I've never come across a reviewer like you!! Impressively thorough and comprehensive! I do love the sound of the AT2040. I think at the price, it holds its ground compared to high end mics. I hear it as more clear, deep, and louder + rich sounding over the Rode PodMic. Both have great looks but my ears enjoy the Audio Technica better. 😊 I hope it sounds great with my female alto voice for podcasting. Many comments have said one's individual voice can sound better or worse with a particular mic. Thanks for all your efforts.
I am happy with the xm8500 and umc22 that you did a review on but I still watch on because you make honest reviews actually comparing nearly all the mics and its always so thorough!
This is a fantastic review, thank you for your comprehensiveness. I have the AT2040 and you answered a bunch of outstanding questions I had...I appreciate your thoroughness.
@@seanwebb605 MOTU M2 is excelent and you can channel Hi-Res Lossless audio @ 24bit 192 kHz format to your headphones with studio headphones. But you are limited to 96 kHz due to USB 2 interface connection speed limits.
The first time I listened to your review, it was without headphones and I thought the AT2040 sounded very good, for a $100.00 microphone. I just listened to your review with headphones on and I found the AT2040 to be harsh on the high end. You did a very nice and thorough review. Thanks!!!
Same same! I was watching half the video on my phone and then switched over to my PC. AT2040 sounded really present on my phone, but quite harsh in the headphones.
Man, I love this channel!!! It's fulfilling a need I didn't know I even had! First, I bought a very inexpensive HyperX Solocast (a truly punch above its weight mic, btw), which is far better than the most high-end headsets you can get today. Then, a few weeks ago I upgraded it to a Shure MV7, which I think is amazing too for the price like 200 USD, but the thing is I am not a broadcaster, have no plans to publish vids or stream anything or anything related to that. I am just an engineer doing work calls! but I cannot escape the delight of how I sound nowadays, and somehow I am becoming addicted to the compliments I receive every time someone is on the receiving end of my calls! Probably some time later I will splurge myself a Sony C100 or an entry level Neumann :D, but any of those will require an audio interface and more saving from my part. Now I am broke, so thanks for that! :P
I know I am late on this, but... the 2040 appears to be a very solid choice for relative beginners in podcasting provided you have XLR inputs to work with. The off axis sound rejection will certainly keep an untreated room from dominating the sound. Considering some of the even more pricey competition, I think it did well overall. For voice it's right there and makes you sound really good, but you are correct, it's not as good with guitar and such. I think you might find it does a little better with some sweetening and perhaps some soft compression to keep the harshness out in that sort of situation. For $100, you can't miss on this one!
What stuck out to me was the sound in the untreated room. But I have no reference to compare it against. While we are at it: I think a mic comparison for untreated rooms would be really great. Best mic for untreated rooms - Sounds like it would catch some clicks @Bandrew 😉
After watching / listening to Bandrew for the better part of the past 18 months, I finally made the leap and invested in an RE-20 in early June. While I've no intention (or need) to purchase another mic, I still watch all the mic reviews - if for nothing else but to make me feel extremely pleased with my RE20 decision after listening intently to the A/B comparisons. Aaaaahhhh, RE20, you are so very smooth.
I like the RE320 as well, sounds just as good as my RE20 but looks better! I worked at a radio station that had the RE27 and it was BRIGHT, but it could've been the processing.
Found this video after watching the M7X review and am a fan of the U87 and RE20's but I don't mind the AT2040 especially for the price. Thanks for posting great videos on your channel!
Those mics are way overpriced. Just because some famous people used them like decades ago. I’m sure technology has moved on, but no… let’s be nostalgic and blind, aham, deaf to other mics, forever… Not saying they aren’t swell. Not saying that a cheap 100 dollar mic even compares 1% to them. Yet, you have to acknowledge that the marketing gets us all eventually and we all phantasize bout the Ferraris, while driving the bus, to work. (Also overpriced:))
You have an amazing channel. I love the consistency in your videos and your methods. It makes it easy to compare products. And your videos are legit helpful even 4-5 years later.
For similar price comparison I liked the Podmic, sounded a little cleaner to me. Otherwise I’m partial to the RE-20 sound and the Neumann dynamic I could listen to all day. My big takeaway though, is that no matter what your budget is these days, there are tons of options and they all sound pretty darn good!
Bought a Rode Podmic after watching your review a while back, but still watching because you're so damn entertaining (and I want to see those boxes fly down the hall!!)
The audio frequency response always gets me. my voice is from 77-83 HZ, so it's been hard finding a microphone that will work with it. Still a great review though. I've been watching your reviews since I got an MXL 990 about 3.5 years ago.
I have watched so many videos from this channel that I can predict what Bandrew is going to say next with over 90% success rate. (I even know what his reply is going to be for this comment) . . . . . It'd be - "I'm a robot!! "
@HammerBann not all condensers naturally reproduce the human voice though. A lot of modern condensers have an artificially boosted top-end. For long format spoken word, there aren't many mics that compete with the 7B at it's price point in my opinion.
