AT2020 plugged into the UM2 via XLR. UM2 plugged into my Windows 10 PC via the provided USB cord. I downloaded the 64 bit driver from the Behringer's website for the UM2 and installed it. I have the 48v switch on the UM2 on and have the gain to about 50%. However, looking in the sounds setting menu, I'm not getting any sound from the AT2020.

• At2020 Not Picking Up Sound Deadening
• At2020 Not Picking Up Sound
• At2020 Not Picking Up Sound Effect
• At2020 Usb Not Picking Up Sound
• At2020 Not Picking Up Sound Cancelling
• At2020 Not Picking Up Sound Noise

Last Updated on September 29, 2020 by

1. Oct 26, 2014 Hello! I'm having some problems setting up my new mic in OBS, i bought the At2020 usb mic. Its connected and i've selected it in OBS audio settings but even on full volume it does not pick up sound. I've turned the mic up in the control panel of windows and tried boosting the mic in OBS, but.
2. The AT2020 is recognized and running the windows troubleshooting program comes back with no detected problems. The UM2 seems to be recognized as both a speaker and a microphone. The signal light on the UM2 is off but the power is on. More details can be provided if needed.
3. I would recommend getting the XLR with the additional amplifier just so you actually have some gain control, which is the only single weakness of the AT2020 as it doesn't have gain control built in. Buying the USB version is fine and you will still get great sound quality but you're more limited on sound quality and control as there's no hardware control unit (no amplifier etc).

If there’s two microphones on the market that get mentioned everywhere, it’s the Shure SM57 and the Audio-Technica AT2020… and the Shure SM58 as well, of course.

There are some clear differences between these two microphones, especially in that one of them is a condenser mic and the other one is a dynamic mic, and I will cover all of these differences in this article, as well as give you some insight on which one to get depending on your needs.

Note: If you don’t know the differences between the Shure SM57 and the SM58 and would like to know more, check this post.

Let’s get started.

Shure SM57 vs Audio-Technica AT2020

The Shure SM57 is a Dynamic microphone that has a frequency response of 40Hz to 15kHz and it’s designed to record instruments and to be used on a live setting.

The AT2020 is a condenser microphone, has a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz, and it’s designed for studio use, mainly recording vocals.

Shure SM57

Used to record guitar and bass cabinets, drums -especially snares-, and loads of other instruments all over the world, the SM57 is considered to be the best dynamic microphone for recording instruments.

The reason the SM57 is used for recording instruments is because of the grille:

The SM57 has a built-in grille that’s actually part of the cartridge, which means that the diaphragm of the microphone can be placed a bit closer to the sound source, whereas on other dynamic microphones that have a ball grille that also works as a regular pop filter, you can’t get it as close.

The closer the sound source, the more pronounced the proximity effect will be. So, you could say that the SM57 has a more pronounced proximity effect than most other dynamic microphones.

First, let’s talk about the build quality:

The SM57 is built like an absolute truck; it can literally withstand anything you throw at it like being dropped on the ground, bumps, spills, and much more.

The reason for this is that it needs to be able to survive live shows and the life on the road, so it was designed to do just that.

At2020 Not Picking Up Sound Deadening

The SM57 has an increased presence peak, which would be in the higher mids/high frequencies.

This means that vocals, for example, will cut better through the mix, and so will electric guitars.

How does it perform?

I use the SM57 to record almost anything, and it really is a very versatile microphone since it can be used on vocals, with a good pop filter in front of it otherwise the plosives will be too much, on electric guitar cabinets, to record drums, and it’s designed to be used both in the studio and on stage, which is something the AT2020 can’t really accomplish.

I love recording my electric guitar with it since the sound is clear, warm and also has a nice low-end.

I also record my cabinets with condenser mics from time to time depending on what the song needs, but I generally end up going back to the SM57.

In some cases, the SM57 ends up being better for vocals than even my Rode NT1-A, but this all depends on the vocalist and what the song needs.

Features

• Most Popular dynamic mic in the world
• Great at recording almost any instrument
• Excellent for close-miking
• Perfect for studio and live shows

Specifications

Here’s a link to Amazon where you can read the user Reviews as well as check the current price of the Shure SM57.

