Audio-Technica AT2050 Side-address multi-pattern condenser microphone

Product Overview

The Audio-Technica AT2050 is a side-address multi-pattern condenser microphone with switchable cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-of-eight patterns. Its large diaphragm and low self-noise make it a flexible studio condenser microphone for vocals, instruments, and room capture in broadcast studios, auditoriums, and houses of worship. A switchable 10 dB pad and 80 Hz roll-off adapt it to loud sources.

Product Description

The AT2050 covers focused cardioid pickup, natural omnidirectional capture, and figure-of-eight stereo techniques from a single microphone, which makes it a cost-effective workhorse for project studios and install racks. Its large-diaphragm element delivers a smooth, natural sound.

Frequency response runs 20–20,000 Hz with an open circuit sensitivity of –42 dB (7.9 mV), a 120 ohm impedance, and a low 17 dB SPL noise floor. It handles up to 149 dB SPL (159 dB with the 10 dB pad), and an 80 Hz roll-off controls rumble. The microphone requires 11–52V phantom power.

For a fixed-cardioid studio condenser, the AT4040 is a step-up option, and the multi-pattern AT4050 sits in the higher 40 Series tier.

Key Features

• Three switchable patterns — Cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-of-eight patterns let one microphone cover focused, natural, and stereo-technique capture.
• Large-diaphragm, low noise — A large diaphragm and 17 dB SPL noise floor deliver smooth, natural sound on quiet and loud sources.
• Switchable 10 dB pad — The pad raises maximum SPL capability to 159 dB for close placement on loud sources.
• Switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter — An integral roll-off controls rumble and proximity buildup.
• Wide phantom range — Operation on 11–52V phantom power suits a broad range of consoles and interfaces.

Technical Specifications