Acoustic Guitar USB Mic Comparison: Blue Yeti vs Blue Snowball vs Audio Technica AT2020

[GeeeVlogs]

What settings are the yeti? :)

[technation5]

This is a trick, he has a lot better lightning when he records with the YETI, that makes us think it's better sound quality when it's actually better lightning.

However, I know the YETI has better quality so this made no point...

[CONNERAGAMES]

WHAT IS THE SONG I WANT TO LEARN IT SOOOO BAD!!!!!!

[GreenDay3213]

@rainbowpal3

I cant believe you're still going, even after i said i own all three mics and own better ones than the ones in the video, even after i said i dont give a flying FUCK about the At2020.

[ghostface185]

I heard about the blue yeti today and thought about getting it. What do you guys think of it any pros or cons? I also have a logitech c270 for the video but the audio on it is crap so thats why i wanted to get this. Also when your done recording how do you sync both the audio and video together? I haven't been able to figure that out yet. Once I do i'll post videos. Any suggestions?

[MikeTysonsFist]

Im gonna go to futureshop or staples, they both carry em in my area apparently... If one offers returns, I'm gonna get the snowball, try it out on my cpu, if its not what I expected, take it back and get the yeti.. There we go..

And I searched back like, 15 goddamn comment pages, what song are you playing? Or you just improvising?

[big2000dave]

Yeti hands down.

[StealThisGuitar98]

Why my snowball doesn't sound like that? even in the 3 position, and the volume is too low too! any ideas? help please

[dkL33T]

to all viewers: make sure to watch the video at 720p or 1080p for the actual quality. thumbs up this comment for everyone to see.

[pskibobby]

If anyone wants to see a sound test of the Snowball with an electric guitar amp, just go to my profile and check it out!

[ConnollyLawd]

I Just purchased the blue yati of amazon and i have to say the vocals are amazing but while im using my guitar is sounds very bad with alot of backround noise also my blue yeti does not say THX certified, can someone help me?

[RobertAlanMacDonald]

has anyone seen the guy doing the Josh Groban Covers with the At2020? The mic really shines with his performances and the editing they do.

[Batistaisbest]

Whats the song?

[SteampunkDroid]

I honestly can't tell the difference, I think I will just go with the cheapest one ;)

[ConfuzedSushi]

What song is this? :D

[ColeCola12]

Blue Yeti is definitely the best, but it costs too much :(

[hectordelangel]

great video. thanks. :)

[shortyliz26]

My boyfriend is a musician. We are currently looking for a microphone and I can't tell you how helpful your video was! Thank you for putting this up :)

[hiian123]

The audio technica is so nice but if your using it for guitar you need a boom stand an have it right in front of the guitar's sound hole

[legalizeshemp420]

Sounds to me like the Yeti is a mix of the other two.

[GHUSLER344]

PLS TABS! <3

[kaazwaanderz]

I ordered a blue yeti on amazon, can't wait. :)

[LtFluffelz]

the reason the yeti sounds way better is the range of frequency it picks up, don't confuse that with the general quality of the audio, remember, this is on YouTube and the quality diminishes by a significant amount

[GHUSLER344]

Cool song! Do you have me the tabs? ;)

[VideoGamerHD]

Okay, what song are you playing? I wana learn it.

[bigpuppy87]

get a blue yeti soon. woohoo.

[SamusChief2016]

Wow. The AT2020 actually sounds a lot thinner. The blue products have a larger frequency range for sure.

[mikeru22]

These are SIDE-ADDRESS mics and only the Blue Yeti was properly aimed directly at the guitar. The AT2020 was aimed upwards away from the guitar, and the snowball looks like it's aimed behind him. To do a proper comparison you should put them all in the same place, all aimed at the guitar head-on, and record all at once. Some mics are more directional than others.

[bigpuppy87]

@mikeru22

I agree with you..

[twoolman42]

Just bought a yeti n it is the bomb for sure. Couldnt b happier with it

[GreenDay3213]

I think you're all forgetting that with a condenser mic like the at2020 you need to be closer up to the actual mic for it to have good quality

[OfficialFacade]

@GreenDay3213 thank you finally someone who understands top comment is idiot -.-

[rainbowpal3]

@GreenDay3213 The yeti is a condenser mic too.

at2020 fanboys need to understand a fact; the yeti captures the dynamics much better. Stop with the excuses.

