Hi,
I just uploaded an mp4 review of the new AT2020 condenser mic. To see and hear it, go to
http://www.tyford.com
click on review archive
click on Quickie folder
download AT2020.mp4
Regards,
Ty Ford
Full Version: New AT2020 condenser mic -- $99 street
It's sort of funny. I've been wanting to get a review of this mic from someone I trust and here it is. But, I just reinstalled systems in both of my computers so no sound yet. 
I had friend buy 2 at that price. They were in the mail going back the same afternoon.
He couldn't stand them. Just bad.
For whatever that's worth.
He couldn't stand them. Just bad.
For whatever that's worth.
Thanks Ty. I have been waiting too. but i think i might go with an ADK-51 but heck i am open....(well until the next impulse drives me in another direction...my cat makes
better decisions than i do!)
Jay
better decisions than i do!)
Jay
Wow...that is fantastic....not yet another writeup on a mic, but you actually get to
hear it. That is so cool and really provides a useful service. Thanks so much.
I think you just sold me the mic. It sounds right for my recording needs.They probably designed it for people like me.
On another note, I have no qualifications whatsoever to suggest equipment to you,
but you might want to try the MD280 pro phones also. i like them better than the
sony's, seem to be more natural sounding -- with the high end too.
i think i will start with that mic as my first condenser. AT is a known, and I have heard the mic. HUGE advantage in choosing!
I was going to do the U87 route, but thats so "done" and "old school" you know?
Then if i have to do more critical recording someday, maybe the at4040.
Again, thanks!
Jay
hear it. That is so cool and really provides a useful service. Thanks so much.
I think you just sold me the mic. It sounds right for my recording needs.They probably designed it for people like me.
On another note, I have no qualifications whatsoever to suggest equipment to you,
but you might want to try the MD280 pro phones also. i like them better than the
sony's, seem to be more natural sounding -- with the high end too.
i think i will start with that mic as my first condenser. AT is a known, and I have heard the mic. HUGE advantage in choosing!
I was going to do the U87 route, but thats so "done" and "old school" you know?
Then if i have to do more critical recording someday, maybe the at4040.
Again, thanks!
Jay
I just realized something. if i get the stedman pop filter with it...it almost costs 1/2 as much as the mic. LMAO!!!!! ROTFL!!!!!!
hahahahahahahahahahahahahah
jay
I wonder if the U87 equivelant pop filter would be about 5k. lol. probably would
be self cleaning with a little hose you hook up and every month you refil the detergent
tank.
hahahahahahahahahahahahahah
jay
I wonder if the U87 equivelant pop filter would be about 5k. lol.
probably wouldbe self cleaning with a little hose you hook up and every month you refil the detergent
tank.
Ty, that's a good review. Would you dare make a comparison to similarly priced Studio Projects and MXL mics?
I think I better get on the horn and ask Audio-Technica for one to try out.
I think I better get on the horn and ask Audio-Technica for one to try out.
It will be returned with in an hour of getting it.
I have it on good authority, that this is a chinese piece of junk.
I welcome a review here. But I predict it's crap.
Sad really I like AT.
I have it on good authority, that this is a chinese piece of junk.
I welcome a review here. But I predict it's crap.
Sad really I like AT.
Snob 
QUOTE(texread @ Jan 31, 2005, 2:49 pm)
Wow...that is fantastic....not yet another writeup on a mic, but you actually get to
hear it. That is so cool and really provides a useful service. Thanks so much.
I think you just sold me the mic. It sounds right for my recording needs.They probably designed it for people like me.
++Thanks. That's what I thought.++
On another note, I have no qualifications whatsoever to suggest equipment to you,
but you might want to try the MD280 pro phones also. i like them better than the
sony's, seem to be more natural sounding -- with the high end too.
++I appreciate the thought. I'm pretty wed to the 7506.++
i think i will start with that mic as my first condenser. AT is a known, and I have heard the mic. HUGE advantage in choosing!
I was going to do the U87 route, but thats so "done" and "old school" you know?
Then if i have to do more critical recording someday, maybe the at4040.
++There is no comparison between the AT2020 and a Neumann U 87. $99 versus $2k. For the price of $99, the AT2020 can't be overlooked. J6P can piss on it all he/she wants, the proof is on the clip. And remember folks, that's a data compressed file.
I see the AT2020 as Audio Technica's response to the trend of mic lowballing. Beat 'em at their own game. I've heard them and reviewed many of them. Those reviews are on my site.
