Audio-Technica AT4040 Studio Microphone

Proven Performance for Capturing Vocals and Instruments

The Audio-Technica AT4040 is a large-diaphragm, cardioid capacitor microphone designed for use in the most demanding recording applications. Intended for vocal and general instrument recording (piano, guitars, string instruments, etc.), the microphone’s cardioid polar pattern minimizes off-axis signal, reducing ambient and residual noise, and delivers pristine low-noise recordings. The AT4040 has an integral 80 Hz hi-pass filter which provides easy switching from a flat frequency response to a low-end roll-off. The high-pass position reduces the microphone’s sensitivity to popping in close vocal use. It also reduces the pickup of low-frequency ambient noise (such as traffic, air-handling systems, etc.), room reverberation, and mechanically-coupled vibrations.

The cardioid polar pattern effectively minimizes off-axis signal, reducing residual noise caused by instruments, ambience, etc. The Audio-Technica AT 4040 features a gold-plated element and nickel-plated brass element baffle, providing pristine audio fidelity with a very low noise floor. In addition to the element, the transformerless design ensures even less noise and best possible presence. The AT 4040 features the AT 8449 spring-loaded shockmount, providing maximum protection against noise caused by shock and handling of the microphone and stand.

For Studio and Stage

A marriage of technical precision and artistic inspiration, the AT4040 offers exceptionally low noise, wide dynamic range, and high SPL handling for optimal versatility. This ultra-consistent microphone may be used with confidence in a wide variety of studio and live miking applications, even under the stringent demands of digital recording systems.

True Condenser Capsule

The AT4040 side-address condenser microphone features an advanced large diaphragm tensioned specifically to provide smooth, natural sonic characteristics. It boasts an externally polarized (DC bias) true condenser design.

Transformerless Circuitry

The AT4040’s low-noise circuitry is symmetrical and transformerless, resulting in fast transient response and clean output signals for transparent reproduction of even the most troublesome of instruments and sound effects.

Cardioid Polar Pattern

The cardioid polar pattern effectively minimizes off-axis signal, reducing residual noise caused by instruments, ambience, and background noise.

Selectable Settings

Equipped with a switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter and -10 dB pad, the AT4040 easily handles high sound pressure levels (up to 155 dB) and avoids the pickup of low-frequency ambient noise (such as traffic, air-handling systems, etc.), room reverberation, and mechanically coupled vibrations.

Custom Shockmount

The AT4040 features the AT8449a shockmount, providing maximum protection against noise caused by shock and handling of the microphone and stand.

Features at a Glance

• Technically advanced large diaphragm tensioned specifically to provide smooth, natural sonic characteristics
• Externally polarized (DC bias) true condenser design
• Exceptionally low noise, wide dynamic range, and high SPL handling
• Transformerless circuitry virtually eliminates low-frequency distortion and provides superior correlation of high-speed transients
• Precision-machined, nickel-plated brass, acoustic element baffle provides enhanced element stability and optimal sensitivity
• Open acoustical environment of the symmetrical housing assembly minimizes unwanted internal reflections
• State-of-the-art surface-mount electronics ensure compliance with A-T’s stringent consistency and reliability standards
• Custom shockmount provides superior isolation
• Switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter and -10 dB pad
• Operates on 48V phantom power
• XLR 3-pin output connector