Now, let’s have a quick look at the AT2020.

Audio-Technica AT2020

There are probably few better-known brands in the music industry than Audio-Technica, or Shure for that matter.

They make some of the best microphones on the market and the AT2020 is the go-to mic for almost every beginner home recording enthusiast.

Plus, you won’t see a studio that doesn’t at least have a couple of them…

The AT2020 is a cardioidcondenser microphone, which means that it is going to need phantom power in order to work properly… Like all condenser microphones.

More on this in a bit…

Just like all the Audio-Technica microphones, the AT2020 is extremely well built.

When holding it in my hand it doesn’t feel like a cheap product at all, quite the opposite in fact.

However, since it’s a condenser microphone, I wouldn’t recommend dropping it or not taking special care of it since condenser microphones tend to be a bit more sensitive in this sense than dynamic mics, so keep this in mind.

The AT2020 can be used for a lot of different applications, such as;

Recording music (mostly vocals), doing voice-over work, streaming, creating YouTube videos, and more.

Since the Audio-Technica AT2020 has a Cardioid pickup pattern, it will mostly be picking up sound from the front while rejecting sound from the back and the sides.

This is essential because you want to avoid picking up unwanted noises and any of the room’s natural sound, and a cardioid pattern will help with this quite a lot!

It has a frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz which is standard for almost every large diaphragm condenser microphone out there.

Important note: In the beginning I mentioned that in order to record properly, the AT2020 will need a phantom power supply.

The good news is that almost every modern Audio Interface, even the cheapest ones, will be able to supply it.

So, if you don’t already own an Audio Interface and are looking to purchase one, here are a couple articles I wrote that should be very helpful.

• UMC22 Vs UM2 (Cheapest ones)
• Scarlett 2i2 vs UMC204HD (Higher quality and affordable)
• Scarlett 6i6 vs UMC 404HD (A bit more expensive but very cost-efficient)

How does it perform?

The recording quality is great, especially since this microphone costs only about $100.

It has a slightly reduced low-end which I personally don’t like for the simple fact that ends up lacking a bit of “body”, plus I prefer to control this in post later on.

The slight boost in the mid-high frequencies can actually help your vocals to better cut through the mix, which is always nice!

All in all, it’s a terrific mic to get if you’re on a budget!

Now, condenser microphones aren’t really that great for live shows since they are MUCH MORE prone to feedback.

This means that, when compared to the SM57, it’s less versatile.

What comes in the box?

• The Audio-Technica AT2020 Mic
• A storage Pouch
• Microphone Clip

Features

• Great Build quality
• High SPL handling and wide dynamic range provide maximum versatility
• Cardioid polar patter which reduces the overall noise picked up
• 144 dB SPL Handling

Specifications

Here’s a link to Amazon where you can check the price and reviews of the Audio-Technica AT2020.

Which one should you choose?

In all honesty, I’d recommend getting both, especially since they are super affordable.

However, if you can only get one, then it will depend on your needs.

For home recording artists who don’t need a microphone for live shows, the AT2020 might be a better fit, not only because it’s excellent at recording vocals, but also because recording acoustic instruments also tends to work better when using just one condenser mic instead of one dynamic mic.

The SM57 is also fantastic for home recording, especially if you want to record guitar- or bass cabinets, and it can definitely record vocals as well, plus it can also be used during live shows, but I think that for most people recording at home, the AT2020 is a better fit.

Now, if you don’t have the money to purchase both microphones, then here’s another mic that might suit your needs as well; The Shure SM48.

The Shure SM48 is a dynamic microphone, very similar to the Shure SM58, but it costs less than $50.

Conclusion

If you’re building a small home studio, then having at least one dynamic- and one condenser microphone should be on your list.

Even though you can use them to record the same instruments, and yes, you can even record drums with a well-placed condenser microphone, dynamic mics tend to do a better job at this.

If you’re only going to record vocals, then get a condenser mic.

On the other hand, if you need something more versatile, a dynamic microphone, like the SM57, will fit your needs best, especially considering that it can be used during live performances.

