AT2020USB-XP vs. AT2040USB: Which USB Microphone is Right for You?

[@Original_Old_Farmer]

As a retired Licensed Broadcast Engineer, in my final years of working, I used the AT2020, corded version, microphone in broadcast on-air studios. In fact I switched from using a Sure SM7 to the AT2020 for my KZbin Channel voice overs. Understanding how to control ambient sound can be easier than you think. Most on-air studios are quite noisy, working the mic close, but a bit off-axis to avoid popping the mic, will fix most issues. AT2040USB is new to me, and I have only heard what it sounds like in this video. For me, I would avoid this microphone and look for alternatives. The AT2020USB-XP, I would avoid using noise reduction at all costs for recordings. Learn to use a mic and 70% of the noise issues go away for studio work. My recommendation is to stay away from USB microphones in general and pick up a mic preamp that has a USB output. This way you have more flexibility with the microphone. For my voice-over work I record to a Zoom H6 digital audio recorder and take the memory card over to the computer. Yes, I could connect directly USB from the H6 to the computer, but using the memory card from the H6 to the computer is easier and faster. I would say, with the AT2020USB-XP in a recording scenario to leave the modifying controls off and and do the adjustments to the recorded file in the computer where you should have better tools to do the modifications you wish. As for live situations, you do what you must to get the sound you want. AT2020USB when in the flat mode sounds just as good as the AT2020. The AT2020 kind of reminds me in sound and quality to the Neumann TLM 102 at over $700. Just remember that with a condenser microphone it needs outboard power or a battery to operate. Most mic preamps and many mixing consoles provide, what is called phantom power for a condenser microphone. With a USB microphone the power comes through the USB connector. Good video. My suggestion is buy the AT2020 microphone (that's the wired version) and if needed use a microphone preamp that also as USB.

[@DukeFavre]

It's a nice comment. But you should make videos talking about the subjet. People will enjoy it more. It's all true about noise reduction. The spider, the popfilter, gain levels. Love the AT2020.

[@slumberingpierrot]

Many thanks for the demo and particularly with noise cancellation and automatic gain control 🙏

[@DukeFavre]

Thank you. The noise reduction seems alright. Level 1. There are some filter you can mess with OBS to reduce noise too. Love the Condender mics when they are proper set-up. I start with a blue yeti, use a samson for gaming (it's a dynamic mic). Love them both. the USB-XP sounds very promesing.

[@mostlycrunchywendy3112]

Thank you making this video - very helpful. Have you used the noise reduction setting while playing acoustic instruments? How is the noise reduction and does this setting compromise the music? Thanks again.

[@DannyQanaah]

Isn't it weird that you can't use the auto gain control/noise reduction when recording at 192000 hz? Why does no review talk about this??

[@4theLifeOfTae]

Thanks for explaining this well, God bless!

[@NamMe]

I have latency problem with at2020usb-xp

[@BandH]

If you are having trouble, please feel free to contact us at [e-mail] for assistance with troubleshooting.

[@camerinw.3226]

great video, thank you

[@BandH]

Thanks for watching!

[@4theLifeOfTae]

Do you think theres much of a difference between this xp version and the usbx

[@BandH]

The new XP version would be the mic for you if you are recording in an environment that tends to be noisy with unwanted ambient sound. >Mark

[@adelkharisov]

How can I switch to 48 kHz while recording with iPhone camera app with Camera connection kit adapter for external power?

[@BandH]

Unfortunately it is not possible to manually change sample rate with the iOS camera app.

[@adelkharisov]

@@BandH so, will the at2020usb automatically work on 48 kHz rate with camera app? I thought 48kHz is native both for Apple Devices and KZbin.

[@MissLadyLupa]

I voice train and live stream with AT22040USB.

[@DHZ168]

When "AT2020USB-XP Environmental Noise Reduction" is turned on, and then I open Audacity recording, it will automatically turn off my "AT2020USB-XP Environmental Noise Reduction" function, and the green light on the microphone will disappear. why is it like this?

[@BandH]

This would appear to be a default of the Audacity software. Try a different DAW to use this setting. >Mark

[@DHZ168]

@@BandH This is my first time recording with a microphone and I am not familiar with "DAW". Please provide free software that can turn on the "AT2020USB-XP Environmental Noise Reduction" function and record. Thank you.

[@TrollMeister_]

4:56 Made in Taiwan, not China. I like that.

[@Matt_BakerYT]

The USB is TERRIBLE of rsinging!! As soon as I start to sing a bit loud, it makes that horrible sound when the mic sounds like its at its limit even when its not even in the red on OBS.

[@toooes]

definitely sounds like something is not setup right or defective

[@4theLifeOfTae]

Thanks for explaining this well, God bless!