Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Mic Review / Test (vs. MXL770, MXL990, Ember, More)

[@gorgemusic]

You give by far the most thorough mic reviews anywhere. Very much appreciate your dedication.

[@Kevinfordsynthesizers]

As a voice artiste, I still use my 10 years old AT2020 as my travel mic, and it’s earned me more money to date than my ‘better’ studio mics (AT4040, 416)..

[@marketweis]

I know a guy who does national VO work with the 2020 and a 286s....sounds fantastic

[@velorace-oviajantedoamanha9932]

You never should replace them. *AT2020 is THE **_All STAR..._* 🌟🌟🌟🌠🌠🌠😁

[@QuantumGamingUploads]

@@velorace-oviajantedoamanha9932 I found the AKG P120 a bit better

[@mikkelbus-unclepedersen9233]

What is a voice artist?

[@krabuh]

@@mikkelbus-unclepedersen9233 I know this comment is over a year old, but I just thought I would explain it you, it's essentially someone who does voice overs, or audio books, or voice acting for shows / characters, any of the things I mentioned.

[@GotDibsMusic]

I've had my AT2020 since 2014. A great microphone.

[@doggondoggydog]

WOW I've never watched your channel before but I wound up on the old review of this mic, glad I clicked the updated link! Kudos to your exceptional quality improvement over the last 6 years lol

[@scoremoore4280]

I've always liked the at2020 in fact when it came to me buying either the mxl 990 or the at2020 I choose the at2020 and I never regretted a single thing. this is amazing for voice over you can be making 6 figures with this mic and your clients would be pleased. Thank you so much for this video dude I too have been using the at2020 every ingle day since I got it.

[@fnswrestling]

I really appreciate your re-reviews! I still watch your old stuff (pandemic comfort viewing for me), but love the updates! Thanks for all the work you do.

[@sage12125]

I'd love to see a re-review of the Q2U. Curious to see if the cult icon still holds it's own

[@KaiZenAmen]

Amen. Just got mine a few days ago and easily one of my favorite mics I've ever had.

[@gyozakeynsianism]

Me too. It's been very good for Zoom use and remote teaching. A hell of a lot of people would do better getting a cheap USB dynamic vs. some fancy-looking condenser.

[@RodrigoMatiasLeote1986]

@@gyozakeynsianism I'm thinking on getting a mic to stream some gaming and I've been struggling to decide which one to get. Q2U is one of the options, but I don't know if that one is plugnplay on the PS5. Do you think Q2U would be a good one?

[@gyozakeynsianism]

@@RodrigoMatiasLeote1986 I'm not the best person to ask but I can say Q2U works on Android. Maybe it'll work on PS5 then?? The reason I said what I said is that a cheap dynamic mic with a cardioid pickup pattern will do a better job for the vast majority of people who aren't recording music or something serious like that. It's because it'll be better at rejecting background noise and will improve how your voice sounds just as much as many condenser mics at higher prices. Good luck with your mic hunt!

[@BeastChan23]

@@RodrigoMatiasLeote1986 I've used it on my PS4 for Rock Band 4 in the past to sing, should work I assume

[@donaldmacgregor2545]

Thesis statement by Bandrew: "This is a resource channel. Do what you want". What I want to do is say thank you you for providing a valuable resource.

[@Ricochetmex]

This was the first mic I bought, great mic very reliable. I "grow" to not like its sound, so I set it aside and stop using it. But a few months ago I give it another chance and turns out it's a great outside bass drum mic (1ft away) and acoustic nylon guitar mic. I love how it sounds on those, that harsh top end actually gives a nice detail on not so bright instruments that need to cut through a mix. My recomendation for a dark sounding condenser for the same price is the akg p170.

I bought an Ember after your first review and I'm still happy with it.

[@QuantumGamingUploads]

I love the Ember. That Mic is underrated. It sounds fantastic .

