Two recent additions to Audio-Technica’s premium 4000 series of studio mics are modifications on previous designs. The AT4047MP is a switchable, multi-pattern variant of the 4047SV fixed-cardioid mic, which is best known as a vocal mic but works well on many musical sources. The AT4050 ST is a stereo version of the company’s flagship AT4050. I first examined the AT4050 ST before analyzing the AT4047 MP.
Users love the AT4050. Its three switchable polar patterns, high SPL capability, transformerless output, and full, clean sound make it a popular all-around workhorse microphone that performs well with a wide range of sources. The AT4050 ST adds a second capsule and stereo output to the original device.
[content-egg-block template=offers_logo hide=price]The AT4050 ST is a side-address capacitor microphone, but the original front-facing, dual-diaphragm capsule has been configured as a fixed cardioid, and a second capsule has been mounted above it facing sideways and wired to deliver a figure-of-eight polar pattern in the standard Mid/Side arrangement.
Specifications
- Polar Pattern Unidirectional
- Audio Sensitivity 76 dB
- Item Weight 3.7 Pounds
- Microphone Form Factor Microphone Only
- Item Dimensions LxWxH 10 x 11 x 4 inches
- Power Source Corded Electric
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The matt-black AT4050 ST comes with the AT8449 shockmount and thread adaptor, a microphone dust cover, and a foam-lined carrying bag. It comes with a five-metre (16.5 feet) break-out cable with two three-pin XLRs, colored grey and red for left and right (or Mid and Side). Both capsules are DC-polarized and need 3.2mA from each channel of a conventional phantom-power source.
The microphone weighs 517g (18.2oz), only seven grams more than the mono version, and measures 193mm (7.6 inches) long by 53mm (approximately two inches) at the maximum waist diameter. 5mm longer than the normal variant. Mode switching, 10dB pad, and 80Hz, 12dB/octave roll-off are controlled via flush-mounted sliding switches.
The sensitivity ranges from 7.9mV/Pa in 90-degree stereo mode to 8.9 in 127 degrees and 15.8 in Mid and Side direct outputs. The direct Mid/Side outputs have 15/17dB(A) self-noise, whereas 90-degree stereo has 25dB(A). Thus, direct Mid/Side outputs have 134dB dynamic range, while 90-degree stereo outputs have 124dB. From 20Hz to 3kHz, sources 12 inches distant have flat frequency response. Above that, a 6dB presence enhancement peaks at 12kHz before dropping off steeply.