As a retired Licensed Broadcast Engineer, in my final years of working, I used the AT2020, corded version, microphone in broadcast on-air studios. In fact I switched from using a Sure SM7 to the AT2020 for my RU-vid Channel voice overs. Understanding how to control ambient sound can be easier than you think. Most on-air studios are quite noisy, working the mic close, but a bit off-axis to avoid popping the mic, will fix most issues. AT2040USB is new to me, and I have only heard what it sounds like in this video. For me, I would avoid this microphone and look for alternatives. The AT2020USB-XP, I would avoid using noise reduction at all costs for recordings. Learn to use a mic and 70% of the noise issues go away for studio work. My recommendation is to stay away from USB microphones in general and pick up a mic preamp that has a USB output. This way you have more flexibility with the microphone. For my voice-over work I record to a Zoom H6 digital audio recorder and take the memory card over to the computer. Yes, I could connect directly USB from the H6 to the computer, but using the memory card from the H6 to the computer is easier and faster. I would say, with the AT2020USB-XP in a recording scenario to leave the modifying controls off and and do the adjustments to the recorded file in the computer where you should have better tools to do the modifications you wish. As for live situations, you do what you must to get the sound you want. AT2020USB when in the flat mode sounds just as good as the AT2020. The AT2020 kind of reminds me in sound and quality to the Neumann TLM 102 at over $700. Just remember that with a condenser microphone it needs outboard power or a battery to operate. Most mic preamps and many mixing consoles provide, what is called phantom power for a condenser microphone. With a USB microphone the power comes through the USB connector. Good video. My suggestion is buy the AT2020 microphone (that's the wired version) and if needed use a microphone preamp that also as USB.
It's a nice comment. But you should make videos talking about the subjet. People will enjoy it more. It's all true about noise reduction. The spider, the popfilter, gain levels. Love the AT2020.
Thank you. The noise reduction seems alright. Level 1. There are some filter you can mess with OBS to reduce noise too. Love the Condender mics when they are proper set-up. I start with a blue yeti, use a samson for gaming (it's a dynamic mic). Love them both. the USB-XP sounds very promesing.
When "AT2020USB-XP Environmental Noise Reduction" is turned on, and then I open Audacity recording, it will automatically turn off my "AT2020USB-XP Environmental Noise Reduction" function, and the green light on the microphone will disappear. why is it like this?
@@BandH This is my first time recording with a microphone and I am not familiar with "DAW". Please provide free software that can turn on the "AT2020USB-XP Environmental Noise Reduction" function and record. Thank you.
The USB is TERRIBLE of rsinging!! As soon as I start to sing a bit loud, it makes that horrible sound when the mic sounds like its at its limit even when its not even in the red on OBS.
