Audio-Technica AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone

Comments about Audio-Technica AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone:

I've been using AT 4050s in my home studio for about 13 years. Several CDs that have hit the market and many others for private interests have been recorded here with them. They are good for nearly every application from vocals to guitars to orchestral instruments to drums. I only use smaller mics for situations where there isn't enough room for the 4050 to fit in. The adjustable pattern feature makes them truly universal mics.

Comments about Audio-Technica AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone:

I first began using the AT4050 back in 1997, and nearly 20 years later, it still has a prominent place in my mic locker, probably racking up more overall use than any other single microphone I have. Talk about reliability! Not only reliable, but it's a flexible mic as well - It has served me incredibly well on snare, drum overheads, room, cabs, vocals, acoustic guitars, and just about anything else you can think of. The 3 polar patterns, pad, and bass roll off add to its flexibility. It absolutely is the best all-around condenser mic that I have.

Sometimes, being good at many things can translate to being GREAT at nothing, but this is NOT the case with the 4050. When choosing mics for specific clients/situations, the 4050 regularly wins out as the best sounding mic, even when compared to more expensive mics.

This is great for dynamic vocals, unbelievably good when mic'ing the bottom of a snare, full and warm on acoustic guitars, and incredibly detailed as a drum overhead.

The frequency response of this mic is not hyped - it instead captures sound with a very honest quality. At the same time, you can run it through a good mic preamp and add a little "air" with a good EQ and it will hold its own with many of the expensive tube mics on the market.

If you are going into a session "blind" and can only take one mic with you, for me that mic is always that AT4050.

Comments about Audio-Technica AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone:

I had one of these on loan to me for a couple of months and when it was time to return it, I immediately ordered a new one for the studio. Clean, transparent, no nonsense. I've used it on everything from vocals to guitar amps. One of the most versatile mics in my cabinet. It's ability to capture the nuances of a baritone voice is quite impressive. Get one!

Comments about Audio-Technica AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone:

This Mic is my go to mic for vocals. Multi pattern and able to be used in any situation.

Comments about Audio-Technica AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone:

I have other mics, some much more expensive. In the studio, I always feel obliged to try my other mics, but most often I wind up using a trusty AT4050. I've yet to find a situation where it doesn't perform at least as well as anything else in my locker, particularly for vocals, both male and female. The multipattern capability makes it useful for live stereo recording, too, in pairs -- particularly mid-side stereo. Incredible value -- punches far above its weight class!

Comments about Audio-Technica AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone:

I've owned a pair of 4050s for many years and they continue to be used on every session, both along side many more expensive microphones and many times instead of those other mics. They have a neutral character without being "boring" or clinical.

They've been favorites for drum overheads, male vocals, horns/sax, guitar amps and room mics.

Comments about Audio-Technica AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone:

I do classical music location recordings and I have been elated with the results from my 4050s (2). The quality of stereo image and detail is equal to and sometimes surpasses microphones that are twice or three times the cost. These are more than an incredible value they are an invaluable tool for the work I do.

Comments about Audio-Technica AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone:

I've used this to record vocals, guitars, as a room mic, drums...you name it...this thing sounds incredible...

I also recorded Thunder, Lightning, and rain...and it was movie quality...

This is what the pro's use for a reason...I have a small home studio and consider this one of the best investments I've ever made..

Comments about Audio-Technica AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone:

First serious mic I ever bought and years and years later still holds its own with my other mic's including a great U47, an amazing M49 and an out-of-this-world ELAM 251. It's a different animal of course but it still has it's place. Sometimes its the perfect choice and that's saying something considering the price difference of the mic's it "competes" with. What I really want to say is, at some point, years past the warranty period, the "rubber band" that holds the mic in its shock mount broke. It shouldn't have broken (thus the 3-star "Durability" rating above) but not a big deal. I contacted AT to buy a replacement and they couldn't get me the whole attachment assembly fast enough, never even asking how long I'd had the mic, much less if it was still in warranty. They took it very seriously and weren't going to stand for me being down for any reason. I was very impressed with their professional customer service. With garbage companies everywhere you look in this business, AT is a class act and I very much appreciate that.

Comments about Audio-Technica AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone:

I had seen some videos online about this mic. I needed a large condenser mic to record my classic guitar tracks. I recorded with a TLM 103 and then with the AT 4050 and really could not hear any noticeable differences. WOW.. I love the TLM 103 for vocals but really couldn't afford buying a second. The AT 4050 is at a great price and worked great.