The consistency of your singing is really helpful. For your voice, the AT2020 and the P120 really do stand out. You are "low on sibilance", so the sometimes over-bright AT2020 sounds perfectly detailed for you. The P120 is really smooth for the price but still bright. I recall a few studio engineers saying they have a closet full of mics so they can mate one with the voice. If I ran a shop, I would have a booth with ~15-20 mics so the talent could pick a mic mate out. I've been EQ-ing an LCT-140 for my voice and it beats all right now. I should revisit my AT2020 for an EQ run. It is trickier to EQ than a small-diaphragm, but it is almost a small diaphragm.... The AT2020 is 'made for you', anyway. A pricier 'smoothie' would lose your details.
@@maultie860 its good but not as good as these mics blue yeti would be better for casual recordings but these mics would be better for recording vocals
@@maultie860 I own the Blue yeti plus a couple of these microphones (770, 2020) and some other more expensive ones, the Blue yeti has an okay sound in my opinion, the problem I've found is it has a progressive delay when recording on some software (the longer the recording, the more likely to experience delay) which makes it unusable on that software. So I can't recommend it for "professional" use. Get an interface and a cheap microphone and while it probably won't sound better, it will save you some problems and you will be able to upgrade eventually if you feel like it.
I got the Audio-technica AT2020 last Christmas and it's a great little microphone. I haven't used it to its full potential as I can't sing 😂 but it's been great for my acoustic guitar and homemade sound effects
I was surprised how good all the microphones sounded. For me the AKG was the winner as it seems to have a flatter response and I think it would be more useful in a home studio.
Dope song seriously! "and in a pipe she flies to another land, sells love to another man" Weird how I feel the MXL 770 pulls an interesting tone from your voice
I bought the mxl 770 back in 2012 I believe for my minecraft videos and i’m still using it today, great for podcasts, guitar, vocals. I’ve used it for so many years I work to its strength. Its bullet proof and its dented all over and i’ve dropped it a few times and it still sounds like new.
@@onzkicg my voice was aways nasally before I fixed the deviated septum problem. The mic was switch of -10db that would reduce the brightness in my voice without sacrificing clarity. I wouldn’t record females with high voices. Men with medium to deep voices it sounds very crisp. For $100 its worth the price to have as a beginner mic or an extra mic for a podcast guest or something. Recording acoustic guitar almost perfectly its my secret.
Imo AT2020 has an upper mid character that makes it sound like a cheap mic, lacks smoothness. No serious professional engineer would reach for it because of its comparatively harsh top end. 2020 sounds good on his specific voice, but any speaker/singer that has more upper mids, it’s not a flattering microphone.
Honestly, the 2 winners for my taste are the AT 2020 and AKG P120 - I'm wondering what to have as a Christmas gift and I tend to be on the P120 side, given all the YT content I watched - might be not as bright, but brightness is not what I'm seeking for
For me it's clearly between AKG and AT. AKG better in the singing test but AT beats it in the talking test, but they are very close. How to choose if using for both! Probably can't go wrong with either as long as the noise floor is acceptable.
Don't think you need an XLR for VO just get a usb mic instead you don't need an audio interface but if you already have one than the AT mic is worth it!
Why does the mxl 770 sound so strange? On other tests, even yours from a year ago, it sounded really good. Somehow dirty now. Is it some old or damaged version?
I'm confused between se and at2020 I'm about to buy one I have offer in my country that I could got that se 80 dollars so should I take it and it would be great choice over than that akg too? And song name please
ESPECTACULAR, me alegra saber que hay personas como tu que nos ayuda a saber que micrófono nos sirve y cual escoger a la hora de comprar, mil gracias, me encanta el sonido del MXL 770, será mucho pedir que me lo regales?, Bendiciones..... Abrazo gigante....
@@sunn9631 yeah I have a video on my channel if you want to hear the quality. It’s called £100 vs £20 microphone, there are time stamps so you can skip to the at2020 usb sound test
@@EdwardSmithMusic Okk Thnk u❤ for ur compliment and Or 1 Question 👉At 2020 with (Audio Interface beringer Um2 phoria Can Make Best sound quality??????
AT2020 always sounds a bit brittle in the highs to me, and the lows are lacking (look at the frequency graph, it starts falling off around 150 Hz or so). I’d always pick an Earthworks or SE mic at a lower price point. SE and AKG won for me here, and i’d put the 2020 nearer the bottom. But that’s just my opinion. Have been an audio engineer for 3 decades but that doesn’t mean i’m right. Sound is totally subjective 😉
looking to switch from the blue yeti to at2020, any advice on that? do you think the upgrade will be worth it? im paying about $74 for the at2020. so overall would this be an upgrade?
