Mic Archive
Audio-Technica AT2021
Photo: Audio-Technica, from its spec sheet, p. 1.

Audio-Technica

Audio-Technica AT2021

Small-diaphragm cardioid condenser (electret), end-address

Power Phantom, 48 V DC.

Type
Condenser (electret)
Pattern
Cardioid
Sensitivity
−39 dBV/Pa
vs 75 end-address condensers

More output than 34% of 75 end-address condensers.

Each stripe is one end-address condenser with a published sensitivity, and each bar counts them; further right means more output. This mic is in blue.

  • Among 204 condensers: more output than 42%
  • Among 311 mics: more output than 59%
Self-noise
19 dB(A)
vs 104 end-address condensers

Quieter than 27% of 104 end-address condensers.

Each stripe is one end-address condenser with a published self-noise, and each bar counts them; further right means quieter. This mic is in blue.

  • Among 258 condensers: quieter than 29%
  • Among 272 mics: quieter than 28%
Max SPL
145 dB SPL
vs 110 end-address condensers

Takes louder sound than 85% of 110 end-address condensers.

Each stripe is one end-address condenser with a published max SPL, and each bar counts them; further right means it takes louder sound. This mic is in blue.

  • Among 277 condensers: takes louder sound than 80%
  • Among 343 mics: takes louder sound than 78%
Rated range
30 – 20k Hz
Released
2010

Frequency response

Angle

Distance

From the spec sheet, p. 1.

Polar pattern

Transparency

From the spec sheet, p. 1.

Compare with other mics

All specs

From the spec sheet
Capsulesmall diaphragm, end-addressTitle: "Small-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone"; "Low-mass element".p. 1
Sensitivity−39 dBV/Pa (11.2 mV/Pa)open circuit, re 1 V at 1 Pa. "–39 dB (11.2 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa".
Self-noise19 dB(A)typical, A-weighted, Audio Precision System One. Printed as "Noise: 19 dB SPL" with footnote 1 ("Typical, A-weighted").
Max SPL145 dB SPL1 kHz, 1% THD. "Maximum input sound level: 145 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.".
Signal-to-noise ratio75 dB1 kHz at 1 Pa, typical, A-weighted
Dynamic range126 dBtypical, 1 kHz at max SPL
Output impedance250 ohm
Rated frequency range30 Hz to 20 kHzTolerance not stated.
Poweringphantom, 48 V DC"It requires 48V DC phantom power".
Current draw2 mAtypical
ConnectorXLR-3 male"Integral 3-pin XLRM-type"; gold-plated; balanced, pin 2 hot.
Weight83 gless accessories. 2.9 oz.
Dimensions101.5 × 21 mmLength × maximum body diameter ("4.00" (101.5 mm) long, 0.83" (21.0 mm) maximum body diameter").
Supplied accessoriesStand clamp; Soft protective pouch
ApplicationsAudio-TechnicaAcoustic guitar, overheads, piano and group vocals
OutputLow impedance (Lo-Z) balanced; signal across pins 2 and 3, pin 1 ground (shield)
Polarity"Pin 2 hot": positive acoustic pressure produces positive voltage at pin 2
Phantom power supplies suggestedAudio-Technica AT8801 (single channel), CP8506 (four channel)
StorageAvoid temperatures above 110 °F (43 °C) for extended periods, and extremely high humidity
Test methodsA.T.U.S. offers full details on its test methods to other industry professionals on request
From the Recording Hacks page
Released2010

Documents

Copies kept by Mic Archive (manufacturers move and drop their documents). Each is © Audio-Technica, unchanged, with its original address.

Product page on audio-technica.comRecording Hacks

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