Tag: USB

The question I get asked more than anything else is whether to buy the Blue Yeti USB microphone versus the AT2020 from Audio Technica.

The Yeti and the AT2020 occupy the sweet-spot in terms of price, quality, functionality and quality so deciding which is the best USB mic comes down to you personal preference and how you intend to use the mic. Both are mid-priced mics, and both mics plug into the USB port and provide professional quality recording.

The Blue Yeti USB mic is the top-of-the-range offering from Blue microphones. It’s massive size gives it a lot of weight which is perfect for desktop or studio use. It stable and sturdy however it cuts down on the portability so if you have to have an easily portable unit to cart around, the yeti mic probably isn’t your best option.

The AT2020 from Audio Technica is a smaller unit that’s a bit more costly but it’s a touch more versatile for road-warriors. Also, you can easily find a shock-mount to fit the AT2020, so you get minimal background noise.

Portability
The yeti is professional and robust while the AT2020 is svelte and lightweight. If you want portability, the AT2020 wins every time

Quality of sound
The sound quality is wonderful with both the Yeti and the AT2020. The sound from both mics adds a deep richness to any voice and perfectly captures the warm tones of an acoustic guitar. It is difficult to split the difference in quality of sound although the Yeti has four different recording settings depending on the sound source so just pips the AT2020.

Simplicity of Setup
After I got my blue Yeti, I was recording inside a minute of opening the box. I simply connected the mini USB and connected it up to my iMac. System preferences opened up and I selected the Yeti for input and output. Boom – ready and recording in 30 seconds!

The AT2020 is also easy to get going but I haven’t set one up for myself so it would be unfair of me to comment. So we’ll think of it as a draw.

Latency
With the AT2020, the sound must be processed by the sound card before being fed back to the monitor headphones so there is a perceptible lag. This echo can be somewhat distracting. There is some premium software to help rectify this though with the Yeti, there is simply no problem. You will find a headphone monitor port directly in the microphone so the monitor is 100% real time. It’s such a treat to hear your own voice in your headphones sounding so full and rich.

Features
The Yeti specs are way outstanding on paper. It’s the only officially THX certified USB mic on the market and has 4 recording settings to pick up sounds from various directions as needed. When in the omnidirectional setting, it’s excellent for recording a live session with a couple of musicians in the room playing alongside one another. The At2020 isn’t so versatile with only the cardioid setting available but it’s also superb. The Yeti gets another point on this one.

Accessories
Both microphones come with a stand that has a small footprint so if you’re recording a voiceover or podcast on your desktop, then both work well. But If you are recording screencasts or typing while recording, both mics will pick up vibrations from the desk.

That’s where the AT2020 can work very well simply because it’s much easier to buy a shock mount that fits. The yeti is just too big for any widely available shock mount.

And if you really want to take your recordings to highest level, a freestanding microphone boom is the best solution. Both have standard mounts so you can use any microphone stand, and if you’d like the adjustability of an “anglepoise” swivel style mount like the rode PSA1, then both will work fine. Keep in mind you will want a high tension mount to counterbalance the heavy Yeti.

As with most microphones, both the Yeti and the AT2020 would be improved by adding a pop-filter to remove the popping “p”s. Blue microphones have a pop filter but I’d recommend a plain pop filter which will help you save 10 or 20 dollars.

The AT2020 comes first on accessories because it’s easier to buy a shock-mount that fits. But it is a close call and definitely depends upon what you need.

The Final Verdict
We have got a draw with 3 1/2 points each to the Yeti and AT2020.

So it really depends upon what you would like.

If you can handle the lack of portability and you don’t need to have a shock mount, I really think that the yeti is the best USB microphone you can get.

If portability is essential than audio flexibility, I suggest the Audio Technica AT2020.

If you can recall when audio cassettes were considered as cutting edge, you probably taped LPs on them while being blown away by the resulting technological leap forward: being able to while walk around while privately enjoying music through a player that wasn’t much bigger than the cassette itself. Which most likely means you’ve got a pile of cassettes slowly decaying in some dark closet!

It goes without saying that you’re emotionally bonded to the cassettes. The music on them not only represents your memories, but is a portrayal of a time when talent and musicianship were valued because that was the only way a musical act could endure. But of course, audio cassettes can also hold other stories of the past: meetings, conference calls, interviews, verbal letters,speeches.

Also, it’s not your fault that the cassette players you originally owned aren’t functioning any more – they’ve just passed away due to natural causes. But even if buying a replacement cassette player didn’t need a major online search, you wouldn’t dare to risk playing your cassettes on them – they, too, are too old and infirm from overuse and neglect.

It hasn’t been unfeasible to bring your audio cassette tapes into the Internet age if you could deal with the cost. There are recording services that will convert your cassettes into audio files that can be used on MP3 or CD players. But it can involve mailing the cassettes to and from them at your expense, and the cost usually exceeds what it would cost to replace each cassette with a retail CD- the musical cassettes, that is.

But just as technology has taken us from the boom box to the Walkman to the iPod, transforming a cassette to CD or MP3 is now much less of a logistical or financial hassle. There are now a variety of hardware and software that allow you to perform audio cassette conversion to CD or MP3 yourself. But you need to look for for the best system.

Some are full-sized tape decks while others aren’t any larger than Walkmans. Some require that you sign up with a music downloading service. Some use batteries or have power cords; others are powered by your computer. Some use a single USB cable connection, others use a series of radio plugs. And of course, some are made for PCs, Macintoshes, or both.

