Audio-Technica AT2041SP Studio Condenser Microphone Pack

Audio-Technica AT2041SP Studio Condenser Microphone Pack

The Audio-Technica AT2041SP Studio Pack pairs two different microphones from the 20 Series so that a small studio can cover more recording jobs with one purchase. The AT2020 is a side-address cardioid condenser built for vocals and a wide range of instruments, while the AT2021 is a small-diaphragm cardioid condenser designed for acoustic guitar, drum overheads, piano, hi-hat and group vocals. Both microphones use a fixed-charge back plate, permanently polarised condenser element, both pick up in a cardioid pattern, and both run on standard 48V phantom power through a balanced XLR connection. They are complementary tools rather than a matched stereo pair, and that is exactly what makes the pack flexible.

Key features

• Two-microphone studio pack: AT2020 side-address condenser and AT2021 small-diaphragm condenser
• Cardioid polar pattern on both microphones for focused pickup and reduced sound from the sides and rear
• AT2020 frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz for vocals and general instrument recording
• AT2021 frequency response of 30 Hz to 20 kHz with a low-mass element for fast transient response
• High maximum SPL handling: 144 dB for the AT2020 and 145 dB for the AT2021
• Standard 48V DC phantom power and integral 3-pin XLRM output connectors on both microphones
• Pivoting stand mount for the AT2020, stand clamp for the AT2021 and two protective pouches included

Two microphones, two jobs

The AT2020 is the microphone most singers and podcasters in the pack will reach for first. Its custom-engineered low-mass diaphragm gives it an extended frequency response and a fast transient response, and with 144 dB maximum SPL handling and a 124 dB dynamic range it stays composed on loud sources as well as voices. The AT2021 covers the jobs a large side-address microphone handles less neatly. Its small diaphragm and low-mass element react quickly to string attacks, cymbal shimmer and piano transients, and its 145 dB maximum SPL and 126 dB dynamic range suit drum overheads and other high-level sources. Open circuit sensitivity is minus 37 dB for the AT2020 and minus 39 dB for the AT2021, with self-noise of 20 dB SPL and 19 dB SPL respectively, so both work comfortably with modern interfaces and preamps.

Cardioid pickup and phantom power

A cardioid pattern concentrates on the sound in front of the microphone and rejects sound arriving from the sides and rear, which helps isolate a voice or instrument in an ordinary room. It does not remove room reflections or noise arriving from the same direction as the performer, so placement and a reasonably quiet space still matter. Both microphones need 48V phantom power from a mixer, interface or preamp, and recording with both at the same time requires two microphone input channels. Neither microphone connects directly to a computer USB socket; an audio interface or mixer with phantom-powered XLR inputs is the correct partner for this pack.

Mounting and setup

The AT2020, which weighs 345 g and measures 162 mm long with a 52 mm maximum body diameter, fits the included pivoting threaded stand mount, so its angle can be set precisely and locked. A 5/8-inch-27 to 3/8-inch-16 threaded adapter is included for stands with the smaller thread. The AT2021 is far lighter at 83 g and roughly 101.6 mm long, and mounts with the included stand clamp, which makes overhead and close-instrument positioning simple. Two soft protective pouches are supplied for storage and transport. For close vocals, a pop filter and a few centimetres of distance will control plosives better than any processing applied afterwards.

For home, project and commercial studios that record voice one day and acoustic instruments the next, the AT2041SP covers both jobs with two proven 20 Series condensers, the mounts they need and specifications that hold up on loud and quiet sources alike.