Audio Technica AT3525 Condenser Microphone

Reviewed by Tony Thomas
 
 

Photo by Tony Thomas
           Copyright 1999 Tony Thomas

 

One of the recent trends in pro audio is the abundance of low-cost medium to large

diaphragm condenser mics that have become available in the last year or two.  Not too

many years ago, you could separate the large professional studios from the small project

studios by the quantity and quality of large diaphragm condensers in the mic closet,

mainly because they used to cost so much.

In the last year, the sub-$500 condenser mic market has exploded.  There are a lot of mics

to choose from in that range--some good and some not so good.  As I was in the market

for a side-address medium to large diaphragm condenser, I looked at a lot of spec sheets.

I wanted to find the best mic that I possibly could for the lowest price possible.  Based

upon that criterion, I immediately gravitated to the Audio Technica AT3525.

With a list price of $399 and a street price in the $250-300 range, the AT3525 seemed to

be a lot of mic for the money.  It is a back-electret cardioid design that reportedly uses the

same capsule as the popular (and more expensive) AT4033.  The difference seems to be

in the internal electronics since the 4033 specs out a bit better (although the 3525 specs

are really good).  It requires a 48V phantom power supply (there is no battery option) and

it comes with a very effective shock mount that allows you considerable positioning

latitude.

I hooked the AT3525 up to my Mackie 1202VLZ and engaged the phantom power.  I

then performed some comparisons between a Shure SM58 (which is a good "baseline")

and the AT3525.  Compared to the SM58, I found the 3525 to have a much smoother

sound, much better transient response, extended low-end response, much more air and

transparency on the high-end and a less "peaky" midrange.  You can run this mic

completely flat or with a minimal amount of EQ.

While not a Neumann U87, the AT3525 sounded somewhat similar to the U87 (based on

recordings I have made with that mic), at least on my voice.  Both mics exhibit a fairly

flat response (the Neumann is obviously flatter) and broad midrange peak so that may

explain the similarity in sound.  Considering the price differential, that is quite a feat!

As far as applications, I would expect that the AT3525 would be great for vocals,

acoustic guitar, various other acoustic instruments and drum overheads.  It is a wonderful

mic that is hard to beat at that low price!

For more information:

www.audiotechnica.com

 

 

Copyright 1999 by Tony Thomas

All Rights Reserved

Techtrends 7/17/99

 

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