Luckily, there’s a very fast way to sort them all out: Go to http://www.tapeconversioncentral.com/cassette-to-cd-mp3. Here’s why:

Doesn’t it anger you when you cannot find the truth behind something and you are kept in dark? If it does you can get one of the secret audio devices specially manufactured for spying operations. You can listen to every conversations happening beyond your reach. Conversations of a room or in a telephone line can be easily and clearly heard with the aid of such gadgets. Undercover agents are given to tackle cases that demand for use of secret devices. Usually unlawful activities happen behind closed doors. top secret audio devices will provide assistance to get satisfactory evidence by recording every conversation happening inside. Gadgets like voice pen recorder looks exactly like a normal pen but with additional features like recording button, hidden MIC, hidden LED indicator and a USB port. It has a built-in memory of 4GB along with a recording time of about 65 hours. These features are undetectable to any individual other than that pen’s owner. Mostly journalists use such devices to conduct sting operations against corrupt politicians. One amazing device is the wall listen secret audio device that can work on steel plates, doors, windows, wooden walls and even on cement walls. It comes along with secret spy bug with earpiece, USB in and built-in rechargeable battery. You simply have to put attach the device to the wall, connect the earpiece with it and then clearly listen to whatever conversation taking place on the other side of the wall. Every time someone talks the voices will be generated as wavebands and these wavebands will pass through short and long distance. Demand for secret audio devices is growing day by day due to its handy, portability and easy to install nature. Also it is now accessible to anyone who wants to become a spying agent of their own. You can use it for fun and for serious spying activity as well. Choose one wisely that will meet your needs and will perform extremely well. Even though you have to pay a higher price choose the one that will last long and not wear out after one time use. These devices have proved the myth that even walls have ears.

So what type of car sound system sounds very float your boat? Are you the type who desires one of the most effortless sound system on the market today? Would you be happy to talk radio and some FM radio stations? Need an 8-track? What about a cassette player? I hate to say this, but in case you are still living within the past, have a difficult time finding an audio system that may accommodate your desire to organize the technology behind contemporary trends. These items do not sell. You’ll find a certain sound that nonetheless has occasional cassette player, but most discover that the market for this device is virtually as limited as the high quality from the device itself.

Today, the car audio systems are far more sophisticated than ever before. Gone are the days after we had to turn a dial to find a radio station. Today, you’ll be able to change the car to scan the stations until you find one you like. You may even explore the conditions of radio stations by type. For me it was a excellent invention that I think will be the saddest nation music and always end up finding the song that will bring floods of tears with out being invited, although the stations flipped without having thinking I drive. As somebody who hates to mourn on any given day, is powerful sufficient to mourn. Add to how the truth that I’m probably driving about 75 miles an hour and you may possibly see where this is problematic. I do my best after I can hold the country music stations all together.

Another essential technological advance, with regards to car audio system will be the individual volume controls. You no longer have to listen towards mothers, sisters, or the scapegoat for the loud music, you’ll be able to scroll through your headphones and mute the noise inside the rest on the world. If the vehicle is really an advanced audio system, you’ll be able to also transform the radio station, to be able to discover the music that’s right for quite a few musical tastes.

You ought to also know that car audio systems these days are a lot more user friendly than previous days. Most monitors are digital and effortless to read. It is possible to even believe that a lot can read the codes and formats of local radio and also the list of songs that play for you. You by no means need to wonder within the name in the great song you just heard, or even who sang it again. It is appropriate prior to your eyes as you drive along and listen to incredible music.

The best car audio systems offer not just opportunities to CD for drivers and passengers but also the ability and capability to read and interpret data, and MP3. Increasingly turn to MP3 for their primary source of music. It takes less space than your average CD holds music and much more. You’ll be able to download only the songs you need with no to buy an entire CD full of songs to find which you liked a song on a CD. You’ll be able to put your favorite songs on the USB stick and carry it. It is a great way to enjoy music in this day and age. I’m literally stunned that I did not see an audio system iPod automatically to appear over a radar and yet seriously expect to see every day now, literally.

Regardless of whether you do or don’t wish to give the current era of music and listening to music than to us. However, if you’re incredibly opposed to that you simply can always find a good provide of Sinatra in MP3 format, so you move a bit convenient for you.

Equipped with a USB digital output, the AT2020 USB offers studio-quality articulation and
intelligibility perfect for home studio recording, field recording, podcasting, and voiceover use.
The AT2020 USB features a low-mass diaphragm, custom-engineered for extended
frequency response and superior transient response. 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.
AT2020 FEATURES
Side-address studio condenser with USB digital output
Ideal for podcasting, home studio recording, field recording, and voiceover use
Compatible with Windows and Mac
Custom-engineered low-mass diaphragm provides extended frequency response and
superior transient response
Cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving
isolation of desired sound source
Low self-noise – perfectly suited for sophisticated digital recording equipment
Pivoting, threaded stand mount attaches securely for easy and precise placement of
the microphone
Tripod desk stand with folding legs for secure and easily portable tabletop use
Mac
Correct adjustment of microphone level is important for optimum performance. Ideally,
the microphone level should be as high as possible without overloading the input of your
computer. If you hear distortion, or if your recording program shows levels that are
consistently overloaded (at peak levels), turn the microphone volume (or level) down,
either through your control panel (or system preferences) settings, or through your
recording software.
Screw the pivot mount onto the top of the tripod desk stand.
Place the tripod desk stand on a flat surface. (The tripod legs will extend to provide
a wide, secure base.)
Install the AT2020 USB microphone into the threaded collar of the pivot mount
and tighten collar while holding the microphone in place. The front of the microphone
should be facing the sound source. (A USB icon and blue LED indicate the front of the
microphone; the product model number is displayed on the rear of the microphone.)
If necessary, adjust the microphone’s angle with the pivot mount’s thumbscrew.
Plug the provided USB cable into the USB digital output at the base of the microphone.
Avoid leaving your microphone in the open sun or in areas where temperatures exceed
110 F (43 C) for extended periods. Extremely high humidity should also be avoided.