Product Review: Audio-Technica AT-2010 Condenser Microphone

Clear, Rich Vocal Sound at the Same Price as Dynamic Microphones!

I recently had the opportunity to try out Audio-Technica’s AT2010 condenser mic and compare it with some other microphones in the same price range (and some that sell for more). Here is what I found.

The mics I tested were the AT2010, the Shure SM58, Shure Beta58A, the Audio-Technica Artist Elite AE4100 (dynamic) and the Audio-Technica Artist Elite AE3300 (Condenser). I listened to the mics in a situation that I am familiar with; that is singing while playing my guitar through a small sound system that I am famaliar. With the mics on a boom stand for the first part of the test, I sang the same portion of a song into each mic. I was careful to adjust the gain of each one so their perceived output level was the same.

More “Open” Sound

I started with the familiar SM58 and got that patented SM58 sound that is fairly flat with a little hi-mid bump to let the vocal cut through a bit. Then I tried the Beta58A which was a little hotter (more sensitive), more punchy and had a brighter edge on it than the 58. Then I tried the AT2010. All of a sudden, the sound opened up and there was more range. (I could especially notice a warm low-end that didn’t seem to be there with the first two mics) My softer vocals had more detail and the sound stayed open and didn’t distort when I got loud.

Next I tried the AE3300 condenser. This mic had the best response of the bunch. It seemed to follow my voice very naturally without any build up in any part of my range. This mic sells for $249.99 and would be a good choice if you are looking to spend more on a mic as an investment in your vocal instrument. Next was the dynamic AE4100 which had a little more openness than the SM58 but seemed a little too lifeless after listening to the condensers.

I ran through the mics a few more times each – trying them dry, then adding a touch of reverb. I kept coming back to the open and clear sound of the condensers and how well they handled dynamic change. I also listened to the mics through a pair of studio headphones (semi-sealing). The Beta58A was punchy,

“…nice warmth without losing any clarity”

but a little brittle sounding for my taste with my voice. I could hear the detail even more in both of the condensers with the headphones. The warm extended bass response with the AT-2010 was even more evident. The last test I tried was to see what the handling noise of each mic was when they were set to the same perceived volume level. I was surprised that the AT-2010 was as quiet, or quieter than all the dynamic mics. Only the AE3300 was quieter; and that was when I flipped on its bass roll-off switch.

One of the cool things about the AT2010 is that it is an offshoot of the famous AT2020 studio condenser mic. In fact, A-T used the same element found in the 2020 and worked their magic to put it into a rugged handheld mic body. Now you can have studio-quality sound, in a handheld version that will hold up to rigorous stage use.

Conclusion

Over all, the AT-2010 performed very nicely, especially for its low price of only $99. The mic is built quite solidly, but it is not heavy and feels comfortable to hold. If you are looking for an affordable mic that will highlight the expressiveness and nuances of your voice, the AT-2010 would be a great choice for you. Also, the 2010 would be a nice mic for female voices, giving them a nice warmth without losing any clarity or sounding brittle.

If you are looking to upgrade the quality of your singer’s microphones, now is definitely the time to call CCI Solutions. With our CCI Savings Club pricing, you can get four of the Audio Technica AT-2010 mics for only $299

Want to hear what the AT-2010 sounds like with your voice? Ask our reps to let you Try It FREE before you buy!!

 Reviewer:
John Ubben is a worship leader,
guitar player and audio veteran with over 29 years experience.
He is the Marketing Director for CCI Solutions.