AT2020 Microphone | STOP Making These 5 Mistakes!

[@kettnercreative]

We'd love to see a photo of your setup! Tag @kettnercreative on KZbin, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, etc..

[@dentgames704]

I have the at2020 since 2018 and I just saw this video and you helped me to improve my audio quality a thousand times! Thanks mate!!!

[@kettnercreative]

This makes me very happy to hear. Thanks for the comment. Glad to know it helped!

[@djsting]

He is not kidding with the plosives. The windscreen is a MUST. Also, position mic so it's a little off centered from your face...similar to how he has it in this video. You'll notice that the mic isn't directly in front of him. He's sort of speaking to the side...or speaking past it. That will help a ton with plosives. I haven't recorded instruments with it yet (soon), but for a podcasting mic, it's solid. If you're using it for voice overs...it's ok in a pinch, but again...watch the plosives.

[@jonathangutierrez3124]

ik this is a year later but how is this mic when recording with instruments?

[@djsting]

@@jonathangutierrez3124 It's...ok. On my acoustic, it's fine. Electric is ok...may have to tweak mic placement. But for $100, it's not terrible.

[@brianglock3099]

I’ve owned two 2020 and 2021 mics( came as a package 2021 is a small diaphragm) since 2005. Both work very well, have used in a wide variety of environments. Also own two 4050’s for when higher performance or different pick up patterns are needed. But, the 2020 holds its own well. Depends on the gig 🙂. For the 2020 price it’s good to have at least one in your mic drawer.

[@DJMafiaTony]

Do u need a preamp for this stuff?! I have a scarlet 3rd Gen solo and also the at2020 but it's hard to hear myself at full volume

[@FreedomTown]

I don't know what kind of witchcraft you use to get your Audio Technicas to power on since I just got a full refund from Guitar Center after my AT 2020 X refused to power on. The last working Audio Technica I purchased was back in the late 80's. My Pro3L and Pro4L are the best working microphones they ever made as far as I'm concerned. Everything they've made post 80's &90's have been nothing but defective junk inu opinion

[@brianglock3099]

They need 48 volt phantom power, unless of course you bought the usb version of the 2020. Any device that has an xlr mic level input with phantom power will work.mic you just use an xlr to trs it will not work 🙂

[@lastxp]

It's a stereo mic so make sure you use it in stereo from your daw otherwise you will get half volume and will sound very quiet in mono. If using Mac OS open audio midi setup to control mic pickup volume as you can't adjust it on the mic.

[@maxafshar]

i put it on stereo on adobe audition but i dont see any volume difference and i even dont hear the recorded voice from the right speaker on my earphones when in stereo mode. idk

[@lastxp]

@@maxafshar Try ASIO4ALL and enable both channels in advanced mode.

[@Ulaza567]

Found out I was talking in the back of the mic thanks to this video lol

[@hypecacw]

How the hell do you get that mixed up 😂

[@Ulaza567]

@@hypecacw moved the mic around, when I had to relocate. Never came to me it had only one right way to speak in it lol

[@hypecacw]

@@Ulaza567 the amount of people here who are only finding out these stuff shocks me but I surround my self around this stuff to me so it’s more common sense to me than others

[@heya-cs9510]

same here wtf

[@ivies759]

same lol

[@thomaschin3841]

Straight to point and no bs! Liked!

[@kettnercreative]

Glad you liked it.

[@Matzod]

Been using this microphone with a Focusrite Scarlett for a 2 years now. Got is second hand for a steal for 2000 sek (todays dollar around $220). Best tech buy i done till today still. The sound i get when Rollplaying is amazing, always get geat feedback from players that i RP with about the good sound i have from my microphone. Im using mine on a arm with a shock mount(both for me is a most have). Great video 3 years later after releese! Cheers!

[@ryuchan69tori]

Great work explaining how to use the mic properly. It reinforces what I’ve learned from my coaches. Thank you, Andrew

[@Island16v]

great tips and video. I have the AT2020 USB and had to replace my shock mount because the threads stripped out and the knob broke and found your video to see what others are using these days. thanks again.

