The Audio-Technica AT4047MP was introduced in 2009 in response to requests from recording engineers for a multi-pattern version of the company’s established AT4047/SV condenser microphone. The original AT4047/SV had been developed to reproduce certain sonic characteristics associated with classic field-effect transistor microphones, particularly those used in professional recording studios during the earlier decades of solid-state microphone development. The Audio-Technica AT4047MP expanded this concept by incorporating three selectable polar patterns while retaining the transformer-coupled output architecture and specially tuned condenser element that distinguished the original design.
Announced in September 2009 and subsequently displayed at the 127th Audio Engineering Society Convention in New York in October, the Audio-Technica AT4047MP became part of a significant expansion of the company’s professional 40 Series. The new microphone joined the AT4050ST stereo condenser microphone and the AT4080 and AT4081 active ribbon microphones, extending Audio-Technica’s range of specialised recording transducers. The Audio-Technica AT4047MP became commercially available in November 2009.
At the centre of the Audio-Technica AT4047MP is an externally polarised, or DC-biased, dual-diaphragm condenser capsule. Unlike permanently polarised electret designs, the capsule receives its polarisation voltage from the microphone’s internal electronics. The dual-diaphragm arrangement provides the acoustic foundation for its three selectable directional patterns, enabling the microphone to operate in cardioid, omnidirectional and figure-of-eight configurations.
The capsule was developed to maintain precise polar pattern definition across the microphone’s operating frequency response. This is particularly important in a multi-pattern condenser microphone, where the directional characteristics must remain consistent as the relationship between sound arriving at the front and rear diaphragms changes. By carefully controlling the electrical operation of the two diaphragms, Audio-Technica provided a versatile range of directional responses within a single microphone.
In cardioid mode, the Audio-Technica AT4047MP provides maximum sensitivity to sound arriving from the front of the capsule while reducing pickup from the sides and rear. This configuration is particularly useful when recording lead vocals, acoustic guitar and individual instruments where separation from surrounding sound sources is required. It also provides directional control in recording environments containing multiple performers or unwanted room reflections.
The omnidirectional setting allows the microphone to capture sound arriving from all directions. This configuration is suitable for recording acoustic instruments, vocal groups and ensembles where the contribution of the surrounding acoustic environment forms an important part of the performance. The omnidirectional pattern also avoids the conventional proximity effect associated with directional pressure-gradient microphone designs, providing more consistent low-frequency reproduction when recording at close distances.
Selecting the figure-of-eight pattern provides sensitivity to sound arriving from the front and rear of the microphone while reducing pickup from the sides. This configuration allows the Audio-Technica AT4047MP to be used for recording two performers positioned on opposite sides of the microphone or as part of a Mid-Side stereo recording arrangement. In the latter application, the figure-of-eight signal can be combined with a separate forward-facing microphone to create an adjustable stereo image.
One of the most distinctive aspects of the Audio-Technica AT4047MP is its transformer-coupled output circuitry. Unlike the transformerless designs employed in several other 40 Series condenser microphones, the Audio-Technica AT4047MP incorporates an output transformer as an intentional component of its electronic architecture. This transformer operates in conjunction with the specially tuned condenser element to produce sonic characteristics reminiscent of early FET studio microphone designs.
The transformer-coupled output contributes to the microphone’s warm, rich tonal character, particularly when recording vocals and acoustic instruments. Rather than pursuing the entirely neutral reproduction associated with some modern transformerless condenser microphones, the Audio-Technica AT4047MP was designed to provide the harmonic characteristics and tonal balance associated with earlier generations of professional studio microphones.
This design philosophy directly reflects the development of the original AT4047/SV. By preserving its fundamental transformer-coupled architecture while introducing selectable polar patterns, Audio-Technica provided recording engineers with additional flexibility without abandoning the acoustic character that had established the earlier model.
The Audio-Technica AT4047MP incorporates a precision-machined, nickel-plated brass acoustic element baffle. This component provides mechanical stability for the condenser capsule while maintaining consistent sensitivity. The baffle forms part of a carefully engineered internal structure intended to support the capsule without introducing unwanted acoustic interference.
The microphone’s symmetrical housing assembly provides an open acoustic environment around the condenser element. This arrangement minimises internal reflections that could otherwise influence the microphone’s frequency response and directional characteristics. The open acoustic construction is particularly relevant to a multi-pattern microphone, where sound must be able to reach both sides of the dual-diaphragm capsule.
With a frequency response extending from 20Hz to 18kHz, the Audio-Technica AT4047MP provides broad coverage of the audible spectrum. Its specially tuned capsule and transformer-coupled output were developed to produce a smooth, warm reproduction of vocals and acoustic instruments, making it particularly suitable for applications where a more traditional studio microphone character is desired.
