Review: Audio-Technica AT2020 Mic

[Rednecktified93]

The AT2020 gives a much fuller deeper sound while maintaining the highs and not muffling at all. Tons better than the Samson. 

[BlindoAndFriends]

Which mic would be better for Let's Plays/Gaming Commentary?

[CrankCase08]

Treble sounds about the same, but more bass on the AT2020, and a little more presence. I don't understand how you can claim the Samson is better.

[ArsaOfficial]

At2020 was used in this cover :D !

/watch?v=DNmTIKGWRVk

[ghostfish94]

which of those mics will be better for record drums?

[shur5857]

@ghostfish94 Use an instroment mic. The best i know is a Shur SM-57

[owomoyele]

can I connect this mic on my mixete???I don't want that usb fag connection !!!

[rafael123p]

@owomoyele there is an xlr version

[Gunbardo]

@7poppasmurf7 Probably testing if the mic feels comfortable as drum sticks? Lol!!!

[EastCoastClassic6]

how did you get the AT2020 to work with youtube?!

[TheBestAaron1192]

@EastCoastClassic6 any mic works with youtube you just need the video to be in the right format....

[7poppasmurf7]

lol what is he doing in the top right corner at 0:42?

[klblackstar]

@SoldierKnowsBest for micing high gain guitar amps; Audio Technica AT2020 USB or the blue snowball.

[chasonism]

his settings match the samson better

[bodhimian]

@BergDox Blue Spark is really stunning too, i dont know how it compares to the yeti though. i would stay away from mxl 990 unless you plan to get it mod'd later on.

[bodhimian]

@BergDox this is a great microphone for vocals. dont forget to use a pop filter. the thing you want to look for in a condenser for vocals is that it isn't too bright (making your voice sound really artificial) and you don't want it too anything really. its all subjective though. This is a fairly flat microphone which i use especially for recording saxophone (over much more expensive mics.)

[BergDox]

Is this good for recording vocals or is the mxl 990 way better? I'm thinking of buying that mic, or the blue yeti or the mxl 990. I rap and sing and i want to make a not too bad to really good quality album. Reply asap:)

[talklouder13]

studio projects B1 microphone is also very good. you can check out a review of it on my channel

[713927]

Ummmmm buttons? isnt that why it plugs into a computer???? hence USB...

[youngpretty871]

I have a question can you plug in headphones and listen to yourself while recording with this USB mic? D:

[TekenMoop]

@youngpretty871 yes windows can do it for you!

[Moshpith]

People who don't like the 2020 but like the Samson stuff seem to me to prefer more boom and coloration. To my ears, the 2020 has more of a quality sound because of its transparency across a range. It doesn't have the bells and whistles for sure, but it seems to me to sound more pro than the Samson does.

[stone1990yap]

Do you still have this? Are you selling it? Please...

[Techerd101]

Anybody notice him shaking the microphones in the top right corner? lol

[drumgroovy]

2020 picks up the lower frequencies better.

[officialkiddquest]

I use 2020 to record my music.. Check out the quality @ soundcloud,com/officialkiddque­st Follow me @THEKIDDQUEST !!!

[MYCbeats]

Samson sounds more crisp.. but AT2020 captures the actual sound with the bass, and therefore is the better microphone

[azariana77]

samsong sounds better

[mandoza3]

Audio technica and the one in your IMac is better lol...

[CamCon586]

this probably sound kind of stupid but is it capable of picking of sound from the end also, not just the sides?

[rafael123p]

@CamCon586 not much. its a cardiod pick up pattern so you pick up sound from where the diaphragm is pointing to

[bBoyHeretic]

definitely samson....

[lullabiesgoparalyzed]

I use the samson G-Track and I really like it. In the beginning it picked up a LOT of noise, but I tweaked the settings and now I'm really happy with it. Feels great, sounds great, looks great.

