Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica AT4080
Active (phantom-powered) bidirectional ribbon microphone with dual ribbons
Power Phantom 48 V DC.
- Type
- Ribbon
- Pattern
- Figure-8
- Sensitivity
- −39 dBV/Pa
- Among 28 ribbons: more output than 74%
- Among 311 mics: more output than 59%
- Self-noise
- 22 dB(A)
- Max SPL
- 150 dB SPL
- Among 29 ribbons: takes louder sound than 79%
- Among 343 mics: takes louder sound than 91%
- Rated range
- 20 – 18k Hz
- Released
- 2009
vs 24 side-address ribbons
More output than 74% of 24 side-address ribbons.
Each stripe is one side-address ribbon with a published sensitivity, and each bar counts them; further right means more output. This mic is in blue.
vs 272 mics
Quieter than 15% of 272 mics.
Each stripe is one mic with a published self-noise, and each bar counts them; further right means quieter. This mic is in blue.
vs 28 side-address ribbons
Takes louder sound than 78% of 28 side-address ribbons.
Each stripe is one side-address ribbon with a published max SPL, and each bar counts them; further right means it takes louder sound. This mic is in blue.
Proximity effect: the bass it gains up close
From the spec sheet, p. 2.
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, p. 2.
Full circle, 0° at the top, 5 dB per division. Measuring conditions not stated.
In practice
All specs
| From the spec sheet | ||
|---|---|---|
| Capsule | dual ribbon with MicroLinear imprint; N50 neodymium magnets"Proprietary MicroLinear™ ribbon imprint"; "Innovative dual ribbon construction"; "Extremely powerful N50 rare-earth neodymium magnets". | p. 1 |
| Sensitivity | −39 dBV/Pa (11.2 mV/Pa)open circuit. "–39 dB (11.2 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa". | p. 2 |
| Self-noise | 22 dB(A)typical, A-weighted (Audio Precision System One). "22 dB SPL", footnote "Typical, A-weighted, using Audio Precision System One". | |
| Max SPL | 150 dB SPL1 kHz, 1% THD | |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 72 dB1 kHz at 1 Pa; typical, A-weighted | |
| Dynamic range | 128 dB1 kHz at max SPL, typical | |
| Output impedance | 100 ohmPage 1: "low impedance balanced (100 ohms)". | |
| Rated frequency range | 20 Hz to 18 kHz"20-18,000 Hz"; tolerance not stated. | |
| Powering | phantom 48 V DC"48V DC, 3.0 mA typical"; page 1: the phantom power runs the active electronics, not the ribbon. | |
| Current draw | 3 mAtypical | |
| Connector | XLR-3 male (integral)"Integral 3-pin XLRM-type". | |
| Weight | 474 g"474 g (16.7 oz)". | |
| Dimensions | 53.4 × 177.5 mmMaximum body diameter × length: "177.5 mm (6.99") long, 53.4 mm (2.10") maximum body diameter". | |
| Supplied accessories | AT8449/SV shock mount for 5/8"-27 threaded stands; dust cover; protective carrying case | |
| Electronics | Active, phantom powered: brings the output "to near condenser microphone level" with a stable impedance | p. 1 |
| Output | Low impedance balanced, pin 2 hot | |
| Front | The side with the raised Audio-Technica emblem faces the source | |
| Construction | Handmade (ribbon corrugation, imprint and assembly); acoustic baffle system and extra large output transformer; ultra-fine protective mesh | |
| Case style | R1 | p. 2 |
| Care | Do not blow into the ribbon; use a pop screen for close vocals; avoid more than 43 °C (110 °F) for long periods, and very high humidity | p. 1 |
| From the Recording Hacks page | ||
| Released | 2009 | |
Documents
- AT4080 Bidirectional Ribbon Microphonespec sheet, 0001-0260-01
- Audio-Technica AT4080 | RecordingHacks.com
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.