Audio-Technica AT8033 Cardioid Condenser Microphone

The AT8033 is an all-purpose cardioid condenser built for handheld interviews and general field acquisition, with a fixed-charge back plate that keeps performance consistent over the mic's life. Its cardioid pickup rejects off-axis sound to isolate a speaker from room noise, and a wide 30-20,000 Hz frequency response keeps voice and instrument sources sounding natural.

It runs on either standard phantom power or an internal battery, so it stays usable on gear without phantom supply. A high maximum SPL rating (137 dB with phantom power) gives it headroom for loud sources without distortion, making it as comfortable on a location shoot as in a studio.