Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (17)
$329.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (3)
$329.00
Amazon
4.0 (2)
$329.00
Reverb
5.0 (2)
$292.84 New
$220.92 Used
B&H
5.0 (2)
$329.00
Thomann
4.8 (62)
$252.00 $249.00 $3.00 · All time low

Average Price: $301

Standard/Professional

$100

$401+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Audio-Technica ATM450 Condenser Instrument Microphone". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Audio-Technica ATM450 Condenser Instrument Microphone is a versatile addition to any musician's toolkit, designed to deliver exceptional performance across a variety of acoustic applications. Its unique side-address design allows for flexible placement, making it ideal for capturing the nuanced sounds of acoustic guitars, overheads, and percussion with minimal obstruction. Whether you're in the studio or on stage, the ATM450's cardioid polar pattern ensures focused audio capture, reducing unwanted ambient noise and honing in on your desired sound source.

Engineered with a frequency response range of 40 to 20,000 Hz, this microphone captures a wide spectrum of sound with clarity and precision. The integrated 80 Hz hi-pass filter allows you to toggle between a flat frequency response and a low-end roll-off, adapting seamlessly to different acoustic environments. For recordings that demand high sound pressure levels, the ATM450 features a switchable 10 dB pad, ensuring it can handle even the most dynamic performances without distortion.

Constructed with a rugged all-metal design, the ATM450 is built to endure the rigors of professional use while maintaining uncompromised sound quality. Complemented by a professional isolation clamp, this microphone offers secure mounting and effective isolation from mechanical noise, ensuring your recordings are as clean and crisp as possible.

Key Features:

  • Cardioid polar pattern for focused sound capture
  • Frequency response: 40 - 20,000 Hz
  • Maximum SPL: 152 dB
  • 80 Hz hi-pass filter and 10 dB pad
  • Side-address design for flexible placement
  • Rugged all-metal construction
  • Includes isolation clamp, leather bag, windshield, and stand clamp
  • Requires +48V phantom power

Product specs

Microphone Type Condenser
Polar Pattern Cardioid
Frequency Response 40Hz-18kHz
Max SPL 152dB
Output Impedance 200 ohms
Signal to Noise Ratio 69dB
Low Cut Filter 80Hz (-12dB/octave)
Pads -10 dB
Connector XLR
Weight 0.22 lbs.
Included Accessories Shock Mount, Windscreen, Microphone Pouch

FAQs

What is the primary application for the Audio-Technica ATM450 microphone?

The Audio-Technica ATM450 is designed for capturing a wide range of instruments, making it ideal for studio recording of drums, acoustic guitars, and other amplified acoustic instruments.

How does the Audio-Technica ATM450 handle high sound pressure levels?

The ATM450 can handle high sound pressure levels up to 152dB, making it suitable for loud sound sources like drums and guitar amplifiers.

What is the polar pattern of the Audio-Technica ATM450 and what does it mean for recording?

The ATM450 features a cardioid polar pattern, which is effective at isolating the sound source while minimizing background noise, making it ideal for focused instrument recording.

Does the Audio-Technica ATM450 come with any accessories?

Yes, the ATM450 includes a shock mount, windscreen, and microphone pouch to facilitate setup and protection during transport.

What is the frequency response range of the Audio-Technica ATM450?

The frequency response of the ATM450 ranges from 40Hz to 18kHz, providing a balanced sound capture suitable for various instruments.

Full Compass

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Audio-Technica Recording Basics -- Acoustic Guitar Overview | Full Compass

Video thumbnail for Audio-Technica Recording Basics -- Acoustic Guitar Overview | Full Compass by Full Compass

Audio-Technica Recording Basics -- Acoustic Guitar Overview | Full Compass

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Full Compass

Video thumbnail for Audio-Technica Snare Drum Miking Overview | Full Compass by Full Compass

Audio-Technica Snare Drum Miking Overview | Full Compass

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Video thumbnail for Audio Technica ATM450 @ FrontEndAudio.com by Front End Audio

Audio Technica ATM450 @ FrontEndAudio.com

Front End Audio

Front End Audio

Video thumbnail for Audio-Technica Basic Drum Recording -- The Hi-Hat Overview | Full Compass by Full Compass

Audio-Technica Basic Drum Recording -- The Hi-Hat Overview | Full Compass

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Full Compass

Video thumbnail for Review - Audio Technica 5045 Condenser Microphone by Production Expert

Review - Audio Technica 5045 Condenser Microphone

Production Expert

Production Expert

Video thumbnail for FullOnDrums.com - Audio Technica Mic Demo - Rock by fullondrums

FullOnDrums.com - Audio Technica Mic Demo - Rock

fullondrums

fullondrums

Video thumbnail for Win an Audio-Technica Drum Mic Pack by Audio-Technica Australia (audiotechnicaau)

Win an Audio-Technica Drum Mic Pack

Audio-Technica Australia (audiotechnicaau)

Audio-Technica Australia (audiotechnicaau)

Video thumbnail for Audio-Technica Basic Recording Techniques -- Hand Percussion Overview | Full Compass by Full Compass

Audio-Technica Basic Recording Techniques -- Hand Percussion Overview | Full Compass

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Full Compass

Reviews

PROS

  • Excels in tight spaces, ideal for drum kits

  • Versatile use on snares, toms, hi-hats, overheads, cabs, and acoustic guitars

  • Stellar sound quality with nice transient response and detailed sound

  • Side address design offers discrete mounting options

  • Excellent in handling high sound pressure levels

  • Compact and lightweight, easy to position

  • Offers a tight sound with great focus and admirable rejection of stage bleed

  • Pure sound quality, requires only minor adjustments (e.g., low cut)

  • Unique form factor at its price point, comparable to more expensive mics

  • Flexible for both close miking and capturing ambient sound

CONS

  • Some users find the sound quality just "ok"

  • May require additional gear (e.g., gates, suspension mounts) for optimal performance

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Audio-Technica ATM450 Condenser Instrument Microphone.