[DarkJohn55]

woow the AT2020 sounds better dude hahaha better base frequency

[RanebouBoyie]

Whats better; AT2020 Condenser or the M Audio Producers Usb Condenser? Please reply :)

[DarkJohn55]

@RanebouBoyie i have the M-Audio usb condenser however dont stay with USB get an audio interface and get XLR mic cheaper better. I am buying the AT2020 non USB with mobilepre M-Audio by the end of the week i will probably make a review before i let my M-Audio Producer usb go to my friend xD

[tech9boarder]

im looking for a mic to use for doing vocal covers n rlly i dont need a stand or anything o.o i probably sound like an idiot asking this but can it be used by its self hooked up to an amp? cause rlly thats all im looking for, a good quality mic that sounds good when im well. just think of slipknot and black veil brides O.O :p

[gregcurrie]

@tech9boarder - The XLR needs phantom power. If you have a dual-channel amp that has phantom power for the XLR input, you should be OK. If not, then no. Go to a local music shop and chat them up about the issue and you should be able to get some feedback/suggestions.

[KhamaliKellyMusic]

if your using it to record music you dont need any buttons -.- ijs.

[marsaro2]

is AT2020 also good at music instrument recording? 

[JulioLuttrell1993]

The Audio Technica aucatly sounds better. But the reason you can't tell from this video is because he has it sitting in a room with no soundproofing. If you get soundproofing like I have you'll see it makes much a difference. I also used the c01u usb condenser mic and it sounds great even more with soundproofing. But the at2020 is better in quality even more when used with soundproofing.

[91vincelakers]

sound the same to me

[Bricksmama]

Thanks for using both in this vid. I'm for the 2020

[leroilightning]

I think the At2020 sounds better in this video - it has more depth (rounder bottom end). Would be nice to here you demo it close to your mouth and compare that way. Thanks for the great vid though. :)

[jwdoinghisthing00]

The AT2020 doesn't have knobs because it's like the baby. SEE the AT2050.

[jwdoinghisthing00]

If you notice when he's speaking with the AT2020 it picks up everything. Alot of reverb great quality but the C03U is kind of muffled. It has great quality also but in my opinion the AT2020 is better.

[ChrisCreeds]

What mic did you start using at 2:53?

[samabbott2009]

is this compatible with windows 7?

[korobkov1]

i got the samson C01U mic !!-.-!!

i think i need to get the At2020

[browneyedxshorti]

Does anyone no how to do this please, if your using the mic for recording and at the same time video taping it how do u switch the audio from the mic which u recording with the audio from ur video camera?

[TrojanMuzic]

@browneyedxshorti save both files to your pc, open video editor, replace video sound with microphone? I think..

[dridisaster]

I would say the Samsung is better quality. People say the AT2020 is apparently way better when recording because it gives your voice a little bit of a richer sound, but what really makes the difference is that the Samsung has wonderful quality but doesnt pick up all the background noise like the AT2020 does. For vocals since I sing, I would definitely go for something else. AT2020 is nice, but it depends on what youre using it for and your preferences.

[buzzingice12]

Is there a filter that comes with it:? And Where can i buy this microphone?

[CrankCase08]

I wish you'd have mentioned 'USB' in the title so I wouldn't have wasted my time.

[c4r50n1]

Guys, don't base your opinion of the mics off this video. He's in a bad room for recording.

[Mr5a5uk]

thanks for sharing the review, honestly needed someone who can show me the ways of the differences between microphone built in and other condenser micr too.

[hirskdubbi]

no no no ur wrong sir the 2020 sounds better than the samson,no doubt in my mind.....people?

[pyroboi21]

@hirskdubbi I agree AT2020 sounds way better.!

[MrRedClues]

@hirskdubbi yeah i think so too o_o.

[Michael55443]

This is the USB version? Your title isn't clear then.

[WeAreTwoDoorsDown]

@Michael55443 You sir, are an idiot. Look, he shows the USB port a million times!

[Michael55443]

@WeAreTwoDoorsDown Read the title of the video, asshole. It says NOTHING about the USB version. How fucking hard is it to put THREE little letters in your title????? Fuck off.,

[WeAreTwoDoorsDown]

@Michael55443 However, he showed the USB port that is on the bottom. He showed it almost the entire video, so if your such a fucktard you couldn't see it, then you should never touch any electronics.

