audio-technica AT2022

The AT2022 is a stereo electret condenser microphone designed for studio or field applications. Two small-diameter unidirectional elements can be adjusted between 90°–120° to vary the perceived stereo field. The directionality of these capsules varies with frequency. 180° sensitivity increases at 200Hz and below, suggesting a tendency toward omnidirectionality at low frequencies. At 8kHz, the plot shows a narrowing of the polar pattern and a pronounced rear lobe, suggesting a tendency toward supercardioid at high frequencies. To facilitate field and on-camera use, the microphone can be battery powered — in fact, it requires a battery. According to product literature, phantom power can damage the microphone. Although the microphone has a 3-pin XLRM jack, it is wired differently than normal studio microphones. In the AT2022, both pin 2 and pin 3 are “hot,” and the output of each is unbalanced. Pin 1 is a common ground. The microphone is intended to be used with the included 0.5m XLR3F-to-3.5mm converter cable, which can easily be plugged in to many compatible cameras and field recording devices. A switch on the microphone body optionally enables a -6dB/octave @ 150Hz high-pass filter. A second switch turns the microphone on or off. For long-term storage, Audio-Technica recommends that the AA battery be removed from the microphone body. The mic ships with a stand clamp (Audio-Technica p/n AT8405a), output cable (with 3.5mm jack), a “fuzzy” windscreen, a size AA battery, and a soft storage pouch.