[GreenDay3213]

@rainbowpal3

Not an excuse, im pointing out the fact that this was recorded in a dumb way.

[rainbowpal3]

@GreenDay3213 it is an excuse because you only mentioned the at2020 to be a condenser mic. The Yeti is also one, even play field, Yeti sounds better in every way.

And what was recorded 'in a dumb way'? I've been working in a professional studio for 7 years now engineering, I don't see the problem. This setup is to make sure there is no overdrive and capture the sound of the room a bit too. If it was mic'ed better the Yeti would sound even better than the at2020.

[GreenDay3213]

@rainbowpal3

At2020 for perfect sound you MUST be right up, close to the mic which faces the front.. If not you wont get 100% good quality

For the Yeti which can be recorded from any angle, it doesnt matter...

And by professional studio do you mean your own home studio with a $90 interface recording techno songs? because thats nothing professional, everyone does that

[rainbowpal3]

@GreenDay3213 You know you are dealing with a fanboy when they start taking childish jabs at your persona. Grow up.

And about the mic placement, that goes for all condenser mics. Including the Yeti, it would sound much better too if it was closer. So study things before you talk nonsense and sit down.

[GreenDay3213]

@rainbowpal3

You're telling me to grow up? i didnt start anything, And there is nothing in my comment that states i am a fanboy.. I have several types of microphones, i own the Yeti, i own the AT2020, 3 Shure Sm57's and one 58, and my latest one which is a Telefunken CU-29. I've had a lot of experience in studios, i record and produce.. My comment just simply states the obvious which if you really are what you are, you would know..

[rainbowpal3]

@GreenDay3213 you said "And by professional studio do you mean your own home studio with a $90 interface recording techno songs?". That is mocking and making fun the person. Nothing to do with the topic, so grow up.

Your comments are fanboy-ish because you claimed the AT2020 would sound better than the Yeti with different mic placement. The Yeti would also sound better too with a different mic placement. Anyone with ears knows the Yeti is the better mic, period.

[GreenDay3213]

@rainbowpal3

ok, where the HELL did i say in that top comment that the At2020 is better.. are you dyslexic or something? All i said was it was recorded wrong, people are here to judge and see which is best for what they are doing. I'm pointing out to any At2020 buyers that this is recorded falsely and should have been recorded closer up.

[WontThisWork]

@GreenDay3213 stop talking shit at2020 distributor.

[GreenDay3213]

@WontThisWork

I want you to look through the comments and see who started this shit.. Do it

[dromeiro]

levels are mismatched.

a louder mic "sounds" better.

[dromeiro]

@hectordelangel Psychoacoustics. Search "louder sounds better". period.

[hectordelangel]

@dromeiro i'm sorry, i think you misunderstood. wasn't arguing.

[TheNichofTime]

I must say... both Blue products excelled in the guitar test! The snowball not as much as the yeti of course, but they both surpassed the Audio Technica... I was dissapointed in the Audio Technica, actually. It seemed quiet, and a little muddy

[getsomegloves95]

Goin to buy the blue yeti :D really exctied now :P

[mracdcman2]

@getsomegloves95  same

[TheNichofTime]

@getsomegloves95 Me too! I like what the yeti has to offer.... :D

[shabbyroadgaming23]

@getsomegloves95 I bought it already and am extremely excited!

[audiofile210]

Wow the mic placement here was terrible.

[shabbyroadgaming23]

i have been trying to decide between the blue snowball and the yeti and i think the sound quality difference between them is enough to say i will buy the yeti even though it is $50 more

[jamesnangle]

@JimmothyDean Same!

[xXrage357Xx]

snowball sounds more crisp and cleaner sounding than the others

[iAmRyet]

Anyone know if the AKG P120 usb is on par with the yeti?