[@sleepyan_u]

Yo! I don't know if you'll see this, but I also have an AT2020 USB, and I'm trying to find a mic arm and a shock mount that will be suitable. Any recommendations,

[@thomasrathmann8886]

Of course I did what you said😉 Passing the links of 3 of your videos to an Australian KZbinr, she will soon receive an AT2020 + Focusrite 2i2, I've even chosen, by coincidence, the same mic-stand. Great choice, great educational stuff 😊

[@kettnercreative]

Awesome, glad it was helpful. Merry Christmas

[@pio5495]

Would you recommend going for focusrite 2i2+at2020 or just the bundle of focusrite or presonus and such?

[@ArrowOdenn]

OK THANK YOU! I was just having a panic about why the 30 minute chapter of an audiobook I just got done recording sounded like I was sitting inside a bucket, and it turns out I was talking into the WRONG SIDE OF THE MIC! I can't see the logo or text because of the pop shield. I just did another test with the mic facing the right way and all is well with the world. So THANK YOU again. Yes, I do feel stupid.

[@johnhodgson5313]

Well said. I will add that what you said applies to most large diaphragm condenser mics.

[@SonLogan_]

Is there a difference in the quality between buying the XLR vs the USB version of the microphone?

[@daitedve1984]

XLR is better, bc USB can suffer from weak amplifying (from my experience w Behringer C-1U).

[@twodirections7205]

This mic picks up everything..I mean EVERYTHING

[@twodirections7205]

@Ameer Benton how is this relevant to what I'm talking about

[@twodirections7205]

@Luciano Jedidiah are u ok?? Were talking about a condenser mic

[@MendVADubs]

Really apreciate this information. I work with the AT2020 and sometimes i realize that it has a very brillant sound, and as i see, probably si because i speak directly to the logo (the front of the mic). Now i know i have to use it speaking to the side. Thank you very much man! New sub here, and continue the great work! 🎙️

[@kettnercreative]

Glad you found it useful!

[@purpleheart69420]

@@kettnercreative wait... What do you mean? I thought he meant to say speak directly to the Front side side of the mic not the literal side of the mic

[@michaelandesthercollins8551]

@@purpleheart69420 I think he said you can speak either to the front of the microphone or to the side, but not to back of it.

[@purpleheart69420]

@@michaelandesthercollins8551 actually no, we are both dunb as hell lmao, looking back at it he clearly just said that the front of the mic's diaphragm is actually in the side of the mic, while for example a dynamic mic usually is on the top of the mic lmao something so simple

[@ShibaFan99]

Have been working with audio most of my adult life, so I knew about the phantom power and shock mount already. It took me a while to get the hang of it being a side address vs a top address which I’m more used to. I also underestimated just how sensitive these mics are, they will pick up computer fans if the computer is in the same room. None of my dynamic mics even hear the computer. So I ended up throwing a dbx266xs in the mix for noise gate/compression. Highly recommend a noise gate with these!!

[@Uzair823]

I have one since 2013 and its still working great!

[@clown192]

I have an AT2020 and I wasn't sure when first using it what the best sound was and I found depending on what I was doing, sometimes using the wrong side or speaking or singing into the end gave different colours to the vocals... then I got sick of the mucking around and went back to my SM58 lol. If I record I may use the AT2020 but mostly I'm not professional recording so my SM58 is in the mic stand and ready to go whereas the AT2020 is in a box in my cupboard somewhere. Like I said, unless I am getting serious about doing a long session of vocals, it stays in the box.

[@jarc_w9]

I thought this would be clickbait but this legit helped me a ton. Big thank you.

[@nitadrakatosvoiceover5489]

Just got the AT2020 USB mic. I believe the version you are discussing does require an interface but NOT the USB mic. I assume the phantom power come directly from plugging it in directly to the USB port on my laptop. Please confirm NO preamp is required. By the way this is my back up mic - my primary mic does need an interface. Thanks for confirming!

[@jayceelewis_]

Thank you! I wasn’t sure about #2. Now I know which way to orient myself towards it.

