Detail 01
Three switchable patterns
Cardioid rejects the room, omni captures it, figure-of-eight nulls the sides for stereo and bleed control.
Product detailSKU #1273887989110
Audio-TechnicaAT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone
1/9
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Multi-pattern large-diaphragm condenser for studio use. Buy it if one mic has to cover vocals, room, and stereo pairs across many sessions.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Studio vocals where you want a switchable pattern per singer
- Drum room and overhead work needing high SPL headroom
- Blumlein and mid-side stereo using the figure-of-eight setting
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Field and camera work — it is heavy and needs full 48V
- Players wanting the cheapest single-pattern vocal mic
- Anyone without a mic stand rated for an 18 oz body
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
149 dB max SPL, 159 dB with pad
Survives snares, guitar cabs and horns up close without the capsule distorting.
Detail 03
80 Hz roll-off switch, 12 dB/octave
Trims stand rumble and proximity boom at the mic, so you commit less low end to the track.
Detail 04
10 dB pad switch
Drops the output before the preamp, preventing input overload on loud sources with hot preamps.
Detail 05
48V phantom, 4.2 mA
Externally polarized capsule needs true 48V. Low-voltage phantom on small field recorders will not do.
Detail 06
80 Hz–18 kHz response
Deliberately restrained top end. Less harsh on bright vocals and cymbals than mics reaching to 20 kHz.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Requires true 48V phantom power from an interface, preamp or console
- 02Ships with the AT8449 shockmount, dust cover and carrying case
- 03At 18 oz on a shockmount, cheap boom stands will droop mid-session
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Which pattern should I use for vocals?
Cardioid for most tracking — it rejects the room behind the mic. Switch to omni in a good-sounding space, or figure-of-eight when you want the sides nulled.
02Can it handle a guitar cabinet or drums?
Yes. 149 dB max SPL, and 159 dB with the 10 dB pad engaged, covers loud amps, snares and overheads without the capsule breaking up.
03Do I need a shockmount?
The AT8449 shockmount is included. Use it — an 18 oz condenser on a rigid clip transmits floor thumps and stand bumps straight into the track.
04Is 18 kHz enough top end?
For most sources, yes. The response tapers above the presence region rather than pushing air up top, which keeps sibilant vocals and cymbals easier to mix.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
4 detailsSound
- Polar Pattern
- Cardioid, omnidirectional, figure-of-eight
- Impedance
- 100 ohms
- Low Frequency Roll Off
- 80Hz, 12dB/octave
- Frequency Response
- 80Hz–18kHz
2 detailsPickups & controls
- Switches
- polar selection; flat, roll-off; 10dB pad (nominal)
- Open Circuit Sensitivity
- –36dB (15.8 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa
1 detailsBody & build
- Color
- Black
3 detailsConnections & power
- Phantom Power Requirements
- 48V DC, 4.2 ma typical
- Output Connectors
- Integral 3-pin XLRM-type
- Maximum Input Sound Level
- 149dB SPL, 1kHz at 1% T.H.D., 159dB SPL, with 10dB pad (nominal)
2 detailsSize & weight
- Weight
- 18
- Dimensions
- 7.4 inch (188 mm) long, 2.1 inch (53.4 mm) maximum body diameter
1 detailsIn the box
- Audio Technica Case Style
- R1
4 detailsOther
- Signal to Noise Ratio
- 77dB, 1kHz at 1Pa
- Accessories Furnished
- AT8449 shockmount for 5/8 inch-27 threaded stands; microphone dust cover; protective carrying case
- Dynamic Range Typical
- 132 333dB, 1kHz at Max SPL
- Element
- externally polarized (DC bias) condenser
