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OmnidirectionalCardioidBidirectionalAudio-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).

AT4050 CutawayThe 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
AT4050, side viewI 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!
AT4050 Omnidirectional Frequency Response Chart
Frequency Response - CardioidClick Graph to Compare!
AT4050 Cardioid Frequency Response Chart
Frequency Response - BidirectionalClick Graph to Compare!
AT4050 Bidirectional Frequency Response Chart
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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