I'm a big fan of using omnidirectional microphones for studio recording; they have a full, large sound can't be easily replicated by directional microphones. Finding high-quality omnidirectional microphones is usually a challenge; the most expensive ones can go for thousands of dollars a piece!
My first pair of "real" microphones were a pair of Audio-Technica AT3528. I loved these mics -- and eventually traded them up for something different as my needs changed.
At last summer's NAMM show, Audio-Technica quietly introduced their new pencil condenser microphones, including the value-priced omni-directional AT4022.
My first pair of "real" microphones were a pair of Audio-Technica AT3528. I loved these mics -- and eventually traded them up for something different as my needs changed.
At last summer's NAMM show, Audio-Technica quietly introduced their new pencil condenser microphones, including the value-priced omni-directional AT4022.
Put to the test...
I spent a few weeks with the AT4022, and I was very surprised at the performance for the price!
Another thing impressive about the AT4022 is the high SPL handling capabilities; 146db, with an additional 10db available via a built-in pad.
There's also the option for a low-frequency roll-off; omnidirectional microphones tend to express deeper frequencies better, so in certain situations, you might wish to engage the roll-off switch.
My only concern is the very small grill around the top of the microphone; these parts (and design) are reminiscent of the DPA condenser microphones, which I've had a similar problem with: the very small grills can sometimes catch on things, either scratching or pulling loose. This did not happen with my review units, but it's a problem I've seen in the past on similar designs.
The Specs
The AT4022 is a small-diaphragm condenser microphone with a flat 20Hz-20kHz frequency response. The microphone's polar pattern is completely omnidirectional at 1kHz, with higher frequencies exhibiting some cardioid characteristics due to the larger diaphragm size, compared to very high-end omnidirectional mics.Another thing impressive about the AT4022 is the high SPL handling capabilities; 146db, with an additional 10db available via a built-in pad.
There's also the option for a low-frequency roll-off; omnidirectional microphones tend to express deeper frequencies better, so in certain situations, you might wish to engage the roll-off switch.
Build quality
The AT4022 is built very well; out of the box, it feels very sturdy.My only concern is the very small grill around the top of the microphone; these parts (and design) are reminiscent of the DPA condenser microphones, which I've had a similar problem with: the very small grills can sometimes catch on things, either scratching or pulling loose. This did not happen with my review units, but it's a problem I've seen in the past on similar designs.
Sound quality...
As with any microphone, it's all about the sound!
The AT4022 certainly doesn't disappoint. For live recording, it really stands out -- full frequency response, a very "deep" sound. Recording live music via a PA system was very pleasurable.
Recording in the studio is where the AT4022 really shines; on acoustic guitar, it sounded lifelike, without focusing too much on lower-end frequencies. I really enjoyed the AT4022 on drum overheads -- while not as "crispy" as some omnidirectional microphones, the AT4022 pair gave a really nice stereo image and a very detailed drum sound, focusing on a high quality midrange.
Keep in mind that omnidirectional microphones don't work well unless you have a great acoustic environment to work in. If you're recording in an untreated room, or in a poor acoustic space, you might not like how the AT4022 sound; in testing a recording in my untreated living room, I wasn't thrilled with the open sound, lending to lots of room (and air conditioner) noise. Your results may vary, but the AT4022 shines in a great acoustic environment -- and shows an honest picture of a bad one.
With great sound quality, ultra-portable size, and high-quality construction, these microphones hold up to more expensive offerings; for the price, it's a great deal.
The AT4022 certainly doesn't disappoint. For live recording, it really stands out -- full frequency response, a very "deep" sound. Recording live music via a PA system was very pleasurable.
Recording in the studio is where the AT4022 really shines; on acoustic guitar, it sounded lifelike, without focusing too much on lower-end frequencies. I really enjoyed the AT4022 on drum overheads -- while not as "crispy" as some omnidirectional microphones, the AT4022 pair gave a really nice stereo image and a very detailed drum sound, focusing on a high quality midrange.
Keep in mind that omnidirectional microphones don't work well unless you have a great acoustic environment to work in. If you're recording in an untreated room, or in a poor acoustic space, you might not like how the AT4022 sound; in testing a recording in my untreated living room, I wasn't thrilled with the open sound, lending to lots of room (and air conditioner) noise. Your results may vary, but the AT4022 shines in a great acoustic environment -- and shows an honest picture of a bad one.
Overall...
The AT4022 is a very nice quality microphone, with a certainly fair price: at around $349 retail, these are a great value, compared to the price of higher-end models.With great sound quality, ultra-portable size, and high-quality construction, these microphones hold up to more expensive offerings; for the price, it's a great deal.