I legit bought this mic right as I was watching you do the comparisons. I currently have an SM58 and when you compared the AT2040 to the SM57, I was sold.
@@ee1yd the fact that it could (IMO) stand toe-to-toe with the SM57. I’ve been waiting for a ~$100 mic that looked great and sounded great. I was originally interested in the Rode PodMic. The PodMic looks great, but sounds like hot garbage when compared to the SM57/SM58. The AT2040 checked all the boxes for me.
Do one more vid comparing that re20 to anything and I'm getting it...i mean i love my sm7 but gosh that mic....the se v7,sm57 and pod mic gave better detail than the 2040 though...imo
Long time viewer first time commenting.... Gotta say I'm watching this late in the night and your outro where you asked us if your videos are fun interesting and helpful while slapping the camera, it scared me and woke me up. But yes your videos are fun interesting and helpful keep it up!
Sorry to scare you and wake you up. Good thing you didn't see the one where I yelled "WAKE UP" right in the middle of the video. I can't recall which one it was though. Thank you for the kind words.
In the range of affordable mics I liked the sm57 and the SE Electronics V7. I’m just listening on earbuds so I’ll give them all another listen on headphones. The 2040 sounded ok. Not my favorite but certainly good enough for voice on TH-cam.
I'm stuck considering between the Rode Podmic and the AT2040, the Podmic looks nicer but the AT2040 sounds better. The AT2040 is made in Taiwan ROC, which most of the other budget & expensive mics are made in China PRC. I'll keep on checking. Thanks for the great video.
They're all an EQ and compressor away from sounding the same. All of them would sound good going into a Rodecaster or affordable channel strip like a DBX 286s (or Symetrix 528e like I have.) I have the Zoom, the RE20, the HA50, and the SM7B, as well as a few other more expensive condenser mics. For SPOKEN word, it's difficult to tell the difference between the EV, Zoom, Rode Procaster and SM7B. You were inadvertantly speaking more closely into the SM7B so it was more bassy. The Rode Procaster was a little more bassy too, but the little Rode sounds cheap. Overall, it's a crowded field - surprisingly, since until a few years ago there were just 3-4 choices and they were all in the $400+ range. There are a lot of affordable choices for podacsters, and this is what I see this mic aimed at.
Recently got this and decided to exchange it for the Rode Procaster. The AT2040 is not a bad mic, specially for the price. I would still recommend it if you're just starting out and you need it for streaming (it is a nice looking mic). But I already had a SM57 and 58, and I think those mics are better than the AT2040. So decided to go for more of an upgrade and get the Rode.
I own the rode pod mic and I love the way my voice sounds on it.. but this mic is a contender as you said it also looks good.. I mite need to add this to my collection though.. but thank you for this video I always enjoy watching them great job buddy
I´ve just stumbled over your video text. What I liked best best is the Neumann U87 Ai and Rode Podcaster. Regarding price/quality ratio, The Audio Technica 2040 has outperformed all competitiors. Thank you for this interesting video.
I enjoy your extensive mic reviews. This AT 2040 sounds like a very competent podcast mic in comparison with the variety of others with which you compare it. Microphone technology has come a long way and the price of entry level pro quality mics has dropped amazingly. Like most reviews, we are comparing mics on a single voice which makes for valid comparisons, but historically speaking "different strokes for different folks" is a concept meaning that sound preference is individual to talent as well as to listener. A bass, baritone, alto, and soprano voice may sound very different on these same microphones.
Thank you, man of earth for the thorough review. 2040 Sounds well rounded and fuller bodied; good value at $99. And no major pops when ordering pizza pronto!!
Yeah, I think if you added a decent budget interface to, even a Scarlet Solo, you'd have an option that sounded just as good as an SM7B for less than half the price of the SM7B mic itself which doesn't even include the interface.
i like it a lot. for me, it is well balanced and the clarity and dynamic is well above it's price point. the sharper high end does not bother me so far, but i didn't listen to it with my akg k702 but with my living room stereo set that has some problems with presenting the top end frequencies. i think it delivers an insane high value for that price point.
Hi Bandrew, have you ever reviewed an AT ATM 650given it is hypercardiod and should reject other noise in untreated surroundings? Just wondering how it stacks up against other dynamics especially the SM57, SE V7X etc.
What a superb review method, really shows up the majority of others for the shill/garbage they are. Good to more affordable alternatives to the industry classics. Nearly all of these would be great with a little eq/compression. Personal choice is RE320 because it suits my voice with the least additional treatment needed but would do fine with the AT2040 or Rodes or any of the cheaper ones.
