Spec Sheet

20 series studio microphones
AT2050
Multi-pattern Condenser Side-Address Microphone
Features
• Designed for critical home/project/professional studio
applications and live performance
• Three switchable polar patterns: omni, cardioid, gure-of-eight
• Dual-diaphragm capsule design maintains precise polar pattern
denition across the full frequency range of the microphone
• Dual large diaphragms are gold-vaporized and aged to achieve
optimum characteristics over years of use
• Rugged design and construction for reliable performance
• Included shock mount provides superior isolation
• Integral 80 Hz high-pass lter switch and 10 dB pad switch
• State-of-the-art design and manufacturing techniques ensure
compliance with A-T’s stringent consistency and reliability
standards
Description
The AT2050 is a large-diaphragm side-address externally polarized
(DC bias) condenser microphone with three switchable polar patterns:
omnidirectional, cardioid, and gure-of-eight. It is designed for home/
project/professional studio applications and live performance.
The microphone requires 11V to 52V phantom power for operation.
The omnidirectional polar pattern is sensitive to sound coming from
all directions. Select the omni pattern to pick up several voices or
instruments on the same microphone, to diminish proximity effect, and
to preserve the location’s ambient sound.
The cardioid polar pattern is more sensitive to sound originating directly
in front of the element, making it useful in controlling feedback, reducing
pickup of unwanted sounds and providing isolation between performers.
The gure-of-eight polar pattern is more sensitive to sound originating in
the front and back of the microphone, rejecting sounds from the sides.
It is often used in conjunction with advanced stereo miking techniques.
The output of the microphone is a 3-pin XLRM-type connector.
The microphone is equipped with a switchable 10 dB pad and a switch
that permits choice of at response or low-frequency roll-off (via integral
80 Hz high-pass lter).
The microphone is enclosed in a rugged housing. The included AT8458
shock mount provides superior isolation and permits mounting on any
microphone stand with
5
/
8
"-27 threads. A soft protective pouch is also
included.
Operation and Maintenance
The AT2050 requires 11V to 52V phantom power for operation.
Output is low impedance (Lo-Z) balanced. The signal appears across Pins
2 and 3; Pin 1 is ground (shield). Output phase is “Pin 2 hot”— positive
acoustic pressure produces positive voltage at Pin 2.
To avoid phase cancellation and poor sound, all mic cables must be wired
consistently: Pin 1-to-Pin 1, etc.
An Audio-Technica emblem and the pattern-selection switch are on the
front of the microphone. Position this side of the microphone toward the
sound source.
The pattern-selection switch provides user-selection of omnidirectional,
cardioid, and gure-of-eight polar patterns. To select the omnidirectional
polar pattern, slide the switch to the circular polar pattern image. To
select the cardioid polar pattern, slide the switch to the heart-shaped
polar pattern image. To select the gure-of-eight pattern, slide the switch
to the gure-eight shaped polar pattern image.
An integral 80 Hz high-pass lter provides easy switching from a at
frequency response to a low-end roll-off. The roll-off position reduces the
microphone’s sensitivity to popping in close vocal use. It also reduces
the pickup of low-frequency ambient noise (such as trafc, air-handling
systems, etc.), room reverberation and mechanically coupled vibrations.
To engage the high-pass lter, slide the switch toward the “bent” line.
The microphone is also equipped with a switchable 10 dB pad that lowers
the microphone's sensitivity, thus providing higher SPL capability for
exible use with a wide range of users and system congurations. To
engage the 10 dB pad, slide the switch toward the -10 position.
In use, secure the cable to the mic stand or boom, leaving a slack loop at
the mic. This will ensure the most effective shock isolation and reduce
the possibility of accidentally pulling the microphone out of its mount.
Avoid leaving the microphone in the open sun or in areas where
temperatures exceed 110° F (43° C) for extended periods. Extremely high
humidity should also be avoided.
Architect’s and Engineer’s Specications
The microphone shall be a large-diaphragm side-address externally
polarized (DC bias) condenser with user-switchable omnidirectional,
cardioid, and gure-of-eight polar patterns and a frequency response of
20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. The microphone shall operate from an external 11V
to 52V DC phantom power source. It shall be capable of handling sound
input levels up to 149 dB (159 dB with 10 dB pad) with a dynamic range
of 132 dB. Nominal open-circuit output voltage shall be 7.9 mV at 1V, 1
Pascal. Output shall be low impedance balanced (120 ohms).
The output of the microphone shall be a 3-pin XLRM-type connector.
The microphone shall be equipped with a switchable 10 dB pad, a switch
that permits choice of at response or 80 Hz low-frequency roll-off, and a
polar pattern selection switch.