[@meYogii_]

I have this mic but with usb-a. I have no issues with annoying sounds from around me, I didn't even do anything with the sound, Im talking on discord with my friends. I opened a soda can really close to it but none of my friends reacted, I asked my friend who I know loves coca cola but none of them heard me open it. I also have a fan in the background but they cant hear that either. I have no foam and nothing on the walls, no shockmount (I have it on an arm) and no puff filter. Really good mic. The only thing I did wrong in the beginning was that I spoke from the top of it. This is the first mic I've ever owned.

[@drgordo112]

Thanks! I just purchased this mic with an Audiobox USB96. I have A LOT to learn!

[@-Reece]

Thank you! I was trying to use an XLR to 1/8 cable and could not figure out why it was not working... Got it working now :D

[@equeensburyc21]

This is soooo helpful. I have this microphone and you answered all of the questions I had!!! OMG!!! Thank you so much! You have a new subscriber!!!

[@kettnercreative]

Happy to hear that!

[@ngs7314]

I have been struggling for perfect voice quality with this microphone.. and actually I was missing on atleast 4 of the 5 tips your mentioned so thank you so much

[@creepguy1151]

Which mic is best for rap vocals? Under 100 dollar ! Future proof , no need to upgrade for 4 to 5 years.. please recommend

[@kettnercreative]

Great question. If I was looking for a mic for Rap vocals, I would be looking at a dynamic mic. My three recommendations are: 1) SM58 - currentprice.io/shure_sm58 2) Shure SM7B - currentprice.io/shure_sm7b 3) EV RE20 - currentprice.io/re20-black

[@zeredgaming2494]

that first tip was a savage move ! thank you sir

[@emotionaleatingcoach]

👉 Point #1 - Correct me if I'm wrong, but you're referring to the XLR version of the mic rather than the USB, right?

[@Norevaf]

Thank you so much for this video. Im a newbie and i had no idea why my 2020 wasnt working good. U rock!!

[@zed2490]

Wait so a noise gate is not as mandatory as room treatment? I mean can i avoid room treatment by using a noise gate

[@TheAmflores]

I have a 16 channel Presonus board with a 48 volt phantom power button. I can’t get any volume at all. What am I doing wrong? Switched back to my regular Sennheiser and I works fine.

[@eizabeth]

I have the AT2020 with M-track Duo, but for some reason, the mic doesn't pick up any of my voice, it's just constant static. When I do speak, the audio interface lights up with my voice but the static just gets louder. The cable is new so I'm pretty sure nothing's wrong with it, It's a female to male XLR cable.

[@gyrlonfilm]

Great video. I just bought the Zoom Podtrak P8 to use with the at2020 mics. All 6 inouts have phantom power a dm you can connect phone and outside speakers among other features. I am recording a podcast for 2 people tomorrow so we'll see how this goes!

[@kettnercreative]

Nice, sounds like a fun setup.

[@Illidansbakery]

I connected the At2020 to 48v phantom power, but does it indicate if it's on or not? Like a light or something

[@jleenofficial]

Phantom power means interface??? We can use any interface??? Like Scarlett?

[@ThatsMistaTwistToYou]

Thanks so much for these tips! I had to check other equipment that didn't deliver phantom power, so I've now straightened that out, thanks :)

[@kettnercreative]

Glad I could help!

[@KittiyKyat]

Are foam covers just as good as pop-screens? Also, I'm ignorant about phantom power. Do you have to use an audio interface like yours? Are handheld audio recorders not an option because they don't provide the voltage?

[@bryanjoey]

It's silly but all this time I didn't know that it is supposed to be unidirectional and I've been using it for a year now and when I checked it was set sideways in front of my filter shield. Question is do I need to have a pop filter shield if there's already a foam windscreen? Reason is asking is I already have a pop filter shield and wondering if still need it if I opt to use the foam windscreen.

[@Storm-Chaser]

Haha, your point about the AT2020 being side-address got me laughing as I've had a few people scold me for "using my microphone wrong" when they see me talking into the top of my end-fired Heil PR-40, because to them it looks a lot like a side-address mic.

