Audio-Technica AT4021 Small-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone

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The Audio-Technica AT4021 Cardioid Condenser Microphone features a low-profile design and small-diaphragm condenser element. The sensitivity, frequency response and SPL capabilities make it a suitable choice for speaker cabinets, vocals, percussion instruments, drums and "spot" placement on guitars, stringed instruments, etc.

The cardioid polar pattern effectively minimizes noise and off-axis feedback. An 80Hz high-pass filter switch reduces low frequencies and all associated noise. In addition a -10dB Pad switch provides added headroom and minimizes distortion when capturing transient (peaking) audio signals.

Cardioid Polar Pattern
The cardioid polar pattern effectively minimizes noise and off-axis feedback.
Switchable 80Hz High Pass Filter
The 80Hz high-pass filter switch elliminates hum and low frequency noise, rumble, etc.
-10dB Pad Switch
A -10dB Pad provides additional headroom for capturing peaking audio signals without distortion and noise.
Transducer Fixed-charge back plate, permanently polarized condenser
Polar Pattern Cardioid
Frequency Response 20Hz - 20kHz
Dynamic Range (Typical) 132dB, 1kHz at Max SPL
Signal-to-Noise Ratio 80dB, 1kHz at 1Pa
Maximum Input Sound Level 146dB SPL, 1kHz at 1% T.H.D.;
156dB SPL, with 10dB pad (nominal)
Power Requirements 48VDC, 3.0mA typical
Output Impedance 250 ohms
Output Connectors 3-pin XLR
Pad -10dB
Low Frequency Roll-Off 80Hz
Dimensions (LxDiameter) 5.67 x 0.83" (144 x 21mm)
Weight 119g (4.2 oz)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Audio-Technica AT4021 Small-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
 
4.6

(based on 5 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (3)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (2)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Good audio (5)
  • Easy to use (4)
  • Versatile (4)
  • Compact (3)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Home studio (5)
    • Professional recording (5)
    • Amateur recording (3)
      • Reviewer Profile:
      • Experienced (4)

    REVIEWS

    Reviewed by 5 customers

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    Displaying reviews 1-5

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    5.0

    Great mic, great price

    By claying

    from Hong Kong

    About Me Experienced

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Clear Sound
    • Easy To Use
    • Versatile

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Amateur Recording
      • Events
      • Home Studio
      • Mobile DJ
      • Professional Recording

      Comments about Audio-Technica AT4021 Small-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone:

      I use this for orchestral recording and get good results.

      AT does not offer matched pair, but they are well matched despite I received mics that have serial no. of 263 & 1454.

      Comment on this review

       
      5.0

      Great acoustic guitar mic

      By Accretion Disc

      from NY, NY

      About Me Professional Musician

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Clear Sound
      • Compact
      • Easy To Use
      • Lightweight
      • Versatile

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Home Studio
        • Professional Recording

        Comments about Audio-Technica AT4021 Small-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone:

        Great SDC- super flat and detailed in the right way on fingerpicked acoustic guitar.

        Comment on this review

        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

         
        4.0

        Great SDC, great price

        By David F.

        from Pasadena, CA

        About Me Experienced

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Clear Sound
        • Compact
        • Easy To Use
        • Lightweight
        • Versatile

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Events
          • Home Studio
          • Performances
          • Professional Recording

          Comments about Audio-Technica AT4021 Small-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone:

          I use an Apogee Duet, through a G5 running Tiger with Dynaudio BM5's as my main monitors.

          I decided on this SDC mainly because of its relatively flat frequency response; I prefer capturing the sound as clean as possible.

          After completing some test recordings with a Takamine classical guitar and a Big Baby Taylor acoustic guitar, I was pretty pleased with the results; it kept the recording pretty faithful to the original sound, but wasn't too transparent in which it lacked any "air"- the stuff that makes the KM84/184 what it is.

