Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $565

High-end/Boutique

$100

$401+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Audio-Technica AE2500". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Audio-Technica AE2500 is an innovative microphone that combines the best of both worlds with its unique dual-element design. This powerhouse mic features a condenser and a dynamic capsule within a single housing, allowing you to capture every sonic nuance with precision and clarity. The dynamic element excels at capturing the aggressive attack of a kick drum beater, while the condenser element brings the full-bodied internal tonalities of the drum shell to life. This synergy is perfect for musicians and sound engineers who demand high-quality audio reproduction, especially under extreme sound pressure levels.

Ideal for kick drum applications, the AE2500 is designed to withstand even the most high-energy performances without compromising on sound quality. Its robust construction ensures durability both in the studio and on the road, making it a reliable choice for live sound settings. With an integral 80 Hz high-pass filter switch and a 10 dB pad on the condenser element, this microphone offers versatile control over your audio environment. It also includes a 16.5-foot cable, allowing for separate control of each element, tailored to your specific recording needs.

Key Features:

  • Revolutionary dual-element design with condenser and dynamic capsules
  • Perfect phase relationship between elements for unparalleled sound capture
  • Dynamic element captures aggressive attack; condenser captures rounded tonalities
  • Robust construction for durability in live and studio settings
  • Integral 80 Hz high-pass filter switch and 10 dB pad
  • Includes a 16.5' cable (5-pin XLRF to two 3-pin XLRM) for separate element control
  • Requires +48V phantom power

Product specs

Microphone Type Condenser/Dynamic (Dual Element)
Polar Pattern Cardioid
Frequency Response 20Hz-17kHz (Condenser), 30Hz-10kHz (Dynamic)
Low Cut Filter 80Hz (-12dB/octave)
Connector 5-pin XLR
Weight 0.86 lbs.
Included Accessories Shock Mount, Breakout Cable

FAQs

What makes the Audio-Technica AE2500 suitable for kick drums?

The AE2500 features a dual-element design with both dynamic and condenser capsules, capturing the full range of frequencies from a kick drum. This design allows it to deliver punchy low-end from the dynamic element and detailed high-end from the condenser element.

How does the dual-element design of the Audio-Technica AE2500 work?

The AE2500 combines a dynamic and a condenser capsule in one housing, each with a cardioid polar pattern. This setup allows it to capture both the transient attack and the body of the sound source, offering a rich and balanced audio profile.

Is the Audio-Technica AE2500 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the AE2500 is ideal for live performances due to its robust build and dual-element design, which allows for capturing detailed sound while maintaining clarity and punch, especially for kick drums and other percussion instruments.

What connectivity options does the Audio-Technica AE2500 offer?

The AE2500 features a 5-pin XLR connector and comes with a breakout cable that splits into two standard 3-pin XLR outputs, allowing separate signal paths for the dynamic and condenser elements.

Does the Audio-Technica AE2500 require phantom power?

Yes, the condenser element of the AE2500 requires phantom power, while the dynamic element does not, enabling flexible use in various recording and live sound setups.

Juan van Emmerloot - Drumming Secrets Revealed

Juan van Emmerloot - Drumming Secrets Revealed

Audio Technica drum microphone test - JAZZ Drum kit Tim van Emmerloot

Video thumbnail for Audio Technica drum microphone test - JAZZ Drum kit Tim van Emmerloot by Juan van Emmerloot - Drumming Secrets Revealed

Audio Technica drum microphone test - JAZZ Drum kit Tim van Emmerloot

Juan van Emmerloot - Drumming Secrets Revealed

Juan van Emmerloot - Drumming Secrets Revealed

Reviews

PROS

  • Dual-element design offers dynamic and condenser sounds in one unit

  • Phase-aligned capsule eliminates phase issues, enhancing sound quality

  • Versatile for various musical styles and instruments beyond its marketed kick-drum use

  • Enables creative sound shaping and mixing techniques for detailed and huge sound

  • Exceptional for capturing low frequencies and the attack of high gain recordings

  • Flat mid response allows for natural sounding recordings without unwanted coloration

  • Effective for both studio recording and live sound applications

  • Simplifies setup with one stand and one cable for two mic types

CONS

  • Price may be considered high for some budgets

  • Requires careful placement for optimal sound capture

  • Cutting a lot of mids may be necessary for certain music genres

  • Might not suit those looking for a microphone with built-in EQ dips in the mids

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Audio-Technica AE2500.

