Finding an appropriate vocal microphone has required time and effort for so many years now, even if you’re setting up your studio. Given the increased demand for home-based vocalists and multimedia creators nowadays, we’ll examine two different condenser microphones; the Audio Technica AT2020 and the Blue Yeti. These are the best condenser microphones available in the market today. Both have superior quality sound and are renowned among artists, podcasters, YouTubers, and content creators.
However, which one of these microphones is the finest pick? If you’re a solo artist, the AT2020 is the superior mic for streaming, as it has high-quality sound and picks up sound immediately in front of the microphone. The Blue Yeti is the optimal choice for group streaming since it includes four optimized sound selecting settings.
In this article, we will compare the Blue Yeti and the AT2020, which are frequently referenced in the same breath, and provide the various pros and cons. The article also contains a quick comparison table of the two microphones. Find the best answers to the frequently asked questions on the same too. Keep reading to get a clear understanding of these microphones.
A quick comparison table between the Blue Yeti and the AT2020
| Comparison feature | Blue Yeti | AT2020 |
| Polar pattern | Cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo | Cardioid |
| Bit rate | 16 bit | 16 bit |
| sample rate | 48 kHz | 44.1 kHz |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs. (0.55 kg) | 13.2 oz. (374 g) |
| Price | Slightly cheaper than AT2020 | slightly more expensive |
| Frequency response | 20Hz – 20 kHz | 20 – 16,000Hz |
Audio Technica at2020 vs. Blue Yeti
1. Blue Yeti
Blue microphones are recommended to podcasters due to their portability, convenience, ease of use, and setup. The Blue Yeti is a multi-pattern professional USB microphone for recording and broadcasting. Blue claims to be the best USB microphone on the market, and many users appear to concur.
The integrated tri-capsule technology aids in the collection of high-quality sounds, whereas the four polar pattern selections provide additional tonal options for music, podcasts, Twitch streaming, and YouTube videos, among other applications. The Blue Yeti is also reasonably priced for what you receive. It comes in a variety of hues as well.
Features and specifications:
- Power consumption/requirement: 5V 150mA
- 48 kHz sampling rate
- Three 14mm blue condenser capsules
- Bit rate: 16 bit
- Cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo polar patterns
- 20Hz – 20 kHz frequency response
- Weight of mic: 1.2 lbs. (0.55 kg)
The most distinguishing features include;
- Tri-capsule array
- Gain control, zero-latency output, and a mute button
- Numerous pattern options.
- Suitable for vocals, instrumentation, podcasts, voice work, interviews, gaming, field recordings, and conference calls, among other applications.
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2. Audio Technica AT2020
I would suggest this microphone to individuals interested in voice recording, and they’ve always been pleased with the outcomes. The key reason is that the AT2020 USB produces excellent results at a price level that is more than reasonable. Like Blue Yeti, the Audio Technica AT2020 is a production condenser with a side address and a digital USB output. It generates an exceptionally acceptable sound for podcasting, domestic studio recordings, outdoor recording, and voiceover. It’s comparable to the Blue Yeti but not identical.
Features:
- Cardioid polar pattern
- Response frequency range: 20 – 16,000Hz
- Weight: 13.2 oz. (374 g)
- 44.1 kHz sampling rate
- Bit rate: 16 bit
Its distinguishing features include compatibility with both Windows and Mac, plug and play, low-mass diaphragm developed specifically for prolonged frequency and transient stability, and lack of self-noise due to the cardioid polar pattern.
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Differences between AT2020 and Blue Yeti
- Sound quality
The AT2020 is ideal for vocals, voices, and instruments. While the Yeti is excellent for voice recording and songs, it does not, in my perception, manage instruments as well. Regardless of the origin, one can still capture a high-quality sound and establish an excellent sounding mix. However, each microphone perceives voice differently. The Yeti offers a slightly smoother warmth, whereas the AT2020 sounds soft and concise but lacks the same amount of warmth. Polar patterns are undoubtedly a point of contention, but they do lend the Yeti a degree of versatility and, in some cases, attractiveness.
- Convenience
The Yeti comes with its stand, which is quite helpful. Similarly, the AT2020 is handier and lighter than the Yeti, making it more lightweight and portable, thus an excellent choice for outdoor activity. The AT2020 USB includes a flimsy microphone stand. And, once again, while it will not break in the absence of load or force, it is also not customizable unless the workstation you’re using is perfectly positioned.
- Features
As said earlier, the two microphones are virtually identical. However, the Yeti offers more controls, such as a mute button, polar patterns, and a headphone amp that doesn’t feel like an afterthought.
- Price
The Blue Yeti and AT2020 are priced similarly, but the AT2020 appears to be slightly more expensive at the moment. This may be because Audio-Technica removed from the market the AT2020 and replaced it with the AT2020USB+. In either case, both microphones offer excellent value, but the Yeti appears to provide a little more for the cost.
Similarities
- Both offer good quality sound.
- These microphones are priced similarly in that their price is almost the same.
- They are both portable at different degrees
You might be interested to read our another article of: Audio Technica At2020 Vs. At2035
Frequently Asked questions:
- Blue Yeti vs. AT2020; which is better?
Answer; when it comes to performance, both are excellent; however, the Yeti has somewhat better sound quality than the AT2020. When all of these variables are considered, the Blue Yeti outperforms the AT2020 in every way, and it is a fantastic choice for the money.
Conclusion
While the AT2020 and Blue Yeti share various features, they are distinctive and serve different purposes. Because the AT2020 operates in cardioid mode, it is ideally suited for a solo artist in a sound-treated environment. The Blue Yeti is the ideal choice if you frequently stream in a group situation and require various sound sources.
There are numerous USB microphones to pick from, depending on one’s needs. We believe that the Blue Yeti and AT2020 are among the best in their field. They sound excellent; they’re simple to use and are essentially plug and play. Whichever option you select, you will most likely be pleased with your purchase.
