AT2020 Microphone | STOP Making These 5 Mistakes!

In this video, we discuss the 5 most common mistakes that we see people make with the Audio Technica AT2020 Condenser Microphone.
PRICING FOR EQUIPMENT FEATURED IN THIS VIDEO:
► Audio Technica AT2020 Condenser Microphone: currentprice.io/at2020
► Solid State Logic SSL2+ Audio Interface: currentprice.io/ssl2_plus
► Foam Windscreen For AT2020: geni.us/XKG3n5t
► Shockmount for AT2020: geni.us/zS69yd
► Mic Stand: currentprice.io/desk_stand
► Rode PSA1+ Boom Arm: currentprice.io/psa1_plus
► Quality Acoustic Treatment Panels: currentprice.io/soundpanels
► XLR Cable: currentprice.io/xlr_cable
► TRS Cable: currentprice.io/trs_cable
► Audio Technica AT2020 USB Version: geni.us/9TRr
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ADDITIONAL VIDEOS FOR MORE INFORMATION:
► Audio Technica AT2020 Review: • Audio Technica AT2020 ...
► Audio Technica AT2020 Playlist: • Audio Technica AT2020
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CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Introduction
0:15 - Pricing & Specs
0:57 - Phantom Power
2:05 - Microphone Direction
3:15 - Pop Filter
4:15 - Microphone Distance
4:58 - Shock Mount
5:45 - Room Treatment
6:15 - Final Thoughts
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[@kettnercreative]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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,

[@jayceelewis_]

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

[@thomaschin3841]

Straight to point and no bs! Liked!

[@kettnercreative]

Glad you liked it.

[@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!

[@andrewpitlock6594]

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

[@Antonio_Da_Vinci]

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

[@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 🙂

[@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

[@ryuchan69tori]

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

[@jess_wch]

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

[@drgordo112]

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

[@Tokarua]

Thanks, great review!

[@zeredgaming2494]

that first tip was a savage move ! thank you sir

[@-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

[@curvygirlinspired3314]

thankyou much appreciate needed to know this before I bought a mic

[@BernardBertrand]

Great video , thank you !! really instructive

[@MeesterTweester]

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

[@gailvaldez08]

Very well said. ❤️ All detailed thank you ❤️

[@marina668]

Thank you! thank you! This is very helpful!

[@johnhodgson5313]

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

[@Uzair823]

I have one since 2013 and its still working great!

[@cozmicyeah7914]

Solid Video, thank you for giving me tips before getting one.

[@kotamarthys]

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

[@imjande]

thank you for the tips, man!

[@kettnercreative]

No problem!

[@shannonmariefalandoportugues]

Helpful! Thanks!

[@juanzuccoli]

excellent review!!!! ✌🏽

[@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.

[@evanvonthaer5791]

Thank you James Macavoy

[@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!

[@maximedion3393]

Nice vid bro!

[@errorsofmodernism9715]

Good technical analysis

[@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

[@tilionsouls7349]

very helpful! thanks :)

[@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.

[@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.

[@lissahmusic]

Very helpful!

[@kettnercreative]

Glad it was helpful!

[@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.

[@rhycrusher]

just what I was looking for

[@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

[@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!

[@KalinaAngell]

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

[@RidiPwn]

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

[@dupxav1]

so helpfull thzxx man

[@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

[@jvonkas6542]

Thanks for the summary. I suggest that what you said applies to all large diaphragm condenser mikes.

[@kettnercreative]

For sure. The AT2020 is particularly popular so we wanted to focus on it first.

[@Deactrals]

Man, I really do love me a good large diaphragm condenser *miks*

[@CuttyBanks]

@@Deactrals at2020 is a small capsule not large. Do more research

[@Deactrals]

@@CuttyBanks Yeah cause I said the at2020 is a large condenser diaphragm microphone in that comment!

[@TheBroadcastStudio365]

Bravo great explanation!

[@kettnercreative]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TheBroadcastStudio365]

@@kettnercreative yes ouf course thank YOU!

[@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?

[@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.

[@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.

[@ObscureTech]

Background? backlit or reflective? I love it

[@jigggyjaythebeast3856]

Great informative video

[@kettnercreative]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jeremyjohn97]

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

[@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

[@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?

[@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.

[@mubashirmhd]

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

[@Luckyboy-bj5pq]

Thanks

[@DanielSRosehill]

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

[@Thats.Eyconic]

AT4040, AT4050, Baby Bottle SL.