[lameKidification]

u got some nice strings

[TrKaHo]

The only thing the technica is better for is voice yeti is best choice then snowball in my opinion at least

[JimmothyDean]

I just ordered the yeti yesterday. So excited for it to come in the mail! :D

[jimjamkillsnerds]

Make sure to listen in at least 480p everyone.

[SHADOWAVENG3R]

so Which is better for Commentating cuz i move around with my mic and it goes from high to low

[xXHoneyconeXx]

@SHADOWAVENG3R the best for commentating is defiantly the blue yeti

[koolaid2669]

YOU SUCk BALLS BUD

[marlo916]

is that dave matthews?

[jkraw1]

yeti

[kkaevin]

I'd go for the blue yeti.

What is the name of the song you're playing? :-)

[gasmeter1947]

great, helpful comparison test , thank you .

[ShaunOfNintendo]

Yeti is WAY Better! xD

[EvrCleeR]

One thing I've learned about sound quality reviews through videos and with equipment in general is that each and every one of us perceive and process the sound differently, hear it differently over different speakers, different listening environments, and possibly even over headphones so, in reality, the only way to know what you really want in the end is to try the product for yourself, although these video do help!

[iFiNuX]

How did you get the SnowBall to sound this good? I purchased a snowball and it's not so good... could you help me out how to make it sound better?

[MBiox]

1-Blue yeti

1-Blue yeti

1-Blue yeti

:D

[dormanbenton]

Completely blows the Blue Snowball out the water. This was probably the best review showing it's sound comparison.

[SparkyDippinTheBest]

Can u even put the 2020 on a stand?

[SparkyDippinTheBest]

Scew the audiotecna im buying the yeti plus it come with pattern options and a headphone jack for the same price. Ive used one and theres no latency

[ghostplanes7]

he need to throw that audio tech shit in the trash somewhere that fucking yetti is awesome

[LiamIsSoFunLike]

blue yeti Yes

blues snowball X

2020 X

[Dago342]

Thanks for this review man, Just got my Yeti because of your video's, and I'm beyond ecstatic...I can't even admit what I've been using... : / but you had everything we were looking for, side by side comparisons, strumming, and picking...keep it up bro.

[kevingp12]

you are recording so wrong!!

[postingstuff500]

@kevingp12 elaborate

[kevingp12]

@postingstuff500 never mind, you're fine :)

[kuxzi]

Wish i could play the guitar:)

[lolomuniz]

ok everyone is very high on the blue yeti and i am currently looking to buy either of the three. do people just like the blue yeti just for those extra features ? because the snowball just doesnt have the headphone jack. how much better is the sound quality from the yeti better than the snowball because the extra fifty bucks would be nice to have.

[aeiousaeiou]

@lolomuniz The Yeti and the AT2020 are better than the snowball in terms of sound quality, in my opinion. Then it gets down to what you're recording. The AT2020 seems superior if you're just going to be recording voices, and just yourself. But if you plan on recording an instrument, or multiple people, go for the yeti.

[postingstuff500]

@aeiousaeiou Based on this example it is obvious that the AT2020 is by far the worst.

[sebmeikle]

I agree the Blue Yeti wins hands down on this demo. That's amazing clarity, especially from that distance. And for under £100 you can't complain!

[Artfactorychannel]

what is best, blue snowball or behrigner c3 ??

[CheckpointLutixs]

snowball sounds really calm LOVE IT

[themevrouwdewi]

The Yeti it is. Thanks!

[trazac]

Holy shit that yeti is crazy rich sounding

[LehEscargot]

damn. that yeti is pretty impressive.

[darkdaniel33]

WHAT are you using to record!!! My Yeti sounds like crap when i record with it..

[firecopy]

@darkdaniel33 Try audacity. Cheap, easy to use, free program.

[datay7]

i like that first beat man what is that? do you make beats?

[zacheryds]

for value. the blue snowball is the best!

[iMisaProduction]

Wow, this really helped. Thanks! I'm gonna save up and get a Blue Yeti. <3

[CJxFLO]

i got both :)

[DarwinStarwars]

blue snowball sounded the best IMO

[Dryndal]

THX a lot for this video man! It helped me a lot with my decision.