I hope this information was useful.

Have a wonderful day!

Last Updated on February 27, 2020 by

Both the Sure SM58 and the Audio-Technica At2020 are some ofthe most famous microphones out there.

The reason for this is that they are extremely affordable whilesounding great.

Even though they are completely different beasts, a lot ofpeople seem to want to know which one they should buy, especially consideringthat they sell for almost the same price.

In this post I will do my best to describe each of them andtell you exactly which one you should get depending on your needs.

So, let’s get started…

Basic differences between the Shure SM58 and the AT2020

The SM58 is a dynamic microphone which means that it canhandle really high SPL.

Since it’s a passive mic, it is going to need a lot moregain to achieve the same volume as the AT2020.

It also has an overall darker sound when compared to theAT2020.

The AT2020 is a condenser microphone which means that it isan active mic and needs Phantom Power to work.

The AT2020 is far more sensitive, meaning that the gainrequired to get a good audio signal isn’t as high as with the SM58, and itsounds brighter.

If this is all you need, great!

If you want a more detailed description as well as which oneI’d recommend depending on your specific needs, then keep on reading…

Audio-Technica AT2020

There are probably few better-known brands in the music industry thanAudio-Technica.

They make some of the best microphones on the market and the AT2020 is the go-to mic for almost every beginner home recording enthusiast.

Plus, you won’t see a studio that doesn’t have at least a couple of them…

The AT2020 is a cardioid condenser microphone, which means that it is goingto need phantompower in order to work properly.

More on this in a bit…

Just like all the Audio-Technica microphones, the AT2020 is extremely wellbuilt.

When holding it in my hand it doesn’t feel like a cheap product at all,quite the opposite actually.

However, since it’s a condenser microphone, I wouldn’t recommend dropping itor not worrying too much about it taking a beating…

Condenser microphones are a bit more sensitive than dynamic mics, so keepthis in mind.

The AT2020 can be used for a lot of different applications, such as;

Recording music, doing voice-over work, streaming,creating YouTube videos, and more.

Since the Audio-Technica AT2020 has a Cardioid pickup pattern, it will mostly be picking up soundfrom the front while rejecting sound from the back and the sides.

This is essential because you want to avoid picking up unwanted noises andany of the room’s natural sound, and a cardioid pattern will help with thisquite a lot!

It has a frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz which is standardfor almost every large diaphragm condenser microphone out there.

Important note: In the beginning I mentioned that in order to recordproperly, the AT2020 will need a phantom power supply.

The good news is that almost every modern Audio Interface, even the cheapestones, will be able to supply it.

So, if you don’t already own an Audio Interface and are looking to purchaseone, here are a couple articles I wrote which should be very helpful.

• UMC22 Vs UM2 (Cheapest ones)
• Scarlett 2i2 vsUMC204HD (Higher quality and affordable)
• Scarlett 6i6 vsUMC 404HD (A bit more expensive but very cost-efficient)

How does it Perform?

The soundquality is excellent, and I meanexcellent, especially considering the price.

The only thing I don’t like that much is that it can sound a bit crispy at times, but that isn’t that much of an issue since you can fix that with justa bit of EQ afterwards.

And this is only if you don’t like the crispiness, since some peopleactually love it!

The AT2020 would be my top recommendation for anyone who is looking for a supercheap cardioid condenser microphone simply because of the overall soundquality and cost-efficiency.

It records your vocals extremely well, as well as acoustic and classicalguitar, which is what I used it for before getting the AT3035 and the AT4040.

There’s a reason why the AT2020 is part of almost every music studio, andthat is because when taking cost-effectiveness into account, there are fewmicrophones that can stand up to it.

With an overwhelming number of positive reviews on Amazon,you know that you are getting a quality product.

At2020 Not Picking Up Sound

What comes in the box?

• The Audio-Technica AT2020 Mic
• A storage Pouch
• Microphone Clip

Features

• Great Build quality
• High SPL handling and wide dynamic range providemaximum versatility
• Cardioid polar patter which reduces the overallnoise picked up
• 144 dB SPL Handling

Specifications

Here’s a link to Amazon where you can check the price and reviews of the Audio-Technica AT2020.

