TONOR TC20 XLR Condenser Microphone Kit Review

Hey guys! Here is my review of the TONOR TC20 XLR Condenser Microphone Kit. Includes the condenser mic, microphone arm stand, pop filter and XLR cable. Let me know what you think!
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Song credits: Al Bosque by Tomas Novoa
Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
#Tonor #TC20 #Condenser

[@stephendverner]

I purchased this kit after playing through tons of review videos of all kinds of cheap mics. Your video sealed the deal for me. I wanted a mic that had a low self noise with a decent even frequency response. I received the kit today and have to say I am very impressed with the quality. Equally worth twice as much. This is from a trained audio engineer of 24 years.

[@TobiasHolenstein]

That's awesome! I'm glad the mic is working out well for you!

[@parker2963]

watching this vid after i bought the mic, good thing im not disappointed in the mic by this review, it actually sounds like its going to sound much better then i thought

[@TobiasHolenstein]

Yeah! It's definitely not a bad mic at all. Enjoy your new mic!

[@TMillsMusic]

Nice review man! For me it will be a great inexpensive backup condenser mic and the stand will be a great addition to my setup! Thanks for your video!

[@TobiasHolenstein]

Thank you! I'm glad I could help :)

[@thenightcapnebulapod]

I just ordered this mic setup PLUS phantom power with all the necessary plugs all for $66 since it had free shipping, $10 off coupon AND your 15% off. What a steal!!!

[@TobiasHolenstein]

Awesome! Glad to hear you got a great deal! 🙌

[@Undefined9]

@@TobiasHolenstein Did you use an individual sound card for the output from the phantom power unit you have? I have a phantom power unit that has a usb that connect to my laptop, but I'm not getting anything. If I need additional equipment to get this to work, I'd like to know.

[@thenightcapnebulapod]

@@TobiasHolenstein Sorry I can't edit my last post for some reason. So here is my layout; mic is connected to the phantom power (Aokeo brand). The power is connected from the Aokeo to my computer via USB. Power comes on, but nothing from my mic; computer doesn't acknowledge it.

[@TobiasHolenstein]

@@thenightcapnebulapod So it sounds like you are just using a phantom power supply, which basically means you are sending electricity to power the microphone and nothing else. These type of phantom power units with the usb cables are kind of confusing because they come with a usb cable which makes you think the computer will receive some kind of information through it, but basically the usb cable is just there in place of a typical ac adapter. To use a XLR mic you need an audio interface (aka a soundcard). A lot of audio interfaces have built in phantom power that you turn on with the push of a button, so you probably won't need your Aokeo phantom power unless you get an audio interface that does not supply phantom power. The audio interface I have is the focusrite scarlett 2i2. I hope this helps. Feel free to let me know if you have any questions 🙂

[@thenightcapnebulapod]

@@TobiasHolenstein This makes a lot of sense, thank you so much for explaining this so well. I'm still new to cardoid mics; been using dynamic ones for years now. I think I might order the BEHRINGER U-Phoria UM2 USB interface since it has everything I need and won't break the bank. The Scarlett looks good, but it is just too pricey. Will that one I picked get the job done?

[@purrtypam]

Just got this for my bf, happy to know he appreciates it!!

[@TobiasHolenstein]

Awesome! That was really nice of you!

[@alek-adzie]

Thanks for the video Tobias, very helpful!

[@TobiasHolenstein]

You're welcome! Glad I could help 🙂

[@dwaynecorbin3646]

definitely gonna buy a couple of these

[@TobiasHolenstein]

Enjoy your mics! 🙂

[@1999jessjess]

Perfect video you sold me on this! Thank you!

[@TobiasHolenstein]

Glad I could help! Enjoy your new mic :)

[@1999jessjess]

@@TobiasHolenstein It has been working great for me! Thanks again!

[@TobiasHolenstein]

@@1999jessjess That's great to hear! You're welcome 🙂

[@escothaprophet3430]

I already picked up a audio technica at2020 but your reviews are so entertaining I keep watching them lmao

[@TobiasHolenstein]

Haha awesome dude! I'm glad you like them. How are you liking the at2020 so far?