[@kettnercreative]

If anyone complains about a microphone, I ask for a photo of them speaking into it. Resolves the issue 99% of the time ahah.

[@kettnercreative]

The worst is when you see someone speaking into the side of a Shure SM7B. Wut.

[@Peaceandgroove]

Which shock mount do you actually recommend ? The link in the description points to a pop filter not a shock mount

[@UrielVargas-h5s]

Can you teach us how to set it up on PC?

[@colletteduncan3469]

Can you use the microphone upside down with the same effect ?

[@kettnercreative]

Good question: It makes no difference to the audio quality if the microphone is upside down or not, as long as you are speaking into the front of the microphone.

[@chrisposhy9322]

well it reversed the audio or flipped the waveform.

[@L3GiTAc1D]

I use the AT2020+ USB Condenser mic and i get this annoying hiss like there’s a fan or something in the distance but nothing is on. How do I get rid of that?

[@krexoz8128]

Damn, I had so much luck to watch this before recording smth

[@AlvinLeowProperty]

The best mic in the entire world... Love it

[@korsat]

I already have a mic Shure MV7 do you think mic AT2020 would sound better, I have an education channel , Please answer quickly and thank you

[@michaelandesthercollins8551]

Thanks so much. This was really helpful as I just bought an Audio Technica AT2020 a couple of days back, and needed these tips.

[@JulieFalen]

Thank you so much! I have been broadcasting a radio show via skype for 8 months, talking into the top of the mic! Now I have a boom arm and a shock mount but the mount moves a bunch, and I also may have stripped the threads as the pivot mount will no longer secure to the mic. Regardless, THANKS for the tips!

[@kettnercreative]

Glad this helped!

[@Christvoicechannel]

thank you so much mine is workig now, thanks to God that i found this video , you saved from tears

[@mubashir.87]

wind screen or pop filter, which one to use with this mic?

[@doubleoseven0707]

for some reason when i speak into the microphone i only hear myself in one ear is there a reason for that

[@MeesterTweester]

Thank you, I definitely needed to know to speak intro the front with the logo.

[@TheMainCharacter93]

I was already doing everything outlined in this video but still getting no sound. I have two AT mics and neither is working but my other, non recording mics work fine for some reason. I've tried two different XLR cables and both work with other mics but not my AT 2020s. I've got phantom power running and everything 😫 this only happens the day of a recording session

[@Bob48]

Timeless info...thanks a bunch!

[@AlejandroCastilloRapper]

So will the AR11 that gives 48+ volts works even if it doesn’t advertise it as phantom power ?

[@DJMafiaTony]

Do u need a preamp for these mics?!?

[@marshallwiese5788]

Plugged it in to my PA am directly. Got no sound. Was trying to test it out before my audio interface comes in a couple days. Now I know why there’s no sound lol

[@jonbishop1385]

I purchased the AT2020+ some time back but haven't put it to good use yet. today I plugged mine into my PC, it lights up But it mutes my sound, How can I correct this please ?

[@FRSpartan]

My mic sounds like garbage because I don't use an equalizer, can you please tell me how I can fix this? I'm about at the point where I throw this thing in the trash.

[@calum__gregory_]

Can you use any 48w power or does it have to be “phantom power”

[@DanielSRosehill]

Any recommendations for what would be the next step up quality wise from the AT2020?

[@Thats.Eyconic]

AT4040, AT4050, Baby Bottle SL.

[@AkalyptosUC]

I have a yamaha mg10xu with 4 channels is that ok or i need to buy extra audio interface?

[@ObscureTech]

Background? backlit or reflective? I love it

[@ignorantcookie1734]

can i use a cheaper audio interface? or does it have to be somewhere near the price range as the one in the video?

[@MarkandSandieInMotion]

I just watched 3-4 vids on this mic and not one mentioned an interface for Phantom power. Awesome vid. Now that I believe I chose the mic how do I go about choosing the interface?

