Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
4.5 (4)
$769.00
Reverb
5.0 (1)
$293.79 New
$357.36 Used
Thomann
5.0 (19)
$487.00 $485.00 $2.00 · All time low

Average Price: $623

High-end/Boutique

$100

$401+

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Price History

Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Audio-Technica AT4051b Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Audio-Technica AT4051b Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone is a versatile studio essential that blends precision with durability, making it a favorite among recording and broadcast professionals. Known for its direct-coupled balanced outputs, this microphone ensures a clean, distortion-free signal even in high-output scenarios. Its fast transient response captures the subtleties of your performance, delivering an open and transparent sound that stands out in any mix.

Crafted with a rugged turned-brass housing, the AT4051b is built to withstand the rigors of any recording environment. Its modular design features an AT4900b-48 body and an AT4051b-EL cardioid head capsule, allowing for tailored performance depending on your needs. You can also expand its versatility with optional interchangeable capsules for omnidirectional and hypercardioid patterns. The cardioid polar pattern of the AT4051b provides excellent front-to-back rejection, ensuring your sound source is isolated with precision.

Engineered to meet the critical acoustic demands of professional recording and sound reinforcement, this microphone includes a switchable 80 Hz hi-pass filter and a 10 dB pad to manage low-end rumble and handle high SPLs with ease. Its RoHS-compliance is a testament to Audio-Technica's commitment to environmentally friendly manufacturing processes.

Key Features:

  • Cardioid polar pattern for improved isolation
  • Direct-coupled, balanced output for clean signal
  • Transformerless circuitry for low-frequency distortion elimination
  • Modular design with interchangeable capsules
  • Switchable 80 Hz hi-pass filter and 10 dB pad
  • Requires +48V phantom power
  • Rugged turned-brass housing for durability
  • RoHS-compliant for environmentally friendly operation

Product specs

Microphone Type Condenser
Polar Pattern Cardioid
Frequency Response 20Hz-20kHz
Max SPL 145dB (155dB w/Pad)
Output Impedance 50 ohms
Signal to Noise Ratio 78dB
Self Noise 16dB
Low Cut Filter 80Hz (-12dB/octave)
Pads -10dB
Connector XLR
Weight 0.26 lbs.
Included Accessories Stand Clamp, Windscreen, Case

FAQs

What is the primary intended application for the Audio-Technica AT4051b microphone?

The Audio-Technica AT4051b is designed for professional recording, broadcast, and sound reinforcement, ideal for capturing acoustic instruments and detailed sound sources with clarity.

What is the polar pattern of the Audio-Technica AT4051b, and why does it matter?

The AT4051b features a cardioid polar pattern, which provides high front-to-back rejection, improving isolation of the desired sound source and minimizing ambient noise.

How does the Audio-Technica AT4051b handle high sound pressure levels?

The AT4051b can handle a maximum sound pressure level of 145dB, or 155dB with the built-in -10dB pad, making it suitable for capturing loud sound sources without distortion.

Does the Audio-Technica AT4051b have any features to reduce low-frequency noise?

Yes, the AT4051b includes a switchable 80Hz high-pass filter, which helps reduce unwanted low-frequency noise and rumble during recordings.

What kind of output does the Audio-Technica AT4051b provide?

The AT4051b offers a direct-coupled, balanced XLR output, ensuring a clean signal even under high-output conditions, suitable for professional audio setups.

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FullOnDrums.com - Audio Technica AT4051 XY Demo

Video thumbnail for FullOnDrums.com - Audio Technica AT4051 XY Demo by fullondrums

FullOnDrums.com - Audio Technica AT4051 XY Demo

fullondrums

fullondrums

Video thumbnail for Audio-Technica AT4051b vs AKG C 214 - Condenser Mics Shootout on Drums Overhead - Want 2 Check by Want 2 Check

Audio-Technica AT4051b vs AKG C 214 - Condenser Mics Shootout on Drums Overhead - Want 2 Check

Want 2 Check

Want 2 Check

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent for capturing low notes and nuanced presence

  • Versatile: great results on various instruments and vocals

  • Neutral sound makes it ideal for true-to-source recordings

  • Clean off-axis response, less hyped compared to others

  • High SPL handling with interchangeable capsules

  • Compares favorably to more expensive microphones like DPA 4011

  • Detailed sound with good resolution in highs and warmth

  • Impressive manufacturing consistency across different units

CONS

  • Sound may be too neutral or "boring" for some preferences

  • Slight dip around 90Hz can make it sound thinner in A/B tests

  • Not as suited for live performance due to cost vs. alternatives

  • May be too reserved for solo saxophone or similar applications

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Audio-Technica AT4051b Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone.

Comparisons

  • The Audio-Technica AT4051b is noted to be slightly darker than the Josephson C42, providing a clean capture on drum overheads without the 'pingy' peaks of the AKG C451B.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The AT4051b excels in versatility, effectively capturing sound from bass cabs, snare, toms, hi-hat, woodwinds, and acoustic guitar, making it a neutral mic for various instruments.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The AT4051b can handle high SPL, includes pad and low-cut switches, enhancing its adaptability across different recording scenarios.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the AT4051b's smoothness and lack of harshness compared to the C451B, preferring it with brighter cymbals for a balanced overhead sound.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Audio-Technica AT4051b Review | recording hacks

recordinghacks.com

The Audio-Technica AT4051b reinvigorates the small-diaphragm condenser mic category with its polished, professional feel and surprisingly natural sound. Praised for versatility, it excels in capturing acoustic instruments and percussion, delivering clarity without muddiness. However, it does lack in lower mid presence, which may not suit everyone’s taste in dense mixes. Despite this, the AT4051b performs admirably in various recording scenarios, showing its worth as a reliable tool for engineers. If you're ready to embrace the smaller mic format again, this model might just be the one to restore your confidence.

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Artist usage

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See how Bruce Swedien uses Audio-Technica AT4051b Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Bruce Swedien

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

https://youtu.be/GEXA9sOY9QU?t=1335 https://youtu.be/GEXA9sOY9QU?t=1555 Note that this is actually the Audio-Technica AT4051a but Equipboard will not let me add the Audio-Technica AT4051a. You can see from the taper at the xlr port of the mic and from the slits that it is a vintage Audio-Technica AT4051a. He likes using two Audio-Technica AT4051a to record acoustical guitar in stereo. In the video he uses it to explain proper microphone placement when recording vocals.

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 AT4051b Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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