AT2020 or B1? w/ edit

[gdw3]

EDIT: Oh, God, I just found a thread on exactly the same subject. Sorry for the re-post, but I'd love to hear other opinions from those who didn't post the first time.

Hi. New to the BBS, and am a home studio user and guitar player. I'm looking at affordable (read: shamelessly cheap) condenser mics, and have heard good things about both the Audio Technica AT2020 and the Studio Projects B1. Can get either one for $99, though I think the B1 includes a shock mount. Neither has a roll-off switch or pad, correct? The 2020 can also be bought in a package with the 2021 for $149. I want to use it to record primarily guitar (acoustic and electric), vocals, and small percussion.

So, what are anybody's thoughts? Thanks a bunch for replying.

 

[simpleybass]

Studio Projects recently updated features on the B1.

It now has a pad swithch with 3 settings: flat, -10db, -20db

It also has a low cut switch with 3 settings: flat, 75hz, 150hz

Make sure you don't get an old one!

Yeah, it comes with a nice shockmount too.

REALLY mice mic for the price. Super good for acoustic instuments, especially guitar. Amazing value, this mic.

This is one of the most highly recommended mics on this forum.

Maybe someone else can comment on the AT, I haven't used it.

 

[gdw3]

Wow, thanks so much for the quick response. Those added features may put the B1 over the top for me.

 

[RandyW]

At2020

I purchased an AT2020 and the CAD Studio Pack 2400/1200.
For overall use I think the AT2020 is the best of the bunch.
I found it for $80 new on ebay.

From what I've been reading it sound like the SP C1 will
be my next purchase though.

 

[fweyd]

Is the Studio Projects B1 a lot better than a MXL 990 ?? Cause Ill be getting a Delta1010LT from MusiciansFriend, and it has a free MXL990.. and Im thinking of getting another 990 for my Stereo Drum Overheads.

Or should I be better off adding around 30 bucks for a B1 ?? But would a 990 and a B1 work as my Stereo Overhead? Different mics ?

 

[sweetnubs]

It is all comparing so well with high end super expensive so much microphones that the difference barely isn't even noticable! This is so true!

 

[wbcsound]

I bought the AT4041 studio package and liked the AT2020 so much I got a second one. They're really good mics for the money, great on acoustic guitar. Bass is slightly rolled off so they're not the best choice for capturing lows. There is a smooth presence boost which works well for vocals. Tried it on a talking drum and results were decent as well.There aren't any bells on whistles as far as pads or selectable roll offs, but if you have a decent pre that shouldn't be an issue.

 

[dr.colossus]

Regarding the B1 and the 990, the B1 is a much more useful mic. I don't think I have used my 990 for about a year! Unfortunatley there is no situation where the 990 wins a shoot out for me. It might be useful for doubling guitar tracks or backing vocals. Some folks have found it useful, but I always find either a B1 or a 57 more useful (depending on the situation).

 

[dmc777]

Is the Studio Projects B1 a lot better than a MXL 990 ?? Cause Ill be getting a Delta1010LT from MusiciansFriend, and it has a free MXL990.. and Im thinking of getting another 990 for my Stereo Drum Overheads.

Or should I be better off adding around 30 bucks for a B1 ?? But would a 990 and a B1 work as my Stereo Overhead? Different mics ?

Well since you're already getting one for free I'd probably buy another to use them for OH's. I think the 990 would be alright for Ohs because of the High bump. I made the mistake of buying the 990/993 package. I wish now it would have been 2 993s or 990s so I could use them for OHs. Anyway, if you decide to buy the 990 let me know how cheap cause I'm probably gonna sell mine.

 

[Brackish]

Studio Projects recently updated features on the B1.

It now has a pad swithch with 3 settings: flat, -10db, -20db

It also has a low cut switch with 3 settings: flat, 75hz, 150hz

Make sure you don't get an old one!

Hey, are they going to put any of those new features on the
C1?

 

[simpleybass]

Hey, are they going to put any of those new features on the
C1?

I don't really know. I don't have a C1.

The description http://www.studioprojects.com/c1.html indicates the C1 has a pad and a low cut, just not as many settings as the new B1.

Try contacting PMI if you want to know if future models will have more settings.

 

[Paj]

Is the Studio Projects B1 a lot better than a MXL 990 ?? Cause Ill be getting a Delta1010LT from MusiciansFriend, and it has a free MXL990.. and Im thinking of getting another 990 for my Stereo Drum Overheads.

Or should I be better off adding around 30 bucks for a B1 ?? But would a 990 and a B1 work as my Stereo Overhead? Different mics ?

Ditto what Dr. Colossus said! I have never found the 990 to be preferable to any other condenser I own for overheads or stereo-pair/distance miking. Never. I have found the B1 to work extremely well as a blend with other mics (especially MXL603/991, AKG-C2000B, and Octava MK-319 mics). I think that the new B1, if it maintains the specs of the original while adding the mentioned features, will be hard to beat in this price range and would definitely be worth the extra $30. I have friends who are happy with the AT2020 for distance (choir) miking. I don't think that the AT2020 is truly an LDC condenser but if it has the sound you want, that shouldn't be an issue.

Paj
8^)