[@reillymcginley5770]

this is late but do you need like that interface thing or not im thinking of buying this

[@escothaprophet3430]

@@reillymcginley5770 yea you need a interface for it. You could get a usb mic that can plug in directly to your pc if you don’t wanna buy a interface tho

[@MrTom-Songwriter-Composer]

Thank You for the review. As a music composer I'm always looking for good microphones that are inexpensive... probably will pick this up around the upcoming holidays using your code. Have a great week.

[@TobiasHolenstein]

You're welcome! I'm glad I could help. Enjoy the mic :)

[@MrTom-Songwriter-Composer]

@@TobiasHolenstein I'm writing a full acoustic album.. releasing it next year.. If the mic is as good as you say it is.. I'll be able to use it on the album. I've been writing music since 1984.. I'm a music composer/songwriter under performance rights organization, BMI, Inc. Have a great night. Cheers.

[@TobiasHolenstein]

@@MrTom-Songwriter-Composer Awesome! wishing you the best with the album. If you have some music on Spotify or another streaming service, I'd love to check it out. Cheers

[@MrTom-Songwriter-Composer]

@@TobiasHolenstein Thank You. I write instrumentals and songs... probably my most listened to instrumental in many places is this one.... something light for the morning time. I actually made it for an Independent movie company, non-exclusive. I 100% own the copyright: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJ-llKNoZZysra8

[@hankhill5409]

concrete block speaker stands look good man, I might steal that idea. Awesome video

[@TobiasHolenstein]

Thank you! yeah so far the concrete block stands have been working pretty well! Much better than having the speakers on the desk

[@byRiFleXx]

Great review :)

[@TobiasHolenstein]

Thank you! 🙂

[@cloud.6.9.]

Ayeee great vid, keep it up!

[@TobiasHolenstein]

Thanks so much John!

[@limitl3sss704]

Where would you plug in your headphones?

[@elijahnese5101]

Thanks!!!

[@TobiasHolenstein]

You're welcome! 🙂

[@Donker28234]

Great Vid! thanks I thinking of a good budget mic thanks!

[@TobiasHolenstein]

Thank you! I'm glad I could help! Enjoy your new mic :)

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

Not a bad deal for 60 bucks. Microphone sounds incredible at all ends.

[@TobiasHolenstein]

Yeah definitely not a bad deal at all

[@ripant3165]

can i use this mic on my iphone? i hooked it up to my audio interface and no sound comes out

[@fromyourbed_tunes]

Code still works!

[@TobiasHolenstein]

Awesome! Glad to hear!

[@noname-mu6kn]

when i talk i hear a static sound i only have a phantom power how do i fix this?

[@rbelson356]

This would have been such a bargain if the microphone weren't completely lacking in bass. Its highs and mids are really clear, but it's like someone turned the bass knob all the way down. The Maono microphone you've recently reviewed sounded so much better, even better than the oh-so-popular q2u and Blue Yeti(in condenser mode), in my opinion.

[@TobiasHolenstein]

I didn't realize it until you mentioned it. I had to go back and listen to the audio to see for myself. For myself, I don't mind not having a lot of bass if I am recording vocals. Even if I am recording music I typically take out a lot of the bass from my vocals when I am mixing, but to each their own. I highly recommend the Maono mics, those ones are pretty good

[@raissouni88]

@@TobiasHolenstein can you use this mic for singing recording ?

[@Brandovibe]

Which Maono are you referring to? I checked and it looks like he reviewed a few of them. Thanks

[@thesimonetalksshow5253]

I purchased this and the problem I have is that is has no bass in it. I connect it to my Zoom H4n Pro and the sound is not good. The I take it over to edit, I am not Abel to get a decent sound that I need. Suggestions?

[@swords3047]

Wait, do you need a interface? Or can I use my PC?

[@zazza5365]

In regards to “phantom power”, can you explain what that is? I’m new to podcasting and I wanted to get a couple of these mics and a ZoomH6. Would that suffice?