[@kettnercreative]

Some things that you'll want to consider. 1) 48v / Phantom Power - Most Audio Interfaces have this 2) Don't buy Behringer 3) Decide how many/which inputs you need 4) Decide if you want desktop speakers and headphones or just headphones 5) Decide if you also want 1/4" Instrument Inputs, or 1/4" Line Level Inputs 6) Don't buy Behringer If you just need 1 x Mic Input - Elgato Wave XLR currentprice.io/wave_xlr If you need 1 x Mic Input + Instrument + Desktop Speakers - Focusrite Scarlett Solo - currentprice.io/scarlett_solo If you need 2 x Combi Inputs & more monitoring options - I love the SSL2+ currentprice.io/ssl2_plus If you want a device that will eat any input and manage all of your monitoring options, I use the AG06 for my daily driver. currentprice.io/yamaha_ag06

[@evanvonthaer5791]

Thank you James Macavoy

[@SatelliteSelina]

so the only things I need to fix is get a better audio interface (mine sucks) and buy a shock mount, thanks!

[@phobiac281]

Hey so ive recently bought myself beyerdynamic DT 770pro 80Ohm headphones, figured ill buy mic a swell cuz i had a focusrite second gen scarlett 2i4 i bought few years ago used. Headphones worked tho there were some issues with focusrite and i figured it was faulty cuz i found the note in box that mic input not working... Anyway i decide to buy a new interface SSL2 again the headphones are working but my at2020 not. Only thing it does (the same thing happen on focusrite) the led indicator for when mic is working just lights up when i turn on and off inputs or plug in mic and then nothing its just blank. Ive installed the driver i even booted up to linux same thing happens. Just light up and then its dead. I dont think its a cable cuz pc recognizes it it just refuses to work at all. So I wonder did i get faulty mic? And yea mic AT2020 headphones and ssl2 are brand new. Ive installed drivers i did use phantom power and line as in ur video. So could it be faulty mic?

[@Cleocyde]

my issue with this mic is that it picks up too much, last time I tried recording something, while having it about 50cm away from me, it still picked up me just breathing and moving in my chair, I don't know why it does that but it's REALLY annoying when trying to record something because I have to be stiff and not move at all while also breathing slowly and silently so it doesn't pick it up..

[@speedoftone2682]

mine suddenly stopped working, i tried at2021 on same cable it is working, so is my at2020 broken already?

[@kettnercreative]

unlikely. These things are pretty rugged.

[@EdotYT]

one question i have is that do I NEED an audio interface or can I just have a phantom power unit

[@daitedve1984]

How do you transfer audio to the computer?? Of course you need AI.

[@aliyahdaniels9729]

Thanks for the information. Like I’m such a beginner, and I didn’t know that you needed phantom power or any of that for the microphone. Very much appreciated🤗

[@emotionaleatingcoach]

I don't think you do for the USB version. He's using the XLR version.

[@cyveresrts]

I don't have a Phantom Power and it works. Is it because of my Focusrite? Everyone hears me fine, but I'm just suspecting my quality could get better.

[@cyveresrts]

I think I commented too early

[@zwackyzack]

Focusrites have phantom power

[@donjuan3296]

I'm getting a lot of hiss out of the mic. I don't know if it's my sound interface or the mic :(

[@meme.z_12]

Sir my audio technica at 2020 sounds very low with scarlett 2i2 3rd gen .....even if the pantom power is turned on so what can i do sir

[@moproducemusic]

What if I buy the AT2020 usb, as in the one designed with a usb. Will it be fine then? He talks about the mic being off if you dont have phantom power but I am buying the usb version

[@Jake_Broer]

Probably a dumb question; I'm using 2 SM81 condensers for a choir, to pick up their voices. I found an AT2020 in a storage box and wondered how it would fare, as far as this use case is concerned.

[@kettnercreative]

It's linked in the description below.

[@RidiPwn]

Very helpful. BTW I got Electro Voice RE-20 Cardioid Microphone. How should one speak to this one?

[@SJGR81]

Would you recommend this mic for use as a bass drum mic?

[@kettnercreative]

Certainly not. You typically want a dynamic mic for this.

