Introduction
The Audio–Technica AT2010 is a microphone that promises top-notch performance without breaking the bank. In this review, we’ll delve into its features, sound quality, usability, and overall value for money.
Microphone Sound Quality
- Crystal Clear Audio: The AT2010 delivers clear and crisp audio, making it ideal for both vocals and instruments.
- Low Noise: This microphone impressively minimizes background noise, ensuring your recordings are free from unwanted disturbances.
- Balanced Frequencies: It captures a wide range of frequencies, providing a balanced and natural sound.
Build and Design
- Sturdy Construction: The microphone feels robust and well-built, ensuring durability over time.
- Sleek Design: Its sleek and modern design adds a professional touch, making it suitable for various settings.
- Comfortable Grip: The ergonomic design allows for a comfortable grip during extended use.
Ease of Use
- Plug-and-Play: Setting up the AT2010 is a breeze – simply plug it in and start recording.
- User-Friendly Controls: The controls are straightforward, making it easy for beginners and professionals alike.
- Versatile Compatibility: This microphone is compatible with a range of devices, from audio interfaces to cameras.
Durability
- Built to Last: The AT2010’s robust construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of regular use.
- Quality Materials: Audio-Technica uses high-quality materials, contributing to the microphone’s longevity.
Microphone Pros
- Exceptional sound quality for the price.
- Durable construction ensures a long lifespan.
- User-friendly design makes it accessible to all levels of users.
- Versatile compatibility with various devices.
- Sleek and modern aesthetic adds a professional touch.
Microphone Cons
- The microphone may pick up handling noise if not used with a shock mount.
- Lacks additional features found in higher-priced models.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Audio–Technica AT2010 offers outstanding value for money. Its exceptional sound quality, durable construction, and user-friendly design make it a solid choice for both beginners and seasoned professionals. While it has a few minor drawbacks, the overall performance and affordability make the AT2010 a worthwhile investment for anyone in need of a reliable microphone.
suedreams2 –
I’m amazed at how much this improved my live performance vocals. I’m a singer-songwriter and perform solo. I’ve used a Shure SM58 for many years & this mic is a huge, huge improvement in clarity. Works great live without any feedback issues.
Max –
Un buon microfono. Versatile, ma occhio all’attacco con il cavo XLR: il mio ha il problema che occorre spingere molto per agganciare il cavo.
Ernie & Jo –
I bought a pair of these for my church, just because I was told a well-equipped sound booth needed a pair of condenser mics in its toolbox. I think I need to get more!
Our singers LOVE the sound. Vocals are clear, smooth, and dynamic. Unlike some condensers, we haven’t had any problems with popping, even when singers hold it close up.
It picks up the spoken voice (announcements, presenters, etc.) very clearly, even when the speaker doesn’t like to get close to the mic. It also works very nicely for ensembles in a single or dual-mic arrangement.
It’s a really good mic for a very reasonable price.
Greg –
I bought this mic for my lead singer in my band. We were traveling overseas and recording a live album and I wanted to try a condenser on his voice since we were recording it. We play American/Folk style music. Acoustic guitar, violin, bass, & drums. It really sounded great. Not a lot of stage bleed like I anticipated. Was nearly as much as the Shure Beta 58’s we usually use but the bleed seemed to sound better. Super clear without being harsh. Nice open top end. Totally satisfied with this purchase. It would be killer on any good singers voice. Especially a softer singer. You may run into some feedback/bleed issues in a loud stage volume situation. We use iem’s and have a relatively lower stage volume than say a metal band. But overall, super happy. Great live vocal mic. Definitely a step up from the dynamic standards. Especially in the open top end.
Dave The Rave –
Bought this microphone as an alternative to the classic Shure SM58 and it certainly doesn’t disappoint. For readers who are not aware, there is a fundamental difference between a dynamic microphone such as the SM58 and a condenser microphone. A dynamic microphone has a ‘voice coil’ attached to the diaphragm adding mechanical inertia whereas the condenser type only has a diaphragm with no voice coil resulting in less mass which results in greater sensitivity.
