Audio Technica AT4040 Large-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone

Proven Performance for Capturing Vocals and Instruments

Boasting a large-diaphragm true condenser capsule, transformerless circuitry, and specially designed physical elements all working together to deliver clean, clear, and smooth sonic performance far outside its price class, the Audio-Technica AT4040 presents itself as a capable microphone for instrument and vocal capture in the studio, at home, or on stage. The large-diaphragm condenser capsule incorporates a cardioid polar pattern for minimal feedback and off-axis noise, a welcome trait when tracking in untreated rooms. Plus, the supplied custom shockmount helps keep extraneous handling and foot noise down.

Engage the -10 dB pad to increase headroom and capture incredibly loud sources—drums, blaring horns, and guitar cabs—up to 155 dB SPL without distortion. When low-frequency rumble/hum or overwhelming bass invade your signal, turn on the 80 Hz high-pass filter switch to attenuate the lows without resorting to EQ. Since the AT4040 is a solid-state condenser with an XLR output, it should be mated to an XLR-equipped mic preamp capable of sending 48V phantom power. It comes with a protective storage case and a dust cover.

AT4040 Samples from Audio Test Kitchen

B&H is proud to be partnering with Audio Test Kitchen, the world’s most comprehensive online audio product comparison platform, to improve the resources provided to our customers shopping for the right microphone for their given application.

This provides you with the ability to listen to a growing selection of microphones with spoken word recordings captured in a standardized environment, with levels matched by the talented engineers at Audio Test Kitchen in its impressive reference studio.

Audio Test Kitchen records microphones under identical conditions so you can compare them, apples-to-apples. The source, signal chain, and level never change. The only differences you will hear are between the microphones.

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