I just got my mic today. I plan on trying it on brass, toms and maybe guitar. As you said all mics are different but hey why not experiment??? Thanks for your reviews they be helpful and funny too!!!!
i think that AT2040 sounds better for voice than the other mics in that comparison. i would like to hear a comparison between the AT2020 and the AT2040.
The Rode Procaster performs pretty close (i actually prefer it) to the RE20 for half of the price. I invite you to click between 7:50 (Procaster), 9:45 (RE20) ...and 9:00 (SM7b). The RE20 in start of that segment if you pay attention it plays a high frequency background sound that sounds a bit weird like metalic sound need to drive the voice in the background. Re20 is not as clear as the Procaster and the SM7b imo.
Maybe I'm just ignorant, but it seems like the off axis coloration being as restrictive as it is may be a side effect of it being designed to reject room noise.
Thanks for such a thorough review! I have a client that needs to record screencasts (typing and talking) in a VERY echoic room. He has a good interface and the recordings will have post-production. Do you think this would be a good choice in the sub-$150 range? Or would the SEV7 that you like be much better? I'm looking for the most beginner-friendly solution (e.g. something that doesn't require impeccable mic technique), but again, room/echo rejection is critical. Cheers!
Depends on the voice? He has relatively high pitched voice so the nasally sound might have sounded more annoying than on some other voices. The mic sounded to have similar low end to SM7B but more clarity on top for legibility but there is nasally sound I didn't like. I think it can be reduced in the post processing though.
Nice review...nevermind that, but the quality of your video is top class...am watching in 720p and it is crispier than many 4K videos on youtube! My question is: 1.What camera are you using and 2.What bitrate do you export at for your final video file?
Greeting Earthling! So... for TH-cam and Video/Audio Podcasting, including interview shows - Rode Podmic or the AT2040? Just curious of your personal opinion. :)
The RE20 sounds the most beautiful here, but on an affordable budget I like the V7, then the SM57. I prefer them over the 2040, because in comparison this one sounds boring.
Hello! Thank you for your great review! I´ve purchased my Podmic (will arrive on monday), but I started seeing some reviews comparing with this AT2040. Do you think it´s better for me to change my order? I will use the mic for voice over and singing (I don´t have a treated room). What´s your opinion? Thank you in advance.
There is some shrill high frequency your voice is peaking up at the upper frequencies. For me it’s 2khz. Maybe the idea is not to EQ but to remove or reduce that shrill point would smooth these out a bit. I use Decibel X via Apple apps to analyze graphically my voice signature so I know where my voice peaks and sags and EQ appropriately. In fact it would be cool to see you demo one of these frequency apps to show folks how to self analyze there voice signature. Most of us don’t have the ears nor experience to self analyze especially live.
The pod mic sounded very weak. I still like the sm57, the procaster is boosted low, BP40 was nice. Does the SM7B have better rejection than the others? Anyway - thanks for doing the work.
After trying out about 5 different microphones and landing on the ZDM-1 I may have to at least give this one a try. The ZDM-1 works well with my voice and doesn't pick up a lot of room noise but I only use it for spoken word, not singing or instruments.
I saw a comparison between audio Technica and pod mic in other channel. In your comparison both sounds very similar. In the other channel audio Technica sounds much better than pod mic. Do you believe that is a difference of interface or some kind of manipulation in the other test?
Hi-Bandrew. The voice quality on Amazon as 4.8 which is off the charts. Why do you think people like it's so much? Also The frequency seems relatively flat. It does drop about 3DB at 100 but it's hard to believe that that make such a huge difference.... just trying to understand why the Amazon buyers like the sound quality so much, when your trained ear does not. Voice quality Rated even better and the SM7b, on Amazon that is
So your saying I should save my money and keep using my XM8500? Still need a field recorder for that so I can have the XM8500 and VideoMic NTG plugged into one recorder. At this time there is too much bleed from the two sources I’m recording, so stopping one will fix the echo issues from using two microphones.
I would take the AT2040 over most of those other mics, I will probably be buying a couple next week. My actual preference was the RE20, it's such an iconic sound all of it's own that's been around us for (in many cases) our entire lives that I have to remember that I'm listening with my ears, not my memory. I won't be affording a couple of those next week though, maybe next year.
Looking at getting a $100 dynamic microphone and I have my eyes on either the Rode Podmic or the AT2040 which one should I get? Just FYI my use for these mics is to stream/record videos and I know there are better mic choices but I really like the looks of these two mics.
been a subscriber for along time, and I have to say, I've always enjoyed watching your content, and i know more about audio and mics just from your videos! will you do a microphone that I've been using, which is the Fantech Leviosa? I really want to know what settings you'd use on that mic. It's below $50 USB condenser microphone with echo and gain knob at the front.
Podmic better on low-mids, 2040 on sibilant and highs. If i should choice one 100$ dynamic mic, i still prefer SE V7. Overall sounds natural and same time smooth.