[@TobiasHolenstein]

Hi Greg, so basically phantom power is just a word for a power source that condenser microphones require because they have some kind of active electronic circuitry, opposed to dynamic mics, which are passive. I've never personally tried it, but from what I've seen online the Zoom H6 can supply phantom power to all 4 inputs, so I believe that yes, a couple of these mics and the Zoom H6 should work perfectly fine. Hope that helps! and best of luck with the podcast!

[@mezzojd]

Man, I have the same mic and will need to do some troubleshooting. I have it plugged into an audio mixer and it sounds like I’m at distance and a little echo-y

[@wheresmynoodles7271]

How can you connect the mic to the computer what would you need? For long recording and singing

[@TobiasHolenstein]

For this specific mic you would need an audio interface with phantom power 🙂

[@chrisn3580]

Hi Tobias, Which XLR mic would you rather get, this one or the MAONO AU-PM320S?

[@TobiasHolenstein]

I think I would probably go with this one. I think this microphone has less of a noise floor than the AU-PM320S and this one seems to pick up more of the high frequencies while the AU-PM320S sounds like it picks up more of the low mid frequencies. Also, the arm stand that comes with this kit is better. The MAONO AU-PM320S is still a good mic though, but if it came down to it I would probably go with the TC20

[@thomism1016]

Cool video. Very helpful. However, I do desperately need someone to help me out with the software side of the setup. I have the microphone all setup and plugged in and ready to go. I’m working with windows 10.

[@deflatespufferfish]

my mic sounds really foogy, and i was able to turn it on. and i wanted to plug it in on the back of my pc and it didnt turn on. its connected to my pc but it wont turn on/no audio at all

[@sirnigelcogs]

Did you create the music you use in the background?

[@TobiasHolenstein]

I wish I made that music haha. The song is Al Bosque by Tomas Novoa, really talented guy. I've been using a lot of his music in my videos lately

[@stephendverner]

Thank you for pausing long enough for us to hear the self-noise so we know if it has quality components.

[@MATMusic-qg3xx]

Dangit man I bought it literally an hour before you uploaded 😂 no discount code for me

[@TobiasHolenstein]

Oh no! Sorry to hear that man

[@eDrumsInANutshell]

Hi, nice review. I got this thing yesterday. I like cheap good things... I won't spend 500 bugs more for a mic that sounds a tiny bit better. Anyway... there is review on German and this guy found out that this mic distorts the voice. It the mic not the preamp. Did you noticed something? Or... I mean... when starts an expensive mic to distort?

[@CatHarington]

I have an issue where the shock mount and the silver thing where you screw the shock mount on, it doesn't really hold the mic, it falls always down... I tighten the fixing screws very much but it still barely holds the mic. How is yours?

[@TobiasHolenstein]

Hi, sorry to hear that. I haven't had that problem with mine. I wonder if there is a problem with the stand you got. Have you tried contacting Tonor about this?

[@CatHarington]

@@TobiasHolenstein I will try to. It's the second time. The first arm was completely useless.

[@TobiasHolenstein]

@@CatHarington Really? wow that's crazy. Sorry to hear that happened to you

[@A13X_34]

your god thank you so much

[@TobiasHolenstein]

Glad I could help! 😄

[@TotoTitus]

Just got it! Do you recommend the windscreen or the pop filter?

[@TobiasHolenstein]

Awesome! Personally I prefer the pop filter

[@coopertillman916]

You seem like a good guy, subbed.

[@TobiasHolenstein]

Thank you Cooper! I appreciate it 🙌

[@androsondo]

How did you get it for free 😢

[@cevxj]

That feeling when you ordered already and see 15% code.

[@TobiasHolenstein]

Sorry to hear that bro! I hope you like your new mic!

[@mathusstudio5087]

You got test sing vocals?

[@TobiasHolenstein]

Sorry right now I don't have a singing test

[@thecatooners1478]

Really good review on the audio! I got some questions still: is it good for streaming/videos and also, does it sounds good when you are in a call with people? Thanks!😸😸

[@kiaraking4023]

this really came at the perfect timing! would you say you like this mic or the MAONO AU-PM320S more?