Features and functionality

  • The AE2500 includes both a condenser and a dynamic capsule within the same enclosure, aiding in phase alignment and simplifying setup.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The mic excels on guitar cabs with both capsules used together, providing a well-rounded sound.

    Source
  • The dynamic capsule alone or in combination with another mic is highly effective on kick drums, particularly for concert bass drum applications.

    Source
  • The AE2500 has been praised for making even unconventional instruments like a suitcase for a jug band sound impressive.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The breakout cable is essential for separate channel operation; losing it can limit the mic's functionality.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to the ATM 250, users prefer the AE2500's versatility on kick drums but suggest the ATM 250 for specific kick applications.

    Source
  • Users appreciate the AE2500 for its lack of phase issues compared to other dual-element mics, simplifying the recording process.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users struggle to achieve a satisfying sound from the AE2500, even when using just one capsule, highlighting potential challenges in certain setups.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Audio Technica AE2500

soundonsound.com

The Audio-Technica AE2500 impresses with its innovative dual-capsule design, offering both dynamic and electret options for versatile kick-drum sound capture. The ability to blend these two sound characters allows for exceptional control and flexibility, making it ideal for various musical genres. The mic's build quality and thoughtful design, including vibration isolation and easy channel allocation, enhance its usability. While its price is higher due to the dual elements, the AE2500 provides unmatched flexibility for serious musicians and sound engineers, justifying the investment. However, those seeking only one capsule might find cheaper alternatives.

positive

Audio-Technica AE2500 – The Audio Magazine

theaudiomagazine.com

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star
tim_harrison

A gem of a guitar mic.

It's funny how they market it as a kick-drum mic but once you use it as a guitar mic you would realize that it is hands down the best guitar mic money can buy. It sounds perfect for recording amp cabs. Whoever designed this microphone must be an effin' genius.

Edit: I bought one more for me. Now I have a pair of these microphones. I am in love with this microphone. Mixing the sounds of the condenser and dynamic elements of this microphone gives me such a clear, detailed, and huge sound that I don't hear from other microphones. I'm not sure how they have designed their condenser element, because it works excellent for high gain recordings, and no in my case, it's not a normal high-gain scenario, think of Incantation and early Devourment level of high gain and you'll get the idea. Any other condenser microphone used at the same distance from the speaker cab as this microphone would have turned the signal into a muddy and incoherent mess due to the proximity effect.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how James Hetfield uses Audio-Technica AE2500

James Hetfield

Singer, Guitarist

Metallica

...
Verified via YouTube

At 14:52 Big Mick explains Metallica used to use Audio Technica AE-2500 microphones to mic their guitar cabs before they went to Fractal.

See how Rob Bourdon uses Audio-Technica AE2500

Rob Bourdon

Drummer

Linkin Park

...
Verified via Audio-technica

The band is also employing a wide selection of A-T hard-wired microphones, including the AT4050 on guitars and overheads; AT4047 on guitar cabinets; AE2500 on kick; ATM350 on rack and floor tom; ATM450 on hi-hat; AE5100 on ride; and AT835STs for audience.

See how Mikey Demus uses Audio-Technica AE2500

Mikey Demus

Guitarist

Skindred

...
Verified via YouTube

at 0:30, he states these mics are used on his cabs

See how Leo Wyndham uses Audio-Technica AE2500

Leo Wyndham

Singer, Guitarist

Palace

...
Verified via YouTube

10:35 into this video Palace's Leo Wyndham - GEAR MASTERS Ep. 460, Leo's guitar tech talks about the Audio-Technica AE2500 mic used to mic up Leo's Fender Deluxe Reverb combo amp:

Um, microphone, Audio-Technica. It's got a condenser and a dynamic built in. So it's sending two lines, two separate mics in one capsule. I think that's super cool. They're killer guitar cab mics. So we can blend in a little condenser, a little '57' kind of sound. Basically two mics on each cabinet in one body. They're fantastic. It's really great.

See how Bertrand Poncet uses Audio-Technica AE2500

Bertrand Poncet

Singer, Music Producer

Chunk! No, Captain Chunk!

...
Verified via Alias Studio

Bertrand Poncet has an Audio-Technica AE2500 microphone in his studio, as noted on the Alias Studio website.

See how Aaron Julison uses Audio-Technica AE2500

Aaron Julison

Singer, Bassist

The Twisted Brown Trucker

...
Verified via Mixonline

Bassist Aaron Julison uses Ashdown Evo lll 900W amps and Ashdown cabinets, miked with Audio-Technica AE2500s.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Audio-Technica AE2500, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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