Might be just me but that mic sounded a bit thin on the electric, and the acoustic sounded a bit thin too. Its got a very medium forward tone to it. I like the looks but overall its just not a fantastic mic, its a good starting point for broadcasters, starting youtubers, etc. Great Review Bandrew! Ok, so, you basically said what I said after I posted this comment haha.
You're not wrong, but like what I assume Bandrew said at the end (I haven't finished the vid as of this post), that's about what you'd expect for $100 USD.
A lot of these hard mounted mics have problems with desk and boom arm taps - so a shock mount seems like would be generally needed for any mic... ... Maybe that would be a good video - showing diff types of shock mounts, what benefit they give, and maybe if some are better than others? (idk - was shopping for a shock mount for atr2100x and I have no idea what I'm doing lol)
What would be the best xlr dynamic mic that rejects background keyboard noise the best and is in the more budget price range? on/off switch is also preferred.
![[Eng Sub] Audio-Technica AT2040 dynamic microphone](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Wl_rkGT_Dgc/mqdefault.jpg)
I want all of you to watch this and see how a product review should be done.
This is great, and thanks
I've never come across a reviewer like you!! Impressively thorough and comprehensive! I do love the sound of the AT2040. I think at the price, it holds its ground compared to high end mics. I hear it as more clear, deep, and louder + rich sounding over the Rode PodMic. Both have great looks but my ears enjoy the Audio Technica better. 😊
I hope it sounds great with my female alto voice for podcasting. Many comments have said one's individual voice can sound better or worse with a particular mic.
Thanks for all your efforts.
i wish theyd make more condenser mics that are end address :/ im so over dynamic mics but i love end address mics.
Lauten Audio LS208.
Rode Broadcaster.
Neumann KM105.
Earthworks SR314 .
Earthworks ICON Pro.
Those come to mind
What is end address?
@@Podcastage oh shit thanks. i have the earthworks sv33 but it feels so overkill for just being a dumb gaming youtuber lmao. i'll check those out.
Are you high!? IF YOU HAVE THE SV33, USE IT! WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU DOING!?
@@mcnasty 2400$ mic? If that not good enough I’m afraid you’ve got some soul searching to do my friend
I am happy with the xm8500 and umc22 that you did a review on but I still watch on because you make honest reviews actually comparing nearly all the mics and its always so thorough!
same
My brother talks a lot about mics but having a hard time to talk about his life. I hope you're doing great, man. We're here for u. rooting for you!
This is a fantastic review, thank you for your comprehensiveness. I have the AT2040 and you answered a bunch of outstanding questions I had...I appreciate your thoroughness.
This might be one of the best microphone reviews I’ve ever seen, including the pop punk mic song in between haha loved it
I always look forward to the song at the end. What a joy this channel is!
As an owner of a RODE Procaster this AT2040 actually sounds pretty solid to me.
@@thias1 I use it without Cloud booster connected to MOTU M2 and it’s fine. I’m sure the booster it would be even better.
@@d7r_tv what does the cloud booster do? I have an a2020 and will be getting a motu m2 for it.
@@Max-wl5ll Cloud Booster get you extra gain into your dynamic mic (this is not for condensor mics) and it requires phantom power
@@d7r_tv I should have waited and bought a better interface.
@@seanwebb605 MOTU M2 is excelent and you can channel Hi-Res Lossless audio @ 24bit 192 kHz format to your headphones with studio headphones. But you are limited to 96 kHz due to USB 2 interface connection speed limits.
The first time I listened to your review, it was without headphones and I thought the AT2040 sounded very good, for a $100.00 microphone. I just listened to your review with headphones on and I found the AT2040 to be harsh on the high end.
You did a very nice and thorough review. Thanks!!!
Same same! I was watching half the video on my phone and then switched over to my PC. AT2040 sounded really present on my phone, but quite harsh in the headphones.
Man, I love this channel!!! It's fulfilling a need I didn't know I even had!
First, I bought a very inexpensive HyperX Solocast (a truly punch above its weight mic, btw), which is far better than the most high-end headsets you can get today.
Then, a few weeks ago I upgraded it to a Shure MV7, which I think is amazing too for the price like 200 USD, but the thing is I am not a broadcaster, have no plans to publish vids or stream anything or anything related to that. I am just an engineer doing work calls! but I cannot escape the delight of how I sound nowadays, and somehow I am becoming addicted to the compliments I receive every time someone is on the receiving end of my calls!
Probably some time later I will splurge myself a Sony C100 or an entry level Neumann :D, but any of those will require an audio interface and more saving from my part. Now I am broke, so thanks for that! :P
I know I am late on this, but... the 2040 appears to be a very solid choice for relative beginners in podcasting provided you have XLR inputs to work with. The off axis sound rejection will certainly keep an untreated room from dominating the sound. Considering some of the even more pricey competition, I think it did well overall. For voice it's right there and makes you sound really good, but you are correct, it's not as good with guitar and such. I think you might find it does a little better with some sweetening and perhaps some soft compression to keep the harshness out in that sort of situation. For $100, you can't miss on this one!
