TekCentrik Review: Blue Snowball and Audio Technica AT2020 USB

[jonathanlong724]

@Crazy4HaLoee You type like a crazy person. What kind of recording are you planning on doing? Vocals, instruments, podcasting?

[Crazy4HaLoee]

@Jonathanlong724 Which1 do u think is better the "At2020" or "Blue SnowBaLL"... Hit meee up ASAP I need 2 no cuz I'm getting a mic soon.... I'm thinkin the Blue SnowBall but which 1 do u suggest 2 get.... :D get back at meee please

[Crazy4HaLoee]

@jonthanlong724 which one do u recommend 2 get... At2020 or snowball??? I need 2 no bcuz ima get a mic and need an opinion" thanks get back at meee please... Let meee no which is the best 4 recording!!!

[EWColaCanada]

liked your review and your bike that's mounted on the wall over there.

By the way (this isn't a complaint just a random comment) I've noticed that you blink a lot. ;)

Don't worry I do too.

[jonathanlong724]

@EWColaCanada I blink like crazy in this video! I'm not sure what caused it, but it's not as bad in any of my other vids. The bike is a Trek Madone 5.2 SL (sweet ride!)

[klblackstar]

for micing distorted guitar amplifiers, which one is better, the audio technica or the blue snowball?

[coppoman1]

@klblackstar

I beleive 'Dudewithaguitar77' uses a blue snowball microphone for his cover of 'Killing in the name' by Rage against the machine.

(/watch?v=JSukN8GsC8A)

[klblackstar]

@coppoman1 ah sweet as, i found a couple of awesome metal guitar vids which used it, and i read online that it was better for high gain than the at2020 so i bought the blue. it's arriving on tuesday!

[jonathanlong724]

@klblackstar Let me know how you like it!

[swan5753]

so which one do you think is better?

[jonathanlong724]

It works perfectly for acoustic guitar and singing. If you're singing loudly into it, though, you'll need to make sure you turn the input level down on your computer. If you're recording both at the same time, I doubt you'll be singing directly into it, so you probably won't need a pop filter.

[yongsheng1]

Hey was just wondering if this mic at2020 is good for singing vocals or acoustic guitar playing? is it ok if i sing and guitar at the same time? will the mic pick it up well? thanks

[BangBoyxD]

I've found that the AT2020 Mic picks up ridiculous ambient noise and vibrations (yes I do know it's a condenser mic) but if I were to get a boom stand or a desk stand, could you recommend one? Buying a shock mount and desk stand seems to cost too much and I really just want to eliminate most of the background noise. Would this work or would I still need a shock mount for it to be noticeably effective?

[jonathanlong724]

@BangBoyxD

The appropriate solution depends on the type of background noise you are getting. Is it just humming/static, maybe caused by the levels being too high? If so, you'll want to turn your levels down or see if something else is causing the noise.

If it's really vibrations from the desk, then a shock mount will help. You should be able to get a shock mount and desk stand from Amazon for about $50 total. The Samson shock mount has been tested to work with the AT2020 and is inexpensive.

[BangBoyxD]

It is both humming from the computer fan noises and I believe vibrations from my computer tower that is on my desk as well. My computer tower does have rubber feet on the bottom so it helps with vibrations but due to the sensitive nature of condenser microphones, that doesn't seem to help out much. Turning down levels do help but of course I need to move the mic a little too close for my likings. I was hoping to solve the sound issue with a boom mic stand instead of using a floor stand.

[jonathanlong724]

@BangBoyxD

I'm still not sure why you feel like you need another stand. You can use a desktop boom stand, or a floor boom stand, but neither of those will really help w/ the computer fan noise if it's just as close to the computer. Maybe move the computer to the floor?

[jonathanlong724]

@BangBoyxD

Also, you could try putting the mic/stand on a folded up towel to see if that improves the vibration noise.

[Zico10101010]

@jonathanlong724 look i want something to make commentaries and electric guitar covers which is better

i will put shockmount and pop filter.

[BangBoyxD]

That would probably work but it's difficult finding space for this full tower on the floor. I normally keep it on the desk to prevent more dust from going in. Should I try that first before buying any other equipment? I like the tripod on this mic but it just seemed to pick up too much vibrations from the desk.

[jonathanlong724]

Glad to hear that review was helpful. Please also visit the site in the description for a more in-depth written review!

[SicklyFunHD]

great review! Made me feel more confident in buying the At2020. and also i was worried about the mic not being able to go on a mic stand, but now i see that it will go on without a problem! Thanks so much!

[getchizzled]

shit my blue led isnt that bright