Audio Technica AT4053a Specifications

AT4053a

HYPERCARDIOID
CAPACITOR MICROPHONE

Description

The AT4053a is a transformerless, externally-polarized capacitor
studio microphone. It has been specially engineered to meet the
most critical acoustic requirements of professional recording and
broadcast.

The AT4053a features a smooth frequency response over its
extended 20-20,000 Hz range. The off-axis response is well
controlled, yielding an unusually uniform hypercardioid polar pat­tern. The h ypercardioid head capsule ma y be easily removed, stored
and replaced with an optional omnidirectional or cardioid capsule
to meet the needs of the widest range of miking applications.

The balanced output is direct-coupled, resulting in a clean
signal even under high-output conditions. The microphone is totally
free of the distortion associated with conventional transformer-coupled
outputs. Its f ast response to transients contributes to the open, trans­parent reproduction of even the most troublesome of instruments
and sound effects.

The AT4053a combines the benefits of exceptionally low self­noise with very high output. Equally important, it handles very high
sound pressure levels with ease—up to 146 dB SPL while producing
no greater than 1% T.H.D. The AT4053a may be used with confi­dence in a wide variety of miking situations, ev en under the stringent
demands of modern digital recording systems.

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 to handling noise. It also attenuates unwanted low-frequency
ambient noise (from traffic, air-handling systems, etc.) and room
reverberation. Use of the supplied foam windscreen helps reduce
wind and “popping” noise.

A rugged microphone, the AT4053a housing is constructed of
turned brass, rather than thin-wall aluminum. Its surface is plated in
black chrome for durability and low reflectivity.

The AT4053a will operate in conjunction with an y remote “phantom”
or “simplex” power source supplying 48 volts DC. The phantom
voltage not only powers the microphone’s impedance converter, but
is stepped-up to a higher voltage internally to polarize the capacitor
element.

Modular Expansion Capability

The AT4053a consists of two modular subassemb lies which are
threaded together: the AT4900a-48 handle containing the micro­phone’s electronics, and the AT4053a-EL capacitor head capsule.

The versatility of the AT4053a may be increased through the
addition of optional accessory head capsules. The AT 4051a-EL
capsule provides the advantages of a smooth, extended response
cardioid pattern with its wider acceptance angle and its excellent
cancellation at 180° off axis. The omnidirectional AT4049a-EL capsule
offers unusually flat, wide response for precision recording and
audio measurement capabilities.

A compartmentalized protective carrying case accommodates
the microphone, stand adapter, windscreen and two optional head
capsules.

Architects and Engineers Specifications

The microphone shall have a frequency response of
20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. Its capacitor element shall be of a DC bias
design and shall obtain its polarizing voltage and impedance­converter power from an external 48V DC (±4V) phantom power
source. The microphone shall have a uniform hypercardioid polar
pattern. The element shall be interchangeable with optional
capsules offering cardioid or omnidirectional polar patterns.

Nominal open-circuit output voltage shall be 22.4 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 146 dB SPL at 1 kHz while producing
no greater than 1% T.H.D.

The microphone shall have a length of 6.10" (155.0 mm),
a diameter of 0.83" (21.0 mm), a n d a w eight of 4.2 oz (120 g).
The microphone housing shall be turned brass with a black
chrome finish.

The Audio-Technica AT4053a is specified.

40 SERIES PRECISION MICROPHONES

AT4053a

500

1k

Frequency in Hertz

0

†

2

19 dB SPL

0.83" (21.0 mm) body diameter

stands; protective carrying case; reticulated,
open-cell foam windscreen

†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 = 9 4 dB SPL

1

Measured at diaphragm

2

Using Audio Precision System One

10 dB

Response in dB

2k

10k

5k

30

20k

60

Specifications

ELEMENT Externally polarized (DC bias) capacitor
POLAR PATTERN Hypercardioid
FREQUENCY RESPONSE 20-20,000 Hz
OPEN CIRCUIT SENSITIVITY (1 kHz) – 33 dB (22.4 mV) ± 2 dB, re 1V at 1 Pa*
IMPEDANCE 100 ohms
MAXIMUM INPUT SOUND LEVEL 146 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.
NOISE, TYPICAL (A-WEIGHTED)
DYNAMIC RANGE, TYPICAL 127 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL
SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO, TYPICAL 75 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa*
HI-PASS FILTER (LOW-END ROLL- OFF) 80 Hz, 6 dB/octave
POWER REQUIREMENTS 48V DC phantom (±4V)
CURRENT CONSUMPTION, TYPICAL 3.2 mA
WEIGHT (LESS CABLE AND CLAMP) 4.2 oz (120 g)
DIMENSIONS 6.10" (155.0 mm) long,

ACCESSORIES FURNISHED AT8405 snap-in clamp for 5/8"-27 threaded

Frequency Response

50

200100

LEGEND

12" or more on axis (flat)
Roll-off

Polar Pattern

330

300

1

Dimensions

6.10"

155.0 mm

Optional Accessories:

• AT4049a-EL omnidirectional

microphone capsule.

• AT4051a-EL cardioid microphone
capsule.

• AT8106 metal-frame pop filter.

•

AT8114 foam windscreen for AT 810 6

pop filter.

• AT8314 2-conductor, shielded, vinyl­jacketed, broadcast-type cable with
XLRF-type connector at microphone
end, XLRM-type connector at equipment
end. Available in 10', 20', 25', 30', 50'
& 100' lengths.

• AT8407 universal “clothes-pin” stand

clamp fits both tapered and cylindrical
microphones.

AT8410a shock mount for boom or stand

•
operation. Universal “clothes-pin” clamp
fits tapered and cylindrical microphones.

• AT8415 shock mount for boom or stand
operation.

• 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.

from A.T.U.S. is required for return.

excludes defects 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.

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

One-Year Limited Warranty

Prior approval

This warranty

contact

270

LEGEND

200 Hz

240

1 kHz
5 kHz
8 kHz

210

180

SCALE IS 5 DECIBELS PER DIVISION

150

90

120

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

Form No. 0345 -0 817- 00-B /W 1997 Audio-Technica U.S., Inc. Printed in U.S.A.

0.75"

19.0 mm

0.83"

21.0 mm