Audio-Technica AT2022 manual Features, Description, Operation and Maintenance

AT2022

X/Y Stereo Microphone

20 series microphones

Features

•X/Y stereo microphone with unique pivoting electret condenser capsules for ultimate flexibility

•Provides the spatial impact and realism of a live sound field

•Battery operation allows use with most recording devices

•Switchable low-frequency roll-off minimizes pickup of unwanted low-frequency noise

•User-selectable 90° or 120° stereo operation for narrow or wide pickup patterns

•Ideal for general stereo recording and field sound capture

•Excellent channel separation

•Included fuzzy windscreen offers excellent wind protection

Description

The AT2022 is a condenser microphone designed for stereo recording. Two unidirectional condenser capsules in an X/Y configuration pivot to allow for 90° (narrow) or 120° (wide) stereo operation for extremely versatile pickup. The capsules also fold flat for storage and transportation. It is designed for general stereo recording and field sound capture.

The microphone requires a 1.5V AA battery for operation.

The microphone includes a 0.5 m (1.6’) cable terminating in a 3-pin XLRF- type connector and a 3.5 mm (1/8”) TRS connector. The output of the microphone is a 3-pin XLRM-type connector.

A switch permits choice of off, on/flat response or on/low-roll-off (via integral high-pass filter) to help control undesired ambient noise.

The microphone is enclosed in a rugged housing. The included AT8405a stand clamp permits mounting on any microphone stand with 5/8”-27 threads. A fuzzy windscreen, a battery and a soft protective pouch are also included.

Operation and Maintenance

The AT2022 is designed for battery operation only; install the battery before attempting use. WARNING: Do not attempt to use when phantom power is present. Possible damage to the microphone may result. (Please note, however, that the presence of a bias voltage – from a portable recording device, for example – is acceptable and will not harm the microphone.)

Battery installation: Unscrew the lower section of the microphone body to reveal the battery compartment. Insert a fresh 1.5V AA battery in the handle compartment (“+” end up), then reassemble the microphone.

Alkaline batteries are recommended for longest life. Remove the battery during long-term storage.

Output for each stereo channel is low impedance (Lo-Z) unbalanced. The unbalanced signals appear across Pin 2 for the left channel and Pin 3 for the right channel. Pin 1 is ground (shield) for both channels. Output is “Pins 2 and 3 hot” – positive acoustic pressure produces positive voltage at Pins 2 and 3.

For correct left-right stereo orientation, position the microphone so the word “UP” is facing the ceiling. Locating the microphone nearer the sound source enhances the apparent width of the stereo image, while decreasing room ambience. Moving away from the sound source will result in a narrower stereo image and more room sound.

There are 90° and 120° indicators on the bottom side of the microphone pivot. To select 90° (narrow) X/Y operation, rotate each element to align the mark on the pivoting element’s base with the 90° notched indicator. To select 120° (wide) X/Y operation, rotate each element to align the mark on the pivoting element’s base with the 120° notched indicator. For travel and storage, fold each element flat, perpendicular to the handle.

An integral 150 Hz low-cut filter provides easy switching from a flat frequency response to a low-end roll-off. The roll-off position reduces the pickup of low-frequency ambient noise (such as traffic, air-handling systems, etc.), room reverberation and mechanically coupled vibrations. To engage the low-cut filter, slide the switch toward L- CUT. For a flat frequency response, slide the switch toward FLAT.

Turn the microphone on by selecting either the L- CUT or FLAT setting. Turn the microphone off when not in use.

Avoid leaving the microphone in the open sun or in areas where temperatures exceed 110° F (43° C) for extended periods. Extremely high humidity should also be avoided.