Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $318
Standard/Professional
$100
$401+
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Budget
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High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Audio-Technica AT4040". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the Audio-Technica AT4040, a versatile condenser microphone designed to meet the needs of both studio recording and live sound applications. This side-address, large diaphragm microphone impresses with its accurate sound reproduction capabilities, making it a top choice for capturing acoustics from guitars and percussion. Its transformerless circuitry delivers exceptionally low distortion and excellent transient response, making it perfect for capturing the attack of percussive instruments.
The AT4040 offers a smooth, natural, and extremely musical sonic character with a wide dynamic range. The microphone's two-micron-thick diaphragm ensures accurate reproduction of subtle sounds without sacrificing high-frequency performance. With its high SPL capacity, precision internal architecture, and built-in 10dB pad, the AT4040 can handle sources up to 155dB and minimizes unwanted internal reflections for uncolored sound reproduction.
Whether you're a professional recording artist, an engineer, or a producer, the Audio-Technica AT4040 is a reliable tool that delivers a well-focused, musical sound consistently.
Key Features:
- Large-diaphragm cardioid condenser mic suitable for a variety of applications
- Externally-polarized (DC bias) true condenser design
- Technically-advanced large diaphragm for smooth, natural sonic characteristics
- Exceptionally low noise, wide dynamic range, and high-SPL capability for great versatility
- Transformerless circuitry eliminates low-frequency distortion and provides superior correlation of high-speed transients
- Precision-machined, nickel-plated brass, acoustic element baffle for enhanced element stability and optimal sensitivity
- Open acoustical environment of the symmetrical housing assembly minimizes unwanted internal reflections
- Switchable 80Hz hi-pass filter and 10dB pad
- Includes AT8449 shock mount
- Requires +48V phantom power
Product specs
| Microphone Type | Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Diaphragm Size | 0.8" (20.4mm) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Max SPL | 145dB (155dB w/10dB Pad) |
| Output Impedance | 100 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 25.1mV/Pa (-32dB) |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 82dB |
| Self Noise | 12dB |
| Low Cut Filter | 80Hz |
| Pads | -10dB |
| Connector | XLR |
| Power Source | 48V phantom power |
| Dimensions | 6.69" x 2.1" |
| Weight | 0.79 lbs. |
| Included Accessories | Shock Mount, Dust Cover, Carry Case |
FAQs
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Does the Audio-Technica AT4040 require phantom power?
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Yes, the Audio-Technica AT4040 requires 48V phantom power for operation, as it is a condenser microphone.
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What is the polar pattern of the Audio-Technica AT4040?
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The Audio-Technica AT4040 has a cardioid polar pattern, which is ideal for isolating the sound source and minimizing background noise during recording.
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Is the Audio-Technica AT4040 suitable for vocal recording?
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Yes, the Audio-Technica AT4040 is well-suited for vocal recording, offering a wide frequency response and a low self-noise level, which helps capture clear and detailed vocals.
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What is the maximum sound pressure level (SPL) the AT4040 can handle?
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The Audio-Technica AT4040 can handle a maximum SPL of 145dB, or 155dB with the -10dB pad engaged, making it capable of recording loud sound sources without distortion.
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What accessories are included with the Audio-Technica AT4040?
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The Audio-Technica AT4040 comes with a shock mount, dust cover, and carry case, providing protection and convenience for transport and setup.
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How does the AT4040 compare to other large-diaphragm condenser microphones?
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The Audio-Technica AT4040 offers a balanced and natural sound with a low self-noise level, making it competitive with other large-diaphragm condensers in its class for studio recording applications.
Videos
Booth Junkie
Audio Technica AT4040 vs Rode NT1 -- $300 mic shootout
Audio Technica AT4040 vs Rode NT1 -- $300 mic shootout
Booth Junkie
Audio-Technica AT4040 Condenser Mic Review / Test
Podcastage
Which Audio-Technica Microphone Should You Buy? // Audio-Technica AT2020, At2035, AT4040 & AT4033
Edward Smith
So CLEAN & CLEAR: Audio Technica AT4040 Microphone
Archie Beatz
The Darkness Binds them... AT4040 vs Shure SM7B (Studio/Booth/Untreated Comparison)
Rebel Tech
Audio-Technica AT4040 Condenser Mic Review (vs RØDE NT1, AT2035, King Bee II, Lewitt 440, LA220)
Audio Hotline
Audio-Technica AT4040 Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Audio-Technica Australia (audiotechnicaau)
Audio-Technica AT4040 Review (officially a classic)
Travis Raab Guitar
Mikrofon Vergleich: RODE NT1 vs. Audio-Technica AT4040 vs. Zoom H1n
UsefulVid
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional clarity and natural sound across various applications
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Highly versatile, excels with instruments, vocals, and nature sounds
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Durable and well-built for studio and remote sessions
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Provides detailed, transparent sound with a slight presence lift
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Excellent price-to-performance ratio, offering professional sound quality affordably
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Integral shock mount enhances setup and recording quality
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Consistently preferred over more expensive microphones by users
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Ideal for both aggressive music styles and nuanced voice-over work
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Pairs well with a range of preamps and interfaces
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Captures the "in-the-room" essence of guitar cabinets beautifully
CONS
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High-pass filter considered too sharp for some applications
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May sound "shrill" or "spiky" on some vocals, especially with certain preamps
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Sibilance (harsh "esses") can be pronounced with some voice types and settings
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Audio-Technica AT4040.
Features and functionality
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AT4040 users report intense sibilance on certain vocals, particularly with "s" and "t" sounds, suggesting careful mic placement or alternative techniques to mitigate this.
Source -
The AT4040 is described as having a nearly flat frequency response with a slight presence boost, offering a balanced sound.
