Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $3,159
High-end/Boutique
$100
$401+
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High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Audio-Technica AT5040". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Audio-Technica AT5040 is not just another microphone—it's a breakthrough in studio recording technology. As the flagship model from Audio-Technica, this revolutionary microphone combines cutting-edge design with unparalleled audio fidelity, making it an essential tool for professional vocal and acoustic instrument recordings. The AT5040 features an innovative four-part rectangular element, which provides a surface area twice the size of a typical 1-inch diaphragm. This unique design delivers an incredibly realistic sound, capturing even the subtlest nuances of your performance with depth and clarity.
Built with precision, the AT5040 is hand-assembled and inspected to ensure consistent quality. Its internal shockmount system effectively isolates the capsule from the microphone body, reducing handling noise and unwanted vibrations. This feature, along with its advanced acoustic engineering, ensures that your recordings are free of interference, resulting in transparency and richness across all frequencies.
Whether you're capturing the soulful tones of a vocalist or the intricate melodies of an acoustic guitar, the Audio-Technica AT5040 offers a fast transient response that is perfect for a variety of studio applications. Its low noise floor and wide dynamic range make it a versatile choice for any recording environment, ensuring that every take is crystal clear.
Key Features:
- Revolutionary four-part rectangular element
- Large surface area for high-definition sound
- Internal shockmount for noise isolation
- Hand-assembled and inspected for quality
- Fast transient response ideal for vocals and acoustic instruments
- Requires +48V phantom power
- Durable aluminum and brass housing
- Includes custom AT8480 shockmount and protective carrying case
Product specs
| Microphone Type | Condenser, Fixed-charge back plate |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Diaphragm Size | 4 x Rectangle Diaphragms (2 micron) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Max SPL | 142 dB SPL |
| Output Impedance | 50 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 56.2mV/Pa (-25dB) |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 89 dB |
| Self Noise | 5 dB SPL |
| Connector | XLR |
| Power Source | 48V phantom power |
| Dimensions | 6.51" x 2.24" |
| Weight | 1.28 lbs. |
| Included Accessories | Hardshell Case, Custom Shockmount |
FAQs
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Does the Audio-Technica AT5040 require phantom power?
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Yes, the Audio-Technica AT5040 requires 48V phantom power to operate, as it is a condenser microphone.
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What is the polar pattern of the Audio-Technica AT5040?
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The Audio-Technica AT5040 features a cardioid polar pattern, which is ideal for capturing sound from the front while minimizing noise from the sides and rear.
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How does the Audio-Technica AT5040 handle high sound pressure levels?
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The Audio-Technica AT5040 can handle a maximum sound pressure level of 142 dB SPL, making it suitable for capturing loud sources without distortion.
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What makes the diaphragm design of the Audio-Technica AT5040 unique?
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The Audio-Technica AT5040 uses four rectangular diaphragms that function together, offering a combined surface area twice that of a standard one-inch circular diaphragm, enhancing its sound capture capabilities.
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Is the Audio-Technica AT5040 suitable for studio vocal recordings?
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Yes, the Audio-Technica AT5040 is designed for studio vocals, providing exceptionally low noise, wide dynamic range, and high-fidelity performance with profound realism and depth.
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What kind of connector does the Audio-Technica AT5040 use?
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The Audio-Technica AT5040 uses an XLR connector, which is standard for professional audio equipment and ensures reliable connectivity.
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What accessories are included with the Audio-Technica AT5040?
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The Audio-Technica AT5040 comes with a custom shockmount and a hard-shell carrying case with die-cut foam compartments for protection during storage and transport.
Videos
Audio-Technica EMEA
An Evening With The Audio-Technica AT5040 : Natalie McCool
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptionally smooth tone, enhancing trumpets, guitars, and female vocals
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Provides alluring clarity for real-sounding vocals without autotune
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Superior durability with a heavy, well-built design
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Offers perfect balance and warmth for vocals, improving clarity and fullness
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Delivers amazingly detailed recording with quiet operation
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Features high output, beneficial for capturing the right sound with minimal gain
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Versatile in studio settings, outperforming several high-end competitors
CONS
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Extremely sensitive, requiring careful placement to avoid bass-heavy output
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Can be picky with preamps and interfaces, demanding high compatibility
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Lacks a -10 dB pad, which could be useful for managing its high output
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Requires a bit of EQ to bring out performance sweet spots
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Has a specific sweet spot for recording, challenging less experienced artists
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Audio-Technica AT5040.
Comparisons
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The AT5040 is noted for its mid-focused sound, whereas the AT5047 combines the characteristics of a U87 and C-800, offering an exceptionally bright top end.
Source -
In Japan, the AT5040 and AT5047 are considered attempts to rival the U87, reflecting Audio-Technica's push into high-end mic innovation.
Source
Features and functionality
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The AT5040 employs four rectangular mic elements, a design choice aimed at achieving a unique sonic signature while maintaining traditional audio aesthetics.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
Add artist
Used as a vocal microphone for Toto XIV, as mentioned by producer CJ Vanston in this March 5, 2015 Mix Online article.
The main mic preamp throughout was a Universal 6176, used for most of the vocals. “Either with a 47 or an Audio-Technica 5040,” Vanston says. “We used a Schoeps on some of the acoustic guitar tracks and also the Shure KSM44—that sounds fantastic. Then we used a 57 for the electric guitar. If Steve Lukather is happy with his guitar sound, I’m happy with it. And I have two Neve 1073s that we used a lot on the keyboards. I’ve got a Neve 8801, which is a great preamp that I like.”
Album Usage
The Audio-Technica AT5040 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 AT5040, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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