recordinghacks

Audio-Technica AT4047/SV

Cardioid Condenser Microphone

The AT4047 is a FET condenser with a fixed cardioid pickup pattern. On-mic switches provide access to a -10dB pad and a high-pass filter (-12dB/octave @ 80Hz).

The capsule is a center-terminated design with a 2-micron membrane whose active diameter is 21.4mm. The perforated metal plate covering the diaphragm is said to “[provide] enhanced element stability and optimal sensitivity;” it also acts as a passive acoustic equalizer.

A-T claims the mic’s transformer-coupled, true-condenser design creates a “rich, warm sound [that] takes you back to the classic FET studio microphones.” External reports suggest that, as the name implies, the AT4047/SV was intended to evoke the sound of the U-47 FET.

It bears a familial resemblance to the AT4033, also a cardioid condenser; the 4033 has an electret capsule and transformerless output.

In 2009, Audio-Technica released the AT4047MP, a tripolar version of the AT4047/SV. The MP version has slightly higher self-noise and lower sensitivity, but offers Omni and Figure-of-8 patterns in a similar transformer-coupled topology.

The mic includes an elastic shockmount.

Larry Crane, Tape Op

On vocals there’s a breathy sort of intimacy that sits in the track perfectly for certain tunes.

MIX

The AT4047/SV comes with one of the best shock-mounts I’ve seen and has a first-rate fit and finish. My only gripe is that I would have preferred more than just a single polar pattern. What makes Audio-Technica’s new AT4047/SV so attractive is its ability to function well in many applications. It’s an outstanding mic for vocal and instrumental recording-exhibiting a warm, full sound with plenty of depth and detail. Further, the microphone handles surprisingly high SPLs with ease and is awesome for ambience recording when used as a pair. Considering the AT4047/SV has a suggested retail price of $695, acquiring a pair is not so farfetched. I’d be thrilled to have three or four.

The Audio-Technica AT4047/SV is also known as: AT4047-SV, AT4047SV, 4047SV, AT4047, AT-4047.

Specifications

Frequency Response - CardioidClick Graph to Compare!

Pickup Patterns	Pads & Filters
Cardioid (17.7 mV/Pa; 20 - 18,000 Hz)	Pad: -10dB (Via Switch) Filter: HPF: -12dB @ 80Hz (Via Switch)

Capsule Dimensions	Impedance	SPL/Noise
Diaphragm diameter: 21.4mm Diaphragm gauge: 2 microns	250 Ohms (Low)	Max SPL: 159 dB Self-noise: 9.0 dB(A)

Weight	Length	Max Diameter	Interface(s)
410g (14.46oz)	170mm (6.69'')	53mm (2.09'')	3-pin XLR male (1)

Power Specifications
Requires phantom power Phantom voltage: 48v

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