Audio Technica AT 2020 vs. SP C1

I have not heard the AT 2020 but I did have a C1. It was very clear and detailed but the high end seemed un-naturally harsh to me and the closer you got to it the worse it got. I think the C1 is great for distant micing of acoustic instruments but not well suited for close vocal work. In fact the Studio Projects B1 might be better, I have heard samples of it and it sounded fantastic.

However, it kinda depends on the singer. If you have a singer with a real mellow voice the C1 might add some air to it, just beware the essss sounds and spit smacking. Might need to stay back or off axis a bit.

Don't count out your dynamics for that type vocal, do a double track with both a good dynamic and the 2020 and see what works best in the mix. Don't worry about how it sounds solo, check to see how it fits in the mix. An EV RE20 or even a Shure SM57 can work great for R&B. The SM57 works good for singers that already have thick tone and the RE20 will give almost any singer that.. radio DJ... voice of god type thing. It's second only to the RCA 74b for that low end tone.

I haven't used the AT-2020, but I've got the AT-3035 and it's terrific for the price (around $200). It's got great balance, not hyped up or anything, just honest. Very versatile. Don't overlook the Marshalls either if you're looking for value.