[@KaiRJ]

expected a comparison with the AKG P120 once more :c although I have bought the P120 almost 2 years ago after watching your review and it's really an amazing mic 💖

[@mossiegee4674]

The P120 is a fricking lovely work horse of a mic i have four of them now and a pair of AT3030's

[@martinkulik9466]

yo it's not even true condenser, it has electret

[@KalciferVallarta]

The Blue Yeti, please. I absolutly regret buying it. Not a bad option, but pretty old.

[@michaelhaney3175]

Very good review of the AT2020. I just purchased one in December to go with my 2i2. The strange thig is that the Scarlett Studio Microphone sounds better to me than the AT2020. ( I purchased the 2i2 used on Flea Bay, and it arrived without the box. It sure is strange throwing a plastic bag over my shoulder than a good cardboard box.)

[@fazbell]

This guy is a microphone PRO!!!! I have learned more from watching these videos than from anything I have read. Thanks.

[@tigresen5660]

I’d love to see a full re-review of the 990 and 770. Was very impressed with their sound in this comparison.

[@danmagoo]

The AT2020 was my first "good" microphone, and although I haven't used it for years, I enjoyed this review and thought it sounded really quite good. It still beats some of the similar-priced mics in the comparisons (but maybe not all). Thanks for doing this.

[@hiltonlavish7778]

What's your microphone now

[@danmagoo]

@@hiltonlavish7778 Shure SM7B, with an ElectroVoice RE320 also set up for if I need a brighter sound in a recording or live event.

[@johndonaville3550]

how do you pan it into two ears? it sends out mono and it plays only into my left ear

[@Dracomies]

Your voice got deeper as you got older. Who would have thunk it.

[@Podcastage]

I also don’t scream as much anymore.

[@bitecho2652]

@@Podcastage you should review the maono au pm 421

[@gyozakeynsianism]

GREETINGS EARTHLINGS

[@gyozakeynsianism]

PLEASE BRING PIZZA PRONTO

[@gyozakeynsianism]

HIT THE DOOBLEY-DO TO SEE WHAT I DIDDILY DID

[@LordSiah]

I have the USB version of the microphone and I rap and sing it works super well for me I feel that you are right about the sibilance it's pretty harsh on those ess's but you can fix that with the Desser and you be all right I think you can get some really good sounding songs if that's what you're recording off this microphone

[@maoware5539]

just bought an mxl 990 because of this video and your original review! I ended up getting it around 60 bucks, super stoked! Good work man keep it up

[@stevenrogers2900]

I came from the old video and am very impressed in how far your mic technique has come

[@JankoFrancisty]

Smooth lows & mids and silky crisp highs ❤️ Lovin it. I got to get it now. I got A. T headphones and they are awesome for everything i use them for. Audio Technica is overall awesome and needs to get plenty of rewards. I'm writing this as a consumer, i appreciate great quality stuff that is affordable. ❤️A. T💪

[@adrianax182]

I just bought this a few weeks ago and I love it so far!

[@ALIMU]

Let's goooo this my microphone I was hoping for a re review!

[@itscarlosreally]

A re-review for the Behringer XM8500! The bonafide quarantine budget bestie.

[@jdsutter]

Been using them in my podcast studio for guests and cohosts for almost 10 years and love 'em!

[@agambhasin]

The 2020 still manages to hold its spot, imo, the ones which sounded better than it were the 770, Worker bee, & Ember in its price range, i would not compare it to the 200 or higher tier mics, however, if that needs to be done, the NT1 just does so well, it would have been great if the 2035 was thrown into the comparisons, another really promising microphone for its price. The higher tier ones, like KSM32 or 103 or U87 are definitely good, but i am still not convinced that they are 5, 11 or 36 times good, especially when using for spoken word applications like podcasting or streaming, so if someone has a 2020 and they are getting the sound out of it that they want, there is prob no need to upgrade but the competition is doing pretty good at this point, especially the worker bee or the ember. Great video as always brother, hoping u r keeping well & doing good!

[@IsmaelAngelus]

This channel definitely became my primary source of mic reviews! Kudos to you!

[@Podcastage]

You are far too kind. Thank you for the nice words, they mean a lot.

