AT-2020 vs AT-2035 vs AT-2050 Comparison (Versus Series)
Today I compare the Audio Technica AT2020, AT2035, and AT2050 to answer the question of “which one is best” or “which one should you buy”. Hopefully this answers all the questions you have about which is best for spoken word, music, and gaming.
Buy the AT2035 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: geni.us/at2035
Sweetwater: imp.i114863.ne...
Thomann: www.thomann.de...
Buy the AT2020 (Affiliate link)
Amazon: geni.us/at2020x
Sweetwater: imp.i114863.ne...
Thomann: www.thomann.de...
Buy the AT2050
Amazon: geni.us/at2050
Sweetwater: imp.i114863.ne...
Thomann: www.thomann.de...
Buy the Focusrite 2i2 (3rd Gen)- Same Performance as 18i20 (Affiliate Link)
Sweetwater: imp.i114863.ne...
Thomann: www.thomann.de...
Amazon: geni.us/2i32rd
My KZread Kit: podcastage.com...
My Favorite XLR Mics: podcastage.com...
My Favorite USB Mics: podcastage.com...
NOTE (FULL DISCLOSURE): If you purchase an item using my amazon link, it provides me a small referral fee. For more info check my FAQ page links below.
Check the FAQ to see if your question was already answered: www.geeksrising...
Vote For The Mics You Want Reviewed: www.geeksrising...
Check us out, Follow us, & Like us over at:
Discord: / discord
Website: www.geeksrising...
Facebook: / podcastage
Twitter: / podcastage
Personal Twitter: / bandrewsays
00:00 - Intro / Setup
00:37 - Microphone Spoken Word Test (Price / Specs)
01:52 - Polar Pattern Tests
02:35 - Background Noise Tests
02:54 - Distance Tests
03:02 - Music Tests
03:54 - Conclusion & Winner
05:26 - Outro
Пікірлер: 347
Definitely happy with my AT-2035 I got recently for recording vocals.
I've always liked the AT-2020. Just a cool mic. 👍 Was impressed with a AT-2035.
They honestly all sounded the same to me, im sure the youtube compression had something to do with that, but if i had to pick, i guess the 2035 did have a very slightly less harsher quality to it. But what really got me was when you said you werent a fan of multipattern mics, do you feel the same way about the u87?
@Podcastage
6 жыл бұрын
The u87 is $3k which is completely different than these $100-$300 mics that are multipattern. For $3k, they sure as shit better have made EVERYTHING sound amazing. Ha.
@LoKnows
6 жыл бұрын
True dat.
@waltertomaszewski1083
6 жыл бұрын
Lo Knows, Sort Of I can't hear any appreciable differences, either. Too much YT compression.
@woabeatz9717
5 жыл бұрын
Are you using studio monitor head phones?....best to use good head phones to listen
@peripheralinstaller704
5 жыл бұрын
the 2020's self noise at 20db is basically unusable for any professional situation imo.. Thats crazy.. Meanwhile the 2035 sits around the same place as sennheisers mkh416.. That is a 1k microphone, so thats not bad for the 2035 all things considered..
At-2035 owner here, very happy with it! Awesome review man!
I've been waiting for this video for a LONG time
The AT2050 sounded the worst in every situation. The AT2020 sounded the best on distorted guitar and the AT2035 sounded best on the acoustic and spoken word.
@monkeyrobotsinc.9875
5 жыл бұрын
as far as the distorted guitar segment, moving a mic half a centimeter drastically changes the sound of each recording. at the very least we can say the position of the 2020 sounded best. who knows what results if they were really in the same exact position. EDIT: just checked. they definitely moved. thats why.
@1MrSmoothOfficial1
5 жыл бұрын
TOTALLY AGREE I LIKE THE 2020
@lifemusic4r
5 жыл бұрын
50 is just for vocal i think it was the best for vocal
@user-qd3nh1xv9m
4 жыл бұрын
2050 is bad choice??
@MaxLohMusic
4 жыл бұрын
The only TRULY scientific way to compare these mics is to record the SAME TAKE to near-coincidently placed mics. I did it this way for myself, and I could hear a difference (barely noticeable unless you A/B them hardcore), and unlike in these KZread videos, I can be assured that the differences I heard were ACTUALLY because of differences in mics NOT because of variation in technique or positioning.
Had to pull out my high end headphones to hear a difference, but before you called the AT2035 the best at 3:57 I had already decided I liked the AT2035 the best based on the acoustic guitar and vocal examples. Thanks for this video, very helpful!