For vocal recording, the Audio-Technica AT4047MP offers the flexibility of selecting a directional pattern according to the performer and recording environment. Cardioid operation provides focused pickup, while omnidirectional operation allows a greater contribution from the surrounding room. The figure-of-eight setting provides an alternative for recording multiple performers or controlling the rejection of unwanted sound sources positioned to the sides of the microphone.
The Audio-Technica AT4047MP is also suitable for acoustic guitar, solo strings and small instrumental ensembles. Its multi-pattern capability allows the balance between direct instrument sound and surrounding ambience to be adjusted through microphone positioning and directional selection. This flexibility is particularly useful when recording instruments in acoustically treated studios or naturally reverberant recording spaces.
The microphone was also designed for applications involving higher sound pressure levels. Its maximum input capability is rated at 155dB SPL at 1kHz with 1% total harmonic distortion. Engaging the integral 10dB attenuation pad increases this capability to 165dB SPL, allowing the microphone to accommodate powerful acoustic and amplified sound sources without exceeding its specified input limits.
The Audio-Technica AT4047MP provides a typical dynamic range of 141dB, allowing it to reproduce substantial variations in acoustic sound pressure. This wide operating range is particularly valuable when recording performances that alternate between quiet passages and high-level musical transients.
With a self-noise figure of 14dB SPL and a signal-to-noise ratio of 80dB, the microphone is also suitable for recording relatively quiet instruments and vocal performances. Its low-noise electronics allow the detail of quieter acoustic signals to be captured without excessive microphone-generated noise.
An integral high-pass filter operates at 80Hz with a slope of 12dB per octave. This allows unwanted low-frequency information to be attenuated before reaching the microphone preamplifier. The filter can reduce environmental rumble, mechanically transmitted vibrations and excessive low-frequency energy associated with close microphone placement.
The Audio-Technica AT4047MP incorporates three separate operating controls. A polar pattern selector allows switching between cardioid, omnidirectional and figure-of-eight pickup, while additional switches engage the high-pass filter and 10dB attenuation pad. These controls provide flexibility when adapting the microphone to different recording situations without requiring additional external processing.
The microphone provides an open-circuit sensitivity of -42dB, equivalent to 7.9mV at 1Pa, with an output impedance of 100Ω. Its balanced electrical output is compatible with professional microphone preamplifiers, recording consoles and audio interfaces equipped with conventional microphone inputs.
Operation requires standard 48V phantom power, with a typical current consumption of 3.4mA. The microphone provides its balanced audio output through an integral three-pin XLR connector, allowing direct connection to professional recording equipment.
The Audio-Technica AT4047MP features a substantial side-address metal housing with a distinctive silver-matte finish. This appearance continues the visual design established by the earlier AT4047/SV, reflecting the microphone’s deliberate association with traditional studio condenser microphone technology.
Measuring 188mm in length and 53.4mm in maximum body diameter, the Audio-Technica AT4047MP has a conventional large-diaphragm studio microphone profile. Its 524g construction provides a mechanically stable enclosure for the dual-diaphragm capsule, output transformer and associated electronics.
The microphone is supplied with a matching Audio-Technica AT8449aSV shock mount, designed to isolate the microphone from vibrations transmitted through its supporting stand. The silver-matte finish of the shock mount complements the microphone housing, while its suspension arrangement reduces the transfer of unwanted mechanical noise during recording.
Additional supplied accessories include a microphone dust cover and protective carrying case. These provide protection during storage and transport, helping to preserve the microphone’s external finish and sensitive condenser assembly.
The Audio-Technica AT4047MP was also among four new Audio-Technica 40 Series microphones certified by the Music Engineering and Technology Alliance in 2009. This recognition formed part of the manufacturer’s continued involvement with professional recording engineers and industry organisations during the development of its expanded microphone range.
The introduction of the Audio-Technica AT4047MP represented an important extension of the company’s transformer-coupled condenser microphone technology. By combining the warm, vintage-inspired characteristics of the AT4047/SV with three selectable polar patterns, a wide dynamic range and exceptionally high sound pressure level handling, Audio-Technica created a more versatile version of its established FET microphone design for professional music recording, broadcast and sound reinforcement.
Features
- Professional large-diaphragm multi-pattern condenser microphone introduced in 2009
- Externally polarised dual-diaphragm condenser capsule with three selectable polar patterns
- Cardioid, omnidirectional and figure-of-eight operation for versatile recording applications
- Transformer-coupled output and specially tuned element designed to reproduce the warm characteristics of early FET studio microphones
- Dual-diaphragm capsule construction maintains precise polar pattern definition across the frequency response
- Precision-machined, nickel-plated brass acoustic element baffle for improved stability and sensitivity
- Symmetrical housing assembly providing an open acoustic environment with reduced internal reflections
- Low self-noise of 14dB SPL and wide 141dB dynamic range
- High sound pressure level handling up to 165dB SPL with switchable 10dB attenuation and 80Hz high-pass filtering
- Silver-matte housing with 48V phantom-powered operation and matching AT8449aSV shock mount