Audio-Technica AT4050 Multi-Pattern Studio Condenser Microphone

The Audio-Technica AT4050 is a versatile large-diaphragm condenser microphone designed to capture every nuance of your performance. Featuring three switchable polar patterns—cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-of-eight—it offers exceptional flexibility for various recording applications. The microphone delivers transparent and airy upper/mid frequencies, balanced by rich low-end qualities, making it ideal for vocals, piano, strings, drum overheads, guitar amplifiers, and more. Its high-SPL handling capability ensures it performs well even in demanding sound environments.

Engineered for consistent, outstanding performance, the AT4050's dual large diaphragms are gold-vaporized and undergo a five-step aging process. This meticulous design maintains precise polar pattern definition across the full frequency range, ensuring reliable and accurate sound capture over years of use. The precision-machined, nickel-plated brass acoustic element baffle provides rock-solid element stability and exceptional sensitivity, contributing to the microphone's superior audio fidelity.

Incorporating transformerless circuitry, the AT4050 virtually eliminates low-frequency distortion and provides superior correlation of high-speed transients. State-of-the-art surface-mount electronics ensure compliance with Audio-Technica's stringent consistency and reliability standards. Additionally, the microphone features a switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter and a 10 dB pad, offering further control over your recordings. The included custom shock mount provides superior isolation, reducing unwanted vibrations and handling noise.

Key Features

• Three switchable polar patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-of-eight
• Transparent uppers/mids balanced by rich low-end qualities
• Dual-diaphragm capsule design for precise polar pattern definition
• 2-micron-thick, vapor-deposited gold diaphragms aged through a five-step process for consistent performance
• Transformerless circuitry to virtually eliminate low-frequency distortion
• State-of-the-art surface-mount electronics for enhanced reliability
• Switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter and 10 dB pad
• Custom shock mount included for superior isolation

Technical Specifications

Element: Externally-polarized (DC bias) condenser
Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Figure-of-eight
Frequency Response: 20 – 18,000 Hz
Low Frequency Roll Off: 80 Hz, 12 dB/octave
Open Circuit Sensitivity: -36 dB (15.8 mV), re 1V at 1 Pa
Maximum Input Sound Level: 149 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.; 159 dB SPL with 10 dB pad (nominal)
Noise: 17 dB SPL
Dynamic Range: 132 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 77 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa
Phantom Power Requirements: 48V DC, 4.2 mA typical
Switches: Polar pattern selection; Flat, roll-off; 10 dB pad (nominal)
Weight: 18.0 oz (1.1 lbs)
Dimensions: 7.40" (7 13/32") long, 2.10" (2 3/32") maximum body diameter
Output Connector: Integral 3-pin XLRM-type
Accessories Included: AT8449a shock mount for 5/8"-27 threaded stands; microphone dust cover; protective carrying case
Audio-Technica Case Style: R1