Audio-Technica AT4080 Datasheet

AT4080

Bidirectional Ribbon Microphone

Features

• Smooth, warm and natural sound with precise, articulate detail to meet the critical requirements of today’s recording, broadcast and sound reinforcement professionals

• Groundbreaking Audio-Technica ribbon design with 18 patents pending

• Proprietary MicroLinear™ ribbon imprint for superior durability and freedom from lateral exing and distortion

• Innovative dual ribbon construction for increased sensitivity

• Extremely powerful N50 rare-earth neodymium magnets for high output level

• Ultra-ne mesh helps protect against ribbon damage from wind and plosives

• Classic bidirectional (gure-of-eight) polar pattern picks up sounds equally from the front and back of the element

• High-SPL capability for exceptionally versatile performance

• Extended frequency response for natural audio reproduction

• Acoustic bafe system and extra large output transformer provide natural low-frequency response and extended dynamic range

• Handmade production – including ribbon corrugation, imprint and assembly

• Open acoustical environment of the housing assembly minimizes unwanted internal reections

• Phantom-powered active electronics provide stable impedance and higher output for maximum compatibility with microphone preampliers

• Custom shock mount provides superior isolation

Description

The AT4080 is a side-address ribbon microphone with a bidirectional polar pattern. Delivering the warmth and natural sound of a classic ribbon microphone, the AT4080 offers a robust build for long-lasting performance and high gain for easy use with microphone preampliers.

With 18 patents pending, Audio-Technica’s innovative ribbon transducer advances the evolution of ribbon microphone technology, combining remarkable durability and high-SPL capability with smooth, rich audio quality. The microphone is recommended for vocals, horns, strings, acoustic instruments, drum overheads, orchestras, ensembles and guitar cabinets. It excels in recording studios as well as in live-sound settings.

A signicant breakthrough in ribbon cartridge design, Audio-Technica’s patent-pending MicroLinear™ ribbon imprint minimizes ribbon distortion for durable performance and accurate reproduction of the sound source.

40 series microphones

phantom power for operation. The phantom power is used—not for the microphone’s dynamic ribbon transducer—but for its active electronics, which bring its output to near condenser microphone level. This highoutput and stable impedance make the microphone easy to integrate with microphone preampliers.

The bidirectional polar pattern of the microphone makes it equally sensitive to sounds originating in front and back of the element.

The output of the microphone is a 3-pin XLRM-type connector.

The microphone is enclosed in a rugged housing. The included AT8449/SV shock mount provides superior isolation and permits mounting on any microphone stand with 5/8"-27 threads. A dust cover and a protective carrying case are also included.

Operation & Maintenance

The AT4080 requires 48V phantom power for operation.

Output is low impedance (Lo-Z) balanced. The signal appears across Pins 2 and 3; Pin 1 is ground (shield). Output phase is “Pin 2 hot” – positive acoustic pressure produces positive voltage at Pin 2.

To avoid phase cancellation and poor sound, all mic cables must be wired consistently: Pin 1-to-Pin 1, etc.

A raised Audio-Technica emblem is on the front of the microphone. Position this side of the microphone toward the sound source.

In use, secure the cable to the mic stand or boom, leaving a slack loop at the mic. This will ensure the most effective shock isolation and reduce the possibility of accidentally pulling the microphone out of its mount.

Note: While Audio-Technica ribbon microphones are designed for superior durability, we recommend the following precautions when dealing with ribbon microphones: do not blow directly into the ribbon assembly; use a popper-stopper style windscreen for up-close vocal use.

Take care to keep foreign particles from entering the windscreen. An accumulation of foreign material in the ribbon structure and/or the windscreen’s mesh surface, can degrade performance. Avoid leaving the microphone in the open sun or in areas where temperatures exceed 110° F (43° C) for extended periods. Extremely high humidity should also be avoided.

Architect’s and Engineer’s Specications

The microphone shall be a side-address ribbon microphone. It shall have a bidirectional polar pattern and a frequency response of 20 Hz to 18,000 Hz. The microphone shall operate from an external 48V DC phantom power source. It shall be capable of handling sound input levels up to 150 dB with a dynamic range of 128 dB. Nominal open-circuit output voltage shall be 11.2 mV at 1V, 1 Pascal. Output shall be low impedance balanced (100 ohms).

The output of the microphone shall be a 3-pin XLRM-type connector.

The microphone shall be 177.5 mm (6.99") long and have a maximum body diameter of 53.4 mm (2.10"). Weight shall be 474 g (16.7 oz). The microphone shall include a shock mount, a dust cover and a protective carrying case.

The Audio-Technica AT4080 is specied.

While the application of phantom power was prohibited for oldschool ribbon microphones, Audio-Technica’s AT4080 requires 48V

Specications

Element

Polar pattern

Frequency response

Open circuit sensitivity

Impedance

Maximum input sound level

Noise

Dynamic range (typical)

Signal-to-noise ratio1

Phantom power requirements

Weight

Dimensions

Output connector

Audio-Technica case style

Accessories furnished

In the inter est of standards devel opment, A.T.U.S.

offers full details on its test me thods to other industr y

1 Pascal = 1 0 dynes/cm

Typical, A-weighted, using Audio Precision System One.

Specication s are subject to chang e without notice.

professional s on request.

= 10 microb ars = 94 dB SPL

AT4080

Ribbon Figure-of-eight 20-18,000 Hz –39 dB (11.2 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa 100 ohms 150 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.

22 dB SPL 128 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL 72 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa 48V DC, 3.0 mA typical 474 g (16.7 oz)

177.5 mm (6.99") long, 53.4 mm (2.10") maximum body diameter Integral 3-pin XLRM-type R1 AT8449/SV shock mount for 5/8"-27 threaded stands; microphone dust cover; protective carrying case

417

frequency response: 20 – 18,000 Hz

10 dB

100

12" or more on axis

330˚

200

Frequency in Hertz

0˚

180˚

500

30˚

150˚

60˚

120˚

10k

20k

90˚

LEGEND

200 Hz

1 kHz 5 kHz 8 kHz

LEGEND

polar pattern

300˚

270˚

240˚

210˚

SCALE IS 5 DECIBELS PER DIVISION

Response in dB