What stuck out to me was the sound in the untreated room. But I have no reference to compare it against.
While we are at it:
I think a mic comparison for untreated rooms would be really great.
Best mic for untreated rooms - Sounds like it would catch some clicks @Bandrew 😉
Heck yeah! Another mic I don't need to buy, but whos stopping me?!
Edit: I guess myself, because I never bought one haha
Ur wallet? 🤨
😂😂
Me.
dont buy it, it sucks
im telling your mother you're spending money again
After watching / listening to Bandrew for the better part of the past 18 months, I finally made the leap and invested in an RE-20 in early June. While I've no intention (or need) to purchase another mic, I still watch all the mic reviews - if for nothing else but to make me feel extremely pleased with my RE20 decision after listening intently to the A/B comparisons. Aaaaahhhh, RE20, you are so very smooth.
Every other dynamic mic review just shows how unbeatable the RE-20 is.
I'm in the "I love my RE-20" club as well. To me it sounds better than ever other broadcast dynamic.
I like the RE320 as well, sounds just as good as my RE20 but looks better! I worked at a radio station that had the RE27 and it was BRIGHT, but it could've been the processing.
@@mallorga1965 Yeah the re-20 good but this $100 mic isn't trying to compete with it.
Found this video after watching the M7X review and am a fan of the U87 and RE20's but I don't mind the AT2040 especially for the price. Thanks for posting great videos on your channel!
Those mics are way overpriced.
Just because some famous people used them like decades ago.
I’m sure technology has moved on, but no… let’s be nostalgic and blind, aham, deaf to other mics, forever…
Not saying they aren’t swell.
Not saying that a cheap 100 dollar mic even compares 1% to them.
Yet, you have to acknowledge that the marketing gets us all eventually and we all phantasize bout the Ferraris, while driving the bus, to work.
(Also overpriced:))
Definitely holds it's own when it comes to spoken word.
Great broadcast sound, even compared to the much more expensive mics.
Every mic I was thinking of - you have a review. Awesom. Thank you!
You have an amazing channel. I love the consistency in your videos and your methods. It makes it easy to compare products. And your videos are legit helpful even 4-5 years later.
For similar price comparison I liked the Podmic, sounded a little cleaner to me. Otherwise I’m partial to the RE-20 sound and the Neumann dynamic I could listen to all day. My big takeaway though, is that no matter what your budget is these days, there are tons of options and they all sound pretty darn good!
It's hard not to say the RE20. I love the sound of it. This mic is fine, but I definitely think it sounds artificial and a bit bleached.
Always this comparison, haha.
While we’re at it, let’s compare cheap(ER) condensers vs. Neumann mics. . .
Never ending story.
Bought a Rode Podmic after watching your review a while back, but still watching because you're so damn entertaining (and I want to see those boxes fly down the hall!!)
Same here. I love my Podmic but just enjoy his content. I might need to pick up a condensor mic anyway...
Outstanding review! Very comprehensive. And no, I can't tell the difference. Thanks brother for all you do!
I thought the AT2040 sounded smoother than the Rode Podmic, but I kind of like the slightly rougher sound that the Podmic has. That's just my opinion.
The audio frequency response always gets me. my voice is from 77-83 HZ, so it's been hard finding a microphone that will work with it. Still a great review though. I've been watching your reviews since I got an MXL 990 about 3.5 years ago.
More choices is never a bad thing, especially in this space. Any chance of an Avermedia Mic 330 review? Another streamer/TH-camr oriented dynamic.
Duuude! You do some amazing reviews! Thanks for your thoroughness!🤙🏼
I have watched so many videos from this channel that I can predict what Bandrew is going to say next with over 90% success rate. (I even know what his reply is going to be for this comment)
.
.
.
.
.
It'd be - "I'm a robot!! "
As an alpha centraurian, this is quite offensive.
The Rode mics, particularly the Podmic sounded super nasely. The SM7B is honestly on another level, it is the perfect mic for your voice.
@HammerBann not all condensers naturally reproduce the human voice though. A lot of modern condensers have an artificially boosted top-end. For long format spoken word, there aren't many mics that compete with the 7B at it's price point in my opinion.
was waiting for this review from you
Hi! Any plan of reviewing any of the Ear Trumpet Labs Mics. Thanks.
พี่ก็มา
Great test, exactly what you need, the 2040 is a lot of mic but the sm57 and the re20 stood out to me 👍
I legit bought this mic right as I was watching you do the comparisons. I currently have an SM58 and when you compared the AT2040 to the SM57, I was sold.
what sold you on it?
