Audio-Technica AT2050

Audio-Technica AT2050 Microphone Overview

On the surface, the Audio-Technica AT2050 is an excellent model of large diaphragm condenser microphone .

It is especially attractive for its multiple polarities which project different styles of sound depending on the pressure levels considered.

To record voice with this external microphone , simply plug it into an external power supply. In general, you should use a mixer that provides an electric current with an acoustic voltage of 48 Volts.

This mixing studio equipment often uses and electrostatic phantom power

The dynamic description of Audio-Technica condenser microphones reflects a design close to the classics of dynamic microphones and USB microphones.

Indeed, the brand is known for its condenser microphones designed with a minimalist audio interface.

She never wanted to develop a design similar to the Rode NT USB studio microphone or the Blue Yeti. It has always focused on the sound quality and resistance of its condenser microphones against possible shocks.

And it is not at all with the AT2050 that Audio-Technica will change its mind. A priori, the AT 2050 aspires to a no-frills design compared to the Neumann microphone type (see also the Neumann TLM 193 test ), Aston, Blue, AKG or Sennheiser.

To the detriment of a sober design, the brand prefers to develop the sound recording quality of the device in a home studio. Shockproof, its capsule derives from a sort of microphone with a metal chassis equipped with a black mesh grille .

I also notice the presence of the “Audio-Technica” logo on the front of the lavalier microphone. Other than that, I don't expect much from this recording studio microphone

I still appreciate its robust and solid construction to withstand and capture sound pressures up to 149 dB.

Spider and bag included

Buying an AT2050 microphone means taking advantage of a spider and a bag included in the pack. Indeed, the vocal microphone is offered with various essential accessories for studio recording .

First of all, it comes in a minimalist box inside thin foam padding. The latter has a padded leather pouch to better protect the device from acoustic and electrostatic shocks and percussion.

At first glance, the spider appears solid and robust . Although it does not have a specific anchor for connectors or USB cables, it can easily be attached to a microphone stand.

You can therefore easily hang it on an Audio-Technica podcast tripod and then make various recordings with acoustic instruments.

The output level of its amplifier, recorder and sound wave converter reduces handling noise.

Also, the rigidity of its multipolar diagram capsules means that it supports low frequencies as well as high frequencies.

In addition, also check out our complete review guide for the Manley Reference Cardioid . This guide presents a complete test, the difference between the Reference Cardioid and the Reference Gold, the construction of this microphone, the sound quality produced by this microphone, its technical characteristics, and our opinion on the Manley Reference Cardioid.

A stand microphone with switchable directionality

The AT2050 is among the best studio microphone models for its switchable directivity. Indeed, recording equipment can capture, mix and condense different sound sources according to variable polarities.

In addition, I can easily switch from cardioid mode to omnidirectional mode thanks to a switch placed at the microphone input.

This magnetic field transformer allows you to quickly switch from a generalized frequency response to more precise sounds. In all cases, the proximity effect is reduced at best in cardio and omnidirectional diagrams .

An exceptional recording equipment in the professional studio, the Audio-Technica AT2050 is equipped with a high-quality gooseneck adapter.

In principle, just like the Blue Spark SL , your directional mic can pick up sounds in both an indoor and outdoor sound environment .

And this versatility of recording without background noise is due to its cardioid, bidirectional and omnidirectional multipolar switch.

Audio-Technica AT2050, a cardioid wireless microphone

Commonly found in dynamic microphones, condenser microphones and USB microphones , the cardioid mode is used in the AT2050.

Indeed, in front of an Audio-Technica microphone from the 20 series , I often find this multi-polarization of sound source.

I invite you to consult:

• Full review of the Audio-Technica AT2035 microphone : A condenser microphone that offers high audio quality in cardioid mode.
• Audio-Technica AT2020 Microphone Test Guide : A brand name condenser microphone.
• Test and review of the Audio-Technica AT2020 USB pro microphone : A USB microphone with cardioid condenser.

The cardioid directivity of a moving coil at the microphone level makes it possible to capture vibrations located in the axis of the USB microphone.

A priori, it considers all the sound waves in front of the microphone following a heart diagram.

When listening to headphones, the sounds obtained using the cardio mode present a clear and reinforced electrical signal.

The boom mic's response curve reduces fault frequencies, making it an excellent studio mic .

Through its membrane, the work of a sound engineer, your pro microphone can focus on a specific sound source. So, I can only recommend it to singers, voice-over artists, gamers and home studio beginners .