[@pongsaparkchuleetham8546]

bro wtf i was thinking about buying at2020 and your channel just pops into my feed thanks so much

[@BryansStuffYT]

When Podcastage uploads a mic review: *clicks video intensely*

[@francisv1021]

Great comparison as usual! My first condenser mic was (I still have it) a MXL990 from around 2006 and maybe I am biased, but to me still sounds great for the price, that mic has a rich bottom-end and nice clarity and, for some reason, I noticed that particular mic is not as noisy as the recent black model that I bought last year, and again the clarity is better. At least to my ears and talking about spoken word. For guitars, for instance, I dont like it at all. However I think the best value still is the NT1, in your case as you pointed out, fits perfectly fine for your voice, I can hear you for hours.

[@billynojokes]

ay man really appreciate these reviews thank you!

[@NilakshMalpotra]

The more comparisons I listen to, the more I fall in love with my nt1 :D the tone of that mic just, makes me so happy and I'm glad I own it!!

[@JacobSchoettle]

I bought this mic (USB version) back in college (2008) and still use it to this day. Is it the best? No. But it has been very reliable and worked very well for almost all of my projects.

[@CEGryphon]

I liked the MXL 990 much more. I'd love to see a re review of that! Great video as always

[@Gemini530]

Just ordered from Amazon the all black special edition 😇

[@somecallmetim2580]

In 2021 the 2020 is still a solid choice. (Especially if you buy it on the used market.)

[@grandma3194]

Oh darling, thank you for this kind review. I'm sure to order this very soon!

[@TheThirdProject]

I bought the at2035 thanks to you for my stream and music. Thanks Man!

[@DeaconLive]

Thanks .. i had issues with guests speaking into the wrong side of the mic and they sounded muffled.

[@gyozakeynsianism]

OMG a real quarterback box throw, finally. We've waited so long. On a serious note, it's great you're going back to some oldies but goodies. I second all the voices saying Samson Q2U.

[@camouflageentertainment8809]

My first microphone as well 2035(multipattern), but as years went on and I have learned the curve of quality vs quantity, I think the cad m179, neat worker bee and se x1 are there biggest competition in that price range although I would pay the extra and get the 2035. Mxl cr89 used is also a backyard gem if you can find it.

[@KobewhonALT]

wow this sounds way better than your last video of this microphone. jeez was about to comment saying the mic sounds terrible until I saw that you had an updated video!

[@Podcastage]

Yeah much better at recording than I was 7 years ago.

[@daryl993manggip]

Love seeing older reviews being updated!XM8500 next?

[@Yevgen4000]

I feel like the Blue Ember is quite a lot better, with a lot more detail, though somehow less sibilant, and just better sounding.

[@ThomasRoscoeMusic]

I would love to hear the Ember music test and your final recommendations on that mic.

[@niko1even]

Eh, not really, it's a preference. Different mics are for different applications, the Blue Ember is just more warm sounding, while the AT2020 is more bright sounding and more forward with vocals.

[@Swampfox10mm]

I would love the ember, but what they want for their shock mount makes it ridiculously expensive.

[@Yevgen4000]

@@Swampfox10mm you don't need the official $100 shock mount, you can get one for like $20, and it will work almost just as well

[@ibraheemiftikhar1144]

...I really needed this.

[@BryansStuffYT]

Hey, can you review the J-Lab Talk GO Microphone? I used it for over six months and was pretty satisfied with what I got. It'd be cool to see your input and help others decide if they should buy it.

[@enoraso]

at2020 still sounds good, but id go for MXL 770, very similar and some extra perks.

[@aryas6936]

why you’d prefer the mxl?

[@jkf9167]

A bunch of Billie Eilish's vocals, especially on the early stuff like "Ocean Eyes" through parts of the "When We all Fall Asleep..." album were recorded on an AT2020. More recently she uses a TLM 103 though.

[@Shoomer88]

You nailed it at the end. Built to last.

