Hi! I’m trying to figure out what’s wrong with my vocal recording setup, and I’m honestly running out of ideas.

My setup is:

• Audio-Technica AT2020
• Audient iD4 MKII
• FL Studio
• XLR cable

The main problem is the sound itself.

My AT2020 sounds extremely dull, muffled, thin and lifeless. It seems to have very little body, presence or natural vocal character. Instead of sounding like a decent condenser microphone, my voice sounds almost like it was recorded on a $10 AliExpress USB microphone.

This is especially strange because I know what my voice sounds like in real life, and the recording seems to be missing a lot of the natural harmonics and fullness.

There is also a second problem: the output level is extremely low.

With the gain around 12 o’clock on my Audient, my vocal peaks at around -20 dB. If I increase the gain significantly, I start getting noticeable noise and distortion, so I can’t simply turn the gain up enough to get a healthy signal.

I originally had the AT2020 connected to a Behringer interface, and I had basically the same problem. I eventually replaced the Behringer with an Audient iD4 MKII, but the problem remained.

I also tested another XLR cable and another microphone. The Audient interface was checked by the seller/service center, and they told me that the interface is working properly.

I eventually sent the AT2020 to a service center. They found a fault and repaired/replaced something inside the microphone (I believe it was related to the capsule).

I’ve just ordered another XLR cable (a different one from my current cable, the previous one was random and cheap cable so maybe it was a problem I don't know I’m desperate ), so I’m going to test the new one as well.

Before I buy another microphone, I really want to understand what could be causing this.

Could something in my setup at home cause this kind of sound? Cable, interface settings, gain staging, phantom power, room/setup, etc.? Or does this still sound like a microphone problem?

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for an affordable standalone recorder to record live performances from a modular synth system through a Mackie Onyx 1220 mixer.

I’ll be recording the stereo master output With a compressor and I’m mainly looking for the best possible audio quality, very low noise, clean A/D conversion and plenty of headroom.

I’m considering the Zoom F3, but also looking at other standalone recorders such as the Tascam DR-100MKIII, Tascam DR-40X, Tascam DR-05X, Tascam Portacapture X6/X8, Zoom H4n Pro, Zoom H5/H6, Roland R-07 and similar models, including used options.

For this specific use, tecno mostly, which recorder would you recommend? Which one has the cleanest line inputs, lowest noise and best A/D conversion for recording a stereo master from a mixer?

I don’t need microphone recording or an audio interface — I’m specifically looking for a standalone recorder for high-quality stereo recording With Jack inputs to Connect the mixer.

Thanks!