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Audio-Technica AT4050

Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone

The AT4050 is a multipattern FET condenser microphone with a transformerless output circuit.

The condenser capsule is a center-terminated, externally-biased design. The membrane is made of 2-micron material and has an active diameter of 21.4mm.

The AT4050 capsule appears to be identical to the AT4047MP capsule, although in the AT4047MP the capsule is partially surrounded by a perforated metal frame.

A switch on the microphone body provides access to three polar patterns: cardioid, omni, bidirectional.

Additional switches enable a pad (-10dB) and a high-pass filter (-12dB/octave @ 80Hz).

The large-diaphragm capsule is an externally-biased, dual-diaphragm design. The diaphragms are covered by a nickel-plated brass baffle said to provide stability and sensitivity. This baffle also acts as a passive equalizer, altering the frequency response of the microphone.

The mic ships with a shockmount, a “dust cover,” and a storage/carrying case.

SoundOnSound, 1996

When the AT4050 is set to cardioid mode… it produces a very warm, silky sound, but with less top-end shimmer than the AT4033. Switching to omni or figure-of-eight seemed to produce a slightly more transparent sound that matched that of the AT4033 more closely.

Electronic Musician, 2006
I was very impressed with the AT4050 and would happily use this mic for final vocal tracks. Though a touch sibilant at times, Audio-Technica’s condenser was well balanced tonally, exhibiting nice presence and loads of detail. The AT4050 also did a very good job in various pickup modes on two different violinists, never sounding too bright or scratchy.

matthew mcglynn, RecordingHacks.com

I would not hesitate to use the AT4050’s above my drums. I think they do an excellent job of capturing a lively, unhyped picture of the full drum kit.

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Specifications

Frequency Response - OmnidirectionalClick Graph to Compare!
Frequency Response - CardioidClick Graph to Compare!
Frequency Response - BidirectionalClick Graph to Compare!

Pickup Patterns	Pads & Filters
Omnidirectional (15.8 mV/Pa; 20-18,000 Hz) Cardioid (15.8 mV/Pa; 20-18,000 Hz) Bidirectional (15.8 mV/Pa; 20-18,000 Hz)	Pad: -10dB (Via Switch) Filter: HPF: -12dB/octave @ 80Hz (Via Switch)

Capsule Dimensions	Impedance	SPL/Noise
Diaphragm diameter: 21.4mm Diaphragm gauge: 2 microns	100 Ohms (Low)	Max SPL: 159 dB Self-noise: 17.0 dB(A)

Weight	Length	Max Diameter	Interface(s)
510g (17.99oz)	188mm (7.40'')	53mm (2.09'')	3-pin XLR male (1)

Power Specifications
Requires phantom power Phantom voltage: 48v

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