AT-2020 vs AT-2035 vs AT-2050 Comparison (Versus Series)

Today I compare the Audio Technica AT2020, AT2035, and AT2050 to answer the question of “which one is best” or “which one should you buy”. Hopefully this answers all the questions you have about which is best for spoken word, music, and gaming.
Buy the AT2035 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: geni.us/at2035
Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/2DKoD
Thomann: www.thomann.de/intl/audio_tec...
Buy the AT2020 (Affiliate link)
Amazon: geni.us/at2020x
Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/k6RyM
Thomann: www.thomann.de/intl/audio_tec...
Buy the AT2050
Amazon: geni.us/at2050
Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/5rAo3
Thomann: www.thomann.de/intl/audio_tec...
Buy the Focusrite 2i2 (3rd Gen)- Same Performance as 18i20 (Affiliate Link)
Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/k6g4d
Thomann: www.thomann.de/intl/focusrite...
Amazon: geni.us/2i32rd
My KZbin Kit: podcastage.com/studio
My Favorite XLR Mics: podcastage.com/rev/favxlr
My Favorite USB Mics: podcastage.com/rev/favusb
NOTE (FULL DISCLOSURE): If you purchase an item using my amazon link, it provides me a small referral fee. For more info check my FAQ page links below.
Check the FAQ to see if your question was already answered: www.geeksrising.com/faq
Vote For The Mics You Want Reviewed: www.geeksrising.com/podcastage
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Personal Twitter: / bandrewsays
00:00 - Intro / Setup
00:37 - Microphone Spoken Word Test (Price / Specs)
01:52 - Polar Pattern Tests
02:35 - Background Noise Tests
02:54 - Distance Tests
03:02 - Music Tests
03:54 - Conclusion & Winner
05:26 - Outro

[@LazyMitchell]

I've been waiting for this video for a LONG time

[@caseysalinger]

Definitely happy with my AT-2035 I got recently for recording vocals.

[@matdemaz]

I've always liked the AT-2020. Just a cool mic. 👍 Was impressed with a AT-2035.

[@RyanHayesNet]

Thanks for mentioning the Cherry MX Blues as the keys on your keyboard. That's really useful for determining how loud the keyboard is, which is pretty critical for my use case (screencasts).

[@pastilance1]

At-2035 owner here, very happy with it! Awesome review man!

[@yrackaz8540]

YEAH! I love this series!

[@noahbirdrevolution]

I've had my 2020 for almost a decade. Great intro lrg dia.

[@S.T.G.]

You need to know that the AT2020 is not an LDC. The diameter of the diaphragm is only 16mm. See the spec sheet: www.audio-technica.com/cms/resource_library/literature/49f63e6efc082082/at2020_english.pdf

[@WeBeGypsy]

Just the vid I needed!

[@rmzzz76]

Had to pull out my high end headphones to hear a difference, but before you called the AT2035 the best at 3:57 I had already decided I liked the AT2035 the best based on the acoustic guitar and vocal examples. Thanks for this video, very helpful!

[@lewistaylor7171]

This video was super helpful. I've managed to make a happy purchase decision based on your testing, so... more than pleased to throw a subscription your way!

[@BKellysMusic]

Your a huge inspiration to me brooo! Keep these fire ass reviews goinnnnn!

[@zyxwfish]

The AT2050 sounded the worst in every situation. The AT2020 sounded the best on distorted guitar and the AT2035 sounded best on the acoustic and spoken word.

[@monkeyrobotsinc.9875]

as far as the distorted guitar segment, moving a mic half a centimeter drastically changes the sound of each recording. at the very least we can say the position of the 2020 sounded best. who knows what results if they were really in the same exact position. EDIT: just checked. they definitely moved. thats why.

[@1MrSmoothOfficial1]

TOTALLY AGREE I LIKE THE 2020

[@lifemusic4r]

50 is just for vocal i think it was the best for vocal

[@user-qd3nh1xv9m]

2050 is bad choice??

[@MaxLohMusic]

The only TRULY scientific way to compare these mics is to record the SAME TAKE to near-coincidently placed mics. I did it this way for myself, and I could hear a difference (barely noticeable unless you A/B them hardcore), and unlike in these KZbin videos, I can be assured that the differences I heard were ACTUALLY because of differences in mics NOT because of variation in technique or positioning.

[@BuzBG]

This format was incredibly helpful, thank you

[@Podcastage]

Thank you so much! Really appreciate that.Happy it helped.

