helps, let me know if you have any more questions. I can recommend some treatment options if you’d like

[@karr5496]

​@@RebelTech1990 Ohhh okok I get it now! Thanks! My walls are made of drywall and my furniture is mainly of wood so i guess my room is reflective as hell lol For now, to help reduce background noise, I use a towel around my mic (i have a razer seiren x) and it kinda helps (a little) but I was thinking of buying from amazon a small tabletop mic isolation shield. Some treatment options that aren't too expensive would really help!

[@RebelTech1990]

For the price of these treatment options, you might want to consider changing the mic. Unless you like the mic you have, in which case you can buy some moving blankets to hang up. You would have to throw some grommets in to hang but that’s easy. I did a video on a sound booth with them. I showed how to put grommets in. So if you want to change your mic, to something that rejects reflection better, I can make a bunch of recommendations in any budget. If you are happy with your mic, I can give you treatment options. Treatment option will always help regardless of the mic. So maybe go with the treatment first and change the mic after. That being said, the Razor Seiren mini is a very affordable option with pretty good rejection. It really depends on how much you wanna spend. Sorry for the long answer just want to make sure you don’t waste money if you don’t need to.

[@jeanmichelgraveron2271]

Hello I have an At2040 or can you order the optional elastic anti vibration suspension for this microphone thank you

[@RebelTech1990]

You can order the shock mount separately. I just added the link in the description. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@jeanmichelgraveron2271]

@@RebelTech1990 Super thank you bravo and happy Christmas

[@RebelTech1990]

You’re welcome! Happy Christmas to you as well! 🎄

[@HaileSt0rm]

Great vid! I personally own a Podmic which I use with the Motu M4. I was wondering if there was any way to EQ my voice aside from Voicemeeter or OBS?

[@RebelTech1990]

That depends on what you are doing/making. I assume, by the question, you mean while streaming?

[@HaileSt0rm]

@@RebelTech1990 yes, that's correct. Forgot to add that part, sorry. Voicemeeter is a bit iffy at times. Any suggestions?

[@RebelTech1990]

Reaper makes some great plug ins. I have used their EQ and it works pretty good. Have you tried their plug ins?

[@HaileSt0rm]

@@RebelTech1990 Awesome, I'll check them out! I haven't tried Reaper but I have read some about it. Hopefully it works better than Voicemeeter! DAWs wont cut it for livestreaming though, right?

[@RebelTech1990]

A DAW would work perfectly. You have all the tools you would need. There are just two major problems. Routing out of a DAW to OBS is difficult. I never figured that out. I’m sure there’s a way but idk how. The other problem is your cpu probably can’t handle a DAW, OBS, and live streaming all at once. The issue there is that just because you aren’t using the full DAW, doesn’t mean that the program isn’t using up a decent amount of power. This all being said, I don’t know much about these types of situations because I never tried. Not sure if I will but this has made me curious. Also sure if your PC is beefy enough to take on the task, I’m sure you can do it. But the first issue is what I am curious about.

[@aydenstainbrook1158]

Should I use a cloud lifter for the At2040

[@RebelTech1990]

What interface are you using? Also how much of the gain are you using on it when you have the mic plugged in?

[@aydenstainbrook1158]

@@RebelTech1990 I’m using the elgato wave xlr

[@RebelTech1990]

That offers a lot of gain, so you should be fine. If anything I would upgrade your cable before you get a mic activator. Sometimes if you have noise, the cable could be the culprit. I did a video on some xlr cables if you wanna check out what I tested.

[@aydenstainbrook1158]

@@RebelTech1990 thanks I will look for the video

[@alexanderdimitrov9045]

AT2040 has a better off axis rejection

[@RebelTech1990]

To be honest it might be the best off axis I’ve ever heard. Outside of shotgun microphones. The ZDM-1 does come close but definitely not as good. The PodMic is still a great option and it is tuned a much better than the 2040. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@АриемНоамкрв]

can you sing in it?

[@RebelTech1990]

I’ve contemplated making videos based around dining into the mics I’ve covered. I’m just not that great of a singer. Maybe one day I’ll do it or even better get someone good to do it. If that’s not what you meant, if you mean in general. Technically yes. But I would recommend a condenser mic with either a good off axis rejection and/or some treatment in the area you are recording. Hope this helps, thanks for checking out the video!

[@casquijo]

The AT2040 destroys the overrated Podmic in every possible aspect.

[@Zzuko66]

podmic be hella thin lol