Gettin' a Yeti :p

[NIHMusic]

nie review but the microphone placement is totally wrong for recording an acoustic guitar ;)

[Romamb]

thanks so much for this comparison. very helpful. think i'll get me a yeti...

[vaderdemon]

The yeti and snowball kinda hit the mids pretty painfully. At2020 sounds nicer. Probbly cuz I listen to alot of rock acoustics :p

[SVUfannyc]

Okay Blue yeti wins all the Way!

[snuffy110]

#1. blue yeti

#2. blue snowball

#3. Audio Technica AT2020

[honeyroll19]

Blue Yeti makes acoustics more amplified without the distorted sound.:)

[kzdz]

sounds like Yeti the winner

[GYPSYROMA777]

awsome chords man

[JaeChongMusic]

Yeti sounds awesome! I personally like the Blue Snowball (It's what I'm using right now to record cello. Go check it out on my youtube channel!) But I might upgrade eventually. :)

[nakaroxx]

after listening to all these comparisons, can someone tell me how the f%&* some big famous bands like metallica do so fu**ing crap recordings?how they get to record so badly?

[Zenitune]

The Yeti is the best I think. It has more depth. It does look kinda, ehm, but it sounds great.

[Jaiprasad123]

yeti looks like r2d2

[DivinneBand]

Hey man, great video.

Please.....what is the song you're playing?

System of a down?????

Thanks

[SquirtgunWarfare]

I get the feeling a large portion of the variation coming through is the result of slightly different mic positionings and varying sensitivities/proximity effects.

[meyoungjin15]

@sremmusyt i had the same problems as you. for $40 dollars more you can get the yeti. but are you really gonna need that extra quality? the snowball sounds almost exactly the same. and the yeti actually has loose knobs which makes it less durable.

i gave it much though and i went with the snowball, and i do not regret it for one second.

[drummercikaiii]

if it worth it if I buy at2020 usb? anyone?

[MrPedro8192]

@drummercikaiii For voice, yes.

[sakuarius102]

@llmreviews What's the guitar?. Thanks !

[purplejack16]

Hi I've just bought this microphone and I'm struggling to get it to work with my webcam. I have a microsoft hd lifecam (usb), which has a built in mic. Are there any suggestions on how to get the yeti mic and the webcam to record together in sync? Many thanks, jack.

[sykku]

I heard the snowball and then I heard the AT2020 and I can't believe that was even the same song.

[Guitarhero980]

Yeti all the way!!!! The 2020 is too bright and not a full sound representation. Snowball is 2nd.

[heyidkwhatever]

1: Yeti

2: Snowball

3: 2020

[StalinStudio]

AT2020 has the best tone :) the rest just sounds louder and capturing more garbage. Compensate back the level, and you'll know :p

[D3athAnG3lDarK]

It's like i'm inside the guitar with the Yeti..

[Viczey]

Which stereo is in the background at 1:15? Please tell me!

[gosstony]

@Viczey That's a Studio Monitor

[Viczey]

@gosstony no i mean the second before that white circle is obviousely a speaker of something, can you tell me the name? Sorry it was 1:14

[gosstony]

@Viczey Yup It's a stidio monitor: Yamaha HS80M

It's very high quality audio.

[Viczey]

@gosstony thanks for replying. Sorry for disturbing you :D

[gosstony]

@Viczey Pshhhh, I wasn't disturbed

[Viczey]

The Blue Yeti is the better.

[MegaMo99]

I just got the blue yeti, when installing the yeti for the first time the manual says to put the recording level settings at 30. so I was recording really close to the mic and the guitar sounded flat and boring, after seeing your video again and how far you sat, I realized I need to raise the levels, so I raised it to 100 and voila ! much better !!

I wonder why the manual suggests differently, am I doing something wrong ?

do you remember what was the level setting on your machine ?

[SadStudios]

I want to get the Blue Yeti, but it's a lot of money you know, but it sounds so good! :/

[ChaseTheGreatnessCTG]

I Was Gonna Buy A AT2020 Over A Blue Yeti Pro ! I Have My Yeti Pro Now But Haven't Opened It Yeti I'm Waiting For The Rest Of The Things I Ordered For The Mic To Come In , But I'm So Glad I Could See A Comparison Of Even The First Yeti And A AT2020 . Go Yeti ! Ha

[legoanime]

snowball- great quality

technica- not that clear

blueyeti- sounds great, but mostly similar to snowball

[DoolittleKid]

blue yeti hands down

[adm5223]

I am impressed by the ball. Very nice, although the Yeti takes it for me.