[Mr360JM]

okay so is there such a thing as a usb power strip... like something you can plug into a usb port and it gives you more ports...

[wannadontwanna]

u sound funny on mac microphone :D peace man :D

[mathdmusic]

don't forget that some mics can sound awesome with a small EQ correction ; )

[N0cdar]

I liked the comparison between the Audio Technica (which actually sounded better to my ear) and the Samson, but the ads....gawd, the ads...

[trigapula]

personally i like the at2020 better than the samson quality wise

[TechTechReviews]

Can someone let me know if i should get this or the yeti?

[Geeljasjes]

Mate, AT2020 sounds way better than the Samsung.

More detailed and crisp.

Audio Technica's are the best affordable mics out there.

[TheRejoice7]

I just have to say, that I am very impressed with Audio Technica. I've never recorded with the at2020, but I own one of their dynamic mics. not only is it nice sounding, its durable. Ive dropped it countless times over the period that I've had it at shows and things like that, and the sound has never changed (: plus, audio technica is very affordable (:

[Flashwehar]

SOLDIER!!! YOU ARE PROMOTED TO GENERAL FOR YOUR AMAZING REVIEW!!!! :D

[tcw00]

Awesome comparison:) I def know what i am getting

[IamKimAlisa00]

cool t-shirt :D

[proberush]

Oh cool, this is pretty much the most informative and entertaining review yet :D

[HeadQuaterstv]

can you do a review on the yeti pro

[jmsjmwl]

I have that google shirt it so cool

[msixpackabs]

I think you didn't use the AT2020 with the same shock mount as in the case of samson..and that is kinds unfair :)

[TheFilmProducers]

I thought I went to a filmriot video when I saw the netflix ad.

[ishmaelman4466]

although the AT2020 did pick up a little more reverberation from the room, it also picked up the bass much better and made your voice sound lower overall.

[HaztaUK]

i dont use a microphone but i do use a logitec g35 headset which is a great mic all round

it costs around £100-120 so in US dollars thats $160-190 but its still a excellent and reliable piece of tech :) thanks for ur review SKB

[AdamCW2k5]

would this mic be good for gaming, i dont use headfones and the speakers will be outputting the game sound, my cheapo logitech usb mic echos when i talk, would this one be any differant ?

[goNzoDahKidd]

Check Out My Review On The AT2020!!

[DaleyDerek]

I thought they sounded almost Exactly the same, I think the At2020 Picked up a little more (NOT MUCH AT ALL THO) surround noise, which is not necessarily a bad thing for vocals

[GamingFeud]

Getting one for commentaries

[Harusoul1]

Personally I love my At2020, the only problem I can say is probably the lack of an pop filter for me. though which ever mic you get, samsung or this its not a bad choice, they are both good, and I'd say personal preference is the main factor here.

[watchusandthem]

I listened to both very carefully on my 3 year old imac 24, I thought the AT2020 sounded better.

[doomtomb3]

I didn't notice any bad or good difference between the two microphones. Samson and Audio-Technica were slightly different but I wouldn't say one was better than the other.

[nlandi18]

What speakers do you use for your imac?

[nlandi18]

What speakers do you use for your imac?

[dinoarms]

the microphone doesnt create more or less echo. its not even called echo, its called delay. It all has to do with the gain structure and placement. Ie. the AT2020 was recorded with more gain so it picked up more reflections where as the samson picked up less and when it was edited they probably normalize both tracks. They are both cardiod microphones so they pick up sound from exactly the same area. There for the AT2020 would not pick up any reflections from behind it causing a "echo".

[Anthonywitoutanh]

@dinoarms isn't it reverb, not "delay"?

[dinoarms]

@Anthonywitoutanh Echo implys delay because generaly when you hear an echo you hear a series of clear reflections were as reverb is alot of reflections in a shorter time. But yes you are right, it really is reverb. still people are dumb

[MagicOfficial]

I use the Samson C03U also. i got it last year and have loved it since it is awesome

[OfficerMcdown]

@CactusNetwork no i mean what to edit his videos? imoive? or what?

