Pricing and availability
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Reviews
Price
Average Price: $686
High-end/Boutique
$100
$401+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Audio-Technica AT4050". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the Audio-Technica AT4050 Condenser Microphone, a versatile and high-performing asset to both studio and live recording setups. With its multipattern feature offering three polar patterns: omnidirectional, cardioid, and figure-of-eight, it provides flexibility to cater to diverse recording needs. Its transformerless circuitry ensures low-frequency distortion is virtually non-existent, while high-speed transients are reproduced authentically. Enjoy the crystal-clear and transparent highs and mids, complemented by a robust, thick low-end, bringing an unmatched tonal quality that is perfect for vocals, amps, strings, drum overheads and more.
Key Features:
- Multipattern microphone with three polar patterns: omnidirectional, cardioid, and figure-of-eight
- Transformerless circuitry for minimal low-frequency distortion and faithful reproduction of high-speed transients
- 80 Hz high-pass filter and 10dB pad
- Exceptionally clear and transparent highs and mids
- Rich, thick low-end delivering superior tonal quality
- Ideal for both studio and live circumstances, mic'ing vocals, amps, strings, drum overheads and more.
Owner's manual
Audio-Technica AT4050 User ManualProduct specs
| Microphone Type | Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid, Omni, Figure-8 |
| Diaphragm Size | 0.84" (21.4mm) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-18kHz |
| Max SPL | 149dB (159dB w/10dB Pad) |
| Output Impedance | 100 ohms |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 77dB |
| Self Noise | 17dB |
| Low Cut Filter | 80Hz (-12dB/octave) |
| Pads | -10dB |
| Connector | XLR |
| Weight | 1.12 lbs. |
| Included Accessories | Shock Mount, Dust Cover, Carry Case |
FAQs
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What polar patterns does the Audio-Technica AT4050 offer?
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The Audio-Technica AT4050 features three polar patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8, making it versatile for different recording environments and applications.
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Does the Audio-Technica AT4050 require phantom power?
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Yes, the AT4050 requires 48V phantom power to operate, which is standard for most condenser microphones.
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Is the Audio-Technica AT4050 suitable for recording vocals?
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The AT4050 is excellent for recording vocals due to its wide frequency response and multiple polar patterns, offering clarity and detail in vocal recordings.
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What is the maximum sound pressure level (SPL) the AT4050 can handle?
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The Audio-Technica AT4050 can handle a maximum SPL of 149dB, or 159dB with the -10dB pad engaged, making it suitable for loud sound sources.
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What accessories are included with the Audio-Technica AT4050?
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The AT4050 comes with a shock mount, dust cover, and carry case, providing protection and convenience for studio or location recording.
Videos
Podcastage
Audio-Technica AT4040 Condenser Mic Review / Test
Audio-Technica AT4040 Condenser Mic Review / Test
Podcastage
Neumann U87 vs AT4050 Mic Shootout
Sean Daniel
Best Microphone for Rap Vocals? Audio-Technica AT4040 XLR Review
Kelli
Audio Technica AT4050 Microphone Demo
Sean Daniel
Audio Technica AT 4050 Condenser Microphone Overview - Sweetwater Sound
Sweetwater
Audio-Technica AT4050 Condenser Mic - Audio Techncia AT4050
American Musical Supply
Audio-Technica AT4050 vs Audio-Technica AT4047 comparison mic shootout
Tom Szy Music
Reviews
PROS
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Versatile, comparable to high-end models like C414 or U87
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Excellent for both vocals and instruments (piano, guitar, drums)
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Durable, with some users reporting over 20 years of use
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Offers clean, true-to-source sound capture
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Features multiple polar patterns for flexibility in recording
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High SPL handling, suitable for loud sources
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Minimal EQ or processing needed
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Provides warm, clear, and rich vocals
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Low noise and transformerless design for clean recordings
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Good value for the price, offering high-end features affordably
CONS
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Jack of all trades, master of none; may not excel in every application
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Some users find it not great on vocals without specific preamps
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Can sound harsh with certain preamps due to transformerless design
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Might stop producing sound, requiring warranty check
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Audio-Technica AT4050.
Comparisons
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Users compared the AT4050 to the CM87S, noting a flatter low-end response on the CM87S and a brighter, hyped sound depending on the source.
Source -
Owners frequently find the AT4050 more versatile and cost-effective than the C414, often opting for a used pair of AT4050s over a single C414 for broader utility.
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Some prefer the AT4050 over the C414 for its versatility, although others find the C414's modern, bright sound more detailed for certain applications.