[@TobiasHolenstein]

Glad to hear that! 🙂

[@kiaraking4023]

Tobias Holenstein I believe you may have missed the second half of the comment. I wanted to know whether you preferred the MAONO AU-PM320S or this tonor :)

[@TobiasHolenstein]

@@kiaraking4023 Sorry about that! I did miss the second half of the comment. I think I do prefer this Tonor mic over the Maono one. First off, the mic stand of this Tonor mic is better and it is also $5 cheaper, at least right now it is. I've noticed prices on Amazon can fluctuate. Also, audio-wise, I think this microphone has less of a noise floor than the Maono one and this one seems to pick up more of the high frequencies while the MAONO AU-PM320S seems to pick up more of the low mid frequencies. So yeah I would probably go with the Tonor over the Maono

[@kiaraking4023]

Tobias Holenstein Awesome, thank you so much! Peace and love ✨

[@TobiasHolenstein]

@@kiaraking4023 You're welcome! Take care

[@apclan956]

Omg thank god I saw this vid this whole time I thought I ordered a Rockville mic😭

[@TobiasHolenstein]

Haha so you ended up getting the Tonor mic instead?

[@apclan956]

@@TobiasHolenstein yeah for shore

[@apclan956]

@@TobiasHolenstein I was wondering if you ever wanted to calab?

[@louythefifth]

Hey is the mic stand supposed to be super loose like spinning around? There doesn’t seem to be a way to tightening it into the table mount?

[@TobiasHolenstein]

Oh yeah do you mean the part of the stand that goes into the table mount? yeah it just kind of sits in there and you can rotate it. I actually prefer this stand to the other stands that I have with the tightening screws

[@louythefifth]

@@TobiasHolenstein aight jus hope it doesn't start spinning and shit mid podcast loll

[@TobiasHolenstein]

@@louythefifth it shouldn't haha. It shouldn't move unless you push it

[@unexpected8166]

I cant decide between the Tonor and the Audio Technica 2020. It would be SO damn helpful if you could compare both, thanks.

[@TobiasHolenstein]

I know for sure that I like the Tonor mics, but I have a good feeling about the AT2020 as well. Unfortunately I haven't tried out an AT2020 yet, but I have an AT4040 and I really like that mic. I think Audio Technica makes really good mics

[@unexpected8166]

@@TobiasHolensteinhmm I think I will let my wallet decide

[@TobiasHolenstein]

@@unexpected8166 Sounds good, I'm sure you will be satisfied with either mic

[@portergraf9481]

is this mic able to be muted somehow whenever id need it to be?

[@TobiasHolenstein]

This microphone doesn't have a mute button on it, but on your audio interface I guess you could probably just turn down the mic input knob or turn off the phantom power. However, if you want a microphone with a mute button on it I know of a handful of USB condenser mics similar to this one with mute buttons, such as this one by Maono kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4u8hHl9m5aZo68

[@CrimsonDaggergaming-nq1nx]

Do i need to have the interface

[@TobiasHolenstein]

Yeah you are going to need to have an interface for this mic. You don't need the same exact one that I have, but just make sure that whatever you get has phantom power

[@KaiSith_]

Would get the tc30 but I want to look cool

[@TobiasHolenstein]

True, these arm stands do look pretty cool lol

[@KaiSith_]

Ye

[@briae1944]

It's nice to see a honest review! I just wonder if it will work on windows since I'll be doing voice overs etc. Gotta talk to all my discord homies 😂😎

[@TobiasHolenstein]

Hi, yes it will work on Windows, but you need to make sure that the audio interface that you get is compatible with Windows

[@briae1944]

@@TobiasHolenstein alright thank you bunches mate! I'll look into that 👏

[@TobiasHolenstein]

@@briae1944 No problem! Best of luck with everything!

[@briae1944]

@@TobiasHolenstein to you as well, take care!