@@ee1yd the fact that it could (IMO) stand toe-to-toe with the SM57. I’ve been waiting for a ~$100 mic that looked great and sounded great. I was originally interested in the Rode PodMic. The PodMic looks great, but sounds like hot garbage when compared to the SM57/SM58. The AT2040 checked all the boxes for me.
I agree with you here. Comparing this mic to much more expensive and vetted brands is impressive holding its ground.
Do one more vid comparing that re20 to anything and I'm getting it...i mean i love my sm7 but gosh that mic....the se v7,sm57 and pod mic gave better detail than the 2040 though...imo
i use V7 and love the sound
Long time viewer first time commenting.... Gotta say I'm watching this late in the night and your outro where you asked us if your videos are fun interesting and helpful while slapping the camera, it scared me and woke me up. But yes your videos are fun interesting and helpful keep it up!
Sorry to scare you and wake you up. Good thing you didn't see the one where I yelled "WAKE UP" right in the middle of the video. I can't recall which one it was though. Thank you for the kind words.
not only AT2040 but all other mics' characteristics soooooo different thanks making cool video
I love SM7b
The Rode PodMic is substantially clearer to me, and definitely more worth paying for IMO.
sounded more 'bassy', the pd70 and v7 sounded better than both in my opinion
@@ee1yd the PodMic is clearly the least bassy.
@@ee1yd I'd definitely agree about the V7.
I specifically bought the Podmic for looks.. I mean to enhance the bass of my voice. It was also sealed new for $75 shipped
@@zoomzabba452 looks certainly wins any mic. But sound quality bellow average on 100$ mic
In the range of affordable mics I liked the sm57 and the SE Electronics V7. I’m just listening on earbuds so I’ll give them all another listen on headphones.
The 2040 sounded ok. Not my favorite but certainly good enough for voice on TH-cam.
V7 on the corner of you mouth is good for taking but straight on for singing or equipment is great
You have a helluva collection there Bandrew. I quite like that AT2040. Looks like good value.
I'm stuck considering between the Rode Podmic and the AT2040, the Podmic looks nicer but the AT2040 sounds better. The AT2040 is made in Taiwan ROC, which most of the other budget & expensive mics are made in China PRC. I'll keep on checking. Thanks for the great video.
That was quick. I feel weird that I ended up with a Neat Workerbee over any of these "broadcast dynamics" for our stream. Oh well?
very good comparisons ! this is very helpful ! thanks
You're very welcome. Glad that the video was helpful. Happy recording.
Definitely like it. I wonder if modern broadcast mics are optimized somewhat for phone speaker & earbud playback 🤔
They're all an EQ and compressor away from sounding the same. All of them would sound good going into a Rodecaster or affordable channel strip like a DBX 286s (or Symetrix 528e like I have.) I have the Zoom, the RE20, the HA50, and the SM7B, as well as a few other more expensive condenser mics. For SPOKEN word, it's difficult to tell the difference between the EV, Zoom, Rode Procaster and SM7B. You were inadvertantly speaking more closely into the SM7B so it was more bassy. The Rode Procaster was a little more bassy too, but the little Rode sounds cheap. Overall, it's a crowded field - surprisingly, since until a few years ago there were just 3-4 choices and they were all in the $400+ range. There are a lot of affordable choices for podacsters, and this is what I see this mic aimed at.
Recently got this and decided to exchange it for the Rode Procaster. The AT2040 is not a bad mic, specially for the price. I would still recommend it if you're just starting out and you need it for streaming (it is a nice looking mic). But I already had a SM57 and 58, and I think those mics are better than the AT2040. So decided to go for more of an upgrade and get the Rode.
I own the rode pod mic and I love the way my voice sounds on it.. but this mic is a contender as you said it also looks good.. I mite need to add this to my collection though.. but thank you for this video I always enjoy watching them great job buddy
I´ve just stumbled over your video text. What I liked best best is the Neumann U87 Ai and Rode Podcaster. Regarding price/quality ratio, The Audio Technica 2040 has outperformed all competitiors. Thank you for this interesting video.
I enjoy your extensive mic reviews. This AT 2040 sounds like a very competent podcast mic in comparison with the variety of others with which you compare it. Microphone technology has come a long way and the price of entry level pro quality mics has dropped amazingly. Like most reviews, we are comparing mics on a single voice which makes for valid comparisons, but historically speaking "different strokes for different folks" is a concept meaning that sound preference is individual to talent as well as to listener. A bass, baritone, alto, and soprano voice may sound very different on these same microphones.
Thank you, man of earth for the thorough review. 2040 Sounds well rounded and fuller bodied; good value at $99. And no major pops when ordering pizza pronto!!
Yeah, I think if you added a decent budget interface to, even a Scarlet Solo, you'd have an option that sounded just as good as an SM7B for less than half the price of the SM7B mic itself which doesn't even include the interface.
That name's confusing
There's AT2020 and AT4040 and now... 2040?
What's next? 4020?
