Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica AT4051b
Small-diaphragm condenser (externally polarised), cardioid, transformerless, with detachable capsule, 80 Hz high-pass and 10 dB pad switches
Power Phantom 48 V DC.
- Type
- Condenser
- Pattern
- Cardioid
- Sensitivity
- −34 dBV/Pa
- Among 204 condensers: more output than 69%
- Among 311 mics: more output than 79%
- Self-noise
- 16 dB(A)
- Among 258 condensers: quieter than 45%
- Among 272 mics: quieter than 46%
- Max SPL
- 145 dB SPL
- Among 277 condensers: takes louder sound than 80%
- Among 343 mics: takes louder sound than 78%
- Rated range
- 20 – 20k Hz
- Released
- 2008
vs 75 end-address condensers
More output than 66% of 75 end-address condensers.
Each stripe is one end-address condenser with a published sensitivity, and each bar counts them; further right means more output. This mic is in blue.
vs 104 end-address condensers
Quieter than 48% of 104 end-address condensers.
Each stripe is one end-address condenser with a published self-noise, and each bar counts them; further right means quieter. This mic is in blue.
vs 110 end-address condensers
Takes louder sound than 85% of 110 end-address condensers.
Each stripe is one end-address condenser with a published max SPL, and each bar counts them; further right means it takes louder sound. This mic is in blue.
Instruments sources recommend it for most
Proximity effect: the bass it gains up close
From the spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy), p. 1.
Printed under the graph: "12\" or more on axis" (30 cm or more). Room and smoothing not stated.
Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.
Polar pattern
From the spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy), p. 1.
Full circle, 0° at the top, "SCALE IS 5 DECIBELS PER DIVISION". Measuring conditions not stated.
In practice
All specs
| From the spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Released | 2008Not stated as a launch year: the sheet is "©2008". Recording Hacks also says "The mic was released in 2008". | p. 1 |
| Capsule | AT4051b-EL cardioid head capsule on the AT4900b-48 body (both available separately)"The AT4051b consists of two modular subassemblies: an AT4900b-48 body and an AT4051b-EL head capsule"; omni (AT4049b-EL) and hypercardioid (AT4053b-EL) capsules also fit. | |
| Sensitivity | −34 dBV/Pa (19.9 mV/Pa)open circuit. "–34 dB (19.9 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa". | |
| Self-noise | 16 dB(A)typical, A-weighted (Audio Precision System One). "16 dB SPL", footnote "Typical, A-weighted, using Audio Precision System One". | |
| Max SPL | 145 dB SPL1 kHz, 1% THD; also 155 dB SPL, with 10 dB pad (nominal) | |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 78 dB1 kHz at 1 Pa; typical, A-weighted | |
| Dynamic range | 129 dB1 kHz at max SPL, typical | |
| Output impedance | 50 ohmLow impedance balanced. | |
| Rated frequency range | 20 Hz to 20 kHzTolerance not stated. | |
| Powering | phantom 48 V DC"48V DC, 4.8 mA typical"; "It requires 48V DC phantom power". | |
| Current draw | 4.8 mAtypical | |
| Low cut | flat, roll-off; 80 Hz; 12 dB/octave; high-pass"80 Hz, 12 dB/octave"; switches "Flat, roll-off; 10 dB pad (nominal)". | |
| Pad | −10 dB"10 dB pad (nominal)". | |
| Connector | XLR-3 male (integral)"Integral 3-pin XLRM-type". | |
| Weight | 126 gless accessories. "126 g (4.4 oz)". | |
| Dimensions | 21 × 155 mmMaximum body diameter × length: "155.0 mm (6.10") long, 21.0 mm (0.83") maximum body diameter". | |
| Supplied accessories | AT8405a stand clamp for 5/8"-27 threaded stands; windscreen; protective carrying case | |
| Output stage | Transformerless, direct-coupled balanced output | |
| Output | Low impedance balanced, pin 2 hot | |
| Housing | Turned brass | |
| Interchangeable capsules | AT4049b-EL omni and AT4053b-EL hypercardioid fit the same AT4900b-48 body | |
| Operating temperature | Avoid more than 43 °C (110 °F) for long periods, and very high humidity | |
Documents
- AT4051b Cardioid Condenser Microphonespec sheet, P52079
- AT4051a Cardioid Condenser Microphonespec sheet, P51458-EN
Copies kept by Mic Archive (manufacturers move and drop their documents), unchanged, with their original addresses. Each is © its publisher.
Recommended for
By recording guides, engineers and mic makers, for this mic or an earlier version of it.