[@Vicious284]

this is the best microphone review video i have ever seen, good job man

[@99tunesforyou_michelle_wright]

Really nice. Was surprised by the wimmer, bit I like the technical reasons for your choice. And I enjoy your impromptu testing songs.

[@czdaniel1]

My Podcastage user-engagement Level just increased by +1

[@Duenas411]

Listening to this with headphones and I have to say you really helped me save some money on this, a beautifully done and thorough review

[@Podcastage]

That's amazing to hear, and what I set out to do. Happy to know it helped out. =) Best of luck on the recording!

[@LostFart]

Wow, amazing review! Other people would have covered the same info in 4x the length lol. Good stuff my friend :)

[@TechnoReviewsPlay]

great! thanks for the review, i love at 2035 💖

[@nicolasrojas6811]

:0

[@TechnoReviewsPlay]

@sr swart jaja

[@apoIlo]

Great comparison Podcastage. More thorough than any other review I've watched on this. I am currently using a Blue Yeti for twitch streaming. In your opinion do you think the Technica's make that much of a difference? I've heard sound comparisons and the Technica does sound better, but the lack of on-device switches kinda kills it for me.

[@bobbyv2500]

Like your reviews. I just bought a 2050 because I got a huge discount on it and starting up a new recording studio, I wanted something that was a multi pattern as I have 2 other cheaper mics that are just cardiod. I have not taken it out of the box yet so I cant tell you how it works for me yet but thanks for the demo of all three.

[@BenjiDWJ]

Awesome video as ever Bandrew :) keep it up!.

[@zolikar1]

Thank you for the video and effort! Helped me.

[@SuperLeeBa]

love your content man

[@AlexJohnsonSays]

Long time viewer, first time commenter, at least in this channel. I own an Audio Drama which I won't name here. Not trying to promote. But my line of hobby DOES require a microphone. I have an AT2020 and it performs admirably. It's no SURE SM7B but it's a great mic. I tend to boost the bass by a couple DB around 80-110hz and use a sharp cut below 70hz to kill plosives. Usually works and gives the sound a bit more depth.I'm also a very amateur audio engineer so I may very well be doing that wrong. It's just what makes it sound better to me. After watching this video, I sorta wish I got the 2035 to save a little time in post. Great review.

[@ericleeclark]

Thanks man! This helped me make my decision.

[@DavidHernandezLovesYou]

Great review. Thank you!!

[@robertoj.fernandez2189]

Very revealing comparison thanks.

[@trevoroneal]

I have the AT2035 and use it as a (1) mic setup in front of my drum kit to record. It sounds really good and I think it's a great mic! Also, I thought the At2035 sounded better on the acoustic guitar when compared to the other models in your video.

[@LoKnows]

They honestly all sounded the same to me, im sure the youtube compression had something to do with that, but if i had to pick, i guess the 2035 did have a very slightly less harsher quality to it. But what really got me was when you said you werent a fan of multipattern mics, do you feel the same way about the u87?

[@Podcastage]

The u87 is $3k which is completely different than these $100-$300 mics that are multipattern. For $3k, they sure as shit better have made EVERYTHING sound amazing. Ha.

[@LoKnows]

True dat.

[@waltertomaszewski1083]

Lo Knows, Sort Of I can't hear any appreciable differences, either. Too much YT compression.

[@woabeatz9717]

Are you using studio monitor head phones?....best to use good head phones to listen

[@peripheralinstaller704]

the 2020's self noise at 20db is basically unusable for any professional situation imo.. Thats crazy.. Meanwhile the 2035 sits around the same place as sennheisers mkh416.. That is a 1k microphone, so thats not bad for the 2035 all things considered..

[@B00MBATS]

Hey thanks for the review, was on the fence about which one to purchase leaning more towards the 2035, this video cinched it for me 2035.

[@avidgupta8813]

Very honest review :) Totally agree with your points.

[@Pepperpotk]

Great review!

[@rickchye9899]

thanks for the review :D

[@sirnigelcogs]

I have to agree the 2035 sounds best in this video. It has a nice sound without being as sibilant as the 2020. It seems to have a pretty reasonable price too. Now you just need to compare it to the 4040, just for the fun of it.