I thought the same thing.
AT2112 obviously
But what I'll be looking forward is the AT69420
Joint Technica AT420
@@Podcastage Geddy Lee edition.
i like it a lot. for me, it is well balanced and the clarity and dynamic is well above it's price point. the sharper high end does not bother me so far, but i didn't listen to it with my akg k702 but with my living room stereo set that has some problems with presenting the top end frequencies.
i think it delivers an insane high value for that price point.
I just got the AT2040 my first XLR mic, just waiting for a mix amp to use it but I'm excited to try it out!!
How is it for mouth sounds? currently use a condenser mic, but have heard Dynamics are better for helping to reduce picking up mouth sounds.
SM7 and RE20 - still feels like best options- each one with it's own character.. I own mv7 - so i'm pretty sure that i'm biased about shure.)
I really liked the rode procaster that sounded amazing
I really can't stand the sound of the SM7B or the RE20 they sound muffled.
Hi Bandrew, have you ever reviewed an AT ATM 650given it is hypercardiod and should reject other noise in untreated surroundings? Just wondering how it stacks up against other dynamics especially the SM57, SE V7X etc.
What a superb review method, really shows up the majority of others for the shill/garbage they are. Good to more affordable alternatives to the industry classics. Nearly all of these would be great with a little eq/compression. Personal choice is RE320 because it suits my voice with the least additional treatment needed but would do fine with the AT2040 or Rodes or any of the cheaper ones.
I just got my mic today. I plan on trying it on brass, toms and maybe guitar. As you said all mics are different but hey why not experiment??? Thanks for your reviews they be helpful and funny too!!!!
i think that AT2040 sounds better for voice than the other mics in that comparison. i would like to hear a comparison between the AT2020 and the AT2040.
I think the re20 is the best mic for poscast type spoken words.
I wish he included the RE320. It's more affordable and - to me - sounds just as good.
You upgraded your Big Baby Taylor!! Beautiful grand pacifc man! Oh yeah, and this mic was pretty nice lol.
Yeah, after 20 years of service I figured it was time to upgrade, and after talking tot he Taylor folks landed on the 517e.
The AT-2040 sounds incredible for the price.
In the higher priced mics the EV RE20 was incredible 🔥🔥🔥🔥
The Rode Procaster performs pretty close (i actually prefer it) to the RE20 for half of the price.
I invite you to click between 7:50 (Procaster), 9:45 (RE20) ...and 9:00 (SM7b).
The RE20 in start of that segment if you pay attention it plays a high frequency background sound that sounds a bit weird like metalic sound need to drive the voice in the background. Re20 is not as clear as the Procaster and the SM7b imo.
I understand if people would be drawn to it, but I just hate its lack of low end.
@@niko1even it just sounds muddy to me
@@d7r_tv on Bandrew‘s voice, the Procaster sounds good, but of you have a darker voice it sounds moody
Only thing that puts me off is the handling noise, if the pre-installed mount can be removed I may pick this up
Maybe I'm just ignorant, but it seems like the off axis coloration being as restrictive as it is may be a side effect of it being designed to reject room noise.
Very nice video!!!
Definitely doing well for itself at the price it comes in
Thanks for such a thorough review! I have a client that needs to record screencasts (typing and talking) in a VERY echoic room. He has a good interface and the recordings will have post-production. Do you think this would be a good choice in the sub-$150 range? Or would the SEV7 that you like be much better? I'm looking for the most beginner-friendly solution (e.g. something that doesn't require impeccable mic technique), but again, room/echo rejection is critical. Cheers!
Depends on the voice? He has relatively high pitched voice so the nasally sound might have sounded more annoying than on some other voices. The mic sounded to have similar low end to SM7B but more clarity on top for legibility but there is nasally sound I didn't like. I think it can be reduced in the post processing though.
At 6:26, you wrote "Personus PD-70" instead of "PreSonus PD-70".
Nice review...nevermind that, but the quality of your video is top class...am watching in 720p and it is crispier than many 4K videos on youtube! My question is: 1.What camera are you using and 2.What bitrate do you export at for your final video file?
3. What lens did you use?
Still SM57 (have1) and SM7B (will have) are my all time favourites.
SM57 King
Greeting Earthling! So... for TH-cam and Video/Audio Podcasting, including interview shows - Rode Podmic or the AT2040?
Just curious of your personal opinion. :)
Neumann BCM705 Hands down the smoothest sounding dynamic mic out of the bunch. 2040 is really good for the price.
The RE20 sounds the most beautiful here, but on an affordable budget I like the V7, then the SM57. I prefer them over the 2040, because in comparison this one sounds boring.
Hello! Thank you for your great review! I´ve purchased my Podmic (will arrive on monday), but I started seeing some reviews comparing with this AT2040. Do you think it´s better for me to change my order? I will use the mic for voice over and singing (I don´t have a treated room). What´s your opinion? Thank you in advance.