[@Syncedits17]

thanks man im picking one up rn

[@kettnercreative]

Glad I could help

[@LightBlazeMC]

awesome vid subbed !

[@kettnercreative]

Thanks for the sub!

[@LightBlazeMC]

@@kettnercreative no problem ! i own an at2020 and use it in my videos and i love it!

[@user-tz9kc3jg9y]

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

[@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!

[@operasinger2126]

Thank you!

[@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.

[@Peaceandgroove]

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

[@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

[@WolfyYOLO]

Hello thank you for the video, would you recommend Behringer U-PHORIA UM2 for this at2020? Thank you

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@jleenofficial]

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

[@AlejandroCastilloRapper]

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

[@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?

[@DJMafiaTony]

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

[@twigrhodes]

How do you change the light color of the at2020?

[@notcork]

easy explanation and great production quality five stars buddy bucko

[@sassykarii]

this helped me a lot thank you! i didn't know i need an audio interface D:

[@twodirections7205]

Then how have u been using the mic?

[@sassykarii]

@@twodirections7205 i wasn't, that's why it wasn't working but i got one and it started working immediately

[@hypecacw]

How the hell do you buy a xlr mic and not know you need a audio interface 😂😂🤦🏾‍♂️

[@sassykarii]

@@hypecacw because nobody ever said one was needed for an at2020. All’s they said was they bought the mic. Doesn’t matter cause I bought the interface the next day anyway 😅

[@hypecacw]

@@sassykarii fair enough they wouldn’t have told you since it’s a xlr but atleast it works now

[@krexoz8128]

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

[@andriichakov6619]

Hi! Could you answer please, whether this microphone fits for an opera singing recording in case when microphone's position is has to be some far away from a singer? Thank you!

[@sephn1x]

i think you should find a more suitable microphone

[@AkalyptosUC]

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

[@murdochmozart]

Great vid but why are you standing about 6fists away from the mic lol??

[@manusianard8135]

very good video

[@leoSaunders]

impressive video. well done

[@kettnercreative]

Thank you very much!

[@leoSaunders]

@@kettnercreative really. no bullsh, straight to the point, all the info a noob might need. great stuff. wished 80% of YT was like that

[@AlvinLeowProperty]

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

[@beatstarsargentina]

I have usb version I do not need phantom power to make it work

[@kettnercreative]

That’s right

[@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).

[@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

[@mosdses]

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

[@NuggetyFX]

Hey! Im tight on budget was wondering instead of an audio mixer or interface can i use the neewer phantom power supply?

[@hypecacw]

Heck your voltage

[@calum__gregory_]

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

[@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!

[@peterharoldjanakjr2078]

I have an AT2020, foward facing. It's an XLR type and is going into Line 1 with Phantom power on of a Focusrite 2i2 Gen 2 interface. Maxing out the gain I get no greens, yellows or red light indicators. Using readper I have to max out the fader control in order to hear myself. Even trying to adjust compression really doesn't do much

[@kettnercreative]

Very strange. You should only need 30% of your gain on the 2i2 to make this microphone work properly. I would check your XLR Cable, USB Cable, and make sure that you have the latest Focusrite Software.

[@peterharoldjanakjr2078]

@@kettnercreative Okay, Hmm, I'm getting the green light on input 2 set to instrument since its XLR on the 2i2. Gain is maxed. 6 inches away green light only seems to register plosives I'm getting constant white noise. Only, its a grey tone if you understand what I mean. Not as high pitched as white noise normally is Also get constant variable static. Similar to playing a dirty record. Just no clicks and pops. Recording my voice into reaper raw. My levels only get as high as about -20. Peak, being zero.

[@peterharoldjanakjr2078]

@@kettnercreative UPDATE: I think I found the solution, I setup Reaper for VO. Flawless. Although no sound absorbing components in my area. But when problem existed I was using A mic through the focusrite input 2 on 1 track. And my guitar also going through the focusrite. But, om input 1. Created 2 tracks in reader. One for each device and each track was only looking at the devices specific mono input. Yet, when my amp sims VST is activated. All of its associated noise and effects was also affecting input 2 on reaper. That's something I have yet to figure out. So, if I were a singer. I could not sing and play guitar simultaneously with this.

[@jakubrostkowski6420]

thanks

[@iloveeverything4380]

Does anyone know how to make this microphone record noise from only the front of the mic not back or sides