Honestly, the 2020 and the 2035 are very similar to my ears. That being said, I think the 2035 is the better choice because it has the pad and the roll off. Honestly, anyone doing voice over with this mic might be wise to consider using the 80hz roll off to minimize unwanted low end "rumble". The 2050 definitely sounded brighter to my ears. I could see wanting that kind of sound if I were recording an acoustic guitar - especially a particularly dark instrument (like a mahogany top Martin for instance). The frequency charts seem to be accurate in terms of comparing these mics. Multi-pattern mics aren't for everyone. If you want to record a vocal, then don't bother with one. However, If you want to do mid-side stereo recording you would need a mic with a figure 8 pattern. Omni mics have their applications as well, but really only in certain situations. Podcasters would never need more than a cardioid pattern.
@sonicjackalopeproductions3342
4 жыл бұрын
Of course they sound the same, because he is using a low grade crap USB interface and not really using these what they are used for. Just another podcast twit with more money than brains
@onstandard
4 жыл бұрын
Jarrod Barger then what do u use them with
I've had my 2020 for almost a decade. Great intro lrg dia.
@S.T.G.
5 жыл бұрын
You need to know that the AT2020 is not an LDC. The diameter of the diaphragm is only 16mm. See the spec sheet: www.audio-technica.com/cms/resource_library/literature/49f63e6efc082082/at2020_english.pdf
Thanks for mentioning the Cherry MX Blues as the keys on your keyboard. That's really useful for determining how loud the keyboard is, which is pretty critical for my use case (screencasts).
My Podcastage user-engagement Level just increased by +1
great! thanks for the review, i love at 2035 💖
@nicolasrojas6811
3 жыл бұрын
:0
@TechnoReviewsPlay
3 жыл бұрын
@sr swart jaja
I have to agree the 2035 sounds best in this video. It has a nice sound without being as sibilant as the 2020. It seems to have a pretty reasonable price too. Now you just need to compare it to the 4040, just for the fun of it.
I've owned a 2050 for about 10 years, and it keeps doing great. The first years I powered it through a Phonic USB audio interface, the last 3 years I swapped to a Behringer Umc 1820 with Midas designed preamps, and it sounds just killer 👌 😎.
Long time viewer, first time commenter, at least in this channel. I own an Audio Drama which I won't name here. Not trying to promote. But my line of hobby DOES require a microphone. I have an AT2020 and it performs admirably. It's no SURE SM7B but it's a great mic. I tend to boost the bass by a couple DB around 80-110hz and use a sharp cut below 70hz to kill plosives. Usually works and gives the sound a bit more depth.I'm also a very amateur audio engineer so I may very well be doing that wrong. It's just what makes it sound better to me. After watching this video, I sorta wish I got the 2035 to save a little time in post. Great review.
So many AT mics... I still find it weird that they decided to discontinue the 3035, make it cheaper and release it as the 2035. BTW, I agree with your conclusion.
@illbedanged
6 жыл бұрын
2035 vs Mxl 770?
@CybertroninfiniteOfficial
4 жыл бұрын
the 3035 is pretty amazing, it's cheaper now I think
happy with my at2020, its my favourite and is the best in my opinion. its the cheapest as well.
@donnythagurb9312
4 жыл бұрын
@CYRXS jes taling about GOOD mics not cheap asss mics
@BennySazon
4 жыл бұрын
CYRXS no it’s not
@donnythagurb9312
4 жыл бұрын
CYRXS there comparing 3 diff mics in this video and the at2020 is the cheapest in this video maybe use ur brain
@donnythagurb9312
4 жыл бұрын
Random Guy are you stupid? YOU the one comparing a usb to an XLR hes talking about the mics in the video who the fuck brought up a snowball? He’s saying they all sound about the same and the cheapest is the best one to get for the price but you wanna mention a whole different brand mic in this video? Listen to your self, Thank you.
3:19 - Busk for me, man! BUSK FOR ME and sing a song about how beautiful and useful bread is!
@Vertshark
6 жыл бұрын
Breadshine...on my shoulders Makes me happy Breadshine...almost always Makes me smile
I've never used the 2035 or the 2050, but I like how my voice sounds on my 2020.
Really nice. Was surprised by the wimmer, bit I like the technical reasons for your choice. And I enjoy your impromptu testing songs.
Like your reviews. I just bought a 2050 because I got a huge discount on it and starting up a new recording studio, I wanted something that was a multi pattern as I have 2 other cheaper mics that are just cardiod. I have not taken it out of the box yet so I cant tell you how it works for me yet but thanks for the demo of all three.