I love this little guy it sounds nice
i think 2040 did very well against it direct competitors.. for anyone with a deeper voice it would balance very naturally.
Excellent reviewing method.
There is some shrill high frequency your voice is peaking up at the upper frequencies. For me it’s 2khz. Maybe the idea is not to EQ but to remove or reduce that shrill point would smooth these out a bit. I use Decibel X via Apple apps to analyze graphically my voice signature so I know where my voice peaks and sags and EQ appropriately. In fact it would be cool to see you demo one of these frequency apps to show folks how to self analyze there voice signature. Most of us don’t have the ears nor experience to self analyze especially live.
Thinking about upgrading my Procaster to an SM7b. But I also hate the sound of my own voice :/
I've always thought the pond bike is just way too mid-forward. It is clean though
The pod mic sounded very weak. I still like the sm57, the procaster is boosted low, BP40 was nice. Does the SM7B have better rejection than the others? Anyway - thanks for doing the work.
After trying out about 5 different microphones and landing on the ZDM-1 I may have to at least give this one a try. The ZDM-1 works well with my voice and doesn't pick up a lot of room noise but I only use it for spoken word, not singing or instruments.
I think the Zoom ZDM-1 is a pretty good dynamic mic especially for spoken word.
I’m thinking the AT2040 orAT2040 usb may be my choice for beginning my podcasts
I saw a comparison between audio Technica and pod mic in other channel. In your comparison both sounds very similar. In the other channel audio Technica sounds much better than pod mic. Do you believe that is a difference of interface or some kind of manipulation in the other test?
Hi-Bandrew. The voice quality on Amazon as 4.8 which is off the charts. Why do you think people like it's so much? Also The frequency seems relatively flat. It does drop about 3DB at 100 but it's hard to believe that that make such a huge difference.... just trying to understand why the Amazon buyers like the sound quality so much, when your trained ear does not. Voice quality Rated even better and the SM7b, on Amazon that is
What do you mean exactly when you say "that AT2040 has a mid forward sound? Thank you for your excellent job! Your videos are very helpful.
So your saying I should save my money and keep using my XM8500? Still need a field recorder for that so I can have the XM8500 and VideoMic NTG plugged into one recorder. At this time there is too much bleed from the two sources I’m recording, so stopping one will fix the echo issues from using two microphones.
I would take the AT2040 over most of those other mics, I will probably be buying a couple next week. My actual preference was the RE20, it's such an iconic sound all of it's own that's been around us for (in many cases) our entire lives that I have to remember that I'm listening with my ears, not my memory. I won't be affording a couple of those next week though, maybe next year.
This is a good channel and I am glad I am subscribed.
Thank you. I think they're mic would work well for those with a bass or baritone voice.
Hey, great videos. Could you please review the great Sontronics SOLO and maybe compare it with AT2040, thanks a lot.
Looking at getting a $100 dynamic microphone and I have my eyes on either the Rode Podmic or the AT2040 which one should I get? Just FYI my use for these mics is to stream/record videos and I know there are better mic choices but I really like the looks of these two mics.
The cool mesh grill of the SM58 is awesome!
get a 58 or v7 and call it a day
friend, is this microphone used to sing live, do a show? What would be cool between this AT2040 and the shure SM58?
been a subscriber for along time, and I have to say, I've always enjoyed watching your content, and i know more about audio and mics just from your videos!
will you do a microphone that I've been using, which is the Fantech Leviosa? I really want to know what settings you'd use on that mic.
It's below $50 USB condenser microphone with echo and gain knob at the front.
Nice!! I was looking at it right now!!
Podmic better on low-mids, 2040 on sibilant and highs. If i should choice one 100$ dynamic mic, i still prefer SE V7. Overall sounds natural and same time smooth.
Might be just me but that mic sounded a bit thin on the electric, and the acoustic sounded a bit thin too. Its got a very medium forward tone to it. I like the looks but overall its just not a fantastic mic, its a good starting point for broadcasters, starting youtubers, etc. Great Review Bandrew!
Ok, so, you basically said what I said after I posted this comment haha.
You're not wrong, but like what I assume Bandrew said at the end (I haven't finished the vid as of this post), that's about what you'd expect for $100 USD.
@@TheZeroSbr that was what I was going to say
Can a Scarlett Solo drive this? Amazing review as always.
A lot of these hard mounted mics have problems with desk and boom arm taps - so a shock mount seems like would be generally needed for any mic... ... Maybe that would be a good video - showing diff types of shock mounts, what benefit they give, and maybe if some are better than others? (idk - was shopping for a shock mount for atr2100x and I have no idea what I'm doing lol)
Was it me, or did the AT2040 sound like it has a slight wah effect to it?
What would be the best xlr dynamic mic that rejects background keyboard noise the best and is in the more budget price range? on/off switch is also preferred.