[@DavidHLee]

Hi Podcastage. love your audio content. in the market for a condenser mic. going back and forth from the At2035 or MXL 770 series. I'm looking to buy either one cheaper and used so no chance for returns. want to make a good first choice. I'm trying to get an all-around mic thats good for voice over, podcasting, and vocals + acoustic. I have a bit of a bassy to midtone voice. the AT series seems to have a higher presence which i dont mind but not a fan if it makes my voice sound overly clear in the high tones with too much hissing. I've done a bit of live singing at a church over the years and the majority of live mics I've used have made my bassy voice sound way too mid-toned. when they tweak it sounds too unnatural. anyway. im over thinking this. dont need the most perfect sound since it can be edited a bit but do you have any suggestions to get a much warmer tone overall for someone who has a bassy to midtone voice? I saw your MXL 770 review, it was helpful but i think you said you didnt recommend it for voice overs. i know its mostly subjective but wanted to see if you had any other advice from experience or even other recommendations under $100. lot of ppl are selling the AT2020 but im leaning towards the at2035.

[@redibaskoro6554]

Thanks that a lot help to decide which to buy :)

[@noahsimau]

Would you recommend I replace my current Rode NT1-A with an AT mic? Either the 2035 (or I could possibly save up for the AT4040 as well) I only use my microphone for vocals. Specifically musical theatre vocals which means there's quite a bit of belting. I was wondering if you would be able to help me with which mic would sound best for that field? Great video, as always! Thank you!

[@pandeni4512]

loved the video. do how to make the AT2020 sound like the AT2050 with eq and compression

[@philhines]

Just listening back on my laptop, they all sounded identical for your speaking voice. Just when you were singing and playing they seemed different, but you moved the mic into different locations each time, so it wasn't an even comparison. I might have to put on headphones to listen out for the fine detail, but I think relative to completely different mics, these all sound pretty similar.

[@dontknow3949]

Fantastic review

[@uyennguyenthanh1984]

thank you for your video!

[@52Cues]

Thanks for the fantastic, snappy, no-nonsense review of these mics. Subbed.

[@52Cues]

P.S. The Flansburgh is strong with you!

[@mr_red13]

Would you personally recommend the AT2035 or the e935 for twitch streaming?

[@hoodedpitohui]

I've been using the AT2020 to podcast for eight years and was considering upgrading to the 2035 but heck, they're pretty close.

[@kamranaslam5115]

Also, upload the .wav files to drive so we can test the audio clips ourselves too.

[@guitarmax99]

Honestly, the 2020 and the 2035 are very similar to my ears. That being said, I think the 2035 is the better choice because it has the pad and the roll off. Honestly, anyone doing voice over with this mic might be wise to consider using the 80hz roll off to minimize unwanted low end "rumble". The 2050 definitely sounded brighter to my ears. I could see wanting that kind of sound if I were recording an acoustic guitar - especially a particularly dark instrument (like a mahogany top Martin for instance). The frequency charts seem to be accurate in terms of comparing these mics. Multi-pattern mics aren't for everyone. If you want to record a vocal, then don't bother with one. However, If you want to do mid-side stereo recording you would need a mic with a figure 8 pattern. Omni mics have their applications as well, but really only in certain situations. Podcasters would never need more than a cardioid pattern.

[@sonicjackalopeproductions3342]

Of course they sound the same, because he is using a low grade crap USB interface and not really using these what they are used for. Just another podcast twit with more money than brains

[@onstandard]

Jarrod Barger then what do u use them with

[@sebastianmcgregor465]

Greetings earthlings! Great video as per usual

[@ThePurpleSwordfish]

I bought my current AT2035, in part, because of this channel and was happy to see it stacks up well against the AT2050. I do like the multiple patterns on the AT2050, though. Excellent video, as always, Bandrew.

[@JimOutLoud]

Wow... you are rockstar (ok podcast star too). I'm just getting a side hustle going (thanks Chris G for the motivation). Narrow tech stuff - telecom and InfoSec and maybe ham radio too. Anyway, I'm getting a setup for audio recording for training videos, maybe podcasting, and maybe even vlogging. Baby steps. Anyway this video is so professional. I'm a fan and will probably binge on your content for a bit. Thanks again!

[@artysanmobile]

I have grown to really like some of the 4000 series mics these are based on. Have you done any side-by-sides between the series? I still think the 4033 is a standout drum microphone, almost bizarrely bright but it works on overhead. It is very different sounding than the 4050 that followed, which I think is their best all around recording mic. I’d be very interested to know if you have any perspective on the 2000/4000 sonic comparison.

[@danmagoo]

Great video concept, and well done. (One quibble, it would have been fun to add the AT4040, to see whether it blows the others away...or not. But I "get" that it's sort of in a different class.) The AT2020 was my first XLR mic and I still like it, but you point out the definite advantages of the 2035 -- very interesting.

