Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $242
Standard/Professional
$100
$401+
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Budget
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Price History
Based on price data from 8 merchants for "Audio-Technica AT2050". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Audio-Technica AT2050 is a versatile and high-performance condenser microphone that offers superior and consistent sound quality. It stands out with its multi-pattern flexibility, allowing you to switch between cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-eight polar pattern settings to best fit your recording needs.
Equipped with dual large diaphragms that are gold-vaporized and aged, the AT2050 achieves optimum characteristics over years of use, delivering a smooth and natural sound. It's capable of high SPL handling and showcases a wide dynamic range, making it ideal for a variety of sound sources from vocals to guitar amps.
Furthermore, the AT2050 comes with a switchable 80Hz high-pass filter and 10dB pad, adding more versatility to its capabilities. Its rugged construction ensures durability while maintaining high-performance specifications.
Key Features:
- Multi-pattern condenser microphone with switchable cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-eight polar patterns
- Dual large diaphragms that are gold-vaporized and aged for optimum performance
- High SPL handling and wide dynamic range for diverse recording scenarios
- Switchable 80Hz high-pass filter and 10dB pad for additional flexibility
- Rugged construction for durability
- Comes equipped with a custom shock mount and protective pouch
- Requires +48V phantom power
Product specs
| Microphone Type | Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid, Omni, Figure-8 |
| Diaphragm Size | 0.8" (20.3mm) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Max SPL | 149dB (159dB w/10dB Pad) |
| Output Impedance | 120 ohms |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 77dB |
| Self Noise | 17dB |
| Low Cut Filter | 80Hz (-12dB/octave) |
| Pads | -10dB |
| Connector | XLR |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs. |
| Included Accessories | Shock Mount, Microphone Pouch |
FAQs
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What polar patterns does the Audio-Technica AT2050 offer?
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The Audio-Technica AT2050 features three selectable polar patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8, providing versatility for different recording scenarios.
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Does the Audio-Technica AT2050 require phantom power?
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Yes, the Audio-Technica AT2050 requires 11V to 52V DC phantom power, which can be supplied by a mixer, console, or a dedicated phantom power supply.
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What is the purpose of the high-pass filter on the AT2050?
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The AT2050 has an 80Hz high-pass filter that reduces low-frequency noise and popping sounds, making it ideal for close vocal applications.
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How does the AT2050 handle high sound pressure levels?
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The AT2050 can handle a maximum sound pressure level of 149dB, or 159dB with the -10dB pad engaged, making it suitable for recording loud sound sources.
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What accessories are included with the Audio-Technica AT2050?
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The AT2050 comes with a shock mount and a microphone pouch for secure mounting and easy transport.
Videos
Podcastage
AT-2020 vs AT-2035 vs AT-2050 Comparison (Versus Series)
Reviews
PROS
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Versatile with three polar patterns: omni, cardioid, and figure 8
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High sound quality for recording, podcasting, and more
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Durable and reliable build
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Excels on vocals, harmonica, and high SPL applications like drum overheads
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Features 10dB pad, high pass filter for adaptable sound capture
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Effective RF resistance, not picking up radio interference
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Smooth and clean sound, especially on vocals
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High sensitivity captures nuanced performances
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Survives drops with no visible damage
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Provides a neutral, well-balanced sound without adding color
CONS
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Switching polar patterns generates a loud "pop" if not muted
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Shock mount fit could be more secure
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Not ideal for airy or breathy vocal styles
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Figure 8 pattern can be inconsistent, affecting mid-side recording
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High screams and harshness may be amplified without proper positioning
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Audio-Technica AT2050.
Features and functionality
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The AT2050 often requires significant post-production gain adjustment, which is common and not indicative of poor microphone quality.
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The AT2050 requires activation of phantom power in devices like the Boss BR-800 digital recorder for proper operation.
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Sensitivity can be controlled using a noise gate in OBS, with suggested thresholds of -32 for close and -28 for open, though this varies by setup.
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Mods and upgrades
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Using a Cloudlifter preamp can provide clean gain for the AT2050, but requires phantom power twice in the setup chain.
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Software and compatibility
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Recording both gameplay and mic audio simultaneously in Shadowplay can result in mixed audio issues, suggesting separate audio recording is preferable for better control.
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Ensure the use of an XLR cable, not a 1/4" adapter, to fully utilize phantom power capabilities with the AT2050.
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The microphone's sensitivity can lead to Windows automatically adjusting the recording level, requiring manual adjustments to maintain consistent input levels.
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Setup and maintenance
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Checking the microphone volume settings in the system's sound control panel might resolve low input issues without additional hardware.
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Phantom power settings may be buried in menu options, requiring user activation to function properly with condenser mics like the AT2050.
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Users recommend positioning the microphone no more than 10 inches from your mouth and adjusting gain and volume levels on mixers and in Windows settings.
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Comparisons
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Users note that transitioning from USB to XLR setups can simplify long-term configuration and upgrade paths, despite initial complexity.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 8 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
In his "10 Styles of Metal" YouTube video, Jared Dines uses the Audio-Technica AT2050 microphone.
Travis Scott is seen using the Audio-Technica AT2050 microphone in footage shared on Instagram, captioned "Back in the trap."
According to "Technical stuff" section of his "Sultans Of Swing" cover, Turner used Audio-Technica AT2050 to record his amplifier.
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 AT2050, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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