Surprisingly Samson sounds good, that’s their cheapest entry level right? I’m curious with MXL770- it sounds warm though, is it really like that? Thanks 🙏
I am seriously considering getting the Audio-Technica AT2020, I know that it is a pretty old microphone but it seems to be the best out of all of them. It has the most clarity and sounds the most "realistic" but it seems to have a little bit of clipping? It struggles very slightly with sounds like s but I assume that can be fixed with a good pop filter. Anyone with an Audio-Technica AT2020 can you please let me know if this can be considered a really good microphone? I understand there are obviously better options but with a lot higher price points
@@tokec8471 For an extra $40+ in most cases, it's just not worth the extra. There isn't much of a noticable difference except for a very slightly clearer high end. They sound almost the exact same except for the AT2035 having a slightly higher sound pickup so you don't have to turn up the gain as much, but that is not worth the extra money in my opinion
I don't know anything about recording music I recorded a song with acid free music program and a cheap karaoke mic and it sounds awful so my question is what would be the best budget option for an absolute beginner like me ?
I’m looking for a microphone for my RUclips channel. What kind is best for me? I need help! I have tried a Blue USB microphone but did not like it. What are my other options? HELP! I have no budget!
@Vox Animalium I left a reply on another video of his detailing my conclusions! I think it was the mics for singing 2021 video. BTW you've got a problem there: there's no mic that's as apt for both singing AND field recordings... you would need to purchase one of those Sony/Tascam stereo portable mics with screens with high sample rates for the latter...
![Best $100 Vocal Microphones [Condenser Mic Shootout - AKG, MXL, SE Electronics]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/UJUtJy0e8io/mqdefault.jpg)
If you enjoyed this video, make sure you hit that Subscribe button! 🙏🏻
BEST BUDGET MICROPHONES UNDER $100 (Amazon Links):
🎙 AKG P120 ($79) - amzn.to/3vCC1Lq
🎙 SE Electronics X1-A ($99) - amzn.to/3cGxrTz
🎙 Samson C01 ($79) - amzn.to/3vDYSWL
🎙 MXL 770 ($79) - amzn.to/3vxJGum
🎙 Audio-Technica AT2020 ($99) - amzn.to/3vA6c5H
BEST BUDGET MICROPHONES UNDER $100 (Sweetwater Links):
🎙 AKG P120 ($79) - bit.ly/3vBiDOY
🎙 SE Electronics X1-A ($99) - bit.ly/3eMG3uJ
🎙 Samson C01 ($79) - bit.ly/3s3zOGM
🎙 Audio-Technica AT2020 ($99) - bit.ly/3cMSB2F
THANKS 😊
Hi bro samson microphone c 1 for raping is good I make rap music
I've been using the CO1 for a few years now and it's been fantastic for me. When I pair it with Voicemeeter I'll constantly get praise for my voice.
AKG P120 WINS HERE
WHY SHOUTING
The consistency of your singing is really helpful. For your voice, the AT2020 and the P120 really do stand out. You are "low on sibilance", so the sometimes over-bright AT2020 sounds perfectly detailed for you. The P120 is really smooth for the price but still bright. I recall a few studio engineers saying they have a closet full of mics so they can mate one with the voice. If I ran a shop, I would have a booth with ~15-20 mics so the talent could pick a mic mate out. I've been EQ-ing an LCT-140 for my voice and it beats all right now. I should revisit my AT2020 for an EQ run. It is trickier to EQ than a small-diaphragm, but it is almost a small diaphragm.... The AT2020 is 'made for you', anyway. A pricier 'smoothie' would lose your details.
I purchased the MXL 770 a few days ago, I think it does perform really well
I Like the sound of samson and audio technica especially for singing, sounds close to studio quality recording
For me 1. Se X1-A, 2. AT 2020 etc.. Lol now I hear the music, Se breaks all, gives a soul of singing, AT 2020 still second in list for it.
Is Blue yeti good?
@@maultie860 its good but not as good as these mics blue yeti would be better for casual recordings but these mics would be better for recording vocals
@@maultie860 I own the Blue yeti plus a couple of these microphones (770, 2020) and some other more expensive ones, the Blue yeti has an okay sound in my opinion, the problem I've found is it has a progressive delay when recording on some software (the longer the recording, the more likely to experience delay) which makes it unusable on that software. So I can't recommend it for "professional" use. Get an interface and a cheap microphone and while it probably won't sound better, it will save you some problems and you will be able to upgrade eventually if you feel like it.