          I also tested it in a live situation through a Fender/SUNN SR6300 PA system, with only an eighth turn CCW from 12 o' clock on the bass EQ to curb the system's pronounced bass response. (I could've used the high pass switch on the mic, but access to it requires a narrow-ended object.) The sound had surprising presence, and wasn't mushy like most PA system tend to make any sound put through them.

          I didn't use the 10dB pad switch, since I didn't have a snare or access to a guitar amp as per this review.

          It doesn't have that special "air" that a KM184 has, but then again, you wouldn't be reading this review if you had the money and are looking for something like it, right? The bottom line is, it is a great versatile instrument mic that works well in many studio and live situations. I really recommend this mic if you are looking for a good first SDC (or if you're looking for an addition to your other SDCs.)

          Comment on this review

           
          4.0

          Great mic at a great price

          By The TechMeister

          from Bonny Doon, CA

          About Me Experienced

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Amazing value
          • Clear Sound
          • Compact
          • Easy To Use
          • Versatile

          Cons

          • none

          Best Uses

          • Amateur Recording
          • Home Studio
          • Professional Recording
          • Stereo recording a pair

          Comments about Audio-Technica AT4021 Small-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone:

          I run a small project studio and am lucky enough to have a well-stocked micrphone locker. I'd heard many good things about the AT4021, and when I saw B&H's amazingly low price, I bought one. I immediately set about comparing this small-diameter cardiod (SDC) mic to some world-class competition: An AKG 451B, a Microtech-Gefell M295 and a Beyerdynamic MC930. Even though the 4021 didn't have the amazing clarity or 3D presence of the M295 (my favorite mic for recording large-bodied acoustic guitars and such), it had about 85% of the sound quality, for 1/7th the price! That's a terrific deal in my book. I think anyone with a decent recording setup will realize stellar results from this mic. At B&H's great price, I'd recommend buying TWO AT4021's and using them to record in stereo.

          Comment on this review

           
          5.0

          Extremely Good on Acoustic Guitar

          By Danner

          from Fort Worth

          About Me Experienced

          Verified Reviewer

          Pros

          • Clear Sound

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Amateur Recording
            • Home Studio
            • Professional Recording

            Comments about Audio-Technica AT4021 Small-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone:

            I bought two for recording guitar and some band concerts. So far I have worked with these on acoustic guitar, stereo and mono mic'd, both near field and far field. To me, these mics sound incredibly clear and accurate. Zero noise that I can detect. I am really pleased with these. They sound much better than the Shure SM57 and noticeably better then my AT3035 LDC mics.

            I have had no problems. I run them at 0dB and with the 80Hz filter on. These are feeding a Presonus interface and a Mac running Logic Express 9. It's a dream set-up.

            Comment on this review

            Displaying reviews 1-5

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            Cables

            Pearstone -  3-Pin XLR Male to 3-Pin XLR Female Audio Cable (10')
              • Original: $15.99
              • Save: $1.60
            • Price: $14.39
             

            Wind Protection

            WindTech -  Windtech 1200 Series - 3/4" Inside Diameter - Black
            • Price: $5.25
             

            Shock Mounts

            Audio-Technica -  AT8415 Universal Shock Mount
            • Price: $49.95
             
            Pearstone -  DUSM-1 Universal Shock Mount for Camera Shoes and Boompoles
              • Original: $49.95
              • Save: $4.99
            • Price: $44.96
             

            Stands & Support

            AKG -  KM235/1 Stereo Microphone Bar
            • Price: $25.00
             

            Cases & Protection

            Gator Cases -  GM-4 4 Drop Mic Padded Bag
            • Price: $29.99
            • Click to see current price
             

            Preamps

            Studio Projects -  SP-828 Preamp
            • Price: $719.99
             

            This is a special order item and is non-cancelable and non-returnable. Est. arrival at B&H is 7-14 days (subject to availability). Your order will be charged at time of shipment.

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            What's in the Box

            Audio-Technica AT4021 Small-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
            • AT8405a Stand Clamp
            • Windscreen
            • Padded Case
            • 1 Year Warranty
             
             
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