It's no secret that the AT2020 is made in China. Who do you want putting QC pressure on the Chinese factories that have been noted for less than great QC, a small US company that orders a hundred or AT, which may order thousands?
The AT2020s go through QC at AT Japan, and again at AT US. This is NOT a trivial procedure.
Regards,
ty ford
Again, thanks!
Jay
hear it. That is so cool and really provides a useful service. Thanks so much.
I think you just sold me the mic. It sounds right for my recording needs.They probably designed it for people like me.
++Thanks. That's what I thought.++
On another note, I have no qualifications whatsoever to suggest equipment to you,
but you might want to try the MD280 pro phones also. i like them better than the
sony's, seem to be more natural sounding -- with the high end too.
++I appreciate the thought. I'm pretty wed to the 7506.++
i think i will start with that mic as my first condenser. AT is a known, and I have heard the mic. HUGE advantage in choosing!
I was going to do the U87 route, but thats so "done" and "old school" you know?
Then if i have to do more critical recording someday, maybe the at4040.
++There is no comparison between the AT2020 and a Neumann U 87. $99 versus $2k. For the price of $99, the AT2020 can't be overlooked. J6P can piss on it all he/she wants, the proof is on the clip. And remember folks, that's a data compressed file.
I see the AT2020 as Audio Technica's response to the trend of mic lowballing. Beat 'em at their own game. I've heard them and reviewed many of them. Those reviews are on my site.
It's no secret that the AT2020 is made in China. Who do you want putting QC pressure on the Chinese factories that have been noted for less than great QC, a small US company that orders a hundred or AT, which may order thousands?
The AT2020s go through QC at AT Japan, and again at AT US. This is NOT a trivial procedure.
Regards,
ty ford
Again, thanks!
Jay
ty,
I was kidding about:
>>I was going to do the U87 route, but thats so "done" and "old school" you know?
I wish i wasn't! though! I would like to say, yea, U87s are fine, but I'd rather go
with a Neumann M150-TUBE Omni-pattern tube mic for $5699. lol
I think all Neumann mics have a shutdown failsafe mechanism if someone tries to
record a banjo with them.
I was kidding about:
>>I was going to do the U87 route, but thats so "done" and "old school" you know?
I wish i wasn't! though! I would like to say, yea, U87s are fine, but I'd rather go
with a Neumann M150-TUBE Omni-pattern tube mic for $5699. lol
I think all Neumann mics have a shutdown failsafe mechanism if someone tries to
record a banjo with them.
Ty, do you have any more technical breakdown? I guess it's standing out from its competition in being an electret and not externally polarized - I can't imagine it's any of the usual suspect capsules. Presence peak info? I mean, that's the big issue with so many Chinese mics, that harsh, spitty peak, so I'm interested in what alternative is being offered.
Bear
Bear
I cannot get that quicktime deal to play.
I like AT too, but we haven't taken the time to order one and hear it. I've heard nothing but negative thus far. I don't know what Ty's review says though as I cannot view it.
I love AT also.
War
I like AT too, but we haven't taken the time to order one and hear it. I've heard nothing but negative thus far. I don't know what Ty's review says though as I cannot view it.
I love AT also.
War
Ty is the only guy I know with any cred to comment as an actual user of the mic thus far. I wasn't even going to ask for one as I'm not all that interested in cheap mics. But, what the hell. Ty has me interested. It sounds real nice on VO and that's usually a sure sign of a good mic.
I am ordering it tomorrow. morning. I'd be happy to do a mp3 comparing it to my
sm57 and [cough] nady cheapie mic., through my dbx provocal (which is pretty
transparent on bypass mode), or through my ART mp3 if anyone cares, but the fact i mentioned "Nady" and "Provocal" and "ART MP3 you probably wouldn't be interested. lol
Jay
sm57 and [cough] nady cheapie mic., through my dbx provocal (which is pretty
transparent on bypass mode), or through my ART mp3 if anyone cares, but the fact i mentioned "Nady" and "Provocal" and "ART MP3 you probably wouldn't be interested. lol
Jay
I've got an AT2020 coming my way. I'll let you guys know next weekend what I think.
i'd agree it does not suck on voice. maybe this will answer the what's the best microphone for under $100 question for those who don't want to accept that it's the sm57.