Sx1a have not low freq.
X1a low-end frequency response is better than AT2020. Look at the charts. 2020 rolls off at around 150 Hz. X1a is much flatter (better bass).
I HONESTLY HAVE TO SAY THAT ALL YOUR VIDEOS HAVE BEEN EXTREMLY HELPFUL IN MY JOURNEY TO PURCHASE A BETTER MICROPHONE.KEEP DOING WHAT YOURE DOING BRO!
Thank you so much!! Will do 🫡
I got the Audio-technica AT2020 last Christmas and it's a great little microphone. I haven't used it to its full potential as I can't sing 😂 but it's been great for my acoustic guitar and homemade sound effects
@LΔMΔR NORTHBOURNEA good luck!
Thanks for sharing!
I've been wondering when you were gonna post a budget mic vid. Now I have a wider range of choices. Thanks a lot boet👍🏽
Anytime!!
The SE has something that I like, it sounds fuller, but I do love the AT, i love how flat it is, it opens a world of possibilities.
Unique laser clarity....if you are harsh, though, the AT2020 will tattle on you ;-)
is it only me or it's the Sex01 mic to everybody? :P
I was surprised how good all the microphones sounded. For me the AKG was the winner as it seems to have a flatter response and I think it would be more useful in a home studio.
That's worth saying.....most condenser mics now are really fine.
Damn dude that song was deep, great job the AKG and the SE are clear winners here!
Dope song seriously! "and in a pipe she flies to another land, sells love to another man"
Weird how I feel the MXL 770 pulls an interesting tone from your voice
I bought the mxl 770 back in 2012 I believe for my minecraft videos and i’m still using it today, great for podcasts, guitar, vocals. I’ve used it for so many years I work to its strength. Its bullet proof and its dented all over and i’ve dropped it a few times and it still sounds like new.
I’m interested with MXL even I got the AKG & AT2020. How was it? Is your voice bright/ airy?
@@onzkicg my voice was aways nasally before I fixed the deviated septum problem. The mic was switch of -10db that would reduce the brightness in my voice without sacrificing clarity. I wouldn’t record females with high voices. Men with medium to deep voices it sounds very crisp. For $100 its worth the price to have as a beginner mic or an extra mic for a podcast guest or something. Recording acoustic guitar almost perfectly its my secret.
@@NYSeaNile hi! i have this mic , but i dont actually know how to set up the side buttons . could you tell me how is your setup for vocal recording?
My top pick on this list are Se x1a, AKG p120 and the MXL 770, would have added the Samson if it were the C03.
For me clearly the MXL 770 is the absolute worst. It sounds muddy all the way and does not sound good in the mix either
I try to be as objective as possible so for me, in singing, the best is:
1. AT2020
2. Samson C02
I mean if you're a bad singer, it'll still suck 😂
Fair enough 🤣
Thanks for this video it was so clear and give me what I needed to decide on which mic I need for my small studio
Awesome!! Glad I could help!
The singing test was my fav part of the video, awesome!
Thank you so much!!
I have the AT2020 and it's very good mic! Thx for the vid
Awesome!! Thank you so much for watching!!
I have an at2020 and I love it. I was actually looking for a good cheap 2nd mic and this was helpful. Thanks!
The AT 2020 pretty much is the go to on a budget. Its been tested and true for a long time now. I also like the SE X1.
Imo AT2020 has an upper mid character that makes it sound like a cheap mic, lacks smoothness. No serious professional engineer would reach for it because of its comparatively harsh top end. 2020 sounds good on his specific voice, but any speaker/singer that has more upper mids, it’s not a flattering microphone.
@@sub-jec-tivwhat would you go for then
Dude! Beautiful voice and great video! 👏🏻 Keep up the great work!
Thank you so much!!
Great video and u are a great singer too.
Thank you so much!!
if you are bad at mixing vocals akg is great for you on the go
self noise prob
Honestly, the 2 winners for my taste are the AT 2020 and AKG P120 - I'm wondering what to have as a Christmas gift and I tend to be on the P120 side, given all the YT content I watched - might be not as bright, but brightness is not what I'm seeking for
se electronics is the most full one, the at2020 had the nicest high end
THX this is exactly 💯 what I'm looking for to create my little home studio 😁👍
FINALLLY 🖤❣️
For me it's clearly between AKG and AT. AKG better in the singing test but AT beats it in the talking test, but they are very close. How to choose if using for both! Probably can't go wrong with either as long as the noise floor is acceptable.
