Audio-Technica AT2050 Multi-pattern Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone Reviews
The Audio-Technica AT2050 large-diaphragm condenser microphone gives you premium performance and incredible versatility! The AT2050 includes three switchable pickup patterns (cardioid, omni, and figure-8) and features an 80Hz highpass filter and 10dB pad. It comes complete with a custom shock mount and protective pouch. A great choice for everything from project and pro studios to live applications, this mic gives you great performance in both studio and live applications. Plus, its ability to handle high sound pressure levels makes it useful on a range of sound sources. The AT2050 is a great addition to any mic locker!
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Highest Rated Reviews
My everyday microphone
I use this microphone for everything: recording, podcasting, voice chats, and more. The sound quality is amazing and it has been durable and reliable.
Consistently Impressed
So far it has sounded terrific on vocals and harmonica. I use the omni position for Zoom sessions (by just leaving the mic where it is in my little studio and flipping the switch) and have used the figure 8 and cardioid with great results. One has to work the mic out of the clip in order to access the polar pattern switches, and if plugged in, switching patterns will generate a powerful "pop," so I'll have to train myself to mute the necessary gear first. All in all, however, I'm a fan. The ol' Neumann was crystal clear; this mic is more aggressive, at least to my ears. I'll probably continue to collect mics, so I think I'll stick with Audio-Technica a bit and save up for some of the heavy hitters. But if you are in need of a solid performing, low-cost mic with lots of polar patterns and do not need something as pristine as a TLM 103, I think this mic is worth considering.
solid performance at a great price
I'm not an experienced pro, so I don't have the most discerning ears. This mic does exactly what you would expect from a multi-pattern condenser mic. It is clear, the omni, cardioid, and Fig-8 all do as you'd expect. It seems to have decent RF resistance as well. I was in a location in which an SDC was picking up a radio station (!), but the AT2050 didn't pick up anything at all.
The mic snaps into the shock mount ok, but it doesn't feel like the most secure fit, so I wouldn't shake the mic while dangling it upside down.
A poor mans c414
(In terms of versatility of course).I purchased these about a year ago just to have an extra stereo pair of decent "utility" mics. They're not particularly amazing sounding on anything they work quite well with everything I have put on them. I use them a lot on drum overheads and they don't seem to mind higher SPL at all. They aren't too bright or dark they just capture everything very well as it is in the room. When you throw in the additional 10dB pad, high pass filter, and the 3 different polar patterns this is easily the most usable and versatile condenser you can get... hands down.
Just What I Needed
I have a limited technical knowledge of mics. However I do know what sounds good. This sounds great for guitars and vocals. Not so much for violin, but maybe it's too accurate.
Audio Technica AT2050
This is probably the best condenser mic for the money. The multi-patterns are easy to eliminate or add other sounds. Both superb clarity and tonal reproduction!
Great for Voice
We evaluated about a dozen different mics for studio voice recording. We did rigorous tests with different voices and miking techniques. There were 8 people evaluating and we narrowed the choice down to two mics. Both were Audio Technica - the AT4033a and the AT2050. They both blew away the other more expensive mics we tested.
While I preferred the AT4033a for its richer and more transparent sound, after running all the recorded mics through the same expansion and compression settings we normally use, the overall preference was the AT2050.
The most amazing aspect of this mic is its unique ability to handle plosives. I can't figure out why or how but it just does - and nothing comes even close to it.
Anyway, I don't write reviews but since we did so much work to locate a great mic for voice work we thought it would be worth sharing here and hope you find it helpful.
No Complain
Honestly, in this price range, I have no complain! If you need a multiple pickup pattern in a tight budget! I think this is the one! Or if not, go to AT2035!
By the way, be careful to use the shock mount, it's a little bit hard to identify which is the up and bottom!
Amazing Microphone
I can use this microphone on anything. I've used it mainly with vocals, violin, and piano and it sounds great.
Audio Technica AT2050
Great quality and sound. It's possible to get pro results from this piece. It's very convenient to have multi-pattern ability at this price.
Great Product!
Really amazing microphone for the price - You Can't Go Wrong Here! The ONLY downfall to this mic (if I had to choose one) is that the included shock mount is only good if used with a mic stand. I personally like to rest it on a shelf and the XLR input can get in the way - but that's just me (I know I'm weird lol). Overall, I highly recommend this mic to any beginner or intermediate musician or anyone looking for a lightweight, compact, portable microphone
This is the sound I like
There are a numerous amount of choices and prices on microphones this choice and price cannot be beat almost feel guilty. I was so impressed I bought another one and probably more next week
Good but not great
I've used AT4033's and 4040's in the past and so I thought I'd give this a try. While it is still better than many other mice when it comes to vocals, it seemed incredibly more muddy sounding than the 4033 or 4040. If you're using it for an instrument or room mic, it will be perfect, but if you want a good vocal mic, I suggest spending the extra $100 for better clarity.