Source
Features and functionality
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The AT4050 is praised for its off-axis rejection in cardioid mode, making it suitable for recording in rooms with suboptimal acoustics.
Source
User experience
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Some users experienced a marked improvement in the AT4050's sound quality after upgrading preamps from stock units to higher-end models like the Mackie Onyx 800R.
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A user noted that they find the AT4050 to be less flattering in the high frequencies compared to the AT4047, which they preferred.
Source
Use cases and applications
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The AT4050 is described as a versatile mic that was used successfully in omni mode for recording both acoustic guitar and vocals on a single track.
Source -
The AT4050 is recommended for users seeking a versatile single mic, particularly if they are limited to just one microphone for various recording situations.
Source
Value and pricing
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A used AT4050/CM5 was mistakenly delivered instead of a new AT4050, highlighting potential issues with purchasing from third-party sellers on platforms like Amazon.
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The AT4050 is highlighted as a top choice under $1000, offering significant savings compared to higher-priced alternatives like the C414 without compromising on versatility.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 15 Ratings
Nice Microphone
Good Mic. My Audio Technica records great rap vocals. It gives off a "Grity Sound". Specially when "stacking Vocals" or doubling up. Might not work for you if you are looking for a smooth Mellow sound. It records great percussions and live acoustic guitars. The Audio Technica Utilizes a low-noise transformerless design and multiple polar patterns, the AT4050 is ideal for use in the most demanding recording situations. It uses dual gold-plated, aged, large-diaphragm condenser elements for extended frequency response. Floating construction elements provide isolation from noise and vibration.
41029
I ahd a 4040 that was really top, but the articulation was fantastic for some singing and especially useful for voiceover or hiphop
160
Good mic for voice and instruments
This is a great mic for the price. About $600, which is still expensive but you're getting one of the best entry level condensers at this price. It will pick up every sound in the room and there's not much eq or processing needed, as far as recording volume is concerned. Knocked off a star because I can't figure out why my mic isn't producing sound anymore. Might have to check with warranty.
41029
the entire 40 series is so underrated... I like the 4047 a lot as it really holds up against older AKG 414s, at least in their cardioid mode. I don't know why you don't see more 40s in studio mic lockers.
Artist usage
Add artist
It’s a lot of what was left over from my makeshift studio at school. My grandmother’s piano. A Minimoog and Vocoder. My banjo. A 12-string guitar. There’s a computer with software. Two AT4050s. A pair of monitors I like. The setup is really simple, but it works for me.
During the YouTube livestream premiere of Glitch Princess on February 4, 2022, yeule confirmed in the livestream chat that she uses the Audio-Technica AT4050.
Microphones: (2) Josephson 606A-KA21 hypocardioid small condenser (2) AEA N22 active ribbon (2) Neumann KM130 omni small condenser (1) Blue Mouse cardoid large condenser (2) Blue Dragonfly cardoid large condenser (2) ADK TL-Au custom modified multipattern large condenser (1) ADK TL-Gk67 custom modified multipattern large condenser (2) ADK Sigma CHI small diaphragm condenser (4) ADK Sigma CHI large diaphragm (lollipop 47, 251 capsules) (2) Oktava MK012 w/ Red Replacement capsules (1) Audio Technica AT4050 multipattern large condensor (2) E/V NDym 408 dynamic (2) Shure SM57 dynamic (1) Sennheiser MD421mII dynamic (1) AKG D112 kick drum mic
I was recording most of the guitar tracks through my Fender ’68 Super Reverb and I was using two microphones in front of the speakers: Audio Technica 4050 and then I had a Shure SM57, so I had two mics and I could combine those two together to create the sound I wanted.
Artist is endorsed by Audio Technica and uses their mics exclusively.
In an interview on Bobby Owsinski's Music Production Blog titled "Thank You, Ed Cherney - Part 2," it is confirmed that Ed Cherney used the Audio-Technica AT4050.
I’ve used the Audio Technica 4050 and I kinda like that. That’s a pretty good place to start.
In Canadian Musician Volume XXI Issue No.4, the Audio-Technica AT4050 is listed as a microphone that Brian Byrne used to record the album "Blue Green Orange."
Toni Torres uses the Audio-Technica AT4050 microphone in HCTSOUND recordings and live performances, as detailed by HCTSound on their website.
Visible in Instagram posts dated April 4, 2020 and April 12, 2020.
Album Usage
The Audio-Technica AT4050 has been featured on the following albums:
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 AT4050, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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