The AKG P120 is just made for me. 😉
It is a great mic for the price 🙌🏼
Which one is best for voice over
The AT2020 👌🏻
Don't think you need an XLR for VO just get a usb mic instead you don't need an audio interface but if you already have one than the AT mic is worth it!
I'm picking up a AT2020 used tomorrow for 60 Canadian. Great video. I also watched your video on Headphones but I already have a couple pairs :)
Awesome!!
Got it with a stand and screen for 70 bucks Canadian. What is that like 32 bucks American lol
beautiful voice, good vid
Thank you 🙏🏻
great video!!!
Thank you!!
Why does the mxl 770 sound so strange? On other tests, even yours from a year ago, it sounded really good. Somehow dirty now. Is it some old or damaged version?
True
The Samson is so nice
Thanks for the amazing review bro ❤️😊
Thank you so much for watching!! 🙏
How’d would you rate the MXL 990 mic
Samson actually sounded awesome
Thanks for all the videos, they are great!👍
Thank you for watching them!! Glad you like them!
This is so helpful! New subbie!
Awesome!! Thanks for the sub!!
These microphones are all so great and unique in their own ways. I would buy all of them
Really! Distinct, but all so good. It's like listening to different guitars or violins....tough decisions.
I'm confused between se and at2020 I'm about to buy one I have offer in my country that I could got that se 80 dollars so should I take it and it would be great choice over than that akg too? And song name please
Your videos are REALLY cool and informative ! Thanks Edward 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼⭐️⭐️⭐️🏅🏅🏅
Wow!! Thank you so much!!
Amazing vocal performance!!!
P120 is the best but for noisy enviorment which mic would you suggest mostly for podcast ,youtube
The AKG, sE, and AT2020 are insane for their prices.
Those 3 are my favorites for under $100 🙌🏼
ESPECTACULAR, me alegra saber que hay personas como tu que nos ayuda a saber que micrófono nos sirve y cual escoger a la hora de comprar, mil gracias, me encanta el sonido del MXL 770, será mucho pedir que me lo regales?, Bendiciones..... Abrazo gigante....
I use the at2020 and it is a quality microphone
Same its really good
could you please cashapp me to get mine? 😔
it is usb correct??
@@sunn9631 yeah I have a video on my channel if you want to hear the quality. It’s called £100 vs £20 microphone, there are time stamps so you can skip to the at2020 usb sound test
@edwardsmith Which is the best for vocal recording singing???
The AT2020 is the best out of these!
@@EdwardSmithMusic Okk Thnk u❤ for ur compliment and Or 1 Question 👉At 2020 with (Audio Interface beringer Um2 phoria Can Make Best sound quality??????
I've only used cheap soundcard but it's okay it gaves me happiness.
bro love your voice man
Thank you so much!! 🙏🏻
I've been using the audio technica for a while now and it's doing really well
Awesome microphone!!
Best for a podcast and singing?
The akg for my ears is the best!
Whats better for rap vocals between the samson and the Se x1a
AT2020 always sounds a bit brittle in the highs to me, and the lows are lacking (look at the frequency graph, it starts falling off around 150 Hz or so). I’d always pick an Earthworks or SE mic at a lower price point. SE and AKG won for me here, and i’d put the 2020 nearer the bottom. But that’s just my opinion. Have been an audio engineer for 3 decades but that doesn’t mean i’m right. Sound is totally subjective 😉
A new level budget microphone! Thanks Mr. Smith👐
Thanks for watching Elo!!
Hard to choose. They all sound great!
I agree!!
perfect video 👌👌👌🔥🔥🔥🔥
Thank you so much for watching!! 🙏🏻
Which one is the best for doing song covers partnered with the scarlett solo, Edward?
Beautiful voice n very awesome review 👏
Thank you so much 🙏🏻
I’m thinking the Audio Technica is best for me. What arm boom do you have?
Innogear Boom Arm - amzn.to/2EEz2w9
No one gonna talk about how amazing his singing is?
Thank you do much!!
Yo, the singing though! I don't even like pop music, but wow!
Thanks so much!!
the lyrics at the end are great
looking to switch from the blue yeti to at2020, any advice on that? do you think the upgrade will be worth it? im paying about $74 for the at2020. so overall would this be an upgrade?
I go with AT2020 very wide sound prominent using since 4 yrs
Wow I loved your voice, is that your song ?...I would need to have a link though
Continue your journey bro, he'll be your strength
Thank you, I will!!