[@TobiasHolenstein]

@@briae1944 Thank you! 🙏

[@Brandovibe]

How do you know that the side with the logo is the front? I tried speaking into both sides of it to see where the pickup pattern was and both sides seemed to deliver the same level of input.

[@TobiasHolenstein]

If you are looking at your input volume, it might show that a similar volume level is being picked up from both the front and back of the mic, but the front will sound much better and clear while the back will sound a little more muffled.

[@Brandovibe]

@@TobiasHolenstein Ahhh, makes sense. Thank you

[@TobiasHolenstein]

@@Brandovibe You're welcome!

[@wheresmynoodles7271]

Do you know a mic that is cheap and can connect to the computer without an interface because that kinda expensive for me😅 And the mic for like singing and recording

[@TobiasHolenstein]

Yeah! There is this great mic by Maono that I did a review of kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4nYpqWgpdZlhpo It's only $28 on Amazon and the quality is really good for the price

[@Duttyzaya_]

I have the interface but still the mic isn’t picking up with the software I’m using what am I suppose to do?

[@TobiasHolenstein]

Hi Zaya, sorry to hear that. What software are you using? and have you tried it with a different software to make sure it's working?

[@Duttyzaya_]

@@TobiasHolenstein I’m using Audacity on HP for now,I tried going into my settings to fix the problem but the mic still isn’t clear on my end

[@alex_llupi]

Can I use it for music?

[@TobiasHolenstein]

Yes you can 🙂

[@Ciara_MTB]

hi bro,my mic tonor xlr the sound works on the left,you know how to fix it??

[@TobiasHolenstein]

Hi bro, I just want to make sure I understand. Is this happening only when you record or is it also when you play back your recording? Also, what kind of audio interface are you using? Because it could be possible that it is your audio interface and not the microphone

[@ZEY270]

You have to change your microphone audio from stereo to mono or from 2 channel to 1 channel

[@lilapple5227]

So im looking at the scarlett interface, what is the difference between the 2i2 and the solo. The solo would save me 50 dollars and I don't want to spend that 50 dollars on something I don't need

[@TobiasHolenstein]

So from what I've read online, people talk about some technical differences between the 2 interfaces, but from what I see, the main difference that made me go for the 2i2 over the solo is that the 2i2 has 2 XLR/1/4" inputs while the solo just has 1 XLR input and one 1/4" input. So you are a little more limited with the solo. Personally for me those few differences would be worth the extra 50 dollars, but if you are only using the interface to plug one mic into and maybe a guitar cable or something, then you'd probably be fine with the solo

[@lilapple5227]

@@TobiasHolenstein what things would need 2 inputs. because i’m looking for one just to run my microphone.

[@TobiasHolenstein]

@@lilapple5227 Like if you wanted to have 2 people using 2 microphones at the same time, then you would need 2 inputs. If you are only going to use it for one microphone, then the solo would be fine

[@noobdrivers4309]

do you think I would be able to spray paint the boom arm?

[@TobiasHolenstein]

Yeah I think it would probably be fine to spray paint. I'm just not sure about the springs, since they are constantly moving, I wonder if the spray paint will crack

[@noobdrivers4309]

@@TobiasHolenstein i'm gonna spray paint it white and ill let you know

[@TobiasHolenstein]

@@noobdrivers4309 Awesome, yeah lemme know

[@phisxc5036]

Could I use an XLR-3.5mm jack and would it still work?

[@TobiasHolenstein]

Like to get around using an interface? That'll work if your computer has a mic input on it, but you will still need phantom power

[@phisxc5036]

@@TobiasHolenstein thanks

[@dirtybasemensofficial1579]

Is this a good microphone for recording vocals in metal ??

[@TobiasHolenstein]

Yeah I think it can be used for recording metal vocals. It just depends if you like how the mic sounds

[@dirtybasemensofficial1579]

@@TobiasHolenstein ok cool, It’s kinda hard finding good metal mics

[@jacobbocanegra3990]

What software do you use? I have this microphone with just a standard phantom power source (not an interface) and mine sounds terrible in comparison to yours.

