At $249 MSRP, the new AT2041SP Studio Pack is a smart idea and a good way to build the mic cabinet for musicians, engineers and producers in home and project studios. These are fully professional microphones so they will not go unnoticed by professionals in commercial studios. The Studio Pack combines the AT2020 side-address, condenser microphone with the new AT2021 small-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone.

The AT2020 has a 16mm diaphragm capsule (mid sized capsule) and is mainly for recording vocals but works for a wide range of instruments such as string quartets, brass ensembles or background singers. The custom-engineered low-mass diaphragm provides extended high frequency response plus the ability to handle extremely high SPLs. The AT2020 has a fixed cardioid polar pattern, 144dB SPL handling capability and a 124dB dynamic range. The frequency response is 20 to 20kHz and there is a slight (3dB) frequency response rise between 5kHz and 20kHz and a kind of built-in bass roll off filter starting at about 200Hz that ends up at 50Hz with a full 5db of low frequency reduction. This is all good in my opinion and equivalent to a recording engineer who would normally equalize or filter a much more expensive microphone to achieve essentially the same results.

The AT2021 has an extended response for a smooth and open sound, and a special low-mass element for superb transient (fast) response making it perfect for recording acoustic guitars; drum overheads, pianos and percussion. The cardioid polar pattern reduces off-axis pickup of unwanted sounds valuable in recording ensembles where you want to focus on a single instrument and musician. The AT2021 has a flat frequency response from 30 to 20,000 Hz, 145dB maximum SPL handling, and an extreme 126dB dynamic range.

The AT2041SP Studio Pack is currently available at a $249 MSRP. For much more, visit www.audio-technica.com