QUOTE(username @ Feb 3, 2005, 12:24 pm)
i'd agree it does not suck on voice. maybe this will answer the what's the best microphone for under $100 question for those who don't want to accept that it's the sm57.
ok, lets all accept that deciding which mic is the best for under $100 is a total silly waste of time. an angels on a pinhead sort of exercise.
given that, let me agree that the 57 is the best mic under $100
My problem with the sm57 is i have to eq it alot to get vocals "crispy" like i like.
Probably a personal problem And i would rather blame the mic and preamp than
blame my singing.
On guitar -- even acoustic (at least in my situation) i think it sounds pretty good.
That may be cause i don't like the acoustics too brite though.
All that being said, for the demo's i do, if i just stayed with my sm57, i would be fine.
But part of it is the "toy" aspect of course and its fun recording and experimenting
with new things. Although I dont have the things you guys have, its still fun.
Jay
Probably a personal problem
And i would rather blame the mic and preamp thanblame my singing.
On guitar -- even acoustic (at least in my situation) i think it sounds pretty good.
That may be cause i don't like the acoustics too brite though.
All that being said, for the demo's i do, if i just stayed with my sm57, i would be fine.
But part of it is the "toy" aspect of course and its fun recording and experimenting
with new things. Although I dont have the things you guys have, its still fun.
Jay
totally normal.
i love the sound of dynamic mic + a big old boost at 10-12k for vocals. whatever is safe out of spit and sss zone.
usually sits in the mix well. sounds a bit funky on its own though. wouldnt use it for VO.
i love the sound of dynamic mic + a big old boost at 10-12k for vocals. whatever is safe out of spit and sss zone.
usually sits in the mix well. sounds a bit funky on its own though. wouldnt use it for VO.
QUOTE(eeldip @ Feb 3, 2005, 3:58 pm)
totally normal.
i love the sound of dynamic mic + a big old boost at 10-12k for vocals. whatever is safe out of spit and sss zone.
usually sits in the mix well. sounds a bit funky on its own though. wouldnt use it for VO.
i love the sound of dynamic mic + a big old boost at 10-12k for vocals. whatever is safe out of spit and sss zone.
usually sits in the mix well. sounds a bit funky on its own though. wouldnt use it for VO.
Hey, thanks for that, its not just me then. Thats what I do. I feel better now.
Just dont understand how some engineers dont eq it at all on vocals unless they are
using super preamps or something and the mix isnt busy.
Jay
i think if you have a million mics and a lot of time and some experience that lets you know what is coming ahead, you can get your eqing done at the microphone.
when i record my band for example, i dont use compression, eq or anything while mixing. i've recorded our singer enough to just dial in the basic setting, think about the song a bit.. modify the setting to deal with the song.
when i record my band for example, i dont use compression, eq or anything while mixing. i've recorded our singer enough to just dial in the basic setting, think about the song a bit.. modify the setting to deal with the song.
What'd ya find OZ? How is it?
I got my at2020 last night. Played with it a bit. For one thing i ain't gotta EQ the
thing for vocals! as much as the sm57 is beloved, this is much better for the sound
I was looking for. Hard to explain it, more "closer" sounding..."in your face", might
be the detail because its a condenser.
I think its perfect for my application. AT really had me targeted well.
Jay
thing for vocals! as much as the sm57 is beloved, this is much better for the sound
I was looking for. Hard to explain it, more "closer" sounding..."in your face", might
be the detail because its a condenser.
I think its perfect for my application. AT really had me targeted well.
Jay
I got my package today.
I took out the mic and all I have to say is that the from the perspective of a Chinese manufactured mic that it's got the best outside workmanship I've seen from a Chinese manufacturered mic with the exception of the Groove Tubes GT33 which I consider to be on the same level (but not as rugged).
I'll try to plug it in tomorrow and give you a report.
P.S. Personally, I'd rather be playing with a Microtech-Gefell but I do these things in the interest of science.
I took out the mic and all I have to say is that the from the perspective of a Chinese manufactured mic that it's got the best outside workmanship I've seen from a Chinese manufacturered mic with the exception of the Groove Tubes GT33 which I consider to be on the same level (but not as rugged).
I'll try to plug it in tomorrow and give you a report.
P.S. Personally, I'd rather be playing with a Microtech-Gefell but I do these things in the interest of science.
i don't turn mine on. you know with that electret condenser losing 1/2 db in 10 years,
I want to keep the use down to a minimum.
I am making a little shrine to it, will little acoustic baffles around it and cardboard
cutouts of my favorite famous engineers. this is much better.
I want to keep the use down to a minimum.
I am making a little shrine to it, will little acoustic baffles around it and cardboard
cutouts of my favorite famous engineers. this is much better.