[@Podcastage]

Dan Magoo the reason I did these 3 is because people suggested it and voted for this comparison. If they had suggested the 4040 in there, it would have been in there. At some point I will compare the 2035 to 4040

[@kevinpromixtravel8358]

creo que es el mejor video que tiene youtube. felicitaciones. eres un verdaderos arrtista en diccion

[@JC-fj7oo]

Interesting. The presence boost on the 2050 actually sounds really good on the guitars. And I think if you were only going to have one microphone, it's not the worst thing to have one with multiple patterns. But I would still say to get the 2035 and spend the extra hundred on a sm57. You can create a lot of different sounds and pickup patterns with two mics and you'll have a backup which doesn't need phantom. It's just going to cover you in more situations.

[@SoundSpeeds]

So many AT mics... I still find it weird that they decided to discontinue the 3035, make it cheaper and release it as the 2035. BTW, I agree with your conclusion.

[@illbedanged]

2035 vs Mxl 770?

[@CybertroninfiniteOfficial]

the 3035 is pretty amazing, it's cheaper now I think

[@VictorHuff]

Holy shit, I had no idea you could label and split up a video's timeline bar like that!

[@bhutmaswidi2755]

Very good review

[@donaldmacgregor2545]

You did something in this review that finally made me subscribe. You made your preferences clear with qualifications and that is the key to finding objectivity. Your suggestion to find a mic that does one thing well as opposed to a mic that does several things in a mediocre fashion is the best advice I've heard on KZbin. Well done.

[@TatianaBalashova]

Thank you for the comarison! On my S8 phone they all sounded "not deep enough", will listen later on a laptop. Loved AT2020 for acoustic guitar and AT2035 was better in a few other tests. The electric guitar & song were fun ))

[@calebmays4390]

Great! I agree, now I know which one to get :)

[@uyennguyenthanh1984]

I have a Focusrite solo gen 2 and Microphone Samson C03. Should I upgrade to AT203? Thank you! I record vocal voice to do Narration, audiobooks...

[@javarenas]

I'm gonna be honest, I don't know what I am looking at when you show the response curves or anything lol. Is there a video that you recommend for absolute beginners? I want to use it to sing at home when I practice and I will be plugging it in directly to my Roland Cube Street EX which has its own mic inputs and a separate input for instruments, then Ill be using a in ear monitor system. Other that that it will not see any use outside the house. It's just personal use like that for practice. Great vid non the less!

[@nickflesher7608]

Just got the 2035 and have a couple of projects lined up to use it on!

[@katherinehayward1740]

thanks for your info

[@CraftyShawn]

I had the AT2020 years ago it was my first mic I use to love that mic it is a good mic for its price

[@hadleymanmusic]

Wow great! I just picked up a 4040 yesterday!

[@Podcastage]

That's a great mic.

[@goneil9866]

I am interested to know what you think of the AT4033. I cannot find a review of it on your channel.

[@muldersfile4504]

I tried to avoid Audio Technica for the longest time because everyone seems to flock to them....but damn, they really do take pride in their work and have great mics to suit everyone's tastes, quality, quality, quality. My ears really love the 4040 (which I own) and the 4047.

[@David_Smith]

Would you recommend 2035 for radio jingles and event promos ?

[@MrMemyselfandi415]

You called it again! Love your channel. I don't need a swiss army knife Microphone. I just need one that does what it's supposed to do REAAAAALLY well...and I'll work on finding the next mic for the next thing I need to record if that's an issue. Nowadays a LOT of recording is done in the box anyway with samples so.....???

[@boy6dragon7]

Great thanks for sharing

I've owned a 2050 for about 10 years, and it keeps doing great. The first years I powered it through a Phonic USB audio interface, the last 3 years I swapped to a Behringer Umc 1820 with Midas designed preamps, and it sounds just killer 👌 😎.

[@OhItsJAB]

I've never used the 2035 or the 2050, but I like how my voice sounds on my 2020.

[@akunaii]

what was that song he was playing on acoustic it sounded so rad?

[@twilightggwp]

Bro can u suggest me best mic for singing purpose and good mix with the guitar and other instruments also it should cope up with game streaming under 50 to 150$ price point

[@powerfulriches]

Thank you. I got the 2035, and I love it

[@MinDigitalMedia]

I'm very happy with my 2020, thanks for the video...

