Introduced in 2002, the Audio-Technica AT4040 expanded the company’s professional 40 Series microphone range with a new large-diaphragm condenser design. Developed to provide the performance characteristics associated with professional studio microphones in a versatile single-pattern configuration, the Audio-Technica AT4040 incorporated a newly designed capsule, advanced electronics and a mechanically refined acoustic structure.
At the centre of the Audio-Technica AT4040 is an externally polarised, or DC-biased, true condenser element. Unlike electret condenser designs, the capsule receives its polarising voltage from the microphone’s internal electronics. Its large diaphragm is carefully tensioned to provide smooth, natural acoustic characteristics while maintaining the responsiveness necessary for accurately capturing complex instrumental and vocal performances.
The microphone employs a fixed cardioid polar pattern, providing maximum sensitivity to sound arriving from the front while reducing pickup from the sides and rear. This directional characteristic makes the Audio-Technica AT4040 suitable for recording individual sound sources in studio environments, particularly where isolation from surrounding instruments or unwanted room reflections is required.
A significant aspect of the Audio-Technica AT4040’s design is its transformerless output circuitry. By eliminating the conventional output transformer, Audio-Technica reduced the potential for low-frequency distortion associated with transformer-coupled designs. The circuitry also provides a fast transient response, allowing the microphone to reproduce rapidly changing sounds with clarity and precision. This characteristic is particularly relevant when recording percussion, acoustic instruments and other sources with pronounced transient detail.
The microphone incorporates a precision-machined, nickel-plated brass acoustic element baffle, designed to improve the mechanical stability of the capsule while maintaining consistent sensitivity. Its symmetrical housing provides an open acoustic environment around the diaphragm, minimising unwanted internal reflections that could otherwise influence the microphone’s frequency response.
With a frequency response extending from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, the Audio-Technica AT4040 covers the full conventional audio bandwidth. Its low self-noise of 12 dB SPL and signal-to-noise ratio of 82 dB make it suitable for recording relatively quiet sources, while its 133 dB dynamic range enables it to accommodate substantial variations in sound level.
The Audio-Technica AT4040 also provides considerable flexibility when recording high-level sound sources. Its maximum sound pressure level handling is rated at 145 dB SPL at 1 kHz with 1% total harmonic distortion. Engaging the integral 10 dB attenuation pad increases this capability to 155 dB SPL, allowing the microphone to be used with loud guitar amplifiers, brass instruments, drums and other demanding acoustic sources.
An additional switchable high-pass filter operates at 80 Hz with a slope of 12 dB per octave. This provides control over unwanted low-frequency information, including mechanically transmitted vibrations, environmental noise and excessive bass energy resulting from the proximity effect. The filter is particularly useful when recording close vocals or instruments where low-frequency isolation is desirable.
The microphone’s internal electronics employ surface-mount technology, contributing to manufacturing consistency and reliability. Operating from standard 48V phantom power, the Audio-Technica AT4040 connects directly to professional microphone preamplifiers, recording consoles and audio interfaces through its integral three-pin XLR output connector.
The Audio-Technica AT4040 is supplied with a dedicated AT8449a shock mount, designed to isolate the microphone from vibrations transmitted through the microphone stand. A protective carrying case is also included for storage and transport.
With its combination of true condenser capsule technology, transformerless electronics, high sound pressure level handling and low-noise performance, the Audio-Technica AT4040 established itself as a versatile addition to the company’s professional studio microphone range. Its design accommodates a broad selection of recording applications, from close vocal and acoustic instrument recording to high-level amplified and percussion sources.
Features
- Large-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone designed for professional recording applications
- Externally polarised true condenser capsule with carefully tensioned diaphragm
- Fixed cardioid polar pattern for focused sound pickup and rejection of unwanted off-axis sound
- Transformerless output circuitry for reduced low-frequency distortion and accurate transient reproduction
- Precision-machined, nickel-plated brass acoustic element baffle for improved capsule stability
- Symmetrical housing providing an open acoustic environment with reduced internal reflections
- Low self-noise of 12dB SPL and wide 133dB dynamic range
- High sound pressure level handling up to 155dB SPL with attenuation engaged
- Switchable 80Hz high-pass filter and 10dB attenuation pad
- 48V phantom-powered operation with professional XLR connectivity and supplied shock mount