Some folks have asked why I haven't provided a full review of this AT2020. Here's why.
I get paid by publishers to review gear (some folks here know this... sorry to bore you.
I have reviewed the AT2020 for Radio World. It won't publish for 30 days or so. Understandably, RW would be miffed if I scooped my own review by publishing a similar review here (or anywhere).
Since they pay me...and that's how I make a living...it doesn't make sense for me to post a full review. I have used the AT2020 off and on for the last few weeks and haven't found any real problems.
Hopefully Steven will have time to post his own thoughts soon.
Thanks guys. Until then, there are a LOT of reviews up on my site. Happy reading.
Regards,
Ty Ford
I get paid by publishers to review gear (some folks here know this... sorry to bore you.
I have reviewed the AT2020 for Radio World. It won't publish for 30 days or so. Understandably, RW would be miffed if I scooped my own review by publishing a similar review here (or anywhere).
Since they pay me...and that's how I make a living...it doesn't make sense for me to post a full review. I have used the AT2020 off and on for the last few weeks and haven't found any real problems.
Hopefully Steven will have time to post his own thoughts soon.
Thanks guys. Until then, there are a LOT of reviews up on my site. Happy reading.
Regards,
Ty Ford
Fair enough.
Well, here are my thoughts on the AT2020...
http://mojopie.ipbhost.com/index.php?autom...howentry&eid=87
We did discuss the merits of all these mics.
Steve B. thought the B1 sort of suited toms. I sort of hear it more as a percussion mic the more I use it. I no longer use it on guitars at all. But, I do still use it on amps.
We liked the SM58 for the proximity effect. If you want proximity, then grab an SM58. If you have a strident singer, then grab an SM58.
We liked the Beyerdynamic Soundstar MKII. It has no proximity effect. I see why Harvey Gerst recommends these for VO. It is a brighter dynamic mic.
We liked the AT4040. This is a real special mic. I think it's the best price/value mic on the planet right now.
We also pulled at a Blue Baby Bottle for a tad bit. This is a good VO mic. I don't think it gets enough respect. It sounded boxy in the room. Steve B. has an isolation closet and it sounds wonderful there.
http://mojopie.ipbhost.com/index.php?autom...howentry&eid=87
We did discuss the merits of all these mics.
Steve B. thought the B1 sort of suited toms. I sort of hear it more as a percussion mic the more I use it. I no longer use it on guitars at all. But, I do still use it on amps.
We liked the SM58 for the proximity effect. If you want proximity, then grab an SM58. If you have a strident singer, then grab an SM58.
We liked the Beyerdynamic Soundstar MKII. It has no proximity effect. I see why Harvey Gerst recommends these for VO. It is a brighter dynamic mic.
We liked the AT4040. This is a real special mic. I think it's the best price/value mic on the planet right now.
We also pulled at a Blue Baby Bottle for a tad bit. This is a good VO mic. I don't think it gets enough respect. It sounded boxy in the room. Steve B. has an isolation closet and it sounds wonderful there.
Thanks for the review and insight on the other mics, Steve. 
QUOTE(flatpicker @ Mar 12, 2005, 8:29 pm)
Thanks for the review and insight on the other mics, Steve.
You're welcome.
I enjoy the mic comparisons a lot more than in my former days when we'd use budget preamps. The Millenia TD-1, which we used here, made the differences between the mics apparent from the get go.
Does anyone know where I can get a windscreen that fits the AT2020, like the one
in Ty's review?
thank you.
Jay
in Ty's review?
thank you.
Jay
Texread--
Just contact any Audio-Technica dealer. Our own Warhead just happens to be an AT dealer so I'd recommend starting there.
Just contact any Audio-Technica dealer. Our own Warhead just happens to be an AT dealer so I'd recommend starting there.
Thanks much. I have one near me actually.
I didn't see one specific on their web page, so I thought maybe it was after market
or something.
Jay
I didn't see one specific on their web page, so I thought maybe it was after market
or something.
Jay
QUOTE(texread @ Nov 6, 2005, 4:58 pm)
Does anyone know where I can get a windscreen that fits the AT2020, like the one
in Ty's review?
thank you.
Jay
in Ty's review?
thank you.
Jay
I think it's the AT8137
Ty
Thanks for replying, Ty,
I will order one.
I have a pop filter, but I wanted a foam thingie just in case.
Jay
I will order one.
I have a pop filter, but I wanted a foam thingie just in case.
Jay
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