Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica AT2031
Small-diaphragm condenser (fixed-charge back plate), cardioid, end-address, for stringed instruments, with a 150 Hz high-pass switch
Power Phantom 48 V DC.
- Type
- Condenser (electret)
- Pattern
- Cardioid
- Sensitivity
- −34 dBV/Pa
- Among 204 condensers: more output than 69%
- Among 311 mics: more output than 79%
- Self-noise
- 17 dB(A)
- Among 258 condensers: quieter than 40%
- Among 272 mics: quieter than 41%
- Max SPL
- 141 dB SPL
- Among 277 condensers: takes louder sound than 71%
- Among 343 mics: takes louder sound than 69%
- Rated range
- 20 – 20k Hz
- Released
- 2011
vs 75 end-address condensers
More output than 66% 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.
vs 104 end-address condensers
Quieter than 43% 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.
vs 110 end-address condensers
Takes louder sound than 75% 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.
Proximity effect: the bass it gains up close
From the spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy), p. 1.
Printed under the graph: "12\" or more on axis" (30 cm or more). Room and smoothing not stated.
Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.
Polar pattern
From the spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy), p. 1.
"polar pattern", full circle, 0° up; "SCALE IS 5 DECIBELS PER DIVISION". Measuring conditions not stated.
In practice
All specs
| From the spec sheet | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensitivity | −34 dBV/Pa (19.9 mV/Pa)open circuit. "-34 dB (19.9 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa". | p. 1 |
| Self-noise | 17 dB(A)typical, A-weighted (Audio Precision System One). "17 dB SPL"; the weighting is in the US sheet's footnote, "Typical, A-weighted, using Audio Precision System One". | |
| Max SPL | 141 dB SPL1 kHz, 1% THD. "141 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.;" (both sheets end the line with a semicolon, as if a padded figure had been left out; the mic has no pad). | |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 77 dB1 kHz at 1 Pa | |
| Dynamic range | 124 dB1 kHz at max SPL, typical | |
| Output impedance | 85 ohm | |
| Rated frequency range | 20 Hz to 20 kHzTolerance not stated. | |
| Powering | phantom 48 V DC"48V DC, 2.0 mA typical". | |
| Current draw | 2 mAtypical | |
| Low cut | flat, roll-off; 150 Hz; 6 dB/octave; high-pass"Low Frequency Roll-off: 150 Hz, 6 dB/octave"; "Switches: Flat, roll-off". | |
| Connector | XLR-3 male (integral)"Integral 3-pin XLRM-type". | |
| Weight | 134 g | |
| Dimensions | 21 × 143 mmDiameter × length: "143.0 mm long, 21.0 mm maximum body diameter". | |
| Supplied accessories | AT8405a stand clamp; windscreen; soft protective pouch | |
| ApplicationsAudio-Technica | Stringed instruments: violin, cello, acoustic guitar, harp and piano | |
| Voicing | Extended response with a slight rise in the high frequencies | |
| Price at launchEurope | RRP €149.00 ex VAT; £149.00 inc VAT (UK) | |
| From the spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy) | ||
| Output | Low impedance balanced, pin 2 hot | p. 1 |
| Operating temperature | Avoid more than 43 °C (110 °F) for long periods, and very high humidity | |
| From the Recording Hacks page | ||
| Released | 2011 | |
Documents
- AT2031 the ultimate string microphoneEuropean data sheet
- AT2031 Cardioid Condenser End-Address Microphonespec sheet
- Audio-Technica AT2031 | RecordingHacks.com
Copies kept by Mic Archive (manufacturers move and drop their documents), unchanged, with their original addresses. Each is © its publisher.