[@Podcastage]

That's awesome! Very happy to hear you enjoy the mic.

[@qwertyuigr]

AT2020 vs AKG P120 which one is better ?

[@sampadmohanty8573]

Hey #podcastage. I am a beginner and planning to buy an interface and a microphone. I am kinda going for the 2i2 3rd gen and I would like to get a microphone at 100$ range (give or take) and also a monitor headphone. Do you think I should go for the studio bundle by focusrite which is about 266$ or should I get then separately with a better microphone as I am specially interested in vocal recordings and not an overall microphone. Everything till 300$ is kinda my budget. Could you suggest me something?

[@WickedSarah]

So I broadcast on Twitch and share a room with someone. Our desks are against each other so we are facing each other (monitors and a foam board in between). I'm having trouble finding a mic that would almost completely eliminate the other persons voice coming through on my live stream. Can you point me in the right direction?

[@brazelabs8451]

Wow you are a great musician!

[@whiskeyweekly7533]

Dangit!! I just bought the 2020! Lol good thing I really love it.

[@CybertroninfiniteOfficial]

and that's fine man, it's a decent mic for the price

[@ascensionofnyx]

Thank you, man! You are saved me ;)

[@czdaniel1]

He da best!! _I'm partial to the 2035 myself_

[@freedmankz]

Huge thank

[@communistcutie]

i have the AT2035. Highly suggest to anyone thinking of getting a good mic for vocals and instruments. i didn't find the guitar muddy at all listening to it on high end speakers and headphones. i find it has a beautifully rich and full low end

[@yiepie9822]

Which of these mics would be the best for streaming... considering the price, the features etc. so solely for capturing my voice and would not pick up my keyboard and stuff like that. I am new to this kinda stuff and I personally think that the AT2020 would be perfectly fine because I am not on a big budget. And also, would I need a DAC and/or AMP? A Logitech G Pro X Headset has its own little DAC which allows you to customise the sound in the software (needed), so would that mean I would only need an AMP?

[@sadmanfuad5410]

What are your top 5 condenser and dynamic microphones?

[@Forgon_1]

what do you think would be better for streaming at2035 or blue spark

[@FharishAhmedPortfolio]

LoL Your videos are like a dictionary to me nowadays. Anything I search for... There you are!!! 😆 Jokes aside, Thank you for doing these btw. It gives me an OP reference point, especially since I am used to your voice by now.

[@topsac3283]

Personally i prepared the AT2020.... Thanks for the reviews sir. It is possible also to review the Takstar SM-8B who exactly looks like Audio Technica AT2020. Thanks and More power to your channel

[@kriswill3406]

How good is the itrack one pre versus the focusrite Scarlett solo??😁

[@matheusneri5422]

hey man! if you could help me... im always watching u guys videos about microphones, theyre the best review out there... im about to start live streaming but where i live right now its a airplane route.... is there a best option for me? i have a Zalman Zm1 wich i bought just bought for in game comunication and it was perfect until now.... i appreciate if you could give me any kind of tip! bbye

[@Podcastage]

Look into dynamic microphones. They do slightly better at background noise rejection. There won't be anything that fully removes the background noise though.

[@ELECTR0HERMIT]

awesome, thanks.

[@davidaylsworth8964]

Doing my homework before I shell out $$ on a mic. Most of my sound needs don’t involve voice so the ability to reliably record guitar & mandolin is going to be the driving factor.

[@rocknmetalultima]

I have a AT2020 that I got at a pawn shop, complete in box, for $70 CAD the other day, still need to try and test it, but it seems kind of quiet with my bherenger u-phoria umc404hd. The mic is back from 2004 so hopefully its still just as good.

[@reggiep75]

3:19 - Busk for me, man! BUSK FOR ME and sing a song about how beautiful and useful bread is!

[@Vertshark]

Breadshine...on my shoulders Makes me happy Breadshine...almost always Makes me smile

[@themysterysuk2097]

I've got a 2035 it has a really natural sound and I use it all of the time for everything, vocals, guitars and percussion and its bombproof, what more do you want? Well, a U87 would be nice.

[@guillermotorresva1492]

Excelente!!, podrias probar el micrófono audio technica atm610a ? Gracias!!!

[@wowawewah]

You can really notice the higher frequencies in the AT2050

[@andrewr3507]

Hi, I saw your gamer headset vídeos, and none its recomended por podcast, isnt any gamer headset good for podcast?

[@OVRDSE.]

Im gonna buy at2050 is it good for rap vocals?