Before we begin, let me tell you that Audio-Technica AT2020 is available in two variants, the standard variant has an integral 3-pin XLRM output connector while the plus variant has a USB output connector. Because we are going to compare the product against Blue Yeti, an extremely popular professional-quality USB microphone, we are going to refer to the plus variant in this article. So far, Audio-Technica AT2020 is priced very similarly like Blue Yeti. You are wondering about the differences between these two products, aren’t you? Read on to find out! (see also: Razer Seiren Elite Vs Blue Yeti)
Blue Yeti
Blue Yeti is a USB plug-and-play microphone with a built-in tri-capsule array. It has multiple polar pattern selections: cardioid, stereo, bidirectional, and omnidirectional, making it extremely versatile and flexible for various purposes. Blue Yeti is a great choice if you often handle different tasks like recording vocals and musical instruments, podcasting, field recordings, voiceovers, interviews, and conference calls. With a frequency response range of 20 Hz – 20 kHz, Blue Yeti is able to capture lows, mids, and highs very well. Blue Yeti records in the 16-bit/48-kHz quality, a standard in the audio industry. Users notably love that Blue Yeti comes with decent controls, having an on-board audio output for direct monitoring, input gain and headphone volume control knobs, and a mute button for precise start and stop of your recording.
Audio-Technica AT2020
Audio-Technica AT2020 is a cardioid condenser microphone featuring a high-quality A/D converter. It typically records with 16-bit, 44.1 or 48 kHz sampling rate. As a condenser microphone, Audio-Technica AT2020 boasts an exceptional audio reproduction even though the frequency response range seems to be inferior, 20 Hz – 16 kHz. Nonetheless, It is especially very powerful for vocals and musical instruments, as it is able to pronounce the characters of the sounds very well. It also has an audio output jack with a dedicated volume control for direct monitoring. However, Audio-Technica AT2020 may not be as versatile as Blue Yeti because it only has a single polar pattern, which is cardioid. It picks up sounds the best only from the front, and attenuates sounds coming off-axis.
Audio-Technica AT2020 Vs Blue Yeti
| Audio-Technica AT2020 | Blue Yeti | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Audio-Technica | Blue Microphones |
| Key features | - The price/performance standard in side-address studio condenser microphone technology - Ideal for project/home-studio applications - High SPL handling and wide dynamic range provide unmatched versatility - Custom-engineered low-mass diaphragm provides extended frequency response and superior transient response - Cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of desired sound source | - Tri-capsule array - 3 condenser capsules can record almost any situation - Multiple pattern selection - cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional & stereo - Gain control, mute button, zero-latency headphone output. Requires a minimum of 64 MB of RAM - Perfect for vocals, musical instruments, podcasting, voiceovers, interviews, field recordings, conference calls - Plug 'n play - Mac OS X (10.4.11 or higher) and PC (Windows 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP). Bit Rate: 16bit |
| Price | ||
| Customer Ratings* | 4.3 out of 5 stars | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
| Best Deal* | Save Money Please click here | Save 13% Please click here |
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Decision
Honestly, you can’t really go wrong with either of these microphones. They are both great products. If you prioritize versatility and flexibility, Blue Yeti is all the way to go, as the multiple polar patterns bring an unmatched edge. Else, if you only use the mic for recording music, Audio-Technica AT2020 can deliver the extra boost in quality.