Rode M5 or AT2020 for Focusrite Scarlette 2i2G2
 

Hi, while there are some discussions on entry level microphones in particular Rode M5 vs. Audio Technica 2020 for home studio use, I am specifically asking if members might have experience with matching these mics with Focusrite Scarlette 2i2 preamp?

Thanks for your input!:)

Pippin

I have no experience with either of those microphones, but I use a Scarlett 2i2 exclusively, and I have no complaints.

Thanks Rdm321.

What mics do you usually use with the 2i2?

Pp

Quality In / Quality Out
 

I have a pair of M5s and an AT2050 (LDC multipattern).

It depends on what you want to do. The M5s are bright (like all cheap mics) but you can work with them to get OK sounds out of an instrument. The 2050 is also a little bright, and I assume the 2020 would be also. I used it for a while on vocals before I upgraded.

But it depends on what you want. Just instrument? M5. Vocals and instrument? Probably the 2020.

3U Audio CM1 (either the Teal or the Black) would be my recommendation for a high quality, versatile yet inexpensive first condenser mic.

If interested, here is a long thread over at GS where they are discussed with other 3U Audio mics:

https://www.gearslutz.com/board/low-...-voicings.html

Sorry for the delay in replying.
I use an AKG 214 condenser mic or a fairly cheap no-name dynamic, depending on circumstances.

I have AT2035 and Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. A very good quality combo, no complaints so far.

As I understand Rode M5 is actually a pair of mics for stereo recording and AT2020 is a cardiod condenser that would obviously only give you mono, so two different things. I originally wanted to buy AT2020, only heard good things about it, apparently unbeatable in it's price category, however my source was out of stock, so instead of waiting I went for a slightly higher model AT2035.

Thanks!

Thanks! I was thinking about getting two AT2020 for stereo recording.

If you are doing vocals then they would work if not you might consider a pair of SDC for just acoustic guitar.

Thanks KevWind! I was too under the impression that a pair of SDC would be better for recording acoustic guitars (alone).

I don't know if they are "better" per se .. Plenty of outstanding recordings of acoustics have been done with LDC's
The "consideration" might stem more from specific recording situation, SDC's tend to be slightly less subject to room issues. And very generally speaking on a dollar per dollar at equal quality/build etc., they are usually a bit less costly.

Just to add on to what KevWind said, it's all about what sounds best to you. I've lately been recording everything with my new AKG 414 clone just because it sounds so freakin' good on everything I hit it with.

What sucks about mics is that you just won't know how THAT mic sounds on THAT guitar/singer/whatever in THAT room on THAT day until you try it. My experience has been that it takes a lot of pretty expensive experimentation.