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

Type
Condenser (electret)
Pattern
Cardioid
Sensitivity
−39 dBV/Pa
Self-noise
19 dB(A)
Max SPL
145 dB SPL
Impedance
250 Ω
Rated range
30 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the spec sheet, p. 1. Printed under the graph: "12" or more on axis" (30 cm or more). Anechoic or not, smoothing and typical-vs-individual are not stated.

Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.

Polar pattern

Polar pattern: from the spec sheet, p. 1. Full circle, 0° at the top, 5 dB per ring. Measuring conditions not stated.

Compare with other mics

All specs

From the spec sheet
Capsulesmall diaphragm, end-address. Title: "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 SPL, 1 kHz, 1% THD. "Maximum input sound level: 145 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.".
Signal-to-noise ratio75 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa, typical, A-weighted
Dynamic range126 dB, typical, 1 kHz at max SPL
Output impedance250 ohm
Rated frequency range30 Hz to 20 kHz. Tolerance not stated.
Poweringphantom, 48 V DC. "It requires 48V DC phantom power".
Current draw2 mA, typical
ConnectorXLR-3 male. "Integral 3-pin XLRM-type"; gold-plated; balanced, pin 2 hot.
Weight83 g, less accessories. 2.9 oz.
Dimensions101.5 × 21 mm. Length × maximum body diameter ("4.00" (101.5 mm) long, 0.83" (21.0 mm) maximum body diameter").
Supplied accessoriesStand clamp; Soft protective pouch
Applications (Audio-Technica)Acoustic 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

Documents

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

Product page on audio-technica.comRecording Hacks

Recommended for

Instruments whose sources name this mic, or an earlier version or variant of it.

Other mics