Which is the best for rapping?
I would go AT2020 👌🏻
@@EdwardSmithMusic Thanks but I think I’m going to get the akg p120 but do u think it still works welll?
Yeah!! The AKG is a great option 👌🏻
Please let me know
Rank it please
Which is the best for singing
Akg p120 vs at2020 vs se x1a???
Hey look! That's a new awesome cover from Edward Smith!
Thank you so much for watching!!
Hi Edward on the comparison did you have the pop filter set up on all the mics? If so some dealt with plosives much better than others. Cheers
I did use a pop filter with all of them, yes.
Surprisingly Samson sounds good, that’s their cheapest entry level right? I’m curious with MXL770- it sounds warm though, is it really like that? Thanks 🙏
Got the MXL 770 combined with a Scarlett solo 3rd gen, it's working like a charm.
Yeah I'm so impress with mxl770. I like to process my vocals a lot and from what I've experience the warmer the mic the heavy process it can handle.
@@dominomolo do you have examples of anything you recorded with the 770
I am seriously considering getting the Audio-Technica AT2020, I know that it is a pretty old microphone but it seems to be the best out of all of them. It has the most clarity and sounds the most "realistic" but it seems to have a little bit of clipping? It struggles very slightly with sounds like s but I assume that can be fixed with a good pop filter. Anyone with an Audio-Technica AT2020 can you please let me know if this can be considered a really good microphone? I understand there are obviously better options but with a lot higher price points
Buy a at2035 instead, much better for a few bucks extra
@@tokec8471 For an extra $40+ in most cases, it's just not worth the extra. There isn't much of a noticable difference except for a very slightly clearer high end. They sound almost the exact same except for the AT2035 having a slightly higher sound pickup so you don't have to turn up the gain as much, but that is not worth the extra money in my opinion
For Voice Over ,which one is better Akg P120 or AT 2020 ?
I would go with the AT2020 to be honest.
MXL 770 sounded the best to me
Same
Unpopular opinion, but I agree. That one and the AKG.
Heyy which one is best for pop rock indie vocals?
I would go with the Audio Technica AT2020. Link in description 👌🏻
AKG P120 stands out the best I think! Idk..
Thanks for the review 👍
I think it might be my favorite mic under $100!!
@@EdwardSmithMusic still looking forward to purchase such equipments as a beginner in Music Production
Akg sounded full and warm, wins my choice
what u think of the MOZOS MKIT-900PRO ? can u answer asap please
Which one is the best for rapping
I would go with the X1-A - amzn.to/3c0wXbX
@@EdwardSmithMusic do you think the mxl 770 is good for rapping?
@@Jay-ey6xu Yeah, I think the 770 would be fine for rapping
I don't know anything about recording music I recorded a song with acid free music program and a cheap karaoke mic and it sounds awful so my question is what would be the best budget option for an absolute beginner like me ?
I’m looking for a microphone for my RUclips channel. What kind is best for me? I need help! I have tried a Blue USB microphone but did not like it. What are my other options? HELP! I have no budget!
I have a video dropping on Monday that should help you with some good options 💪🏻
Great voice!
Thank you so much!!
Good video, i guess you used the same cable and gain for each mic? noticeable differences without bias.
Yes… same gear used for all of them
Really conflicted between the AT and the AKG... it's going to take me a while to decide...
@Vox Animalium I left a reply on another video of his detailing my conclusions! I think it was the mics for singing 2021 video.
BTW you've got a problem there: there's no mic that's as apt for both singing AND field recordings... you would need to purchase one of those Sony/Tascam stereo portable mics with screens with high sample rates for the latter...
Thank you for a Great Vlogs as Always Edward Audio Technica At2020 and Se Electronics Microphone sound very Good
Thanks for watching!
@@EdwardSmithMusic I am Going to Buy the Audio Technica I just call Guitar Center I Always Watch i just don't comment all the time
which is the best for singing?
Which one good for vocal studio?
The Audio Technica AT2020 is the best!!
That Se electronics was crazy
It does sound good!!
☮︎Voice is very touching ☜︎
Thank you so much!!!
akg, se, samson, at2020, then the mxl for me
is the samson c01 loud? (self noise-wise)
My favorites were the SE and the Audio Technica.
And i didn't like the sound of the CO1
I liked your video from 4:52 to 6:07 ;)
Thanks!!
Really an informative & helpful video..thank you Smith dear..stay blessed🌹💚🌹
I am subscribing this very informative & best channel 💚💚
Thanks for subbing!
You are welcome