MXL 770 and Audio-Technica AT2020 are condenser microphones and they are both quite popular. That’s because they have an incredible frequency response and transition response. But which one is better? Well, let’s take a look at what they have to offer.
1. MXL 770
Build Quality & Design
The MXL 770 microphone, as well as the Audio-Technica AT2020, is a high quality multipurpose condenser microphone. However, it’s nothing we haven’t seen on other microphones on the market. That doesn’t mean it’s bad, there is something about simplicity too. The color of the mic is black, and the front part and the lining are golden.
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The MXL 770 features a 3 piece grille and side-address setup. There is a small cylindrical shaft which is made out of metal. Despite the microphone being rather low on price, it’s very sturdy and lightweight.
Sound Quality
The MXL 770 offers an amazing sound quality with solid low frequency response and clear high frequencies. It’s very well-balanced. The MXL 770 is a perfect combination of quality, flexibility, and value for both professional and home recording studios.
This mic can pick up ambient sounds in the recording environment, so powerful vocals and louder sounds have the potential to produce harsh recordings. Overall, the sound the MXL 770 produce is pretty warm. Electric guitars sound great on this microphone in both, medium or high gain.
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Features
The MXL 770 has a cardioid polar pattern. This means that the microphone picks up sounds coming from the front of the unit. Any sounds from the sides or the back are mostly suppressed. The microphone also uses Phantom Power and can be powered at 48 volt. It also comes with an XLR cable for charging the unit.
The microphone also features a 6-micron low distortion diaphragm. The 6-micron low distortion diaphragm exhibits sonic characteristics. On a more negative note, the MXL 770 doesn’t have good noise reduction levels. This means that it’s not too good for recordings at a studio. However, the mic also comes with a high-pass filter. This will help with noise reduction such as thumps and noises coming from the back or sides. The high-pass filter only works for noises under 150 Hz.
There is yet another feature that helps with noise coming from the background. This feature is called a pad switch of -10 dB. In the box that comes with the MXL 770, you can also find a carrying case which makes it portable as well as a boom mic stand.
- Sturdy and rugged
- Lightweight
- Features a 6-micron low distortion diaphragm
- Clarity and crispness in the sound
- Low noise control levels
- Sound performance might sound raw at times
2. Audio-Technica AT2020
Build Quality & Design
The Audio-Technica AT2020 USB microphone offers studio-quality articulation and intelligibility. This microphone is perfect for home studio recording, field recording, podcasting, and voice-over use. The exterior is made out of metal which adds to its durability. When compared to the MXL 770, the AT2020 is definitely lighter but is certainly wider and longer.
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Sound Quality
When it comes to overall sound quality, the Audio-Technica AT2020 delivers a very smooth sound. Its reproduction of vocals is one of a kind and it keeps the originality of the voice at the same time. It does an excellent job in managing to balance out both crispiness and the neutrality of the sound.
This microphone also has much better quality at low frequencies than the MXL 770. The AT2020 microphone is also much more capable in handling louder sounds than the MXL 7070.
Due to its smoothness of the sound, the AT2020 is compatible with almost any type of vocals or instruments. This makes it more suitable for professional use than the MXL 770. It’s also more versatile.
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Features
Just like the MXL 770, the AT2020 also has a cardioid polar pattern. It focuses on sound from the front side and suppress any sound from the sides and the back of the mic. Both the MXL 770 and the AT2020 microphones support Phantom Power and can be powered with 48 dB. However the AT2020 doesn’t feature an XLR cable.
The reason why the Audio-Technica AT2020 has better frequency response range is due to its low-mass diaphragm. The low-mass diaphragm is custom engineered and delivers more transient response. There is little to none self-noise which is excellent for studio recordings. The MXL 770 and the AT2020 microphones both have a high-pass filter and a -10 dB pad switch. The AT2020’s ability to handle really loud noises and powerful vocals is also due to the pad switch.
The microphone also comes with a carrying pouch. In the box you also get a tripod and a shock mount.
- Very good quality
- Wide frequency response
- Great for studio recordings
- Lightweight
- Tripod and shock mount included
- No XLR cable
Conclusion
MXL 770 and AT2020 come with their good and bad features. While the MXL 770 is much better for voice-overs and dubbing, the AT2020 is much better for live performance and studio recordings. So, depending on your needs, take your pick.