[OfficerMcdown]

what do you use to edit your videos from start to finish?

[turek9393]

....Soldier..

You have SOO MUCH STUFF!

Its an endless amount of gadgets at your house...................

[linkthelunn]

I ENJOY MIC DRUMMING TO!!!

[Thsiscool]

I have this mic... Pretty nice!

[AdamAKAspoon]

AT2020 is good for guitar recording!

[JonnyBoy2841]

The AT2020 catches the echo because it's capturing more sound. The Samsung reduces the echo but also takes some of the depth out of the sound. I only do recordings as a hobby but I prefer the AT as long as you have some dampeners in the room to reduce the echo.

[Capesports4]

AT2020 has a bit of echo

[jonboyjams]

I'm disappointed with this comparison. You fail to mention or show the mic placement which may affect the sound between the 2 mics. The Samson does have a couple switches to cut the level or cut the low frequency response. What settings were you using for this recording? Was it truly an equal demo?

[EckertHD]

did anyone one notice what he's doing in the top right at 0:43

[jjgg456]

0:42

did you really need to shake them Soldier

[NeedleOnTheLue]

i had this mic =[ I miss it.

[wachm3]

Samsung is miles better

[TechGadgetPro]

Hey, please checkout my tech vids! =)

[ThisJustZen]

Love your pre and post ads, Mark! Relevant and well placed!

[dannyelloo]

Samson suits your voice better, i own a neumann u87 and i neumann TLM 103, and when i record my singing with the u87 it sounds like crap and ill have to eq the hell out of it, but when i record with the tlm 103 my voice gets warm och fuzzy in a good way! ;) so the audio technica could work perfectly för someone else!  ALLWAYS try the mic before buying, and if you are going to use it yourself! have a great day! SOLDIERKNOWSBEST FTW!

[ahonsarkar]

Anyone else notice Soldier drumming with the two mics in the upper right corner at 0:49?

[aaronmtech]

At 0.05 Sounded like Autotune

[Samthebrewer]

Although your video was good as always, I think your pushing it with the "Netflix commercial break" if these ads get much more intrusive... I don't even know

[djmatt11220]

AT2020 is better

[IBLaCKWaTeRCinema]

Samsung

[hobbst14]

i prefer the AT2020 sounds nicer

[Larrygallis]

Prefer the AT2020, sounds richer

[goneover]

playing the drums with mic lmao nice.

[MrAppleTalker]

lol 0:43 look at the top right!!!!

[SuperLivePod]

SuperLivePod new YouTube Channel Souported by geohot.us SUBSCRIBE

[mytechcove]

@Soldier: Wassup bro? I recently (1 week ago) purchased the Yeti Mic. The mic is a great mic, however, this past weekend I heard about the Samson G-Track. I will be purchasing that mic today as it has a input port for instruments, etc. I am starting a Podcast and that that mic would be great to hook my iPod into it while I'm recording .

I wanted to know if you've heard of this mic before, if so, please share your thoughts.

[dinoarms]

what are you people talking about echo? do you even have any idea about how microphones work?

[7o7munoz7o7]

@dinoarms-switch the quality to 720p and you can hear more of an echo with the AT2020 but its not horrible.

[Emibeast]

I like the way shorter ads, better that 30 seconds.

[3doog]

wtf with the small videos on the top right corner at 0:42 , looks like you shaking your dick

[redsoxguy415]

@3doog he's air drumming with the two microphones

[Hell1ce]

Ads aren't cool.

[criox12]

AT2020 works quite well if you aren't far away from it (less than 2.5 feet... and not being in an echo-inducing room helps as well). It works better with a lower gain and you being close up. It is amazing for guitar recording and halfway decent for singing. Known from experience.

[driftapex]

@criox12 Against the Blue Yeti?