Moving on…

Shure SM58

The Shure SM58 is the go-to microphone in the recording industry, from live performances to studio recordings, and even home studio recordings.

It’s a cardioid dynamic microphone, which means that it willbe a lot less susceptible to feedback.

Even great artists like Elton John use this microphone,which means that it must be extremely good.

And if it’s good enough for Elton John, it’s clearly goodenough for the rest of us!

Just like with all Shure Microphones, you can expect anoutstanding build quality.

The Shure SM58 is built like an absolute truck…

You could drop it a hundred times, step on it, or doanything you could think of and it will still sound perfect!

The great thing about dynamic microphones is that they canhandle extremely high pressure levels.

Another benefit is that since they are a lot less sensitivethan a condenser microphone, like the AT2020, they are even less susceptible topicking up unwanted noise.

It comes with a built-in shock mount, which cuts down on thehandling noise, as well as a built-in pop filter.

This pop filter will be enough for live performances, but ifyou truly want to get rid of the plosives, then you should use an extra popfilter.

Of course, this would only apply when you’re recording athome or in a studio…

The Shure SM58 has a mid-boost and bass roll-off to help the vocals better cut through the mix and also to better control theproximity effect.

How does it Perform?

As you can see, the SM58 is mostly aimed towards liveperformances, but this doesn’t mean that it can’t be used to record in thestudio.

Using the right microphone for the singer is essential, andyou should always consider trying a lot of them out before recording to see howeach of them suits the singer.

A lot of great albums were recorded using a SM58, so don’tbe fooled into thinking that to record vocals at home you’re only going to wantto use condenser microphones.

The recording quality of the Shure SM58 is absolutelyphenomenal…

It does sound a bit dark, at least when compared to theAt2020, but this can be fixed with EQ, should you need to.

It’s especially good for loud screaming rock- and metal vocals.

Plus, it’s much more versatile than the AT2020 for thesimple fact that it can be used to record in your home studio as well as for liveperformances, band practice, etc.

What you get in the box:

• Shure SM58Microphone
• Microphoneclip
• Pouch

Features

• Rugged andreally durable metal body
• Greatfeedback rejection
• High soundpressure handling capability
• Shock-mountedcapsule provides excellent suppression of handling noise
• Uniformon- and off-axis response (better than the e835 in my opinion)
• Cardioidpick-up pattern provides isolation from other on-stage signals
• XLR-3

Specifications

Here’s a link to Amazon where you can see the price and the reviews of the Shure SM58.

Here are all the differences

Which oneshould you choose?

At2020 Not Picking Up Sound Effect

To be honest, both are excellent, and I don’t think that youcan go wrong purchasing either of them, in fact I would recommend having both.

However, there are some things you should take intoconsideration if you’re only going to get one.

If you want a microphone that works both for recording athome and for doing live shows, then go with the SM58.

Not only that, but dynamic mics tend to pick up much less ofthe room’s natural sound…

This means that if you don’t have any sound treatment, thequality of the recording will probably end up being better with the SM58.

At2020 Usb Not Picking Up Sound

The SM58 is also better for recording guitar and basscabinets.

On the other hand, the AT2020 is much more sensitive,meaning that it will pick up a bit more detail…

It also sounds warmer and brighter, which most people aregoing to like.

At2020 Not Picking Up Sound Cancelling

But remember that it will also record a lot more of the room’snatural sound, especially if you don’t have acoustic treatment.

At2020 Not Picking Up Sound Noise

So, if you don’t have any acoustic treatment and you also want to be able to use the same microphone at home and during live shows, then get the Shure SM58.

If you want a warmer sounding and more sensitive microphone, then go with the Audio-Technica AT2020.

Conclusion

Like I mentioned, both of these microphones are excellent,and I would recommend you get them both since the can be used in a lot ofdifferent ways.

The great thing about them is that they are super affordable,and you probably won’t need to upgrade until much later.

I hope you found this information useful!

Have a great day!