Thanks for watching! Yes you’re right that it will muffle the sound. Typically though, manufacturers build the mic with that in mind. So the mic might be too bright without the pop filter. I remember Lauten Audio was very quick to stress that the (external) pop filter on their LS-208 was an integral part of the sound, and it would be brighter than intended without it. But hey, if you like the AT2020, then great! 😀
This has been a really difficult choice for me! Your review really helped me at least put the at2020 out of my mind. I've only been using a borrowed sm58 till now, so buying my first mic on a very limited budget while trying to get the most out of it... it's a pickle! I love the X1s with the gold 1" diaphragm, and it sounds just that little bit better overall, but I don't want to have to use a pop filter because I will also be doing some video work with it. I've sifted through the em-91c, p120, at2020, and I feel like I have some peace now.
I have used the se mic and take it from me you will not regret your decision to buy it!, my music recorded on Se mic and Akg p120 mic constantly goes on air on radio and tv in my country so yeah you can make both of them sound pro!!!!
Probably the biggest difference is that the X1S is a large diaphragm condenser, whereas the X1A is a medium diaphragm. 25mm vs 16mm or something like that. I have never heard an X1S in person, so I don't know how they compare sound wise. Thanks for your comment!
While I haven't used the original X1, I can say the biggest difference is the capsule: the X1 is considered a large diameter diaphragm with a 34mm overall capsule (probably 25mm diaphragm), and the X1A has a medium diameter with a 17mm diaphragm. The X1 I think sold for around $200, which is twice the cost of the X1A. They have different configurations on their highpass filters and pads. Both have self-noise of around 16 dbA, but the X1A can handle much louder sounds. You could find out more by visiting recordinghacks.com, which has more info and specs. P.S. I love the X1A. :)
@@udaaga Yes! Because it has a built-in pop filter, you can get closer to it than other condenser mics and not have as many plosive problems. Getting closer to a mic will help reduce the effect of background noises and room reflections because the main sound of your voice will be relatively louder. You'll still want to sing in the best environment you can create, but it's a good-sounding and high-performing mic for the price. And if you DO buy it and disagree, please let me know!
I record directly to camera when I'm using a wireless mic or on-camera shotgun mic. But XLR mics need a preamp and then it's a little tricky to get that audio into the camera's input. It's very easy with most video editing platforms to sync "good" audio with the scratch audio recorded with the camera's mic. This is even more important when - like in this video - there are two mics involved.
@@MatthewHaines thank you for your answer. I have a saramonic smartrig +, 2 xlr port, 2 levels. I am surprised nobody use this kind of solution. No sync in post but maybe it's outdated.
Perhaps! But then the X1A wins on price. I haven't had an AT2035 to test, so I can't comment on how it would compare to the X1A. Thanks for your comment!
The review seems a little harsh towards Audio Technica: 1) already at sight you can see that the AT2020 has an open metal grille and therefore it is clear that the ''P'', the ''T'' etc. they 'shoot' more, so like the X1A it has an internal sponge, the AT2020 can also be equipped with an external sponge without the bulky circular grille 2) the fact that it has 2 external switches the X1A (high pass and -20DB) doesn't seem like such a significant advantage to me since these are things that can be corrected with any sound card and even live. 3) once these 2 advantages have been removed, the rest has very subtle differences and concerns personal taste and what work is done with the 2 microphones 4) the way of attachment to the rod is a nice advantage of the AT2020 P.S.: only someone wrote that the AT2020 is gathering dust, but it so happens that it is still the best-selling condenser microphone under $100 today, and there must be a reason...
I appreciate you watching the video AND your thoughtful comment. I disagree with your conclusion of course. Yes, the AT2020 is a very popular mic, but I think the X1A clearly beat it in terms of features AND sound quality. Even something like the CAD Audio Equitek E40 is a better mic (in my opinion) than the AT2020. But the AT2020 can still record audio adequately, so it's not a dog. Just overvalued.
The X1A has an internal pop filter which will help reduce plosives. I’d go with the X1A. I’ve had my AT2020 for longer, but always reach for the X1A these days.
i think the x1a is superior sonic wise, nevertheless for homestudists, the at2020 might be more forgiving for someone recording voices at home regarding spectrum...
Hello Sir, 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. My total budget is $350. Which mic will be good for me dynamic and condenser? I want professional quality sound, crisp and clear voice.
Hi! For spoken-word work such as poetry, especially in an untreated room, you might want to go with a dynamic microphone. This will allow you to get very close to it, which will mask background noise. On the low end of the price range - and this is all equipment I have personally used - I would suggest a Zoom ZM-1 and a Behringer U-Phoria UM2 USB mic preamp. $50 for the mic and $60 for the interface (in the US). For more money, you could pick up a Sontronics Podcast Pro for $150 and a Focusrite Scarlett for $100 Another good preamp/interface is the Universal Audio Volt 1 for $140. I regularly use the UA Volt 176 for $180, which includes built-in analog compression/limiting. This is great for preventing against clipping and also makes your voice sound fuller. I have used the "Volt 1", but it's the same as the Volt 176, minus the compressor. Another dynamic mic to consider, for about $150, is the sE Electronics DCM6. I haven't used it, but I've used it's big brother, the DynaCaster (which would probably put you over your limit). Hope that helps!