I tried to avoid Audio Technica for the longest time because everyone seems to flock to them....but damn, they really do take pride in their work and have great mics to suit everyone's tastes, quality, quality, quality. My ears really love the 4040 (which I own) and the 4047.
this is the best microphone review video i have ever seen, good job man
This video was super helpful. I've managed to make a happy purchase decision based on your testing, so... more than pleased to throw a subscription your way!
Just bought an AT2020 today and was looking to soothe my post decisional dissonance. I couldn't tell any difference between them. Feeling confident in my choice. In some schools of thought...cheaper is better, once you get to a certain level of performance.
I've been using the AT2020 to podcast for eight years and was considering upgrading to the 2035 but heck, they're pretty close.
Wow... you are rockstar (ok podcast star too). I'm just getting a side hustle going (thanks Chris G for the motivation). Narrow tech stuff - telecom and InfoSec and maybe ham radio too. Anyway, I'm getting a setup for audio recording for training videos, maybe podcasting, and maybe even vlogging. Baby steps. Anyway this video is so professional. I'm a fan and will probably binge on your content for a bit. Thanks again!
I bought my current AT2035, in part, because of this channel and was happy to see it stacks up well against the AT2050. I do like the multiple patterns on the AT2050, though. Excellent video, as always, Bandrew.
Wow, amazing review! Other people would have covered the same info in 4x the length lol. Good stuff my friend :)
Makes me glad was smart enough to buy a 3035 (when I really didn't know any better)
@notzacmenton
5 жыл бұрын
Apparently the 2035 is literally a re-branded 3035 with cheaper components to offset the price difference (when they dropped the 30 series)
Listening to this with headphones and I have to say you really helped me save some money on this, a beautifully done and thorough review
@Podcastage
5 жыл бұрын
That's amazing to hear, and what I set out to do. Happy to know it helped out. =) Best of luck on the recording!
Your a huge inspiration to me brooo! Keep these fire ass reviews goinnnnn!
This format was incredibly helpful, thank you
@Podcastage
5 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much! Really appreciate that.Happy it helped.
I have the AT2035 and use it as a (1) mic setup in front of my drum kit to record. It sounds really good and I think it's a great mic! Also, I thought the At2035 sounded better on the acoustic guitar when compared to the other models in your video.
The lack of low end in the AT-2020 made it look brighter and sharp in the highs (also that presence boost). The AT-2050 has less sensitivity but also more self noise than the AT-2035. I've picked the AT-2035 just when you've showed the specs haha Nice comparison, people should not be discouraged by the AT-2020 if they want to use it for VO. It will definitely cut through a mix and for the price definitely recommended!
@1MrSmoothOfficial1
5 жыл бұрын
MY VOICE NEEDS THE PRESENCE BOOST
Interesting. The presence boost on the 2050 actually sounds really good on the guitars. And I think if you were only going to have one microphone, it's not the worst thing to have one with multiple patterns. But I would still say to get the 2035 and spend the extra hundred on a sm57. You can create a lot of different sounds and pickup patterns with two mics and you'll have a backup which doesn't need phantom. It's just going to cover you in more situations.
Hey thanks for the review, was on the fence about which one to purchase leaning more towards the 2035, this video cinched it for me 2035.
Definitely the AT2035. Love it. You should make a Versus Series between de Rode Nt1 and the AT2035.
at2020. it matches my voice exceptionally well. whoever hears my voice, says that I have a radio-like voice, which makes them feel good. the mike is plugged into a Tascam dr60d mk2 then into the computer where 2 plugins are applied to the energy.
@czdaniel1
6 жыл бұрын
+Csaby S -- Yes, the best mic is the one that makes you say: *_Wow! That voice sounds too good to be me!!_*
Just the vid I needed!
Holy shit, I had no idea you could label and split up a video's timeline bar like that!
Thanks for a chance to hear these 3 compared, was looking at them in a shop just today. I liked the 2050 and wouldn't describe that as flat because it's actually crisper, just not so driven, the output seems to become compressed. The more I think about it though the more I tend to think the sound lacks the saturation level of any kind maybe it is a bit insipid. I understand why you like the 2035 but I just think the sound of the 2050 provides more to work with at the end of the day. It's the apparent fat sound of the 2035 over what is there to work with in the sound of the 2050. Being able to Mix the two together might be a bit too much fun.
