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Audio-Technica AT4050

Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone with Multiple Polar Patterns

Item ID: AT4050

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  • Sale Price: $699.97
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Transparent Sound and Versatility for a Price That's Within Reach!

The AT4050 is one of Sweetwater's best-selling vocal mics, and for good reason! Utilizing a low-noise transformerless design and multiple polar patterns, the AT4050 is ideal for use in the most demanding recording situations. It uses dual gold-plated, aged, large-diaphragm condenser elements for extended frequency response. Floating construction elements provide isolation from noise and vibration.

Audio-Technica AT4050 Condenser Microphone at a Glance:
  • Transparent highs, rich lows and low noise
  • Multiple polar patterns for versatility
  • Precision-built diaphragm and state-of-the-art electronics for reliable performance

Transparent highs, rich lows and low noise
The AT4050 produces transparent highs and mids balanced by rich low-end qualities, while its advanced acoustic engineering guarantees extensive performance capabilities and highest quality. The AT4050's transformerless circuitry virtually eliminates low-frequency distortion and provides superior correlation of high-speed transients.

Multiple polar patterns for versatility
Adding to the AT4050's value are the three polar patterns. You can select from cardioid, figure-8 or omnidirectional settings to tailor the AT4050 to any source you're recording. In addition, a switchable 80Ha high-pass filter and a 10dB pad allow even more flexibility in capturing a multitude of sources. This mic can stand up to high SPLs and still deliver transparent sound!

Precision-built diaphragm and state-of-the-art electronics
The AT4050's 2-micron-thick, vapor-deposited gold diaphragms undergo a five-step aging process so that the optimum characteristics achieved remain constant over years of use. State-of-the-art surface-mount electronics make the AT4050 another of A-T's incredibly consistent and reliable microphones!


Audio-Technica AT4050 Condenser Microphone Features:
  • Superior performance for studio recording and live sound applications
  • Remarkable combination of warm, transparent sound and super-high SPL capability
  • Three switchable polar patterns: omnidirectional, cardioid, figure 8
  • Vapor-deposited gold large-diaphragm design for extended frequency response
  • Symmetrical direct-coupled electronics for excellent transient response and low distortion
  • Switchable 80Hz high-pass filter and 10dB pad
  • Includes AT8449 shock mount

For a versatile studio performer, your best bet is an AT4050!
Specification Detail
Circuit N/A
Dimensions N/A
Freq. Response 20 Hz-20 kHz
Impedance N/A
Kind Large Diaphragm Condenser
Low Cut Filter -12 dB/8va at 80 Hz
Max. SPL 149 dB
Noise 17 dB -A
Notes Shockmount, Bass Rolloff, Pad
Pads -10 dB
Phantom Power 48V
Polar Pattern Three (Cardioid, Omni, Figure 8)

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Reviews
based on 10 customer reviews

Sweetwater Advice

Simon Picazo
I have used this mic to record everything from Yupik native drums, to harmonicas, to vocals, to grand pianos. Five CDs later I still put up my AT4050 before I try anything else. Try this with a 4040 for M/S recording for under $1000.

It's a great mic!

by Jim Landers from Cedarville, OH
December 23, 2009
Music Background: Live Sound Engineer/Recording Engineer
I used a borrowed one for the first time last night. My goal was to use it because of asthetics (it fit our act) and wound up being blown away by it's replication of the vocals.

It was pe... read more [+]rfect; clear and concise...When I go to doing some DAW work with live instruments and vocals, I'm going to grab this again! Wow!.... close [-]

at 4050 recording mic.

by Graham.... Mr. Fuss Pot. from Healesville Australia.
November 21, 2008
Music Background: teacher, hobbyist, ensemble and choral teacher, etc.
I use an ADK al 51 as well as an Audio Technica 4050 in a stereo configuration for high quality classical guitar...made by Simon Marty of Australia. The results are always crystal clear, in your face,... read more [+] full, three dimensional and so easy to EQ. Run the mix through Waves plug ins inc the SSL 4000 output compressor, and you will get better than anything ever before recorded, esp vocals and guitar. Sooooo good. close [-]

The all time desert island microphone!!!!!

by Eddie Mapp from New Orleans, La
September 2, 2008
Music Background: Live sound engineer: Evanescence, Stone Temple Pilots, Zakk Wylde's Black Label Society
Without a doubt one of my favorite all around do everything WELL microphones. I've used these live on several tours on everything from Kick drum, snare drum, toms, bass guitars, electric guitars, over... read more [+]heads, leslie, saxophone, and vocals. For singer songwriters try two 4050's both in figure 8 position. Use the first to help cancel vocals in the guitar mic using the null point (ask your sales person for further polar pattern info) and use the second to cancel guitars in the vocal mic. close [-]

Pure Gold For Vocals

by D.J. from Monterey, TN USA
June 22, 2008
Music Background: Vocalist, Recording Engineer, Live Sound Engineer
First let me say that I fully recognize and agree with other reviewers who have noted the versatility of this mic in its ability to perform flawlessly while recording various accoustic instruments (gu... read more [+]itar, piano, etc.). I want to focus my review, however, on its performance as a vocal mic and hopefully offer some assistance to anyone who is currently weighing the multitude of options when it comes to purchasing your first (or second) vocal mic for your studio.
The most important factor when deciding which dedicated vocal mic I wanted to purchase for my home studio several years ago was the price-to-performance ratio. In other words, as I moved up in price point to different microphones, was the performance significantly improved enough (or noticeable enough) to justify the next highest priced mic? I literally demo-ed dozens of microphones from the $200 price range up to those costing more than $2000, and this mic won HANDS DOWN!! I just didn't hear enough difference to justify spending that much more on a vocal mic, when that money could buy a bunch of other hardware or software that I needed, and since purchasing the mic 8 years ago, I have NEVER been disappointed in its performance as a vocal mic or wished that I had a different mic for any vocal tracks that I have cut.
If you are looking for specifics, let me say that the response and reproduction of any high frequencies is incredible. You will literally hear every crack, pop, growl, and any other nuance that you put into your vocals come through exactly as you sang it. I have a voice in the higher range and sing rock music. I typically use my "scratchy" voice with lots of intentional cracks, and even need that "80s scream" from time to time, and this mic delivers perfectly every time. The only instance in which I could imagine someone finding a mic with a better performance/price ratio would be for someone with a deep bass or baritone voice. This mic does great for low vocals as well, but I am not familiar with other mics that may be better suited for very deep vocals.
The bottom line is that before you spend your money on that mic "you just gotta have" that costs several thousand dollars, you NEED to try this one first. I guarantee that you will not be disappointed, and that you will also be very happy about all the other gear you can get with the money you didn't spend on your vocal mic! close [-]
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Audio-Technica AT4050

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