@@MatthewHaines Sir i have a small question. If I take this setup. Can I mix after recording? Can I make my voice beautiful by applying EQ and compression?
@@deolludhianvi Yes, but you'll need audio software that allows you to do that. The DynaCaster has some EQ switches on the back so you can adjust your sound to your liking, but for additional EQ and compression, you'll need software that supports that.
@@sandokan5410 I did not mention the se X1 (ldc), but the X1A (medium sized capsule). With a slightly smaller capsule the mxl 770 could be a X1A contender, but only if it is far less noisy than the mxl 990 (but the specs on both of them claim 20 dB(A)), so I don't expect them to.
![Best $100 Vocal Microphones [Condenser Mic Shootout - AKG, MXL, SE Electronics]](/img/1.gif)
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A built in pop filter really isn't that convenient. It muffles the sound. To me, the AT wins this one! Thank you so much! Great review!
Thanks for watching! Yes you’re right that it will muffle the sound. Typically though, manufacturers build the mic with that in mind. So the mic might be too bright without the pop filter. I remember Lauten Audio was very quick to stress that the (external) pop filter on their LS-208 was an integral part of the sound, and it would be brighter than intended without it.
But hey, if you like the AT2020, then great! 😀
And an external one doesn’t???🤔
This is a really high quality review, with good information AND video production, you definitley deserve some more recognition!
This has been a really difficult choice for me! Your review really helped me at least put the at2020 out of my mind.
I've only been using a borrowed sm58 till now, so buying my first mic on a very limited budget while trying to get the most out of it... it's a pickle!
I love the X1s with the gold 1" diaphragm, and it sounds just that little bit better overall, but I don't want to have to use a pop filter because I will also be doing some video work with it.
I've sifted through the em-91c, p120, at2020, and I feel like I have some peace now.
Thanks for your comment! I’m glad you found the review helpful. Let me know what you ultimately end up with.
Me also. The sE sounds better.
I'm not so sure about the superiority of the X1A since even today the AT2020 is the best-selling condenser microphone and there must be a reason ;-)
I have used the se mic and take it from me you will not regret your decision to buy it!, my music recorded on Se mic and Akg p120 mic constantly goes on air on radio and tv in my country so yeah you can make both of them sound pro!!!!
Never been a fan of the 2020’s sound. Highs are a bit brittle, lows are meh. The X1a beats it easily.
Agreed!
The X1A has good bass + more top end air. 👍 for this review!
Thanks, Mike!
It sure does. I used this exact microphone for most of my music recordings
I have the x1s, whats the difference between the x1s and the x1a?
Probably the biggest difference is that the X1S is a large diaphragm condenser, whereas the X1A is a medium diaphragm. 25mm vs 16mm or something like that. I have never heard an X1S in person, so I don't know how they compare sound wise. Thanks for your comment!
@@MatthewHaines thanks!
Many thanks for the excellent outline. Do you know the difference between se X1 and se X1A?
While I haven't used the original X1, I can say the biggest difference is the capsule: the X1 is considered a large diameter diaphragm with a 34mm overall capsule (probably 25mm diaphragm), and the X1A has a medium diameter with a 17mm diaphragm. The X1 I think sold for around $200, which is twice the cost of the X1A. They have different configurations on their highpass filters and pads. Both have self-noise of around 16 dbA, but the X1A can handle much louder sounds.
You could find out more by visiting recordinghacks.com, which has more info and specs.
P.S. I love the X1A. :)
@@MatthewHaines Thank you so much for a quick reply! Would you recommend the X1A for the beginner for vocal recording in not studio environment?
@@udaaga Yes! Because it has a built-in pop filter, you can get closer to it than other condenser mics and not have as many plosive problems. Getting closer to a mic will help reduce the effect of background noises and room reflections because the main sound of your voice will be relatively louder. You'll still want to sing in the best environment you can create, but it's a good-sounding and high-performing mic for the price.
And if you DO buy it and disagree, please let me know!
Thank you very much, I really appreciate your reasoned answers!
No one talks about how they perform when singing 🤔
I'm definitely not qualified to talk about singing! At least, ME singing.
Why everybody record their audio in a laptop and not in the camera?
I record directly to camera when I'm using a wireless mic or on-camera shotgun mic. But XLR mics need a preamp and then it's a little tricky to get that audio into the camera's input. It's very easy with most video editing platforms to sync "good" audio with the scratch audio recorded with the camera's mic. This is even more important when - like in this video - there are two mics involved.
