Overview
The Audio-Technica AT4050 is a large-diaphragm, externally polarized condenser microphone designed for professional recording, broadcast, and sound reinforcement. Its dual-diaphragm capsule supports three selectable polar patterns, allowing the microphone to adapt to different recording arrangements and acoustic environments.
The microphone combines transformerless electronics with gold-vapor-deposited diaphragms and a symmetrical acoustic housing. Its design supports detailed sound capture across vocals, acoustic instruments, amplified instruments, and other professional recording sources.
Polar Patterns and Recording Control
The AT4050 provides three selectable polar patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-of-eight. Each pattern offers a different approach to capturing direct sound and the surrounding acoustic environment.
- Cardioid: Primarily captures sound from the front, helping reduce pickup from the rear.
- Omnidirectional: Captures sound from all directions and is useful when room ambience or multiple sound sources need to be recorded.
- Figure-of-eight: Captures sound from the front and rear while rejecting sound from the sides, making it useful for certain duet and stereo recording arrangements.
The selectable patterns allow engineers to adjust microphone placement and pickup characteristics without changing microphones.
Audio Performance and Controls
The microphone has a published frequency response of 20 Hz to 18 kHz. Its switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter attenuates low-frequency content at 12 dB per octave, helping manage handling vibrations, low-frequency environmental noise, and plosive energy in appropriate recording situations.
A switchable 10 dB attenuation pad reduces the signal level presented by the microphone, extending its maximum sound-pressure-level handling capability for louder sources.
Key Features
- Dual large-diaphragm capsule with gold-vapor-deposited diaphragms.
- Three selectable polar patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-of-eight.
- Transformerless circuitry designed to minimize low-frequency distortion and reproduce fast transients accurately.
- Switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter with a 12 dB-per-octave roll-off.
- Switchable 10 dB pad for recording higher sound-pressure levels.
Compatibility and Installation
The AT4050 uses a balanced, low-impedance, three-pin XLR male output connector. It requires 48 V DC phantom power, so the connected mixing console, audio interface, microphone preamplifier, or external phantom power supply must provide compatible power.
Use a suitable balanced microphone cable and a stand or boom with the appropriate mounting arrangement. The supplied AT8449a shock mount is designed for isolation from stand-borne vibration and supports microphone stands with 5/8"-27 threads; the applicable mounting adapter may be used for compatible 3/8-inch stands.
Applications
- Studio vocal recording and voice-over production.
- Acoustic guitar, piano, strings, and other acoustic instruments.
- Drum overheads and room microphone placements.
- Guitar amplifier recording and selected live sound applications.
- Broadcast and professional recording setups requiring selectable pickup patterns.
DC Supplies Product Note
Confirm that your recording interface or preamplifier supplies standard 48 V phantom power before connecting the AT4050. When recording loud sources, engage the 10 dB pad if needed; the pad increases the published maximum input sound level from 149 dB SPL to 159 dB SPL under the manufacturer's specified test conditions. Select the polar pattern according to the sound source and room acoustics, as pattern choice affects how much surrounding sound is captured.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|
| Brand | Audio-Technica |
| Part Number / MPN | AT4050 |
| Product Type | Multi-pattern condenser microphone |
| Series | 40 Series |
| Element | Externally polarized (DC bias) condenser |
| Capsule Design | Dual-diaphragm, large-diaphragm capsule |
| Polar Patterns | Cardioid, omnidirectional, figure-of-eight |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz–18,000 Hz |
| Low-Frequency Roll-Off | 80 Hz, 12 dB/octave |
| Attenuation Pad | Switchable 10 dB |
| Open-Circuit Sensitivity | -36 dB (15.8 mV), referenced to 1 V at 1 Pa |
| Output Impedance | 100 ohms |
| Maximum Input Sound Level | 149 dB SPL at 1 kHz, 1% THD |
| Maximum SPL with Pad | 159 dB SPL, nominal |
| Noise Level | 17 dB SPL |
| Dynamic Range | 132 dB, typical |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 77 dB, at 1 kHz and 1 Pa |
| Phantom Power | 48 V DC, 4.2 mA typical |
| Output Connector | Integral 3-pin XLR male |
| Microphone Length | 188 mm (7.40 inches) |
| Maximum Body Diameter | 53.4 mm (2.10 inches) |
| Microphone Weight | 510 g (18.0 oz), excluding accessories |
| Included Accessories | AT8449a shock mount, mounting adapter, microphone dust cover, protective carrying case |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the AT4050 require phantom power?
Yes. It requires 48 V DC phantom power, with a typical current requirement of 4.2 mA.
Can the AT4050 record loud instruments?
Yes. Its maximum input sound level is rated at 149 dB SPL at 1 kHz and 1% total harmonic distortion, increasing to a nominal 159 dB SPL with the 10 dB pad engaged.
Which polar pattern should I use for vocals?
Cardioid is a common starting point for a single vocal source because it emphasizes sound from the front. Omnidirectional and figure-of-eight modes may be more appropriate when the recording arrangement or desired room sound calls for them.
Can the microphone connect directly to a computer?
The AT4050 has an XLR output rather than a USB interface. Connecting it to a computer typically requires an audio interface or another compatible device that provides an XLR microphone input and 48 V phantom power.
What accessories are supplied with the microphone?
The manufacturer's listed accessories include an AT8449a shock mount, a mounting adapter, a microphone dust cover, and a protective carrying case. Confirm the contents of the specific retail package with the seller before ordering.
