When I was starting recording, I remember a guy at guitar center telling me that for equipment, an sm57 is all I would really ever need to make good recordings. At the time I thought "wtf does he know" and bought a $300 condenser mic... 20 years later, I have used lots of different mics and.... I'll be dammed... sm57 and sm58 are still my favorite go to mics for anything you might need and that condenser mic mostly just sits in my closet. They just reliably sound good.
@@dreaminginnoother but I thought condenser mics are generally more for home studios while dynamics are usually more for performing on like stages and stuff?
@@HGCVHY That's the impression I had too, but it's not necessarily true. It really depends on what you are trying to do and what kind of sound you prefer. I kind of prefer the warmer or edgier tone of sm8/58. I don't care for a lot of "air" or "breath" in my sound. Also, I really like that I can actually record vocals to speakers and it does not pick up much of the sound. I always have a hard time hearing pitch with headphones and there's much less need for sound proofing. But if you just prefer the sound of a different mic though, by all means, use that.
@@HGCVHY If you've treated your room for audio recording, the condenser might be the right choice for you. If you haven't, a dynamic mic such as the SM58 will get you the best sound. It will also work everywhere else; on stage, in field recordings, recording guitar cabinets...
In definitely prefer the clarity of the at2020, it's not a condenser for nothing. It's obvious that these are built for very different purposes. Whilst the sound isn't what I'd prefer, the sm58 might actually be a better choice just because it's not so dependent on a good setup (room acoustics etc.).
I have a similar story. 15 years ago, my dad gave me an old unidyne iii sm57 that he used when he was a gigging drummer, told me it was one of the best, a real workhorse. I assumed for many years that it was probably easily outclassed by any $20 behringer or pyle. But I know better now, and I'm glad I held on to it.
Great info. I own both and agree 100% with your recommendations. The SM58 is great for vocals. In fact, I like it better for vocals than my much more expensive Avantone CV12!. And you are right about the AT2020 for acoustic guitar. It does an amazing job picking up the beautiful tone of any acoustic instrument. You just earned another subscriber!
@DJ AVO (aka "DedEvsey") tbh I have a theory that youtube itself does noise reduction in the videos, because my noisefloor is always MUCH HIGHER than on youtube reviews even if I use the same gear. (Or maybe it's something in my end)
I have years and decades of playing experience but zilch in terms of doing my own recording . I have been on to trillions of instructive channels . I have found yours to be the best for me . You have the ability to get through to an old fart like me in precisely the way I can get it . Excellent . Great job . Carry on young man .
Thanks for the extensive comparison. You saved me with the AT2020 - I was speaking into the wrong side for the first month of owning it. Listening to these samples, I actually prefer listening to you through the SM58, but I think it's a very individual preference. If I take nothing else from this video, though, it's that they're both very solid choices for the budget.
Most importantly, the AT2020 being a condenser microphone is a lot more sensitive, and so you don't have to run the gain on your mixing console anywhere near as high. At the level you are running the SM58, you are going to start picking up "amp noise" from the mixing console itself. The SM58 is meant for "close to the mouth" or "close to the cabinet" situations, and is not (IMHO) at it's best when you stay a bit away from it. The At2020 is much more built to be used from much more like a foot or more away, and actually gives a much less pleasant sound if you get up too close on it. If you are recording music, particularly drums, electric guitar, "rock" vocals, etc... the old tool kit would have 58s, 57s, and SM 421s, that trio can do all of it. They are all microphones that work best when you are using their proximity effect, and when you are driving it with a fairly strong input level. If you are recording a bunch of talking heads for a podcast, radio, book naration... get the best condenser microphones you can afford and enjoy the richness of sound without need for proximity effect.
Pro tip! Remove the grill from SM58 and you get a SM57 - no really, sound is identical, only now the stripped-off SM58 is now more vulnerable to damage.
I own both. The AT2020 is clear and flat, best for post recording work. The increased clarity means it will pick up every random squeak in your house. The SM58 has an EQ curve baked in making it sound more balanced from the get go. It trades clarity for way less background noise.
I have a Shure Beta 58a and an Audio technic AT-4033 ( both are incredible ). I can highly recommend either one. Enjoyed your comparison. oNe LovE from NYC
Hi, I want to record my written poetry professionally. Suggest me a good audio interface and microphone. But my room is not sound proof. The sound from outside comes inside our room. If I use Audio Technica 2035 mic and Shuru SM 58, then what will be the difference between the two? And which audio interface would be better for ShureSM 58. In which there is no noise and the quality is also good at the time of recording.