NOTE… Condenser type microphones need a power supply. This is typically provided by ‘Phantom Power’ provided by the mic-amp/mixer/vocal processor. The AT2010 microphone will NOT work without Phantom Power.
Historically dynamic microphones have been the standard for ‘live’ performance with condenser microphones confined to studio recording. There are two basic reasons for this, the dynamic types tend to provided higher gain before feedback, a function of there ‘damped by inertia’ response, while the condenser types were more prone to feedback and not as mechanically durable as their counterparts they have much better response.
Since the SM58 came into existence in the mid ’60’s it became THE most popular amateur and professional ‘live’ vocal mic. However, manufacturing techniques have improved massively so the durability issue is a thing of the past. equally audio electronics have also improved.
Adding a ‘live vocal processor’ (such as a TC Helicon VoiceTone Correct XT) to your vocal microphone either ‘in house’ and or ‘live performance’ can make a fantastic improvement to getting the best from the vocal input in addition to suppressing feedback, so much so that it will get the best from the voice but it will also get the best from the (any) microphone.
Nevertheless, comparing the vocal qualities of the SM58 against the AT2010. the AT2010 is by far more responsive, crisp, and less muddy bringing out the true colours of the vocal input… and… its about 20 quid cheaper! I haven’t found anything not to like about it.
Dillon Kentworth –
Excellent handheld condenser, especially for the price!
In order to avoid the inarticulate, punchy-but-lifeless SM58 sound, I opted to try a Heil PR22, which I found to be a bit too “peaky” and harsh sounding, with way too much handling noise.
This is exactly what I should have bought all along. I’ve realized that even inexpensive condenser mics sound better than a dynamic any day of the week. The articulation, smooth breathiness, and overall “even sounding” frequency response is there, but without a bunch of handling noise. A perfect compromise, I think.
This should greatly liven up the sound of a vocal on stage, by transmitting a better representation of the actual sound the singer is making, accurately. I’ve even used it for a couple of recorded vocals, when I wasn’t in an environment conducive to a sensitive large-diaphragm studio condenser.
Client d’Amazon –
Parfait
Bill, in BC –
I wanted to try a handheld vocal condenser mic as an alternative to my dynamic Shure beta 58A. My AT2020 sounds great and this handheld version has the same mic capsule, at a great price. I used it today to play and sing in front of a few dozen people. Sounds amazing! A perfect choice for me. Note: my acoustic amp has just 24V of phantom power – no problem. / Jan 2019: the mic continues to make me sound great, for singing and playing to an audience about once a week. IMO, this mic is seriously underpriced. Get one or two!
LastingMagnet –
This mic is one of the best deals for the money I’ve found. It has a big, present sound. The pickup pattern is moderately tight so it’s good for stage work. It’s also lightweight which is helpful if you have to put it on a long boom over a piano, for instance.
I have other mics that start around $300 that may be better in certain circumstances than this one but I find myself using this mic more often than those.
Adrián Rey –
Otro micrófono vendido como si fuera nuevo, que llegó sin precintar, con marcas de uso y oliendo a tabaco. Lamentable.
Adam –
I have a Nady SPC-10 condensor vocal mic with a 1″ diaphragm. That’s my favorite, but it’s having some issues and needs to be refurbished. They don’t make it anymore. So, I purchased this mic as a replacement and I couldn’t be happier. This mic really captures vocals well. At least my vocals. The sound is crisp and clear. I’ve only had it a few weeks, but so far it’s worked flawlessly.
Camping Kurt –
This is a great condenser mic! I tested a few handheld mics. The Shure SM58 and The Shure 87C and this mic suites my voice the best out of the three I tested. I have a baritone singing voice and the this mic softens the raspiness is my voice and smooths out the edges and it also equals out the high end to for a well balanced sound.
Shannon –
It stayed put on a stage and I used it as a talkback mic for our church. One day it started buzzing, I unplugged the cable and the entire plug in part broke. Next time, get a SM58. I would not recommend this mic. Worst part is its brand new condition cause it just sat there and I can’t return it or anything!