[@mr-waffle341]

Nice video! It's cool to see an updated review of the AT2020👍

[@carsforkids3512]

It seems like other microphones sound very similar to the at 2020 but at a much cheaper price. Do you think I would be better off buying one of the cheaper ones? (I have no worry about hitting it accidentally)

[@SepehrYavari]

This is what i been looking for for too long I fricking love you bandrew💖

[@nuragic]

You are amazing as usual, bought mine thanks to your previous video and I am still happy with it, I might upgrade at one point to the rode ntg videomic for a bit more flexibility. You are inspiring every time thank you

[@LionMemento]

Thank you men I joined your discord nice community a lot of people helped me to get a good microphone. Keep up the great work ❤️

[@ricardoprieto6401]

That KSM32 is buttery smooth.

[@matiasmenendez3964]

I have a shure sm 48 and I am deciding whether to buy the audio technica at2020 or the mxl 900. which one do you recommend? Sharau from Argentina. Swag 😎😎

[@aloneinthedev]

love the new rain FX !

[@ernststa]

SE7 or SE8 review would be really interesting, especially compared to more regular condensers like the AT2020 etc

[@mreco99]

Thats all great, but what is the best option for around $100 particularly for acoustic guitar. whats the 'better' competition?

[@jimshaw899]

Nicely done. I've always thought the AT2020 was a good sounding value. I don't know where else we could go to hear so many comparisons for podcast use. Like others, below, I have the Q2U for desktop use. As a value proposition, it's quite the deal ($70). And, it sounds good on my voice. Better, it doesn't need an interface to get into a computer USB. It's plug and play. Has a headphone output, that can also carry sound from the computer speaker driver. If you're a Rodecaster jock, the Q2U has an XLR to plug into that. Sound? It does exceedingly well on my voice. It's dynamic, so it'll likely take a beating. It can be handheld. Pop resistance is fair. It wouldn't be my choice for acoustic music, but that's not its design intent. I'd like to see a comparison of the Q2U versus the other mics you have here, including the AT2020.

[@Cosmitzian]

I know you don't really test USB microphones, but is there a notable difference between this and the USB version?

[@Schmuddel]

I've only used AT mics. Love the look, love the sound.

[@Rod-Wheeler]

Great Review. I look forward to them every week.

[@Sl0wmoon_OW]

I would like another re review of the q2u mic! with more noise comparisons between xlr and usb and such. otherwise good vid!

[@G60syncro]

I like my 2020's... I got two kits, the ones that came with the small pencil condensers... I had to get a third one at one point because one of them fell off a high boom. The broken one served as a donor body for the DIY mic parts upgrade kit. The better capsule really did a nice job of kicking it up a notch... All 3 are part of my budget recording rig!

[@UmbrellaRecords31]

6:16 MXL 770 (82 DLLS) VS 9:10 RODE NT1 (270 DLLS)

[@Lanternamagika]

Very nice review, and as exhaustive as a mic review can be. Much appreciated sense of humour too 😂 Thank you

[@Demoniaco]

I love my AT2020 - I got plenty of use on it, and it's so clean sounding!

[@ataucei]

Thank you so much! I´ve been watching your review to find a good mic to buy!

[@dangumalo6857]

Is the AT 2020 an upgrade from the MXL's? Or are they more or less in the same level in terms of performance?

[@strangenoisepodcast2116]

Love the re-review idea! A re-review of the shure sm57 or the behringer xm8500 would be awesome!

[@manueljoaolima8501]

But… what could/should we buy in 2021 for voice and some traverso/flute recordings ?

[@VGDocs]

1:30 After that earnest "Hi Jerry" I now just want Jerry Seinfeld to come to the comments just to say hi back :P

[@Podcastage]

That would be pretty great if Jerry left a comment just saying “Hey Bandrew”. But he never will.

[@bigtastyben5119]

These modernize reviews are a blessing

[@ishaansaxena06]

hello sir, I really love your reviews. I want a suggestion because I think you are the best for suggesting this. Currently I have a BM - 800 or Neewer NW - 700 microphone and there is a lot of background hiss with a cheap usb soundcard. I want to upgrade so should I buy the Focusrite scarlett solo and use it with nw - 700 or I should buy M audio M track solo and AKG - P120 ? PLEASE ANSWER MY QUESTION

[@andydagan]

I really wanted you to review this mic since I got it too!

