The AT2050's large dual-diaphragm design delivers consistently superior performance with switchable polar patterns between cardioid, omnidirectional and figure-of-eight. The large double membranes used are gold-vaporized and have been artificially aged to deliver optimal sound characteristics over many years of use. Large double diaphragm design provides precise polar pattern separation across the full frequency range of the microphone; Switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter and 10 dB pad (attenuation); High-quality electronic components bolted to the body of the microphone ensure compliance with Audio-Technica's strict consistency and reliability standards; The large double diaphragms used are gold-plated and have been artificially aged to deliver optimum and consistent sound characteristics over many years of use.