The Audio-Technica AT5040 was introduced in 2012 as the first microphone in the company’s flagship 50 Series. Developed primarily for professional studio vocal recording, the AT5040 features an innovative four-part rectangular condenser capsule designed to combine the sensitivity of an exceptionally large diaphragm with low self-noise, wide dynamic range and accurate transient reproduction.
At the centre of the Audio-Technica AT5040 are four precisely matched, ultra-thin rectangular diaphragms, each measuring just 2 microns in thickness. Their outputs are combined through proprietary circuitry, allowing the four elements to operate together as a single condenser capsule. The combined surface area is twice that of a conventional 25.4mm circular diaphragm, providing the benefits of a substantially larger transducer without the increased moving mass and reduced transient response associated with conventional oversized diaphragms.
The Audio-Technica AT5040 employs a fixed cardioid polar pattern and was developed to provide natural vocal reproduction with a smooth high-frequency response and controlled sibilance. Its large effective diaphragm area and fast transient response also make it suitable for recording acoustic instruments, including piano, guitar, strings and saxophone.
One of the microphone’s distinguishing characteristics is its exceptionally low self-noise of just 5dB SPL. Combined with a signal-to-noise ratio of 89dB and a dynamic range of 137dB, this allows the Audio-Technica AT5040 to capture quiet performances and subtle acoustic details while accommodating substantial variations in sound pressure. Its maximum input level of 142dB SPL also provides sufficient headroom for powerful vocal and instrumental performances.
Audio-Technica incorporated carefully selected discrete electronic components to optimise the performance of the four-part capsule assembly. The microphone operates from standard 48V phantom power and provides a balanced output through an integral three-pin XLR connector.
Mechanical isolation was another important consideration during development. An advanced internal shock-mounting system decouples the capsule from the microphone body, reducing the transmission of unwanted vibrations. Additional isolation is provided by the custom AT8480 external shock mount supplied with the microphone.
The Audio-Technica AT5040 is individually hand-assembled and inspected in Japan. Its substantial housing is constructed from aluminium and brass, finished in a durable, low-reflectivity grey coating. A custom hard-shell carrying case with precision-cut foam compartments is supplied for storage and transportation.
With its unconventional four-part capsule, exceptionally low noise floor and carefully engineered mechanical construction, the Audio-Technica AT5040 marked a significant development in the company’s condenser microphone technology, establishing the foundation for its professional 50 Series.
Features
- Professional large-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone introduced in 2012 as the first model in Audio-Technica’s flagship 50 Series
- Innovative four-part rectangular condenser capsule with four precisely matched diaphragms
- Combined effective diaphragm area of 1017.6mm², more than twice that of a conventional 25.4mm circular capsule
- Ultra-thin 2-micron vapour-deposited gold diaphragms designed for rapid transient response
- Proprietary electronic summing circuitry combines the four condenser elements into a single high-performance transducer
- Fixed cardioid polar pattern with smooth high-frequency response and controlled vocal sibilance
- Exceptionally low 5dB SPL self-noise, 89dB signal-to-noise ratio and 137dB dynamic range
- High sensitivity of 56.2mV/Pa and maximum sound pressure level handling of 142dB SPL
- Advanced internal capsule suspension combined with the custom AT8480 external shock mount
- Hand-assembled Japanese construction with aluminium and brass housing, selected discrete electronics and protective hard-shell carrying case