Video demo and comparison between AT2020 vs. AT4033a, a couple of large diaphragm condenser mics by Audio Technica. Vocals courtesy of Ruth Danon.
Gear-heads and audio enthusiasts, I’ve got another mic demo for you. Third in this series of videos, this one checks out a couple of large diaphragm condenser mics by Audio Technica: AT2020 vs. AT4033a (an earlier edition of the newer AT4033/CL).
Although they belong on two different price ranges, I was almost equally pleased by their output. A new AT2020 retails at less than half of a AT4033CL and around a $100 cheaper than a used AT4033a.
Technical Specs. for the Audio Nerds
| AT2020 | AT4033A/CL | |
|---|---|---|
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 20-20,000 Hz | 30-20,000 Hz |
| Open Circuit Sensitivity | –37 dB (14.1 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa | -32 dB (25.1 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa |
| Impedance | 100 ohms | 100 ohms |
| Maximun Input Sound Level | 144 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D. | 145 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.; 155 dB SPL with 10 dB pad (nominal) |
| Noise | 20 dB SPL | 17 dB SPL |
| Dynamic Range (Typical) | 124 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL | 128 dB, 1 KHz at Max SPL |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 74 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa | 77 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa |
| Phantom Power Requirements | 48V DC, 2 mA typical | 48V DC, 3.2 mA typical |
| Switches | N/A | Flat, roll-off; 10 dB pad (nominal) |
| Low Frequency Roll-off | N/A | 80 Hz, 12 dB/octave |
| Weight | 12.1 oz (345 g) | 13.4 oz (380 g) |
| Dimensions | 6.38″ (162.0 mm) long, | 6.69″ (170.0 mm) long, |
| Output Connector | Integral 3-pin XLRM-type | Integral 3-pin XLRM-type |
Overall Impression
The AT2020 gives a great bang for the buck. It avoids a very common drawback of condenser mics in its price range – that infamous high frequency glassiness you get with on-axis recordings. I was surprised by how little de-essing was required. Its self-noise was a bit more evident in comparison to the AT4033a, but nothing I’d worry about, even in an acapella setting.
The AT4033a provided an even more pleasing result around the highs with a slight emphasis on the low-mids. Combined with being the quieter mic, that’s definitely something I’d prefer to work with. Having said that, if you’re running a home studio on a budget, the AT2020 isn’t far behind and would be a great way to start your mic collection.
Which microphone sounds best to you? Share your thoughts below!
Vocals courtesy of Ruth Danon
Visit her channel: http://www.youtube.com/ruthdanon
Song: “Down by the Salley Gardens” (W.B. Yeats)
Thanks Oren, great stuff. May I ask what stand-filter combo you’re using there? I’m using the stock stand and it’s not ideal.
Hi Rohan, glad you liked it! I also use some generic stand and it works fine.. as for the shock mount, I used the one that comes with the AT4033a for both of them, if I recall correctly.
hi oren, can i ask what is a good mic for acapella group? 5-6 people singing along…
Thnks
Hi Harisasta, there are many types of microphones that could capture this kind of performance. It also depends on how you’d be positioned together and in what kind of acoustic space. I’d suggest either a stereo pair of condensers or a ribbon mic. However, maybe there’s already something in your arsenal that could do the job. What have you got?
seems not have, because I am very amateur for this job .
No worries.. check out AKG’s C1000s – they call it the “Swiss Army Knife of Microphones” and I’ve come agree with that. It’s great both as an instrument & vocal mic, as well as commonly used for choirs. Just wrote a post about it yesterday including a video demo: https://www.orengilad.com/akg-c1000s-vocal-microphone-demo/
Hi Oren, I was wondering what kind of mixer and what EQ settings you used for this test?
Hi Jeremy, no mixer.. just plugged it into my M-Audio FireWire 410 and did some VERY basic EQing.. probably just some hi-pass and slight colorization of a channel-strip simulator of some sort.
Wow I could hardly tell the difference! Means AT2020 is really good!