[criox12]

@driftapex Better for guitar than the blue yeti. voice is about the same (maybe yeti wins) IT mostly depends if you want a huge giant mic with extra features (the yeti) or a small portable one with not a bunch of features (AT2020) I choose the at2020 because I don't want to have to carry around a freaking monster when I need to go places.

[driftapex]

@criox12 Very good points. Thank you. What if they were the same exact prices (which they're close)? Let's say they're both $109.99, which one would you get personally?

[quiikwic73]

@criox12 What makes it better for guitar than the Yeti? Probably getting one of the two in the next two weeks or so, so I thought I'd ask ;)

[criox12]

@quiikwic73

It is equalized amazingly for it. If you can find some sound bites for both, then that is still the best thing you can do. ( watch?v=1_tKhXUsrjI ) Don't pay attention to the volume in this video. He records it from super far away...

[quiikwic73]

@criox12 Ah got it. I've seen this video... It always seemed to me like the sound with the Yeti was fuller. But it would totally make sense if the at2020 just needs it to be closer; a lot of mics seem to have a lot better sound close up. Is that the case?

[criox12]

@quiikwic73 Generally yes. And in the video the Yeti was closer

[quiikwic73]

@criox12 Ok sounds good. Looks like I'm going with an at2020!

[clydefields1]

hey mark will jaibreaking and i pod touch 8gig mess up the hardrive

[skss6666]

this just looks like my dick

[AstroJalepeno]

@skss6666 See a doctor

[ZachBlogs]

I want netflix. >:(

andd, I use the microphone on my mac? I know, i'm a loser.

[Simbamania]

Were you using pattern were you using? were you using the Cardioid on the Samson CO3U? if not then that's really not a fair comparison between the 2 since they are different. It would like comparing an apple with an orange.

[ZachBlogs]

I want netflix. >:(

[branbushey]

built-in imac ftw, hahahaha

[BreakBelfastTV]

at 0:50 wtf right hand coner 

[BreakBelfastTV]

Haha I remembered when you unboxed this peace oh shit

[weinerschnitzelboy]

It's Samson not Samsung, and The Samson sounds way better.

[LogWiz]

does netflix have spanish subtitles?

[StatiikSparkz]

I've been looking at something like that

[gianstechreviews]

LOL 0:52 look in the upper right hand corner. He's doing a dance with the mics

[planbdeck1]

how do you get the hotspot on the verizon iphone.

[be4u8me]

nice mice!!!And plz do a tour of ur desk/office place

[Pilotwhaler]

haha.. 0:43 upper right corner. 

[iamjeffhong]

he calls it the Samsung C03U

[greysmoke321]

I concur, I think the samson microphone sounds the best out of the 3 mics tested in this video.

[DudeWithaPage]

I wonder if hes gonna do the Motorala Atrix

[yourma40]

OMG, soldier does a video that isn't related to the IPHONE??

[xXlazze94]

lol did you notice the drumming session at 0:43 ? xD

[gallya]

Samson is better, mic from macbook is shit, and AT2020 catches this ranging sound, echoing

[Robbo083]

I use standard Logitech C910 mic because it's stereo and sounds great.

[bootcampcoach]

Pause at 6

EPIC FACE

[Simbamania]

The AT2020 is used for more professional purposes. Samson C03u's 2 buttons effects can easily be done via audio or video editor and is for entry level use to let the user easily changed those setting. The quality of the AT2020 like every other condenser microphone needs to be customized for the specific room/person that uses it. If it is right out of the box, it is not going to do it justice. it can be set up to pick up even the slightest of sound such as swallowing and chewing. vid response soo

[TheJayc23]

are you a youtube partner?

[SuperAzproductions]

@TheJayc23 yes he is

[JamesHaskin]

To hear the difference, make sure you watch in HD.

Please Thumb or Annotate

Here's a smiley with a beard :{D)

[totalmalfunction]

Samson is better,

Audio-Technica 4 the giveaway :D

[UncleMiyn]

the first two sound good the new one just has a slight echo but the imac mic is nothing like the other two but the samson is the best

[speedstrike15]

Samson is better, voice is clearer and crisper

0:4