[heartsofgold1025]

Is there no need for a pop filer here? What's the deal with that?

[alaincitoow]

@heartsofgold1025 pop filter is just for recording vocals :)

[ItsTheRealMusicMan]

Just ordered the Blue Yeti! SO EXCITED!

[MegaMo99]

In my opinion the Blue Yeti wins here but when I listen to your:

"Blue Snowball Test (Original Acoustic Demo)"

the Blue Snowball is really good.

Maybe its because of what criox12 claims ?

[domeee11]

YETI IS TOO UGLY :( but its great quality.. hah!

[alannaf]

Yeti definitely has the nicest, richest tone out of the 3. this helped me decide! thanks!

[akamarutv]

That was some original sounding stuff man, I've never heard dissonance like that before, awesome. I think yeti's best, I hate the At2020, very flat sounding.

[akamarutv]

What key was that song in,

D Dorian?

[dharmix86]

nice tune, got a tab?

[gillateen413]

man yall r trippin, the gain on the yeti was turned to high. but the AT2020 sounds fake and electronic, not really catching the richness of the music or what you record. im a rapper by the name of d.Scott (gillateen413 for my music) and currently use the Apex4040 with its included shockmound which is a good mic but am getting the yeti which smashes all usb condenser mics. its THX certified! No other mic can can F*** with this mic!

[xcsorg]

The Yeti seems to have better response on the lower end but this could be down to higher gain, the AT2020 and the YETI Seem to be the best but i think theres no difference between the AT2020 and YETI - using a eq would sort it and correct mic placement would be better-

same for the snow ball - just needs EQ - All 3 are usable in recording situations...

[akamarutv]

@xcsorg Can that be done in cubase or another virtual mixing program?

[xcsorg]

@akamarutv Yes it can. Any computer DAW program / App will have EQ settings on each mixer track

[sbkite]

AT2020 

[akamarutv]

@sbkite I guess we have our own opinions, but I don't get it, it sounds flat and electronic. The Yeti sounds like an orchestra, so open and full not too bassy either.

[appleglory]

The At2020 is a better mic.

[dekkuhr]

Can you make a tab of these songs?

[SteelG13]

what program do u use for recording?

[SteelG13]

what program do u use for recording?is there something like a program included

in the package?a cd or something?...please respond

[Omeegia]

The Yeti looks like a penis. xD

[c4r50n1]

@Omeegia What's wrong with your dick man?

[Omeegia]

@c4r50n1 I don't want to speak into Silver Surfer's dick.

..

Yeah, I do. I'm lying.

[c4r50n1]

@Omeegia The thing is that it's not gay for wanting to do that, we all want to

[jolatyppi]

@Omeegia you gay fuck

[ZeldaMasterfull]

@Omeegia: that is for people who is dirty all the time, lmao.

[foolintherain100]

@Omeegia HOLY CRAP HI! I swear I'm not stalking you haha!

[Omeegia]

@foolintherain100 LOL hey!

[dekkuhr]

You should make tabs of this and post it online, because it's really amazing what you play

[PrestonDowMusic]

are usb mics good for micing a guitar amp?

[rickboy89]

they just changed the volume

[TheDimitrieur]

i have the blue yeti and im joining a contest to win the AT2020 :)

[c4r50n1]

@TheDimitrieur Actually the AT2020 and the Yeti sound alike when it comes to voice. The difference is that the Yeti has more bells and whistles so getting the AT2020 would be a waste of space. And no, I'm not saying that AT2020 is a bad mic for I own one.

[RyanLafford]

yeti hands down, the AT2020 sounded to flat for my liking

[szybkilopez566]

Yeti for voice recording, AT-2020 for an acoustic guitar.

Yeti's samples were unbelievably rich.

Snowball for an aesthete :-P