Compare two products

Side by side	RØDE NT1 Signature Series Studio Condenser Microphone, BlackCheck price on Amazon	Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Studio XLR Microphone, Ideal for Project/Home Studio Applications, BlackCheck price on Amazon
Buyer rating	★★★★★4.6	★★★★★4.7
Price	$135.00	$119.00
Our score	8.7/10	7.9/10
Buyer ratings	2,436 ratings	15,091 ratings
Brand	RØDE	Audio
Best for	Low-noise vocal and acoustic instrument tracking	Entry-level vocal and acoustic tracking
Build quality	8.6/10	8.5/10
Noise performance	9.5/10	—
Included accessories	8.8/10	—
Off-axis rejection	7.4/10	7.4/10
Price-to-performance	9.0/10	—
Self-noise floor	—	6.8/10
High SPL handling	—	8.4/10
Price-to-utility ratio	—	8.2/10
Connectivity Technology	XLR	Wired
Connector Type	XLR	XLR
Compatible Devices	Audio Interface	Any Recording Programs, Audio Interface
Power Source	Corded Electric	Phantom Power
Enclosure Material	Metal	Metal
Item Weight	313 g	—
Special Feature	Latest addition to the iconic RODE NT1 studio condenser microphone series	—
Polar Pattern	Unidirectional	Unidirectional
Audio Sensitivity	4 db	37 db
Microphone Form Factor	Large Diaphragm	Microphone Only
Number of Batteries	1 Nonstandard Battery batteries required.	1 Unknown batteries required.
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	78 db	74 db
Number of Channels	1	1
Audible Noise	4 db	20 db
Color	Black	Black
EU Spare Part Availability Duration	10 years	—
Impedance	—	200 ohm
Hardware Platform	—	PC
Frequency Response	—	20 hertz
Our verdict	The NT1 Signature Series is engineered around very low internal self-noise, making it well-suited to quiet vocal passes and acoustic sources. However, its wide condenser sensitivity will capture ambient room reflections clearly if the tracking space lacks treatment. The microphone pairs comfortably with entry-level interfaces without requiring excessive preamp gain.	The AT2020 delivers a predictable, balanced frequency response that works across vocal and acoustic instrument tracking. Because it requires 48V phantom power and an audio interface, total initial cost is higher than a USB model. In an untreated room, its broad condenser sensitivity will register ambient reflections distinctly.
Pros and cons	+ Very low self-noise floor + Predictable, neutral tonal balance + Bundled shockmount and standard pop filter − Demands acoustic absorption to prevent room pickup − Lacks onboard high-pass or pad switches	+ Durable metal construction and proven track record + Consistent cardioid directivity pattern + Modular XLR format adapts to interface upgrades − Requires audio interface with phantom power − Exposes lack of acoustic room treatment

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