AudioTechnica AT4021 and AT4022

Reviews | Audio-Technica AT4021 & AT4022 mics
94
T
here is always a place for a
small diaphragm condenser in
the modern studio, and not
just because they’re good to
get in close where larger mics struggle.
New to Audio-Technica’s 40 Series,
with the same body shape but different
polar patterns, are the AT4021, offering
a cardioid response, and the AT4022,
providing an omnidirectional
performance. Both are electret mics
with a fixed charged back plate and
need 48V Phantom power to operate.
Each comes in an easily storable
foam-lined vinyl case that firmly holds a
mic clip and a foam windshield. Both
are well put together and impeccably
finished in a dark matt charcoal colour,
looking identical apart from the extra
grille around the barrel of the AT4021
permitting sound entry from all around.
Inset into the mic’s bodies are the type
of small switches that you need a small
tool like a jeweller’s screwdriver to
operate – fiddly but with absolutely no
chance of being accidentally reset. One
is the hi-pass filter rolling off low
frequencies below 80Hz at 12dB/octave
while the other operates a 10dB pad.
One paper, looking at the supplied
frequency response plots, both mics
offer a fairly flat response throughout
most of the range but with a slight
upward slope in the graph with a few
small peaks in the top end above 2kHz.
Both are designed to take high sound
pressures too, with a maximum level of
156dB with the pad switch engaged.
In use
Put to work recording a variety of
instruments, both mics captured
transient detail impressively well.
Exhibiting a very similar sonic character,
both yielded a very natural and
well-balanced sound with no obvious
colouration to speak of bar a subtle
enhancement of the higher frequencies,
resulting in a useful degree of clarity
and air in the top end. The airiness was
more apparent in the AT4022, as might
be expected from an omni response,
and the mic also exhibited slightly more
in the bottom end. Both mics turned in
creditable results on acoustic guitar and
on a more obscure pair of stringed
instruments – an autoharp and a
Weissenborn acoustic lap guitar where
the thin body and elongated profile of
the mics got them into positions that
would have been difficult with a large
diaphragm condenser – something that
would likely have obstructed the player.
The cardioid AT4021 worked
perfectly on hi-hat while both had no
problems dealing with a variety of hand
held percussion, and we are in little
doubt that, matched in pairs, either
would have done a decent job in the
drum overhead role. These mics could
earn their keep in a pro studio that has
a well-stocked mic cupboard but either
one could be a useful addition to a
home studio, depending on whether you
want the more focussed sound of the
cardioid AT4021 or the relatively more
open sound of the AT4022.
Verdict
All mics face stiff competition these
days and it has to be said that there are
several less expensive alternatives to
these two. Nevertheless, with these 40
Series mics you are getting quality gear
for your money – Audio-Technica rate
their 40 Series so highly that they give
them a lifetime warranty. These mics
will provide accurate and natural sound
and take high sound pressure levels
without flinching. You can rely on either
or both of these to do a decent job for
you in the studio.
Audio-Technica AT4021
& AT4022 | from £289
Little microphones for big jobs. Trevor Curwen checks
out two small Audio-Technica diaphragm condensers
VERDICT
BUILD
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VALUE
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EASE OF USE
❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚
VERSATILITY
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RESULTS
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A pair of classy condensers for
those jobs where a small
diaphragm mic is best.
spECs
Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
Polar pattern: Cardioid
(AT4021), omnidirectional
(AT4022)
Impedance: 250 Ohms
Low Frequency roll-off:
80Hz, 12dB/octave
Noise: 14dB SPL (AT4021),
13dB SPL (AT4022)
Max SPL: 14 dB SPL, 1kHz
at 1% T.H.D, 156dB SPL,
with 10dB pad (nominal)
Power source: Phantom
power 48V DC, 3.0 mA
typical
Connector: Three-pin XLR
Extras: AT8405a stand
clamp for 5/8”-27 threaded
stands, windscreen,
protective carrying case
Weight:
AT4021
119g
AT4022
124g
Dimensions:
144 x 21mm
WHAT Is IT?
Two small diaphragm
condenser mics for the
studio, one cardioid, the
other omnidirectional
ConTACT
Who: Audio-Technica
Tel: [phone]
Web: audio-technica.com
HIGHLIGHTs
1 Good build quality
2 High SPL handling
3 Natural sound quality
pRICInG
AT4021
£289
AT4022
£309
FMU218.rev_atmics 94 18/8/09 10:22:0 am