MXL 990 Vs AT2020 Both at a Similar Price so How Do They Compare?

Both of these mics are a great buy. The audio Technica AT2020 has been around for a long time. Most people seem to feel that it sounds good but has slightly high self noise. As long as you are close, this is actually not a problem.
The MXL 990 has an advertised noise figure that looks brilliant for the cost but when you see the documentation, there are two figures that don't match ....... -80dB or -20dBa. Normally, the dBa figure added to the dB figure should come to 94, but in this case, it's 100!! I suspect that the -20dBa is more accurate which brings it to the same exact level as the AT2020.
So that always makes me wonder why so many reviewers haven't noticed the noise on the MXL but have on the AT ........
In reality, they are exactly the same with regards to the noise level. At least, that's what I find.
Perhaps the MXL is a little more treble focused than the AT2020. Makes many think that there is more detail with the 990 but again, I don't think so.
These two mics are quite similar in performance. The MXL has a nicer case and shockmount system, plus the fact that it is cheaper than the AT2020, so I guess that is probably the better buy, unless you don't like its sound!

[@iancraig]

Affiliate links:
MXL990 - amzn.to/37e84Km
AT2020 - amzn.to/3vkQsnN

[@Fahm927]

thanks for the review sir!

[@jannbautista4480]

Great tip on the subtle noise gate!

[@iancraig]

It works really well Jann. You don't notice it switching in and out and the perceived noise floor drops by 6 or 12dB. Generally, if the background is noisy, I drop by 6 before it becomes noticeable, whereas quieter recordings can be dropped 12 with no obvious effects.

[@fransv1398]

A nice comparison Ian and great tips at the end.

[@iancraig]

That noise gate trick works really well and you don’t get that horrible ‘deadness’ in silent bits.

[@fransv1398]

@@iancraig Totally agree. I do the same with only 3 dB reduction. Next time I will try with the higher values of yours.

[@tatiz4001]

Thanks for your help

[@4sythemusic]

thank you for this my friend!!!

[@iancraig]

No problem 👍

[@GameliGamePlays-ms7te]

I have the XML 990 and totally love it.

[@iancraig]

Such a great value mic.

[@diogomendes2332]

Thank you, Brian Wilson

[@iancraig]

Yes, I do love beaches. So I guess I’m a Beach Boy!

[@szymontrojanowski7565]

You can get that extra 10Hz at the bottom end and further lower self noise in mxl 990 by replacing capacitors inside.

[@ripl1e88]

great video and thank you

[@iancraig]

I’m glad it’s still a useful video.

[@phoenixrising1576]

Really helpful as always Ian, many thanks : )

[@iancraig]

Thank you for watching it.

[@lee8org]

I would go for MXL 990. I do own AT2020 and it is OK microphone but my MXL V67i is again better.

[@apock88]

Thanks for the review Ian, the AT2020 self noise sounded a bit higher to me.

[@iancraig]

Yes, it is a bit higher.

[@jamesbondaygee]

Nice little comparison thanks I've always use the MXL 990 ever since I got into music recording and I've always wanted an at4040. Do you think that will be a significant jump in quality?

[@iancraig]

I think the at4040 would work really well. I noticed a big difference even between the at2020 and 2035. More focused sound and less noise on the 2035 so I think the 4040 would be nice!

[@dbdel]

What are your thoughts on the MXL 2006 compared to these?

[@corymacdougall3469]

Mxl sounds better thank you for the test.

[@sarielmusic92]

Hello Friend, i receive the set tomorow 13 september, and ill do this...take the plug noise reduction cause i know this microphone is a little too sssss but with eq corection it will be ok i think....

[@apock88]

I could definitely ear the higher noise floor on the AT2020, the MXL also sounded a bit better in my opinion.

[@iancraig]

I like the MXL as well to be honest. Great value for money package.

[@dannyabaldo3191]

I am getting a mic i am looking at these two
I heard of the mxl by videos and some pro studios are using, one vis by a pro said he always seems to go back to his mxl
I must make my mind up soon.

[@iancraig]

For me, I think the MXL is better for my voice than the AT2020. I quite like it actually.

[@dannyabaldo3191]

@@iancraig yes i agree esp male vox getting that one thanx for commenting on my question

[@ELECTRICSCARS]

MXL 990 way better

[@abhishekk.r8773]

Which microphone is better for rap vocals mxl 990 or at2020 please tell

[@iancraig]

I’ve never rapped in my life! The MXL is slightly clearer up in the top end.

[@amy20rofficial]

Please suggest me gyz for rap vocals Akg p120 or mxl 990???

[@iancraig]

Only used mxl990.

[@amy20rofficial]

@@iancraig thnku 🙏

[@sarielmusic92]

@@iancraig The AKG P120 is very warm and good for rap and MXL 990 is good too for rap and sing

[@iancraig]

You’re using a 990 though aren’t you?

[@s.mortezanabavi708]

To me, MXL 990 goes to a less self noise level and also more brilliant vocal sound.

[@iancraig]

Yes. I prefer the MXL too.

[@mehmetcanbasar2384]

For rap vokals which one is better?

[@iancraig]

Rap vocal isn’t that different from any other vocal. Both would work well. The MXL will accentuate transients in the voice a little more than the AT, so crisper ‘t’s and ‘s’ on MXL.

[@mehmetcanbasar2384]

@@iancraig so which would you prefer?

[@iancraig]

My own preference is MXL. However, with mics, there is no ‘best’. It really depends on what kind of sound you prefer.
If you listen on the video, you might hear any differences that are important to you. Your own opinion is more important than mine.
If you can’t hear any differences, I’d go for the cheapest one!