A desert-island all-purpose mic that can give you silky vocals or screaming guitars.

Meet the Audio-Technica AT4050, a multi-pattern studio condenser microphone that captures every nuance. With three switchable polar patterns, the large-diaphragm Audio-Technica AT4050 exhibits a remarkable combination of qualities: high-SPL capability with transparent and airy uppers/mids complemented by rich low-end qualities. Its dual large diaphragms are gold-vaporized and aged for consistent, outstanding performance. A precision-machined, nickel-plated brass acoustic element baffle provides rock-solid element stability and exceptional sensitivity.

The AT4050 is an ideal microphone for studio use and live sound productions with vocals, piano, strings, drum overheads, guitar amps, and more.

•Transparent uppers/mids balanced by rich low-end qualities combine with advanced acoustic engineering for extensive performance capabilities and highest quality
•Dual-diaphragm capsule design maintains precise polar pattern definition across the full frequency range of the microphone
•The 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
•Transformerless circuitry virtually eliminates low-frequency distortion and provides superior correlation of high-speed transients
•Open acoustical environment of the symmetrical housing assembly minimizes unwanted internal reflections
•State-of-the-art surface-mount electronics ensure compliance with A-T's stringent consistency and reliability standards


Requires phantom power.

Audio-Technica AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone Features:

• Dual large gold diaphram capsule
• Three switchable polar patterns: omni, cardioid, figure-of-eight
• Transformerless circuitry virtually eliminates low-frequency distortion and provides superior correlation of high-speed transients
• State-of-the-art surface-mount electronics ensure compliance with A-T's stringent consistency and reliability standards
• Switchable 80 Hz hi-pass filter and 10 dB pad
• Custom shock mount provides superior isolation

Audio-Technica AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone Includes:

• AT8449 shock mount for 5/8"-27 threaded stands; microphone dust cover; protective carrying case

Considering how well this mic sounds on whatever you throw at it, makes it an exceptional value and a great studio tool.

Audio-Technica AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone Specifications:

• Element: exterally-polarized (DC bias) condenser
• Polar pattern: cardioid, omnidirectional, figure-of-eight
• Frequency response: 80-18,000 Hz
• Low frequency roll-off: 80 Hz, 12 dB/octave
• Open circuit sensitivity: -36 dB (15.8 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa
• Impedance: 100 ohms
• Maximum input sound level: 149 db SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D., 159 dB SPL, with 10 dB pad (nominal)
• Dynamic range (typical): 132 333db, 1 kHz at Max SPL
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 77 db, 1 kHz at 1 Pa
• Phantom power requirements: 48V DC, 4.2 ma typical
• Switches: polar selection; flat, roll-off; 10 dB pad (nominal)
• Weight: 18.0 oz. (510 g)
• Dimensions: 7.40" (188.0 mm) long, 2.10" (53.4 mm) maximum body diameter
• Output connectors: Integral 3-pin XLRM-type
• Accessories furnished: AT8449 shock mount for 5/8"-27 threaded stands; microphone dust cover; protective carrying case
• Audio-Technica case style: R1

Audio-Technica AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone

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Average of 5 User Ratings

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Accurate sound capture...great mic!

Posted by Anonymous Musician from Union, MO on Oct 8, 2009

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Active musician, home and demo recording

Reviewer's Play Style: Blues, Country, Jazz, Rock

I purchased my AT4050 back in '02 when I was first breaking into the digital realm. I considered the KSM27, but I did not want the 'color' it offered (not a bad thing, just not what I wanted) since I have a dbx586 tube pre and a 1231 EQ that I can shape with. Recording acoustic guitar with this mic in single and near/far configurations yields exceptional results. I added my dbx166xl to the chain and vocals do well. In a good sounding room,try the figure 8 pattern on vox by singing close to mic and adjust mic distance/placement in room; it captures natural reverb beautifully. Does great on bass amps, distant mic on drums (djembe & congas...awesome response) electric guitar amps, and sax. Over-all, I LIIIKE it. The 4 1/2 stars on features was for the case - not terrible, just a little flimsy for a mic in this price-range. A great addition to my mic locker.

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AT 4050

Posted by Dave Neville from Newcastle, New South Wales on Jul 14, 2009

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Active Musician, Guitarist

Reviewer's Play Style: Christian, Rock, Punk Rock, Alternative,

The AT 4050 is great at registering & recording guitar amps. I own a VOX AC30 2X12 AMP and a MARSHALL DSL100MLB with a MC412 Half Stack. I mic each amp with one of these mics and a pair of SM57's. The AT 4050 is great because it doesn't "colour" the sound coming from my amps through the PA system at my church or when we record. So I get exactly the sound I want. I previously used the Sennheiser E906, people I know were saying that it was a great mic, but to me it was to "coloured", I'm not saying it's a bad mic, for my personal taste the AT 4050 is better, it's about 2 1/2 times the price the of the E906's, but it performs better, and simply put the lonely pair of SM57's needed some help, so I bought 2 AT 4050's, I'm glad I did. I own a couple of Fender Telecaster's and Gretsch G6128T-DSV Duo Jet with Fixed Arm Bigsby in Black. God bless.

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A Quality Workhorse mic!

Posted by 1979musicman from Houstion, TX on Nov 9, 2008

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Musician; hobbyist recording engineer

Reviewer's Play Style: rock

The AT4050 is truly the best all-around mic for the money! It offers clarity in sound quality. Not the warmth of a tube mic - but a nice tube mic pre or some clever adjustments in the EQ'ing can take care of that. The multi-pattern control addresses a wide variety of recording needs. The -10 db pad cut and the bass roll-off switches add value to certain recording situations. This mic can be used as a main vocal mic, instrument and percussion mic. Have had great results in all areas of recording. If you're not going tube - like a Rode K2 - or you're not ready to lay out several hundreds more for a Neumann - the AT4050 is a perfect answer to any recording situation!

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Great Crisp Microphone

Posted by Antonio_4346 from Denver on Oct 11, 2008

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Recording Engingeer, Producer, Musician

Reviewer's Play Style: Rock

This microphone is pretty unforgiving with the source sound, meaning it doesn't really color any frequiencies and has an overall pretty flat frequency response.

That having been said, it's an astounding mic for drum overheads and other stereo miking applictions (Blumlein pair, Midside, Spaced pair, etc) with its switchable polar pattern. It's not my go-to mic on vocals, but that doesn't mean it won't come into play someday with the right throat behind capsule. If you're close miking a cab with an LDC, I wouldn't use this mic either. I'm a dynamic cab guy myself. This mic is just too bright and crisp for that application. Sounds similar to a MD421 pointed at the dust cover.

Overall, I'd highly recommend this mic and it's worth the money, but picking one up for slightly less gives it all the more value.

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Extremely nice

Posted by Itdiestoday321 from Owasso, OK on Sep 8, 2007

Experience w/product: I have used it

Reviewer's Background: Learning to be a recording engineer

Reviewer's Play Style: Rock, Metal

Out of the times I have used this mic it has always been amazing. I definetely recommend getting this mic. It produces a nice clear sound and it has a good frequency response. It works extremely well for any kind of vocals.

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Audio-Technica AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone

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