[@SJGR81]

@kettnercreative I don't know how I missed that one, it's so basic. I'll check your library for recommendations. Loving your channel man.

[@DJMafiaTony]

Do u need a preamp with a interface I have a Scarlett solo 3rd gen.. I have to out on 11 filters just to hear myself could use some help pls!

[@kotamarthys]

Thanks very much for the tips. Plan to buy at2020 .

[@tblacktherappertv7641]

How do u get it so loud???

[@joaodepaula]

Excellent video!

[@EX-Edex]

i'm using an this mic for home recording, it can record my voice but however why it can'r record my acoustic sound, feels like the mic try to mute the noise and it recognize the guitar as some kind of noise and muted it. Anyone could help and guide me with this situation ? i'm also using the SSL 2 interface

[@mosdses]

Hi. I couldn’t use the mic with my Rockville RPG2X10. Can you please help me?

[@andrewpitlock6594]

Appreciate this help! I needed every single one of these tips (bonus tip included lol)

[@velorace-oviajantedoamanha9932]

Got this video just before buying my mic, watching how I needed and how I shoulded put an phantom power on it. Thanks for the info, was quite helpfull the general information. I'm new on this. Thanks =)

[@velorace-oviajantedoamanha9932]

Best tip I heard was about room treatment and prop filters and distance... These really helped me alot!

[@BrotherKalob]

Hi im having an issue with my mic being too quiet, i have it connected to a Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface. Ive tried everything and even though ive maxed the volume in the control panels im still too quiet, could you please tell me what im doing wrong?

[@JesusCortez-i9y]

Can I use the motu m2 with a 250 ohm dt990 pro and the technica at2020??? Pls someone answer

[@FreedomTown]

I tried 3 different adapters on 2 different phones and could not get it to work. I am referring to the AT2020X USB not the xlr by the way. I'm going back to Guitar Center to return it since it won't power on.

[@kettnercreative]

Not all mics can be powered by phones, especially if you're using an iPhone.

[@FreedomTown]

@@kettnercreative The AT 2020 X is what I just returned to Guitar Center today for a full refund. I demonstrated to the rep using 3 different adapters using both of my phone's to prove my point that all the sound quality in the world is useless when a microphone refuses to power on. The reviews are fraudulent because of claims made that the microphone is compatible with your smartphone when it is clearly not compatible with any phone whatsoever regardless of what phone you have.

[@laurarosas5899]

I have a 2020 and 2021 for my acoustic guitar and voice in our house of worship. We just recently purchased a Behringer digital mixer with active speakers. There's a place that says for Phantom power. Does does mean that I have automatic access to Phantom power? Thank you for all this info.

[@DJMafiaTony]

I have a focusrite solon3rd Gen but the gain isn't going up enough

[@insidiousmaximus]

thank you proper details no BS, man I went through loads of videos before this one and they were all terrible. Too much crap on youtube.

[@jeremyjohn97]

Thank you for the tips! They are quite helpful!👍🏼

[@kettnercreative]

Glad this helped!

[@PeterDaltrey]

It needs phantom power...? Does that not come from simply plugging direct into a PC? Other reviews do not mention the need for an additional interface...

[@Hello3Cb]

Theres a USB version of this mic that you can plug into the PC. If you buy the regular AT2020 you will need xlr cable and what I would highly recommend: GoXLR mini (or GoXLR big version). Mini is way cheaper than the bigger version and has the most important parts needed for your mic.

[@iridge1]

I have the AT 2020 I use a Phanom power adapter with it because our Mackie 800 Watt Head only has 15 Volts of Phantom power, the problem is that I can't get much volume with out feedback. We don't use monitors and have the mains pretty far out on front, but still can't get it loud enough to use it at a show.. Any suggestions ?

[@drewskywalkerpa]

lmao have had a sm7b for almost 2 years and never knew capsule was at the top, no wonder my vox is so muddy goddamnit

[@KalinaAngell]

Thank you! I was using my mic like a Shure lol!!!

[@fahimsarabi258]

Can I connect condenser microphone to a amplifier or do I need a phantom device

[@sephn1x]

anything that gives 48v