Audio Technica AT4033a Specifications

AT4033a

SM

/

CARDIOID
CAPACITOR MICROPHONE

Description

The AT4033a/SM is a transformerless studio microphone
designed for use in the most demanding applications. Specifically,
the AT4033a/SM utilizes a gold-plated, “aged-diaphragm” capacitor
element with an internal baffle plate to increase the signal-to-noise
ratio of the microphone system. This, coupled with low-noise
transformerless electronics, makes this microphone ideal for the
most critical digital recordings. The dynamic range of the

AT4033a/SM is 128 dB without the built-in attenuator, and it

accepts up to 145 dB SPL without capsule or electronic-system
distortion above 1% T.H.D.

The AT4033a/SM is the culmination of extensive field evalua­tions in studio environments with resultant significant advances in
microphone performance factors. The AT4033a/SM’s low-noise cir­cuitry is symmetrical and transformerless, resulting in exceptional
transient response and clean output signals, even under high-output
conditions. The microphone is totally free of the distortion associ­ated with conventional transformer-coupled outputs. Its fast response
to transients contributes to the open, transparent reproduction of even
the most troublesome of instruments and sound effects. To ensure
optimum performance, a floating-construction element provides
isolation from noise and vibration.

The AT4033a/SM combines the benefits of exceptionally low self­noise with very high output. Equally important, it handles very high
sound pressure levels with ease. The AT4033a/SM may be used with
confidence in a wide variety of miking applications even under the
stringent demands of modern digital recording systems. A switchable
10 dB (nominal) pad is built-in, increasing the SPL capabilities to 155
dB SPL.

An integral 80 Hz hi-pass filter provides easy switching from a
flat frequency response to a low-end roll-off. The hi-pass switch is
recessed to prevent accidental activation. The hi-pass position
reduces the microphone’s sensitivity to “popping” in close vocal use ,
and handling noise. It reduces the pickup of low-frequency ambient
noise (i.e. traffic, air-handling systems, etc.) and room reverberation.

An internal open-cell foam windscreen is permanently installed
inside the case assembly between the grille and element for “pop”
protection.

The AT4033a/SM features undistorted reproduction of high sound
pressure level signals at all frequencies. The 2-micron-thick vapor­deposited gold diaphragm provides accurate reproduction of even
the most subtle sounds, especially high-frequency signals not easily
reproduced by conventional large-diaphragm condenser tr ansducers.

The diaphragm of every AT 4033a/SM is aged through five
different steps to assure the optimum characteristics achieved will
remain constant over years of use.

The symmetrical housing assembly surrounding the microphone
capsule and its open acoustical environment allow the off-axis response
to be ideally suited for studio work
where natural reproduction of off-axis
sound is of paramount importance. The
resultant 90° off-axis curve is nearly a
perfect facsimile of the on-axis curve, b ut
attenuated by 6 dB.

The AT4033a/SM will operate
in conjunction with any remote
“phantom” or “simplex” power source
supplying 48 volts DC, such as the
AC- powered Audio-T echnica A T8801

single-channel and CP8506 four-chan­nel phantom power supplies.

The AT

AT8441 shock mount. This effective
shock mount fits 5/8"-27 threaded
stands. A stand clamp without shock
mount, the AT8430, is available as an
optional accessory.

Architects and Engineers Specifications

The microphone shall be a cardioid capacitor with a frequency
response of 30 Hz to 20,000 Hz. It shall operate from an external
48V DC (±4V) phantom power source. The element shall be
internally shock mounted. The microphone shall have a protective
foam pop filter between the case assembly and the diaphragm.

Nominal open-circuit output voltage shall be 25.1 mV at 1 kHz,
1 Pascal. The microphone shall have an output impedance of 100
ohms and output shall be transformerless balanced. The microphone
shall accept a 145 dB SPL at 1 kHz while producing no greater than
1% T .H.D.

The microphone shall have a length of 6.69" (170.0 mm), a
maximum body diameter of 2.1 0" (53.4 mm), and a weight of 13.4 oz
(380 grams). Finish shall be matte black.

The Audio-Technica AT4033a/SM is specified.

