Audio-Technica AE2500 Dual-Element Instrument Microphone

The AE2500 Instrument Microphone from Audio-Technica features a flat capsule head that makes it compact enough to easily position close to an instrument, while its cardioid polar pattern—minimizing pickup of sound to the back and sides of the mic—as well as low-frequency roll-off and high tolerance of sound pressure levels make it ideal for kick drum and other percussion use. Ruggedly built to provide long-term optimal sound stabilization on the road, the AE2500 is great for targeting a specific sound, limiting pick up of other instruments and background noise.

Key to the AE2500’s natural, dynamic sound is its dual-element condenser design, which captures the shell’s round tones. The AE2500 combines the features of the dynamic and condenser elements in one housing and are positioned to provide the balance required for a perfect phase relationship. The dynamic element delivers the beater’s aggressive attack, while two layers of resistive mesh over its side-entry ports enhance control over off-axis signals. The condenser diaphragm is tensioned and aged to capture round tonalities from the microphone’s shell—allowing it to get consistent, stable performance for years to come. In addition to its dual-element innovation, this mic features an integrated 80 Hz HPF switch and a 10 dB pad on its condenser element.

A premium member of the Artist Elite series of mics, the AE2500 comes with an AT8471 isolation clamp for 5/8"-27 threaded stands, which provides further shock protection, as well as allows you to securely mount the mic and adjust it into that perfect position to capture your instrument’s sound. Also included is a 16.5' (5 m) cable (5-pin XLRF to two standard 3-pin XLRM connectors) so you can control each element—condenser and dynamic—separately. Rounding out the AE2500’s included accessories is a 5/8"-27 to 3/8"-16 threaded adapter, as well as an R8 soft protective pouch for safe transport and secure storage.

Audio-Technica AE2500 Features

• Revolutionary dual-element design is a ground-breaking transducer achievement
• Two elements (condenser and dynamic) are enclosed in a single housing
• Dynamic element delivers the aggressive attack of the beater
• Condenser captures the round tonalities of the shell
• Elements are positioned in a perfect phase relationship
• Robust design for enduring dependability on the road
• Integral 80 Hz HPF switch and 10 dB pad on condenser element

• AE2500 Dual-Element Cardioid Instrument Microphone1
• AT8471 Isolation Clamp for 5/8"-27 threaded stands1
• 5/8"-27 to 3/8"-16 Threaded Adapter1
• R8 Soft Protective Pouch1

• Transducer TypeDual Element (Condenser, Dynamic)
• Polar PatternCardioid
• Frequency Response20 Hz - 17 kHz (Condenser), 30 Hz - 10 kHz(Dynamic)
• Sensitivity
  • Condenser: -51 dBV/Pa (2.8 mV)
  • Dynamic: -54 dBV/Pa (1.9 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa
• Maximum Input Sound Level
  • Condenser: 148 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.;
  • 158 dB SPL, with 10 dB pad (nominal)
• Dynamic Range124 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL (condenser)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio70 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa (condenser)
• Phantom Power Requirements11-52V DC, 3 mA typical (condenser)
• Switches
  • (Condenser Only) High-pass filter
  • 10 dB pad (nominal)
• Low-Frequency Roll-Off80 Hz, 12 dB/octave (condenser)
• Cable16.5' (5 m) dual shielded, 8-conductor cable, 5-pin XLRF-type connector at microphone, two 3-pin XLRM-type output connectors
• Connector5-pin XLRM
• Dimensions6.5 inches (165 mm) long, 2.17 inches (55 mm) maximum diameter
• Weight13.8 oz (390 g)