Thanks for the fantastic, snappy, no-nonsense review of these mics. Subbed.
@52Cues
6 жыл бұрын
P.S. The Flansburgh is strong with you!
Thank you. I got the 2035, and I love it
YEAH! I love this series!
Very revealing comparison thanks.
Just listening back on my laptop, they all sounded identical for your speaking voice. Just when you were singing and playing they seemed different, but you moved the mic into different locations each time, so it wasn't an even comparison. I might have to put on headphones to listen out for the fine detail, but I think relative to completely different mics, these all sound pretty similar.
what do you think would be better for streaming at2035 or blue spark
Great comparison Podcastage. More thorough than any other review I've watched on this. I am currently using a Blue Yeti for twitch streaming. In your opinion do you think the Technica's make that much of a difference? I've heard sound comparisons and the Technica does sound better, but the lack of on-device switches kinda kills it for me.
Dangit!! I just bought the 2020! Lol good thing I really love it.
@CybertroninfiniteOfficial
4 жыл бұрын
and that's fine man, it's a decent mic for the price
Great! But their is only one problem the AT-2035 are out of stock on both places you listed. Why do these things keep happening to me :-(
Great video concept, and well done. (One quibble, it would have been fun to add the AT4040, to see whether it blows the others away...or not. But I "get" that it's sort of in a different class.) The AT2020 was my first XLR mic and I still like it, but you point out the definite advantages of the 2035 -- very interesting.
@Podcastage
6 жыл бұрын
Dan Magoo the reason I did these 3 is because people suggested it and voted for this comparison. If they had suggested the 4040 in there, it would have been in there. At some point I will compare the 2035 to 4040
love your content man
Would you recommend 2035 for radio jingles and event promos ?
Just got the 2035 and have a couple of projects lined up to use it on!
I agree the 2035 sounded richer and less tinny. Can you do an AT-2035 vs AT-4040 comparison?
@czdaniel1
6 жыл бұрын
*THIS* +1
Thank you for the video and effort! Helped me.
Thanks man! This helped me make my decision.
Im gonna buy at2050 is it good for rap vocals?
loved the video. do how to make the AT2020 sound like the AT2050 with eq and compression
the lack of bass in these mics make your voice sound tiny and thinny...
Agreed. The 2035 sounded really good in every situation.
@Podcastage
5 жыл бұрын
Great minds typically don't think alike, but in this case they do.
Totally agree with you bro 2035 is the best option.
I came for the AT 2050 and I think the rejection is good, but overall not much difference between it and my AT 2035... which I love for several years now... $160 is a great price for such a good microphone and I am happy someone else has the same opinion :)
Greetings earthlings! Great video as per usual
Where I live, the 2020 is 90€ compared with 148€ for the 2035. But it comes without a cradle, which is 23€, bringing the price of the 2020 up to 113€. So it's basically 35€ difference for a slightly lower noise floor, a -10dB pad, and a high pass filter. I chose the 2035, but would of been fine with the 2020 too. Both good mics for a home studio.
thanks for the review :D
Would you recommend I replace my current Rode NT1-A with an AT mic? Either the 2035 (or I could possibly save up for the AT4040 as well) I only use my microphone for vocals. Specifically musical theatre vocals which means there's quite a bit of belting. I was wondering if you would be able to help me with which mic would sound best for that field? Great video, as always! Thank you!
Translating: I have an at2020, very good, but the at-2035 is the most natural for sure, without the slightly overdone color of 2020, and its noise and isolation is far more efficient than the others. Always find treble treble when compressing a voice in at2020, I think the at2030 would bring less dirt in the final audio. I'm Brazilian Guys abrass ...
LoL Your videos are like a dictionary to me nowadays. Anything I search for... There you are!!! 😆 Jokes aside, Thank you for doing these btw. It gives me an OP reference point, especially since I am used to your voice by now.
I'm gonna be honest, I don't know what I am looking at when you show the response curves or anything lol. Is there a video that you recommend for absolute beginners? I want to use it to sing at home when I practice and I will be plugging it in directly to my Roland Cube Street EX which has its own mic inputs and a separate input for instruments, then Ill be using a in ear monitor system. Other that that it will not see any use outside the house. It's just personal use like that for practice. Great vid non the less!
Thank you for the comarison! On my S8 phone they all sounded "not deep enough", will listen later on a laptop. Loved AT2020 for acoustic guitar and AT2035 was better in a few other tests. The electric guitar & song were fun ))
Thanks that a lot help to decide which to buy :)
I have a Focusrite solo gen 2 and Microphone Samson C03. Should I upgrade to AT203? Thank you! I record vocal voice to do Narration, audiobooks...
