There has been a steady rise in the number of streamers, Youtubers and home studio set ups in recent years, as such microphones are invaluable when it comes to recording any form of media, whether be it a podcast, a livestream or music. A good microphone is an integral part of any streamer, Youtuber or podcaster’s inventory and can make or break the quality of the content. Read this article on Audio Technica AT2020 vs. Blue Yeti to find a comparison between the specs, quality and utility of the Audio Technica AT2020 and Blue Yeti.
There are many options on the market but there are two mics which provide great quality sound for a good price. They are the Audio Technica AT2020 and the Blue Yeti, both mics are in the similar price points and are both condenser type microphones, we will learn where they differ in design and what could make one of them a purchase for you.
Audio Technica AT2020 vs. Blue Yeti: Audio Technica Overview
Features:
- Wide Dynamic Range
- Custom made low-mass diaphragm for good frequency response and fantastic transient response.
- Good price point
The AT2020 comes from Audio-Technica, a notable Japanese company established in 1962. They are known for producing quality headphones and microphones made for professional and home use. The AT2020 is a professionally built microphone for home use. It has wonderful build quality and provides a clear, crisp sound.
The AT2020 is a mic with a cardioid polar pattern, which means that it will pick up sound directly in front of the mic, and not only that, it has quite a high SPL, so it is quite versatile when it comes to recording.
However, the AT2020 is a condenser microphone, so when you’re using it you’re going to need a phantom power source of 48V. The AT2020 has a 3-pin XLRM-type connector, which is common for microphones of this type.
The AT2020 is all black and of full metal construction. It has, for convenience marked upon it which side is the back, so it can be set up correctly for use. When bought, the mic comes with a stand mount for 5/8”-27 threaded stands with 5/8”-27 to 3/8”-16 adapter and a soft pouch for safe storage during transport.
Audio Technica AT2020 vs. Blue Yeti: Blue Yeti Overview
Features:
- Tri capsule array allows for broadcast quality sound production.
- 4 pickup patterns for multiple uses.
- USB connectors allow for plug and play right out of the box.
The Blue Yeti is simple yet versatile microphone that’s made with creators in mind. As a USB mic, it doesn’t require any extra connections or software to get it up and running. The yeti is able to support up to four polar patterns for appropriate sound pickup in different situations.
Along with the standard cardioid recording mode, it comes with omnidirectional, bidirectional and stereo mode. With several different modes featured into one mic, the Yeti can be used for a wide variety of tasks.
It features a solid metal construction and has several knobs on it. Mainly, the mic can have a set of headphones attached to monitor the mics output and has a volume knob on the front to manage that sound and on the back it has a gain knob and a cardioid mode selector knob. It also features a mute button that is placed above the volume knob.
When you buy the Blue Yeti, you get the microphone itself, a nice metal desk stand and a long USB to USB-a cable. The Yeti can also be screwed into a standard mic stand and has the threads below it.
Pros and Cons:
Audio-Technica AT2020
Pros:
- Cheap and Budget Friendly
- Well Engineered with built to last quality.
- Vocals and instruments sound good.
- Stylish and classy design
Cons:
- Does not come with stand.
- Requires conversion box to use with computers.
Blue Yeti
Pros:
- Comes with stand and long USB cable.
- Ideal for home studio setup.
- Four pickup patterns add versatility.
Cons:
- Tends to pick up hissing sounds.
- Sone of the controls is quite fragile.
Audio Technica AT2020 vs. Blue Yeti: A Comparative Look
Whilst both mics are condenser type, there are several factors which set either apart from one another. The first is the difference in the connectors and that can make things quite difficult.
The connector used on the AT2020 is a 3-pin XLR type, which is standard for most audio recording devices, however, this serves as a drawback for its intended use as in order to use it properly one must also buy additional equipment, mainly a phantom power supply box, or a conversion box. The Blue Yeti however, doesn’t and comes with a USB connector, allowing for a quick set up and immediate use.
Another factor that sets the AT2020 apart from the Blue Yeti is that it doesn’t come with too many accessories. Excluding the microphone, the AT2020 doesn’t come with any XLR connector wires, a stand or anything else. The Blue Yeti is prepackaged with all the necessary items to use it right out of the box.
Where the AT2020 stands above the Blue Yeti is audio quality and looks, though it features only one recording mode, but has a much higher bitrate and sample rate. The Blue Yeti has a 16bit bitrate and a 44.1kHz to 48kHz sample rate, which is below the AT2020 as those can be set by the interface its being used with. In terms of looks, the AT2020 stands above the Blue Yeti because of its sleek look, making it look professional and clean, whereas the Yeti looks bulbous, especially with that large bottom housing.
In defense of the Blue Yeti, it is far more versatile than the AT2020 as it features 4 different recording modes, a headphone jack for monitoring mic audio in real time and is also much, much easier to operate than the AT2020.
Audio Technica AT2020 vs. Blue Yeti: What Do They Mean as an Upgrade?
So, you’re thinking of getting a new mic because your old one’s coming to the end of its life cycle and you’re on a bit of budget? Which one do you get? The Yeti or the AT2020?
Firstly, the sound quality on the Yeti is rather ordinary, it isn’t bad by any means but that’s all that it’s got going for it, that it doesn’t sound too bad. The stand it comes with is nice and so are the extra modes which are quite useful if you plan to record more than one voice or different sounds.
The main, standout features of the Blue Yeti is that it doesn’t require any extra equipment. As an upgrade from a similar device, it provides something of a diminishing return but in terms of the price point and accessories you’re getting, it’s well worth it.
The AT2020 is a little different in regards to the Blue Yeti. It doesn’t have the same features or accessory list as the Yeti but it performs better. The main let down of the AT2020 is the need for an audio deck and XLR cables but other than that, there isn’t really much needed.
The sound quality on the AT2020 is studio quality and perfect if you’re recording a song or musical instruments, or a voice over. It picks up sounds perfectly and crisply, with almost no extra noises.
Speaking in terms of an upgrade the Audio-Technica AT2020 is quite worth it, but it’s only if you have a bit of budget to play with.
Final Verdict
Audio-Technia AT2020: Like most of Audio-Techinca’s devices, the AT2020 is a wonderful microphone if you want to record videos or music in a home studio, as it can perform just as well as other, costlier mics in its class. Between the two mics it’s also the least pricy, making it perfect for anyone on a budget. However, its low price comes with a few pitfalls. You aren’t provided the cables needed to connect the mic to an audio box and even if you do have the cables or audio box, you need to have a stand to mount it on to use it correctly.
Blue Yeti: The Yeti is made by a company that got its start by making mics geared towards content creators and whilst lacking a little in the sound department when compared to the AT2020, it doesn’t lack in any features.
Having 4 different pickup modes, it’s able to work well in all sorts of environments and this is without mentioning that it’s a USB mic as well. Though a bit more expensive than the AT2020, the Yeti doesn’t lack in any accessories. Able to be used right out of the box and coming with a stand, it proves to be more budget friendly in the long run.
Conclusion
Both these mics are great in their own regards. Both mics are very close with each other in terms of overall quality and versatility, but the Yeti ends up coming on top by just a bit. Can sound quality be sacrificed for accessories? That’s for you to decide.
\You can also read: Best Headphones with Microphone for PC
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