4033a/SM includes an

AT

4033a/SM with included

AT

8441shock mount

40 SERIES PRECISION MICROPHONES

170.0 mm

6.69"

53.4 mm

2.10"

19.0 mm

0.75"

21.0 mm

0.83"

AT4033a

Specifications

†

SM

/

ELEMENT Fixed-charge back-plate

permanently polarized capacitor

POLAR PATTERN Cardioid (Unidirectional)
FREQUENCY RESPONSE 30-20,000 Hz
OPEN CIRCUIT SENSITIVITY (1 kHz) –32 dB (25.1 mV) ± 2 dB, re 1V at 1 Pa*
IMPEDANCE 100 ohms
MAXIMUM INPUT SOUND LEVEL 145 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.

155 dB SPL, with 10 dB pad (nominal)

NOISE, TYPICAL (A-WEIGHTED)

2

17 dB SPL

DYNAMIC RANGE, TYPICAL 128 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL
SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO, TYPICAL 77 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa*
HI-PASS FILTER (LOW-END ROLL- OFF) 80 Hz, 12 dB/octave
POWER REQUIREMENTS 48V DC phantom (±4V )
CURRENT CONSUMPTION, TYPICAL 3.2 mA
WEIGHT (LESS CABLE AND CLAMP) 13.4 oz (380 g)
DIMENSIONS 6.69" (170.0 mm) long,

2.10" (53.4 mm) maximum body diameter

ACCESSORIES FURNISHED AT8441 shock mount for 5/8"-27

threaded stands; protectiv e carrying case

†In the interest of standards development, A.T.U.S. offers

full details on its test methods to other industry professionals
on request.

* 1 Pascal = 10 dynes/cm2 = 10 microbars = 94 dB SPL

1

Measured at diaphragm

2

Using Audio Precision System One

Optional Accessories:

• AT8137 large cylindrical foam windscreen.

• AT8314 2-conductor, shielded,
vinyl-jacketed, broadcast-type cable with
XLRF-type connector at microphone end,
XLRM-type connector at equipment end.

1

Available in 10', 20', 25', 30', 50' & 100'
lengths.

• AT8430 stand clamp for 5/8"-27
threaded stands.

• CP8506 four- channel 48V phantom
power supply (AC powered).

• AT8801 single-channel 48V phantom
power supply (AC powered).

Audio-Technica microphones and accessories purchased
in the U.S.A. are warranted for one year from date of
purchase by Audio-Technica U.S., Inc. (A.T.U.S.) to be free
of defects in materials and workmanship. In event of such
defect, product will be repaired promptly without charge
or, at our option, replaced with a new product of equal or
superior value if delivered to A.T.U.S. or an Authorized
Service Center, prepaid, together with the sales slip or
other proof of purchase date.

is required for return.

due to normal wear, abuse, shipping damage, or failure to
use product in accordance with instructions. This warranty
is void in the event of unauthorized repair or modification,
or removal or defacing of the product labeling.

For return approval and shipping information,

the Service Department, Audio-Technica U.S., Inc., 1221
Commerce Drive, Stow, Ohio 44224.

Except to the extent precluded by applicable state law,

A.T.U.S. will have no liability for any consequential,
incidental, or special damages; any warranty of
merchantability or fitness for particular purpose
expires when this warranty expires.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may
have other rights which vary from state to state.

One-Year Limited Warranty

Prior approval from A.T.U.S.

This warranty excludes defects

contact

Polar Pattern

0

330

300

270

240

LEGEND

100 Hz

1 kHz
5 kHz
8 kHz

210

180

SCALE IS 5 DECIBELS PER DIVISION

Frequency Response

LEGEND

50

500

200100

Frequency in Hertz

12" or more on axis (flat)
Hi-pass

Dimensions

30

60

90

120

150

10 dB

Response in dB

2k

1k

10k

5k

20k

Outside the U.S.A., please contact your local dealer for
warranty details.

Audio -Technica U.S., Inc., 1221 Commerce Drive, Stow, Ohio 44224
Audio -Technica Limited, Old Lane, Leeds LS11 8AG England

Form No. 0345- 0829-0 0 -B/ W P51123 ©1999 Audio -Technica U.S., Inc. Printed in U.S.A.