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Audio-Technica AT2031

Cardioid Pencil Condenser Microphone

The AT2031 is an electret pencil condenser with fixed cardioid polar pattern. As part of Audio-Technica’s “20 Series,” the AT2031 is an inexpensive mic intended for entry-level buyers.

It retains the hallmarks of Audio-Technica’s 20 Series mics: rugged construction, simple but useful accessories, solid performance specifications.

The mic is a back-electret design, with relatively high sensitivity (20mV/Pa) and reasonable self-noise (17dBA). A recessed switch enables a high-pass filter (-6dB/octave @ 150Hz).

The mic frequency response has a slight boost in the highs above 10kHz. Audio-Technica bills it as “the ideal microphone for stringed instruments.”

Sound On Sound - 2012

I put the mic up alongside a similarly priced Rode NT55 […] On acoustic guitar, both mics delivered a perfectly usable sound, with the AT2031 adding some high-end gloss that would be particularly welcome when trying to place the part in a mix. There’s evidently some musical flattery going on with the AT2031: although the overall sound was believable, the solid lows were balanced by pleasantly shimmery highs.

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The mic was released in 2011.

Specifications

Pickup Patterns	Pads & Filters
CHART Cardioid (19.9 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz)	Filter: HPF @ 150 Hz 6dB/Oct (Via Switch)

Capsule Dimensions	Impedance	SPL/Noise
Diameter n/a	85 Ohms (Low)	Max SPL: 141 dB Self-noise: 17.0 dB(A)

Weight	Length	Max Diameter	Interface(s)
134g (4.73oz)	143mm (5.63'')	21mm (0.83'')	3-pin XLR male (1)

Power Specifications
Requires phantom power Phantom voltage: 48v

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