As someone who has used lots of mics over the past 20 years, sm58 is still my go to. It's just perfect for most jobs. I sometimes wonder how other microphone companies stay in business.
I just ordered an AT2020. I already have an sm58. I was looking for something to do vocals with better high end. I got the AT2020 for $105 Australian dollars.
I loved this video! The best one I found so far, I was reading a lot about mics for weeks and watched a lot of videos, this one was the best, you gained my like, subscription and total appreciation
Am I nuts for thinking the AT2020 just sounds...bad in every context? For my own personal project I was wondering if my room/voice was the issue, but this video just confirms every problem I was having with it and I'm regretting not getting a SM58.
Thanks so much from band TenderBeat. I do also acustic guitars except the vocals to our music on Spotify and RU-vid, so its gonna be AT 2020. Only for studio, not live. Best regards from Sweden. Our music on Spotify is an Focusrite Scarlett microphone which we get with the interface. Big thank you!
Not listening on anything but phone, but the Shure has a much richer sound, AT seems tinny. I have to imagine the AT is awesome on cymbals and high hat
The sm58 marketed as a studio mic when it was first released but obviously it got used for live performances and then got that reputation .. I have a Aston origin and I love it but I'm gonna invest in a sm58
Very useful review... Agree 100% with everything said, very useful for someone who has never heard the two mics, have both, and all the info and sound demos are 100% accurate
Thank you very much, i am on my way to upgrade my studio microphones so since i 'm wondering witch one is the best for my needs, so thanks for your test and it's so helpfully.
Excellent vid sir! I like both microphones. But I definitely prefer the SM58, especially for a live performance because it does an amazing job keeping out background sounds / feedback. And, it sounds absolutely acceptable for podcasting :)
We have a TON of setup videos with all types of equipment. Especially with how to setup and connect the AT2020 to various devices. Anything you're looking for specifically?
I own an Audio Technica AT2020 USB. The Shure sounds better on you than AT2020. I have a very low voice. My voice sounds perfect on the AT2020 with ever so slight EQ. I have to cut down the low end a little bit to avoid booming. I like the sensitivity and flat response.
I HATE that AT2020 has more brightness compared to SM58. I'm scratching my head because of this. I have a bedroom with relatively not much background noise when the door is closed because I've had to do some sealing up because of loud sounds from outside. I do get echo, but my phone's mic records my voice extremely well, whereas the AKG P120 sounded extremely bright and tinny. I don't know which of these mics to buy.
Hi, very good video ...please continue posting.. I am a violinist, which Microphone would be better suited for recording Violin & Cello playing at home ?
Hey guys how is everyone? Thanks for the great comparison. I have a question. Firstly, let me say that my use for this is purely for working at home, where I would use it on a Rode PSA 1+ Boom and with my open back headphones. I would also use it when I game. My work area is by no means a studio so there will be some ambient noise. Both microphones sound good. Which would you recommend?
Amazing Sir please reply with shure sm58 ,is it necessary to buy interface for recording? And shure shure sm58 will be the best option to buy for no. Treated room thank you
Hi Jordan starting out…Shure SM 58 I like…can I use just a speaker to connect ? If so what decent speaker do you recommend for this mic ? Looking to sing at home have fun
Sir I am full beginner. I want to record my written poetry professionally. Suggest me audio interface and dynamic mic. Which gives me professional level quality. Because my room is not sound proof. My total budget is 300 dollars. Tell me such a setup that I will not regret buying.
Hello sir. Your video is very good and very complete. Just a single question, to record instruments like piano or saxophone, which one is better? Also, as a beginner in recording, would you record a piece of music all at once, or by recording each part and editing it.. I'm talking about a singing group and a music group (drums, piano, saxophone) Thank you for all your advices! 🙏
I would start with the AT2020 if you're wanting a mix of vocal/instruments. If I was you, I would record the music all at once to lay down a scratch track - Then re-record a higher quality version of everything to replace the original track.