Source -
The AT4040 is transformerless, externally biased, and cardioid only, contributing to its bright and presence-forward sound.
Source
Comparisons
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The AT4040 is compared to the Aston Spirit, with users noting they are too similar to justify owning both unless for variety in sound.
Source -
The AT4040 is often compared to higher-end models like the U87 or Lauten Atlantis, which are noted for their different tonal characteristics but are in a much higher price range.
Source -
The AT4040 is favored over the Rode NT1 for handling compression and saturation better, which is essential for louder vocals.
Source -
The AT4040 is perceived as a "shrill, cardioid only version" of the AT4050, with some users preferring the latter for its multipattern versatility.
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The AT4033a is noted for having a more 3D and detailed sound compared to the AT4040, likely due to its larger, transformerless capsule.
Source -
The AT4047sv offers a warmer sound with a slightly rolled off top end, contrasting with the AT4040's brighter tone.
Source
Use cases and applications
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Some users recommend the AT4040 for rap vocals but suggest it may not be ideal for classic hip hop, where a slightly darker mic might be preferred.
Source -
The AT4040 is favored for modern hip hop due to its brighter sound, but some owners opt for alternatives for cleaner pop vocals.
Source -
The AT4040 excels in louder, scream-type rap vocals due to its capacity to handle dynamic ranges without distortion.
Source -
The AT4047sv is favored for recording bass amp and upright bass due to its rich, transformer-based sound.
Source
Mods and upgrades
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To address sibilance issues, users suggest recording off-axis or using a metal pop filter, such as a Stedman, to improve results.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 10 Reviews and 30 Ratings
2608
the only piece of gear I regret selling
This microphone sounds amazing, especially for the price. I got professional-sounding vocals that other microphones in the price range can't replicate. I sold it in order to get another piece of gear (I already had a few other microphones and this one was the most expensive/newest). I was fooled by people who said it's a more feature-packed version of the AT2020. Don't listen to them, they are WRONG!!! This mic is an entirely different beast. I'll get another one, someday...
41029
Pretty solid all-rounder.
This is an AT 40 series fixed pattern large diaphragm side address condenser. I've had mine for YEARS. Easily a decade. Its a transformerless circuit so it has a very modern voice. It features a pad and a high pass filter. The HPF is a bit sharp for most applications, but with it engaged this is y favorite microphone to capture a cranked' AC30. I even prefer it to the venerable AKG C414 and Royer ribbons in that application. This has a silky, uncolored sound on vocals, but the esses can be a bit harsh through some preamps. She makes a good room mic for softer sources and really excels at recording orchestral instruments and brass close. You can pretty much put this condenser on any source that needs a mostly-transparent sound with a slight presence lift going into the recorder and get satisfying results. I bought a BLUE baby bottle at the same time I got this mic and while the baby bottle wowed me at first on a female vocal and then an upright bass, the AT4040 stayed with me. Its just more versatile.
Recently sold. I hadn't used it in years since I seldom record anything at home that the 4040 excels at. I kinda regret it, but fixed pattern 40 series mics are common and I prefer the 4047 ever so slightly.
263
Excellent Microphone
One of the best microphones I've used for vocal recording. Falling at currently $300, either you think it's a lot, or its cheap for a "good" microphone. For me? It's in the middle, I have no problem with the price, because honestly it's worth it. Absolutely. You get crisp and clear quality coming out of it. Very satisfied with it!
343
Realistic
One of the most realistic and natural sounding mics you're going to find in its price range. You may need to fatten or warm the sound you get, but the sound you get will be real.
110
Great mic
Great for vocals, along with a healthy bass response - performs well for beatboxing as long as you're careful with the pop-sheild!
313
Really Great Mic
My AT4040 is my go-to condenser; it's got great range and dynamic response, and picks up the subtleties in my recordings and playing super well!
222
my first condenser
If I had more money to go towards a condenser, I would've gotten the at4060 for its omnidirectional polar pattern, but for a condenser this sounds wonderful. With my sm57 and 8i6 I can cover a lot of ground.
41029
the 4040 and 4047 are the most neutral and versatile fixed pattern mics at their price point followed by the fixed pattern blue mics like the baby bottle and bluebird, but the 2 AT fixed pattern 40s are better all arounders.... have you tried the new(ish) AT ribbon microphone yet?
222
haven't tried a lot of studio gear after getting a lot of my stuff unfortunately, but hopefully someday I will.
154
Large Membrane Mic
Great Large Membrane Mic produces some years ago but still massiv.
Artist usage
Add artist
As mentioned in this old Tape Op interview, Andrew Huang has used an AT4040 as his "weapon of choice" in the past. It's visible in many of his older videos, too.
Mark Lettieri is confirmed to own and use the Audio-Technica AT4040 condenser microphone in multiple recording sessions over the years, as evidenced by a listing on Reverb.
TOKiMonsta showcases her Audio Technica AT 4040 at 0:52 into her Studio Tour.
At 4:42 - He Says That The mic He Is Using Is An Audio Technica AT4040
U can see that Playboi Carti use this mic on 3:08 in "2024" video
In a YouTube video titled "Studio Tour," Johnny Franck, the producer, writer, mixer, and masterer for Bilmuri, provides a tour of his recording studio. At the 0:18 mark, Franck states that he "sings into" an Audio-Technica AT4040 microphone.
I like very roomy drums. Depending on the studio, I sometimes use ribbon mics. I think the Coles 4038s sound pretty good. There is also the stereo version of the C12 that I like a lot. But if I don't have a lot of options I might use two [Audio‑Technica] AT4040s.
In a photograph that appears to have been originally posted on Instagram, Lovely Peaches is seen using the Audio-Technica AT4040 microphone, visible at the top of the image.
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Used in Vocals and room recordings
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Audio-Technica AT4040, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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