Use cases and applications

  • The Audio-Technica ATM450 is praised for its effectiveness on toms and snare, offering a unique design that aids in spot-miking drums effectively.

    Source
  • Some users also recommend the ATM450 for hi-hats, highlighting its adaptability in various drum-miking scenarios.

    Source
  • The ATM450 is used effectively for both drum overheads and acoustic guitar, praised for its realistic sound with a slight low-mid bump and no hyped upper frequencies.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The ATM450 is sometimes preferred over traditional 57 clones on rack toms, providing a more tailored sound in certain setups.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The ATM450, as a small diaphragm condenser, offers versatility and is highly regarded for its performance in overhead and spot-miking applications.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the ATM450's compatibility with post-processing techniques like driving tube amps and using tape machines, enhancing its versatility in different recording scenarios.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A pair of ATM450 microphones can be acquired for approximately $500, offering a cost-effective solution for users seeking dual-purpose use in recording drums and acoustic guitars.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Review: Audio-Technica ATM450 — AudioTechnology

audiotechnology.com

The Audio-Technica ATM450 delivers a versatile and stylish small diaphragm condenser microphone at an attractive price. Its side-address design excels in tight spaces, making it ideal for close miking scenarios. The mic's high SPL handling and attenuation switches ensure clarity in loud environments. While its exposed capsule may not suit heavy drummers and it favors softer vocalists, the ATM450's overall sound quality and impressive feature set offer exceptional value. A competitive release for budget-conscious musicians seeking a reliable and adaptable microphone.

positive

Audio-Technica ATM450 Review

recordinghacks.com

The Audio-Technica ATM450 impresses as a versatile and robust small-diaphragm condenser mic, especially for drum miking due to its side-address design. While it may not excel for all acoustic instruments, it shines in capturing ambient electric guitar, grand piano, and percussion with clarity and detail. Perfect for handling loud sources, its 10 dB pad and reasonable output make it ideal for high-gain setups. At a street price of $220, it offers excellent build quality comparable to its Audio-Technica siblings, making it a compelling choice for musicians seeking a reliable utility mic.

positive

Audio-Technica ATM450 instrument cardioid SDC review | Microphone Geeks

microphonegeeks.com

The Audio-Technica ATM450 stands out as a versatile, low-profile side-address condenser microphone, ideal for instruments and percussion. Its smooth sound profile, with a brightened response, offers clarity without harshness and delivers surprisingly rich lows. Although not suited for vocals, its design allows for unique applications like miking a closed lid grand piano or snare drums, where it truly excels. While not the best choice for beginners, given its less familiar status and situational use, it remains a solid investment for those with the experience to leverage its strengths, especially considering its mid-range price point.

positive

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

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1 star
jimmarchi1

Drum kit specialist.

This is a side address small diaphragm condenser with a similar form factor to certain side address sony pencil condensers. There are few microphones like it at this price point. It excels in tight spaces like drum kits. It seems to be marketed as a hihat mic but I find it's best suited to close miking rack toms. The small, light body allow you to put a pair on a stereo bar mounted on a single stand and position them to taste, even fully parallel to the heads, without getting in the drummer's way. The snappy audio technica condenser sound works well here although you will probably have to use a gate since a condenser doesn't reject bleed the same as a dynamic. Being small diaphragm mics the off-axus sound us very flat in response which reduces false gate triggering vs using a large diaphragm condenser. The spl handling is great so you could even drape it over a guitar cab if you ran out of stands.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Deryck Whibley uses Audio-Technica ATM450 Condenser Instrument Microphone

Deryck Whibley

Singer, Guitarist

Sum 41

...
Verified via reverb.com

This Audio Technica ATM450 is owned by Deryck Whibley Of Sum 41

See how Rob Bourdon uses Audio-Technica ATM450 Condenser Instrument Microphone

Rob Bourdon

Drummer

Linkin Park

...
Verified via Audio-technica

The band is also employing a wide selection of A-T hard-wired microphones, including the AT4050 on guitars and overheads; AT4047 on guitar cabinets; AE2500 on kick; ATM350 on rack and floor tom; ATM450 on hi-hat; AE5100 on ride; and AT835STs for audience.

See how Rich Redmond uses Audio-Technica ATM450 Condenser Instrument Microphone

Rich Redmond

Drummer

Rushlow

...
Verified via Richredmond

Artist is endorsed by Audio Technica and uses their mics exclusively.

See how Arya Goggin uses Audio-Technica ATM450 Condenser Instrument Microphone

Arya Goggin

Drummer

Skindred

...
Verified via YouTube

at 4:02, it states he uses this mic

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 ATM450 Condenser Instrument Microphone, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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