@@kettnercreative Thank you very much for your answer!!! I'm sorry to bother you but I have so many questions that nobody can answer. Okay, I start with the AT2020, because it's better for singing/instruments, and if I do only polyphonic singing? Should I also get the sm58? -Also, I'm thinking of buying all the equipment you recommend, but which ones do I think are essential with these mics? -I'm also thinking of buying the 24 c presonus sound card, what do you think? Do I need specific cables to connect the microphone with the sound card and the computer? Should I also buy some kind of protective cover to put around the microphone, because I don't have any soundproof rooms. So the idea would be to record everything one by one, might as well have a better quality from the beginning, right? Finally, what software would you advise me to use for this, and are there any little tricks I need to know for this, to make the voice or the instruments sound nicer? Sincerely, sir, I am sorry to bother you like this with all my questions, which for you must seem quite ridiculous. The answers you could give me are worth a lot to me. Thank you so much, really 🙏 I will use your affiliate links, be sure!🙏🙏🙏
Shure sm58 vs Sennheiser e835 vs se electronics v7 which one to go? Purpose singing, voice overs for RU-vid videos (like podcast) In a non treated room
Most high end voiceovers are done with condenser microphones to get more clarity and accuracy. Most podcasts use dynamic mics because they're warmer and a bit more forgiving. You will definitely need sound proofing and sound treatment if you go with a condenser though.
Hi, I have a lexicon alpha audio interface. I don't know whether to buy a shure sm58 or sm57 and use it with the audio interface or buy the At2020 USB. Any recommendation? It is only for recording voices. My interface has no phantom power.
Y'all boys in the comment section really hyping Me up rn 😭🤣 I'm thinking of buying sm57... Can anyone please assure me it'll be worth it once again? Cause money is tight rn man ngl jli just want a good mic to record some rock vocals
Thanks for comparison. I connect audio technica AT2020 to Fishman loud mini but there is no sound. I think the power is missing. Can you plz tell me how to make it work? Thanks.
Jordan! You are comparing apples to, tampons here! Oh my God dude! You are digging deep. The A-T 2020 is a true piece of crap! With diaphragms made from the best gold colored mylar foil. That wasn't used for Christmas gift wrapping. It's expensive look is a mockup. Of a German microphone. That costs as much as a new car. Or did in 1978. My Toyota Corolla was only, $3200 in 1978. Less than one of my Neumann, U-87's. And 2 of my, Toyotas.. For just one of my vintage tube, U-67's. Or almost 3 Toyotas. So that which glimmers is not always, gold. It's colored mylar foil. It's a thin crispy sounding diaphragm. Too damn thin. It sounds like metal chunks with ground glass. It sounds like, the Wizard of Oz, tin man. Taking a poop.. It sounds like opening a can of cat food. And smells like it, also. What could be the purpose of trying to compare a great microphon? To an overseas piece of crap? You are digging low. Very, low. As there is no comparison. Here's a comparison. Drop one,, SM-58. Onto a cement floor. From 10 feet up.. And keep using it, for the next 40 years. Doing that every night. Then take the A-T 2020. And do that once. Then deposit it. Into a proper recycling bin of trash. As it will only be good for one drop. What to do when you need an,, emergency hammer? Any SM-58, will do. And then you cut the lead vocal.. But not until you've used it as a hammer. In an emergency. To cause important blunt force trauma. Upon the person who has purchased the, A-T-2020. As they would need their head examined. And nothing would be found within. For people who like mindlessly spending their money? The A-T-2020 is perfect! And I would highly recommend to them. To purchase at least one dozen. As every time you drop one. It will break. And you'll need to have an emergency, other. Quite frankly. After 50+ years in the recording industry. And the broadcast industry. I really hate those AT, microphones. When I've been forced, to use them. On a contract gig. I would rather drink a cyanide martini. As they caused me nothing but, disappointment and trouble. I don't find anything good about their entire microphone line of garbage. And nobody's paying me to say that! My hatred comes from real-world experience. I wouldn't piss on one if it was on fire from Phantom Power. And I'm sure there were those that have. Not caught on fire but, pissed on. Anyhow. When you want to get the proper sound of a urine stream. On the Internet. Which is all they are really good for. I understand they also work well is underwater microphones. Put them underwater where they belong. And you will always have a cool looking underwater microphone that doesn't work. Where the SM-58, will work. Underwater. But don't try that at home, kids! Unless you are also planning to drown your, little kid brother? Who won't stop trying to breathe. Until you use the microphone on his head. Plug the microphone into him. If you mistakenly purchased the AT--2020? Now you know where to put it! In your little brothers head, underwater. And he'll never forget you for it. Neither will your parrents. Neither wiill the court of law. But hey. It's only your little brother. So why worry? I'm sorry. I recently retired. I don't need microphones anymore. Especially those. RemyRAD
I have both of these mics. Th at2020 is superior in every way when it comes to actual sound. Sm58 is better when it comes to plosives, noise and other weird things. The at2020 is in fact so much better at sounding good the difference is crazy and can be noticed right away. Id rather sound better and have some background noise then sound muffled as shit. The sm58 is very muffled and weak sounding.