[@mib5633]

best mic reviewer end of story. the deadpan humor is the sweet non-arificial cherry on top (because those don't taste too nice.)

[@Stalonage]

I know this is a few years old but would you recommend this over the wave 3?

[@wojciechstecyszyn6040]

Great video. Is shows me one thing I wanted to hear - when you are super close to the mick at 3:04 and your voice still sounds clear now with my at2020 when I am not even that close but already around 4 inches (and closer) from the capsule my voice is not that clear but very saturated in the mids like on some vintage tube mick and although some may say that its cool effect I say Im not happy cause I prefer to be clear so I can use the proximity effect and record closer when I want without that saturation effect. I wonder am I in a possession of a faulty mick?

[@Camboge]

This is the only funny mic review I’ve seen, it’s hilarious! 😂

[@javierqr08]

Love this!! Pls continue Re Reviews 🙌🏻

[@ShawnMilo]

"These amazing people" are truly amazing -- they have the power of invisibility today! Neewer: worse, just sounds lower-res in general MXL990: slightly better than the AT2020. Maybe fuller/richer or more "forward," whatever that means MXL770: also better than the AT2020. The AT2020 sounds like it has a high-pass filter by comparison Worker bee: worse than the AT2020. Sounds thinner, maybe in the mids Blue Ember: A little better than the AT2020, but only a little. Don't really like either one, though. Sounds like it has a boost in the highs. Tech Zone X2: toss-up; listened twice and preferred a different one each time NT1: Couldn't tell a huge difference at first, but after the switched back to the AT2020, the AT2020 sounded harsher KSM32: Sounds smoother overall. TLM-103: The 103 sounded like it had a filter that made everything sound slightly beige U87: Couldn't tell a big difference, both sounded a bit harsh. KZbin compression or something? In any case, obviously my ears are not trained.

[@thry116]

Thank you for the video!! Is the AKG P120 any good when compared to the AT2020? Which microphone would you recommend? Thanks!

[@DanielFrankDK]

AT2020 is by far one of the best microphones you can get if you're on a budget.

[@MB-ry6ez]

Indeed. I have the AT2035 great mic

[@immutablecantrip]

I just bought the AT2020 and I don't think I'm impressed. Thinking of returning it. Should I try MXL 770 or 990?

[@pratik_dhuri]

How is AT2020 mic in comparison to Rode M2? mainly for recording vocals. Which one should i buy?

[@lliicckk]

OH! I see you with that Black Bay 58 🔥 😉 Great reviews as always!

[@mbk337]

Would love to see a re-review of the Samson Q2u. Been my workhorse mic since quarantine and I really like how it sounds. Would love to hear some upgrades to it as well.

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

Samson O2u is overall better mic under 100 bucks.

[@Deactrals]

I personally love this series!

[@garebear51]

The vivid difference between the 2020 and the KSM32, really looking forward to it arriving tomorrow to replace my 2020!

[@hiltonlavish7778]

What do you think of SE electronics x1a it's the same price what do you think I'm going to get one?

[@Vale-dh1tn]

I really need a recommendation on what mic to buy. I’m going to be using the mic for freelancing voiceover work, podcasts and voiceover for KZbin. I want to get an XLR mic around the $100 price range. Should I get: The Rode Podmic or pay extra for the Rode Procaster? The Shure SM58? Or the AT2020? I want a mic that is good for a female voice that will mostly be talking at a low volume, and has no closet or any area that can be noise treated or noise canceling. I would like to one day purchase the Shure SM7b but it’s not in my budget right now. But I would like a smooth, soft, not tiring sounding mic for less than $250, ideally around $100 though. Maybe there’s a better mic options than the ones I listed in that price range? Please help, THANK YOU in advance.

