Audio-Technica in Stow, Ohio, is launching its flagship 50 Series studio microphones with the AT5040 Cardioid Condenser Microphone ($2,999 MSRP; available in January 2013 ). The hand-built AT5040 side-address condenser employs four rectangular diaphragms measuring 2 microns each that function together, providing a combined surface area that is said to be unachievable in a standard round diaphragm. Designed as a first-choice vocal microphone with smooth top end and controlled sibilance, the AT5040’s large-diaphragm characteristics and fast transient response also make it ideal for recording acoustic instruments such as piano, guitar, strings, and saxophone.
In the AT5040, four matched diaphragms function together (with outputs proprietarily summed) as a single high-performance element, which is effectively the largest element that Audio-Technica has ever created. By using four diaphragms as a single capsule, the AT5040 is said to achieve remarkably large surface area without the increased weight and decreased transient response that are the expected limitations of expansive size.
The AT5040 also features internal shock-mounting that effectively decouples the capsule from the microphone body. For additional isolation, each AT5040 is also provided with Audio-Technica’s new AT8480 shock-mount. Featuring a proprietary design, the AT8480 was engineered to isolate the microphone and rid the apparatus itself of any unwanted resonances and other audio aberrations that could be transmitted to the microphone. It also features a specially designed locking mechanism that holds the microphone securely in place.
Every AT5040 is hand-assembled and inspected for 100-percent quality control, and is housed in an elegant case of aluminum and brass with gray chrome plating for durability and low reflectivity. Discrete components have been selected for optimized capsule performance; A-T adds that it considered every aspect of the microphone to minimize any effects on the audio signal. To protect the AT5040, each microphone comes in a custom-designed hard-shell carrying case, padded with die-cut foam compartments for the microphone and shock mount.
For more information, visit www.audio-technica.com/at5040.
