Audio Technica AT2050
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Audio Technica
https://www.audio-technica.com
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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 | 20 Hz - 20 kHz |
| Category | studio microphone |
| Directivity | omnidirectional, cardioid, bidirectional |
| Capsule | Large Diaphragm |
| Connection | XLR |
| Color | Black |
| Type | Polarized condenser (DC bias voltage) |
| Diaphragms | Large dual diaphragms, vapor-deposited and aged gold film |
| Low-frequency attenuation (high-pass filter) | 80 Hz, 12 dB per octave |
| Sensitivity | -42 dB (7.9 mV) re 1 V at 1 Pa |
| Impedance | 120 ohms |
| Maximum SPL | 149 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D. |
| Maximum SPL with -10 dB pad | 159 dB SPL (nominal) |
| Noise | 17 dB SPL |
| Dynamic range (typical) | 132 dB, 1 kHz at max SPL |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 77 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa |
| Phantom power | 11 to 52 V DC (+/- 4 V), 4.7 mA typical |
| Switch | polar pattern selection |
| Output connector | 3-pin XLRM type |
| Length | 170 mm |
| Maximum body diameter | 52 mm |
| Weight | 412 g |
Questions frequently asked
Is the Audio-Technica AT2050 suitable for recording vocals and podcasts?
The cardioid pattern favors the voice while reducing room pickup. The 80 Hz high-pass filter with a 12 dB per octave slope reduces vibrations and excessive low frequencies on close-miked sources.
What polar patterns are available on this microphone?
Three settings are offered: omnidirectional, cardioid, and bidirectional figure-8. The figure-8 provides useful side rejection for face-to-face sources or to limit certain side reflections.
Does the AT2050 require phantom power?
Phantom power from 11 to 52 V DC is required, with a typical current draw of 4.7 mA.
Can it handle a guitar amp or percussion instruments?
The maximum sound pressure level reaches 149 dB SPL at 1 kHz for 1% harmonic distortion. With the -10 dB pad engaged, the rated capacity increases to 159 dB SPL. This attenuation helps maintain headroom on loud sources.
What connectivity and dimensions does this studio microphone have?
Output is via an XLR connector with an impedance of 120 ohms. The body measures 170 mm in length with a maximum diameter of 52 mm, and it weighs 412 g.