An omnidirectional and figure-8 microphone level

In addition to its suitability for recording vocals in the studio , the Audio-Technica AT2050 is also an excellent ambient mic.

In fact, you can use it to drive dynamics and amplify dynamics in an outdoor sound environment. This sensitivity of the microphone to live recordings comes mainly from its omnidirectional pattern.

By flipping the switch to omnidirectional mode, you instantly experience richer, wider sound pickup.

This directionality makes it possible to better record group vocals or in front of a large audience. This alternative is also recommended for amplifying the sounds produced by your acoustic guitar's amp.

Voice-over artists mainly use it to better capture the bandwidth in a live recording.

Bass and treble sound much clearer when the captured sound pressure is adjusted evenly.

In short, the omnidirectional microphone gives you more flexibility in picking up your voice. For my part, I especially appreciate it for its ability to accentuate stereo sounds in general during recording.

A priori, it considers the bandwidth in the same way, regardless of the distance that separates the wave from the stereo microphone .

Figure-8 sound recordings with the Audio-Technica AT2050

Aside from cardio and omni mode, you can also switch the radio mic to figure-8 mode . Indeed, the Audio-Technica AT2050 can capture waves in cardio mode from the front and back of the hand mic.

This figure allows you to obtain richer sounds all around the microphone in monitoring. However, it rejects the waves located on the sides.

The AT2050 bidirectional microphone minimizes or maximizes sound pickup with figure-8 directivity. For example, you can use it to record dual vocals in front and behind the microphone.

This is particularly the case for two singers who wish to record static sounds with a single microphone for singing .

Note : You can also access our guide to the best ribbon microphones . If you're looking for a pro recording mic, this guide offers you the best ribbon mics to choose for your recording studio.

The sensitivity level of the Audio-Technica AT2050

What about its tolerance to acoustic pressure ? A priori, the Audio-Technica AT2050 tolerates all kinds of sound pressure, even the highest.

With an estimated max SPL of 149 dB, it can handle all types of sound vibrations ranging from the most fragile to high-pitched vocals.

Furthermore, you can activate its pad attenuator to increase this limit to the height of 10 dB.

I especially recommend using it if the preamp is exposed to signals that are too hot. The pad will then reduce the room for maneuver to correct handling noise .

With a sensitivity of 7.9 mV/Pa , the Audio-Technica AT2050 works well without a pop filter. However, I find this value quite limited if I compare it to other condenser microphones on the market.

On the other hand, for recording quieter sound sources , I am largely satisfied with the sensitivity of the microphone. I also understand why it is one of the brand's entry-level microphones.

Built-in high pass filter

The AT2050 studio microphone incorporates a high-pass filter inside. In principle, the latter makes it easy to move from a flat response curve to low-end attenuation levels.

The anti-pass filter relatively reduces the sensitivity of your microphone to differences in vocal and acoustic tensions .

It limits the capture of low-frequency ambient vibrations such as air handling systems or circulation. It also eliminates mechanically coupled impedance vibrations.

When recording in the studio with an acoustic guitar , you will no longer have to cut parts of your recordings. In fact, the high-pass filter reduces the slope by around 12 per octave at an impedance of 80 Hz.

The sound performance of the Audio-Technica AT2050

Zoom on the sound quality of the Audio-Technica AT2050 , I appreciate the rich and versatile sounds it gives me. I expected no less knowing that it is a multipolarity microphone.

On this point, I am very satisfied with the way in which it perceives different sound sources, just like high-end professional dynamic microphone

A studio and live recording equipment , the AT2050 produces crisp and precise sounds through headphones.

Also, the fact that it is offered with a good quality/price ratio makes it more popular with voice-over enthusiasts.

However, compared to some condenser microphone models , it remains a great classic. By doing some comparisons of microphones from different brands, you could find a much better professional microphone .

The technical characteristics of the Audio-Technica AT2050

• Type: condenser microphone
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Figure-8
• Large diaphragm capsules
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Max SPL: 149 dB – 159 dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 77 dB
• Sensitivity: -42 dB
• Output connector: 3-pin integral XLRM
• High pass filter: 80 Hz, 12 dB/octave
• Weight: 412g

Our opinion on the Audio-Technica AT2050 microphone

In short, the Audio-Technica AT2050 condenser microphone meets the criteria for an excellent studio microphone. With cardio, omni and figure-8 directivity, it can record all kinds of sound sources in different ways.

In the end, with Audio-Technica microphones, I benefit from good sound quality, regardless of the sound environment.

Audio-Technica AT2050 Demo

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