[@winter.coffee]

I just work on my phone, i use the bm750 mic with a built-in sound card without audio inter face, I would to use a sound card because sometimes the content will be stories and things like this, advice me buy a behringer um2, or I buy a behringer um2 with c1 mic, or something else, I have a small budget, say $ 130😐 You can hear the bad sound in one of my videos

[@ksprashutv]

I've been trying to find a mic with very good (read best) side noise rejection. I do podcasts / videos, and want to use it for amateur vocals / guitars. I've devoured close to 20+ videos of your trying to find the right one. Looks like Shure Beta is the best right now. Can you please help with a list of budget / entry level mics ranked by noise rejection?

[@prodigalus]

keep in mind, people, that he has a high qality preamp, which can make even cheap mics sound so much better than when using low quality preamps.

[@Podcastage]

I do. I have some very nice preamps. BUT I AM NOT USING THEM HERE. I am using the focusrite 18i20. The preamps are identical to the 2i2 2nd gen except the 18i20 has 1dBA higher EIN. A $150 2 channel audio interface does not have high quality preamps. It has middle of the road entry level preamps, and A/D converters. What are you even talking about?

[@prodigalus]

@@Podcastage i meant if someone bought a good mic and had, maybe a cheap little mixer to plug it into, like i did when i first started. i consider the 2i2 to be quality, although it does't compare to your UA preamp.

[@thegarybeach3052]

Heya Bandrew, I'm looking for a bit of advice. I don't have a particular high voice, but the way I speak leads to some crazy sharp sibilance. I currently use an AT2020 but I'm looking to upgrade to a mic under the $500 tag. I do voice work and I am also a musician. I'd like some advice and a good recommendation for a microphone. Thanks!

[@thomas.cloutier-guay]

i would recomend you the lewitt lct440, pretty good mic for the price.

[@thefix-itguyreviewer8151]

Coming to you as a computer and network engineer, audio engineer building my own guitars and two amplifiers for over 35 years including a guitar luthier. And a lot more stuff lol.. First off I listen to all these recordings through studio monitors, in a few sets of old school and new school audio file studio headphones. So the naysayers saying he prayed listen through his phone or crappy headphones NO I DID NOT.. And I'm unbiased because I have a lot of these microphones. I have a lot of these microphones including the at2020. I never really did comparisons I usually just use the microphone that I want that sounds best for a certain person and if I don't have that microphone in hand EQ can fix most problems. AND IF YOU'RE GOOD RECORDING! That's the most important thing if you know how to record in a certain room with a certain voice. That takes time and expertise. ( So honestly and I'm dumbfounded. THE AT 2020 SOUNDED BETTER THAN ALL OF THOSE MICROPHONES!! As you were saying with the more expensive ones it has a smoother top end. I noticed a tiny bit more high-end In those microphones but to me it sounded if you will MORE IRRITATING A SOUND I DIDN'T LIKE AS MUCH! You can always EQ that out. It's almost like the at2020 EQ curve did all the work for you it sounded fantastic. Less irritation, less harsh had all the frequencies in your voice very natural very warm very close. Same thing with the music. Wow I am very surprised!! Want my opinion You could just use that at2020 And if you're good with EQ and how to record you wouldn't need any of those other vocal microphones seriously!! And you especially wouldn't notice the difference with a lot of music going on in the song. Good review unbelievable!!

[@peteandpuy]

Very tough to pick against this mic. I simply think (and I am simple) it’s the best mic. Mic drop. Stumbles exiting the stage.

[@Shubham_Roy]

Can you please re review Zoom H2N?

[@redscott7179]

Love & appreciate your re-review series as much as I dislike the AT2020

[@jossshhhy]

I have the USB version of this mic, it's so good I use it every day for school and just talking with my friends. Would recommend it, wish it was a little bit cheaper for how old it is but you can find them on ebay for a little cheaper. :D

[@Kby96]

i bought this mic but people in discord complain that it picks up my keyboard taps a LOT.. Does anyone have anyidea how to fix it or make it not pick it up outside of just using using push to talk?