Audio Technica AT2050

A Multipattern at the Heart of Audio-Technica's Studio Range

The AT2050 is aimed at those seeking a condenser microphone capable of covering a wide range of situations without multiplying references in the studio. Its concept is based on a dual-diaphragm capsule and selectable polar patterns, allowing you to switch from a tight vocal capture to a more open room capture, or to advanced stereo and rejection techniques. This approach makes it a logical choice for an evolving home studio as well as for a production-oriented mic locker.

Who Benefits from the AT2050 and in What Uses Does It Make a Difference?

If you record vocals (singing, voice-over, podcast), the AT2050 lets you choose a polar pattern suited to the context: cardioid to limit room sound, omni for a more natural rendering, or figure-eight to exploit side rejection. On piano, strings, or percussion, its extended response and ability to handle high SPL facilitate detailed capture, including in suspended mounting. In live sound and on guitar amps, the -10 dB pad helps maintain comfortable headroom at the preamp while preserving a clean signal.

Key Features: Controlling Source, Room, and Dynamics

Three Polar Patterns to Shape the Sound Capture

The polar pattern selector truly changes how you position the microphone. In cardioid, you focus on the source and reduce ambient sound. In omnidirectional, you capture more naturalness and low-end, useful for acoustic instruments in a good room. In figure-eight, you benefit from strong side rejection, ideal for recording two sources facing each other or limiting unwanted side reflections.

80 Hz High-Pass Filter: Cleaner Low-End

The 80 Hz high-pass filter is a simple and effective ally to reduce vibrations, handling noise, air conditioning hum, or excess bass related to the proximity effect. The result is a signal that's easier to mix and often requires fewer EQ corrections, especially on vocals and close-miked sources.

-10 dB Pad: More Headroom on Loud Sources

The -10 dB pad secures high-level recordings (percussion, overheads, guitar amps, close brass) and protects the recording chain from clipping. It's also an excellent option if your preamp or audio interface tends to gain quickly or if you want to preserve more headroom during dynamic sessions.

Technical specifications

Frequency response - start	20 Hz	Capsule	Large Diaphragm
Frequency response - end	20 kHz	Connection	XLR
Category	studio microphone	Color	Black
Directivity	omnidirectional, cardioid, bidirectional

Type	Polarized condenser (DC bias voltage)	Dynamic range (typical)	132 dB, 1 kHz at max SPL
Diaphragms	Large dual diaphragms, vapor-deposited and aged gold film	Signal-to-noise ratio	77 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa
Frequency response	20 Hz to 20,000 Hz	Phantom power	11 to 52 V DC (+/- 4 V), 4.7 mA typical
Low-frequency attenuation (high-pass filter)	80 Hz, 12 dB per octave	Switch	polar pattern selection
Sensitivity	-42 dB (7.9 mV) re 1 V at 1 Pa	Output connector	3-pin XLRM type
Impedance	120 ohms	Length	170 mm
Maximum SPL	149 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.	Maximum body diameter	52 mm
Maximum SPL with -10 dB pad	159 dB SPL (nominal)	Weight	412 g
Noise	17 dB SPL