Chris Pirillo » usb-mic

The Ultimate USB Microphones

Chris Pirillo — Tue, 11 May 2010 22:20:39 +0000

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One live caller recently told me he had just ordered the same USB mic that I use because he loved the crystal-clear sound that I have. Unfortunately, he didn’t use the coupons that I have available. He wondered if I used any special settings with my mic, because the sound really is fantastic. All I’ve done, though, is plug it in… honest. My mic provides me with the ultimate audio experience.

The Audio Technica AT2020 USB Condenser Mic has a clear natural sound that works well for podcasting, home studio recording, field recording and even voiceover use. I use it on my live stream, of course, and you hear the results. It plugs right into your computer’s USB port, and functions seamlessly with your favorite recording software.

I also happen to have a beast of a USB microphone… the Yeti. This thing is pretty powerful, and works well for recording vocals, instrumentals or interviews. The sound is amazing on this thing, plain and simple. There’s a mute button right on the front, which I really appreciate. There’s also a gain button on the back, which allows you to change the gain within the hardware instead of just the software.

One of the things I wish the Yeti had is a version in black, instead of just silver… and possibly a bit slimmer. The AT2020 has a low profile on my desk, which is important to me. The Yeti, however, is a giant. I will likely use it for conducting interviews though, or anything that might need even higher quality than the AT2020 gives me.

If you like the Audio Technica USB microphone that I’m using now, you may be interested in the Yeti. Both are excellent USB mics, and neither of them will let you down in any recording situation you can think of.

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The Ultimate USB Microphones

Yet Another USB Microphone Review

Chris Pirillo — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 18:41:10 +0000

Yet Another USB Microphone Review

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I’ve tried several different microphones lately. At the moment, I’m checking out the Audio Technica at2020 USB Mic. I’ve not been having the best of luck finding the sound quality that I need for my live shows, as well as my videos. How do you think this one sounds?

The Audio-Technica AT2020 USB Microphone offers studio-quality articulation and intelligibility. The AT2020 USB plugs right into your computer’s USB port, and functions seamlessly with your favorite recording software. Equipped with a USB digital output, the AT2020 USB is perfect for home studio recording, field recording, podcasting, and voiceover use. The AT2020 USB is based on the design of Audio-Technica’s critically acclaimed AT2020 cardioid condenser microphone. Like the AT2020, it features a low-mass diaphragm, custom-engineered for extended frequency response and superior transient response. With low self-noise, the AT2020 USB is perfectly suited for sophisticated digital recording equipment. Audio-Technica’s state-of-the-art design and manufacturing techniques ensure that the microphone complies with the company’s renowned consistency and reliability standards. Experience AT2020 USB. Plug it in and transform your sound.

What’s great about this is that it’s literally just plug-and-play. It works in both Windows and OS X. All I had to do was plug it in, and start talking. Heck, even I can handle that! There’s nothing more you need to do. The quality is just excellent, which we all know is very important when you’re trying to record or even broadcast live.

If you’re interested in buying one of these using the Amazon link above, make sure you email me first. I may just be able to save you even more money with a coupon.

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Yet Another USB Microphone Review