A comparison of two popular microphones for music production.
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As a music producer, one of the most important pieces of equipment in your home recording studio is a microphone. There are many different types and models of microphones available, each with its own unique characteristics and capabilities. In this article, we will compare two popular microphones for music production: the Blue Yeti and the Audio-Technica AT2020.
The Blue Yeti is a versatile USB microphone that is widely used for recording and streaming. It features a tri-capsule array that allows you to switch between four different pickup patterns: cardioid, stereo, omnidirectional, and bidirectional. This makes it suitable for a wide range of recording situations, from podcasting and voice-overs to music and gaming. The Blue Yeti also has a built-in headphone amplifier and mute button, which can be convenient for monitoring and controlling your recording.
The Audio-Technica AT2020 is a condenser microphone that is commonly used for recording music. It features a cardioid pickup pattern, which means that it is most sensitive to sounds coming from directly in front of the microphone. This makes it ideal for recording vocals and instruments in a controlled environment, where you can minimize background noise and achieve a focused, detailed sound. The AT2020 also has a low self-noise and a wide dynamic range, which can be useful for capturing subtle nuances and dynamics in your recordings.
Here is a side-by-side overview:
| Feature | Blue Yeti | Audio-Technica AT2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | USB microphone | Condenser microphone |
| Pickup pattern | Cardioid, stereo, omnidirectional, bidirectional | Cardioid |
| Price | $119.99 | $99.00 |
| Headphone amplifier | Yes | No |
| Mute button | Yes | No |
| Self-noise | 20 dB-A | 20 dB-A |
| Dynamic range | 100 dB | 120 dB |
The Blue Yeti is more versatile, with a tri-capsule array that allows you to switch between different pickup patterns. It also has a built-in headphone amplifier and mute button, which can be convenient for monitoring and controlling your recording. However, the AT2020 has a slightly lower self-noise and a wider dynamic range, which can be useful for capturing subtle nuances and dynamics in your recordings.
Overall, the Blue Yeti is a good choice for recording a wide range of sounds, such as podcasts, voice-overs, and music. It is also suitable for streaming and gaming, thanks to its versatile pickup pattern and convenient features. On the other hand, the Audio-Technica AT2020 is a better choice for recording vocals and instruments in a controlled environment. It is focused and detailed, and can capture the nuances and dynamics of your performance.
You can't go wrong with either the Blue Yeti or the AT2020–both are excellent microphones for music production. The best microphone for you will depend on your specific recording situation and needs.
Of course, the the best microphone is only one piece of the puzzle – there are many other factors that can affect the quality of your recordings, such as the acoustics of your recording space, the levels and settings of your equipment, and your own skills and techniques. One place to start is by adding a pop filter. See our guide on the best pop filter for Blue Yeti and Audio-Technica.
If you want to take your music production to the next level, consider signing up for a class on TIL. TIL offers live and interactive classes with expert music producers who can provide personalized guidance and support to help you improve your skills and achieve your production goals. With TIL, you'll get the benefits of guided learning and a community of like-minded musicians to inspire and motivate you. Sign up now and start your journey towards becoming a better music producer!