Also, upload the .wav files to drive so we can test the audio clips ourselves too.
Awesome video as ever Bandrew :) keep it up!.
You called it again! Love your channel. I don't need a swiss army knife Microphone. I just need one that does what it's supposed to do REAAAAALLY well...and I'll work on finding the next mic for the next thing I need to record if that's an issue. Nowadays a LOT of recording is done in the box anyway with samples so.....???
You did something in this review that finally made me subscribe. You made your preferences clear with qualifications and that is the key to finding objectivity. Your suggestion to find a mic that does one thing well as opposed to a mic that does several things in a mediocre fashion is the best advice I've heard on KZread. Well done.
I prefer my 2020 on vocals and acoustic guitar, but the 2050 is versatile and not a bad microphone by any means.
Very honest review :) Totally agree with your points.
2035 is the best. Nice warm sound.
Fantastic review
Great review!
I had the AT2020 years ago it was my first mic I use to love that mic it is a good mic for its price
Hi Podcastage. love your audio content. in the market for a condenser mic. going back and forth from the At2035 or MXL 770 series. I'm looking to buy either one cheaper and used so no chance for returns. want to make a good first choice. I'm trying to get an all-around mic thats good for voice over, podcasting, and vocals + acoustic. I have a bit of a bassy to midtone voice. the AT series seems to have a higher presence which i dont mind but not a fan if it makes my voice sound overly clear in the high tones with too much hissing. I've done a bit of live singing at a church over the years and the majority of live mics I've used have made my bassy voice sound way too mid-toned. when they tweak it sounds too unnatural. anyway. im over thinking this. dont need the most perfect sound since it can be edited a bit but do you have any suggestions to get a much warmer tone overall for someone who has a bassy to midtone voice? I saw your MXL 770 review, it was helpful but i think you said you didnt recommend it for voice overs. i know its mostly subjective but wanted to see if you had any other advice from experience or even other recommendations under $100. lot of ppl are selling the AT2020 but im leaning towards the at2035.
creo que es el mejor video que tiene youtube. felicitaciones. eres un verdaderos arrtista en diccion
I have grown to really like some of the 4000 series mics these are based on. Have you done any side-by-sides between the series? I still think the 4033 is a standout drum microphone, almost bizarrely bright but it works on overhead. It is very different sounding than the 4050 that followed, which I think is their best all around recording mic. I’d be very interested to know if you have any perspective on the 2000/4000 sonic comparison.
AT2020 is a 1/4th of the cost of the SM7B and still has that buttery warmth.
Personally i prepared the AT2020.... Thanks for the reviews sir. It is possible also to review the Takstar SM-8B who exactly looks like Audio Technica AT2020. Thanks and More power to your channel
Great review. Thank you!!
i have the AT2035. Highly suggest to anyone thinking of getting a good mic for vocals and instruments. i didn't find the guitar muddy at all listening to it on high end speakers and headphones. i find it has a beautifully rich and full low end
Sorry, I didn't get that, is AT2035 the best for vocals? Which one thing it does best:)?
Don't know if it is just me or not, but the 2050 stood out more to me. It also sounded like it picked up the keyboard noise less.
You helped me confirm my choice. AT2035 sounds the best.
Would you personally recommend the AT2035 or the e935 for twitch streaming?
Well to my ears any of the mics sound great for vocals. where the difference in warmth was in the acoustic guitar tests. id just get the 2020 and be done with it !
I'm planning to buy an AT2020 later in december; here in Brazil the AT2035 costs the double of the AT2020 :( I think the mic's good enough to make KZread gameplay videos; at least for now.
I'm very happy with my 2020, thanks for the video...
@Podcastage
5 жыл бұрын
That's awesome! Very happy to hear you enjoy the mic.
@qwertyuigr
4 жыл бұрын
AT2020 vs AKG P120 which one is better ?
I could hear the hi-pass filter on the 50 lol
Which of these mics would be the best for streaming... considering the price, the features etc. so solely for capturing my voice and would not pick up my keyboard and stuff like that. I am new to this kinda stuff and I personally think that the AT2020 would be perfectly fine because I am not on a big budget. And also, would I need a DAC and/or AMP? A Logitech G Pro X Headset has its own little DAC which allows you to customise the sound in the software (needed), so would that mean I would only need an AMP?