AT2020 Microphone | STOP Making These 5 Mistakes!

In this video, we discuss the 5 most common mistakes that we see people make with the Audio Technica AT2020 Condenser Microphone.

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CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Introduction
0:15 - Pricing & Specs
0:57 - Phantom Power
2:05 - Microphone Direction
3:15 - Pop Filter
4:15 - Microphone Distance
4:58 - Shock Mount
5:45 - Room Treatment
6:15 - Final Thoughts

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[kettnercreative]

We'd love to see a photo of your setup!
Tag @kettnercreative on Youtube, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, etc..

[dentgames]

I have the at2020 since 2018 and I just saw this video and you helped me to improve my audio quality a thousand times! Thanks mate!!!

[Ulaza]

Found out I was talking in the back of the mic thanks to this video lol

[brianglock]

I’ve owned two 2020 and 2021 mics( came as a package 2021 is a small diaphragm) since 2005. Both work very well, have used in a wide variety of environments. Also own two 4050’s for when higher performance or different pick up patterns are needed. But, the 2020 holds its own well. Depends on the gig 🙂. For the 2020 price it’s good to have at least one in your mic drawer.

[djsting]

He is not kidding with the plosives. The windscreen is a MUST. Also, position mic so it's a little off centered from your face...similar to how he has it in this video. You'll notice that the mic isn't directly in front of him. He's sort of speaking to the side...or speaking past it. That will help a ton with plosives. I haven't recorded instruments with it yet (soon), but for a podcasting mic, it's solid. If you're using it for voice overs...it's ok in a pinch, but again...watch the plosives.

[lastxp]

It's a stereo mic so make sure you use it in stereo from your daw otherwise you will get half volume and will sound very quiet in mono. If using Mac OS open audio midi setup to control mic pickup volume as you can't adjust it on the mic.

[twodirections]

This mic picks up everything..I mean EVERYTHING

[meYogii_]

I have this mic but with usb-a. I have no issues with annoying sounds from around me, I didn't even do anything with the sound, Im talking on discord with my friends. I opened a soda can really close to it but none of my friends reacted, I asked my friend who I know loves coca cola but none of them heard me open it. I also have a fan in the background but they cant hear that either. I have no foam and nothing on the walls, no shockmount (I have it on an arm) and no puff filter. Really good mic.

The only thing I did wrong in the beginning was that I spoke from the top of it. This is the first mic I've ever owned.

[thomasrathmann]

Of course I did what you said😉
Passing the links of 3 of your videos to an Australian Youtuber, she will soon receive an AT2020 + Focusrite 2i2, I've even chosen, by coincidence, the same mic-stand.
Great choice, great educational stuff 😊

[ArrowOdenn]

OK THANK YOU! I was just having a panic about why the 30 minute chapter of an audiobook I just got done recording sounded like I was sitting inside a bucket, and it turns out I was talking into the WRONG SIDE OF THE MIC! I can't see the logo or text because of the pop shield. I just did another test with the mic facing the right way and all is well with the world. So THANK YOU again. Yes, I do feel stupid.

[Matzod]

Been using this microphone with a Focusrite Scarlett for a 2 years now. Got is second hand for a steal for 2000 sek (todays dollar around $220). Best tech buy i done till today still. The sound i get when Rollplaying is amazing, always get geat feedback from players that i RP with about the good sound i have from my microphone. Im using mine on a arm with a shock mount(both for me is a most have). Great video 3 years later after releese! Cheers!

[MendVADubs]

Really apreciate this information. I work with the AT2020 and sometimes i realize that it has a very brillant sound, and as i see, probably si because i speak directly to the logo (the front of the mic). Now i know i have to use it speaking to the side. Thank you very much man! New sub here, and continue the great work! 🎙️

[Islandv]

great tips and video. I have the AT2020 USB and had to replace my shock mount because the threads stripped out and the knob broke and found your video to see what others are using these days. thanks again.

[ryuchantori]

Great work explaining how to use the mic properly. It reinforces what I’ve learned from my coaches. Thank you,
Andrew

[Uzair]

I have one since 2013 and its still working great!

[jess_wch]

I thought this would be clickbait but this legit helped me a ton. Big thank you.

[johnhodgson]

Well said. I will add that what you said applies to most large diaphragm condenser mics.

[ThatsMistaTwistToYou]

Thanks so much for these tips! I had to check other equipment that didn't deliver phantom power, so I've now straightened that out, thanks :)

[SonLogan_]

Is there a difference in the quality between buying the XLR vs the USB version of the microphone?

[Storm-Chaser]

Haha, your point about the AT2020 being side-address got me laughing as I've had a few people scold me for "using my microphone wrong" when they see me talking into the top of my end-fired Heil PR-40, because to them it looks a lot like a side-address mic.