Detail 01
Active ribbon design
Built-in electronics raise output so a normal preamp works. No need for a high-gain ribbon preamp to get a clean level.
Product detailSKU #1273887988750
Audio-TechnicaAT4081 Bidirectional Active Ribbon Microphone
1/2
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Active ribbon mic with a figure-of-eight pattern. For engineers who want ribbon smoothness on guitar cabs and horns without a weak, hissy signal.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Electric guitar cabs where a condenser sounds harsh
- Trumpet, trombone, and sax that need the top edge tamed
- Blumlein or mid-side stereo pairs on a room or ensemble
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Anyone without 48V phantom power — the electronics need it
- Capturing air above 18 kHz on cymbals or strings
- Tight isolation work; the rear lobe picks up everything behind it
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
Figure-of-eight pattern
Picks up equally front and back, rejects hard at the sides. Point the null at what you want to keep out.
Detail 03
30–18,000 Hz response
Naturally rolled-off treble is why ribbons sound smooth on bright sources. Do not expect condenser-style sparkle.
Detail 04
150 dB SPL max
Takes a loud cab or a trumpet bell up close without ribbon damage from normal playing levels.
Detail 05
25 dB SPL self-noise
Audible on very quiet sources with heavy gain. Best kept on loud, close work rather than distant ambience.
Detail 06
–42 dB sensitivity
Lower output than a condenser, so expect to add more preamp gain than you would on a typical studio mic.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Requires 48V phantom power at 3.0 mA; do not run it passive
- 02Keep it out of strong air blasts — ribbons are fragile
- 03Store and transport it vertically to avoid ribbon sag over time
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Does the AT4081 need phantom power?
Yes. It is an active ribbon and requires 48V DC at about 3.0 mA. Without phantom power the electronics do not operate.
02Will phantom power damage the ribbon?
No. This mic is designed to run on 48V phantom. Still connect cables before switching phantom on to avoid pops.
03Can I use two for stereo?
Yes. The figure-of-eight pattern makes a matched pair suitable for Blumlein or mid-side setups. The second mic is sold separately.
04Why does it sound darker than my condenser?
Response tops out at 18 kHz and rolls off naturally. That softer treble is the point on bright cabs and horns.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
3 detailsSound
- Polar Pattern
- Figure-of-eight
- Impedance
- 100 ohms
- Frequency Response
- 30-18,000Hz
1 detailsPickups & controls
- Open Circuit Sensitivity
- ”42dB (7.9 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa
1 detailsBody & build
- Color
- Gray
3 detailsConnections & power
- Output Connector
- Integral 3-pin XLRM-type
- Phantom Power Requirements
- 48V DC, 3.0 mA typical
- Maximum Input Sound Level
- 150dB SPL, 1kHz at 1% THD
2 detailsSize & weight
- Weight
- 152
- Dimensions
- 155mm (6.10 inch) long, 21.0mm (.83 inch) maximum body diameter
4 detailsOther
- Signal to Noise Ratio
- 69dB, 1kHz at 1 Pa
- Dynamic Range Typical
- 125dB, 1kHz at Max SPL
- Noise
- 25dB SPL
- Element
- Ribbon