@@MatthewHaines thank you for your answer. I have a saramonic smartrig +, 2 xlr port, 2 levels. I am surprised nobody use this kind of solution. No sync in post but maybe it's outdated.
I sincerely appreciate you
Thanks! I appreciate you, and also you taking the time to comment.
To me the real fight of the x1 a is against the at2035
Perhaps! But then the X1A wins on price. I haven't had an AT2035 to test, so I can't comment on how it would compare to the X1A. Thanks for your comment!
@@MatthewHaines i mean, you can get an at2035 for 110usd on sweetwater
Thank you!
You're welcome!
thank you for this im buying it right now
I’m glad you found the video helpful!
Which is best lewitt lct 240 pro or at2035 for vocal recording
Sorry, I have not tried either of those mics!
Hello from Turkey. nice review.
Thank you and thanks for watching!
The review seems a little harsh towards Audio Technica:
1) already at sight you can see that the AT2020 has an open metal grille and therefore it is clear that the ''P'', the ''T'' etc. they 'shoot' more, so like the X1A it has an internal sponge, the AT2020 can also be equipped with an external sponge without the bulky circular grille
2) the fact that it has 2 external switches the X1A (high pass and -20DB) doesn't seem like such a significant advantage to me since these are things that can be corrected with any sound card and even live.
3) once these 2 advantages have been removed, the rest has very subtle differences and concerns personal taste and what work is done with the 2 microphones
4) the way of attachment to the rod is a nice advantage of the AT2020
P.S.: only someone wrote that the AT2020 is gathering dust, but it so happens that it is still the best-selling condenser microphone under $100 today, and there must be a reason...
I appreciate you watching the video AND your thoughtful comment. I disagree with your conclusion of course. Yes, the AT2020 is a very popular mic, but I think the X1A clearly beat it in terms of features AND sound quality. Even something like the CAD Audio Equitek E40 is a better mic (in my opinion) than the AT2020. But the AT2020 can still record audio adequately, so it's not a dog. Just overvalued.
Which is best At2020 or X1a for poetry Recording ?
The X1A has an internal pop filter which will help reduce plosives. I’d go with the X1A. I’ve had my AT2020 for longer, but always reach for the X1A these days.
@@MatthewHainesThankyou
thank you for your review
And thanks for watching!
i think the x1a is superior sonic wise, nevertheless for homestudists, the at2020 might be more forgiving for someone recording voices at home regarding spectrum...
That's why these head-to-head comparisons can be useful. Thanks for watching!
Hello Sir, 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. My total budget is $350. Which mic will be good for me dynamic and condenser? I want professional quality sound, crisp and clear voice.
Hi! For spoken-word work such as poetry, especially in an untreated room, you might want to go with a dynamic microphone. This will allow you to get very close to it, which will mask background noise. On the low end of the price range - and this is all equipment I have personally used - I would suggest a Zoom ZM-1 and a Behringer U-Phoria UM2 USB mic preamp. $50 for the mic and $60 for the interface (in the US).
For more money, you could pick up a Sontronics Podcast Pro for $150 and a Focusrite Scarlett for $100
Another good preamp/interface is the Universal Audio Volt 1 for $140. I regularly use the UA Volt 176 for $180, which includes built-in analog compression/limiting. This is great for preventing against clipping and also makes your voice sound fuller. I have used the "Volt 1", but it's the same as the Volt 176, minus the compressor.
Another dynamic mic to consider, for about $150, is the sE Electronics DCM6. I haven't used it, but I've used it's big brother, the DynaCaster (which would probably put you over your limit).
Hope that helps!
@@MatthewHaines Sir, I will buy
Universal Volt 1
Dynacaster mic
Is this setup is good for poetry recording? I will get clear and crisp sound quality
@@deolludhianvi yes! I use the Dynacaster and a variant of the Volt 1 all the time. It sounds very good!
@@MatthewHaines Sir i have a small question. If I take this setup. Can I mix after recording? Can I make my voice beautiful by applying EQ and compression?
@@deolludhianvi Yes, but you'll need audio software that allows you to do that. The DynaCaster has some EQ switches on the back so you can adjust your sound to your liking, but for additional EQ and compression, you'll need software that supports that.
How to connect those two mic to camera ?
I use a usb preamp to record them on my computer and then sync the audio during editing. I don’t input them directly into my camera.
The At2020 and MXL 990 are highly overrated. They are not in the same league as even the se x1a.
I can't speak on the MXL 990, but I agree re the AT2020! Thanks for your comment.
Yeah, they are harsh. But MXL 770 is better than 990, so it could be X1 competitor.
@@sandokan5410 I did not mention the se X1 (ldc), but the X1A (medium sized capsule). With a slightly smaller capsule the mxl 770 could be a X1A contender, but only if it is far less noisy than the mxl 990 (but the specs on both of them claim 20 dB(A)), so I don't expect them to.
Handsome and smart. And knows about mics. Perfect guy. 🥰🥹
Wow, thanks! I’m blushing.