[@TobiasHolenstein]

The software I am using is Logic Pro X. Are you using some kind of sound card to plug it into your computer?

[@jacobbocanegra3990]

​@@TobiasHolenstein I am using a Neewer phantom power supply, XLR in, XLR to 3.5mm out, plugging directly into my motherboard's mic input.

[@TobiasHolenstein]

@@jacobbocanegra3990 I see, I feel like that should work fine. I'm not sure what the problem might be. Are you experiencing some kind of noise or something?

[@jacobbocanegra3990]

@@TobiasHolenstein I managed to reduce the audio buzzing with noise suppression on Realtek, but the overall sound quality just isn't as good as yours. Must not be much i can do :(

[@TobiasHolenstein]

@@jacobbocanegra3990 Ok, just wondering do you have the Neewer phantom power supply plugged into the usb on your computer or plugged into a wall outlet? Whichever you have it plugged into I would recommend trying the opposite and seeing if it sounds any better. If it still sounds bad, then yeah I'm thinking the only other option may be to get a decent audio interface

[@daddyyc4456]

Do I need an interface ?

[@TobiasHolenstein]

For this mic, yes you will need an interface

[@addisoncole4795]

will the microphone still work if i do not have an interphase?

[@TobiasHolenstein]

So I have seen these phantom power boxes that you can buy that have a 3.5mm adapter for your computer. My Tonor Pro Condenser mic came with one. I guess you could get one of those instead of an interface and it should work, although I haven't personally tested it out with this mic.

[@addisoncole4795]

@@TobiasHolenstein thank you so much! do think that sound will still come through?

[@TotoTitus]

Hi, This, Maono or go up to SM57? thanks :)

[@TobiasHolenstein]

Hi so for the Maono mic, were you thinking of the MAONO AU-PM320S? I was actually gonna compare these 2 mics today to see which one is better. At the moment I'm not sure yet. As for the SM57, the Shure SM57 is going to be a very different mic. It's a dynamic mic so it's going to respond differently than a condenser mic, but it's all personal preference. Personally for recording my voice I would use a condenser mic most of the time, but dynamic mics are good for other things, like if are recording a live session with a band or something, you would probably want a dynamic mic for the vocalists instead of a condenser mic

[@TotoTitus]

​@@TobiasHolenstein Hi!! Thank you so much for your detailed answer. Yeah, that's the Maono everyone is talking about. I ended up ordering the Tonor tc20 + a Komplete Audio 2 interface. What convinced me were more comparison videos where the Tonor was only slightly less good than very, very expensive mics. $60 (or 70 euros, what I paid in EU transport included) for so much gear is a veeery good deal.

[@catina2947]

Hey! can I connect that mic to my iphone with the interface?

[@TobiasHolenstein]

I haven't tried that, but that is a good question. I think you could if you use the interface with an OTG adapter to plug into your iPhone

[@andrewfattington5686]

Is this a usb mic?

[@TobiasHolenstein]

No this is a XLR mic, so that means that you will need an audio interface that supplies phantom power to use this microphone. If you have any other questions feel free to let me know!

[@lilsmily7493]

@@TobiasHolenstein do you need anything else to make it work?

[@crazytd9536]

WHY IS EVERY ONE OF MY TECH RELATED NOTIFICATIONS GIVEN TO ME 2 DAYS LATER

[@TobiasHolenstein]

With the bell notifications? Idk that's weird man

[@crazytd9536]

@@TobiasHolenstein yeah It happened with a ltt (linus tech tips) vid

[@TobiasHolenstein]

@@crazytd9536 Sorry to hear that, yeah I'm not sure why that is happening

[@mugzycuts706]

I have a old phantom interface sucks

[@justinv6132]

so nobody gonna question why tf this guy got cinder blocks on his desk?

[@TobiasHolenstein]

It's to decouple the speakers. (Or at least try to)

[@ThyLegohood]

"Hello everyone, my name's Tobias and i'm bias about this product."

[@stevestumbaugh]

Honey gives you 20% discount and try Amazane15 for another 15%.