Best Budget Stereo Microphone for Field Recording
The Audio Technica AT4025 is a microphone I've loved using in a variety of outdoor settings, and it's been a fantastic choice for recording sound effects.
Audio Technica AT4025 - A Low Noise X/Y Stereo Microphone
What makes this microphone stand out is its ability to deliver crystal-clear ambiences with very little noise—all at an affordable price point. So, if you're looking for a microphone that can also record higher frequencies, the AT4025 might not be your best choice. But for general ambience recordings where clarity and low noise are essential, it's a mic I've enjoyed working with.
Why I Recommend the Audio Technica 4025
This microphone excels in recording natural soundscapes, and the X/Y stereo configuration gives you a great sense of space and depth in your recordings. I've taken this mic into forests, coastal areas, and urban environments, and it always delivers clear and natural audio, especially when paired with the Zoom F6 or Zoom F3. It's a great option for anyone who wants to record great sounds and doesn't want to break the bank.
Best Accessories for the Audio Technica 4025
If you’d like to buy the Audio Technica 4025, there are a few important accessories you need, especially for outdoor recordings.
Wind Protection
The most critical gear is proper wind protection. I've used the Rycote BBG (Baby Ball Gag) along with its wind cover, and it works pretty well. However, in high winds, it has its limitations, so don't expect Cinela or Cyclone quality with the BBG. While it may not provide the absolute best wind reduction like high-end blimps, it's the best solution currently available for this mic. Learn more about microphone blimps and wind protection here!
Cables
No need to worry about purchasing additional cables because the AT4025 comes with them. It's ready to use out of the box once you pair it with the right wind protection and recorder.
Personal Experience and Sound Samples
During our travels, we've used the AT4025 to record beautiful ambiences, especially during our time in Croatia, Malta and Turkey. It handled everything from quiet coastal waves to bustling city streets, giving me unforgettable recordings that needed very little post-processing. If you're curious about how this mic sounds in action, check out our video or the sounds in our All In One Bundle, where many recordings feature the AT4025 in outdoor environments.
Affordable Alternatives: The Audio Technica AT8022
If the price of the AT4025 is a little too high for you, consider the Audio Technica AT8022. It is another great microphone that offers similar results but at a more affordable price. We wrote more about budget field recording gear here!
Conclusion
The Audio Technica AT4025 is a fantastic choice if you're looking for a compact, stereo microphone that won't disappoint you at a reasonable price.
If you're still on the fence, I recommend checking out some comparison videos or sound libraries to see how it performs. And if budget is a concern, consider the AT8022 as an alternative that still offers excellent performance. Either way, investing in the right wind protection is a must, and the Rycote BBG is a solid choice for this microphone.
For anyone who wants to start with field recording in a serious fashion without spending thousands of dollars on a mic, this one offers great value and can be a dependable part of your kit for years to come.
