This paper is available in Français too
During the last AES convention in San Francisco (October 26th to 29th) AudioTechnica introduced the serie 50, a new range of very high quality studio microphones and presented its first model the AT5040, a vocal cardioid condenser microphone with exceptional characteristics: 5 dB of noise, 137 dB of dynamic range (142 dB maximum level with 1% THD), -25 dBV at 1 Pa (56 mV) sensitivity and a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20kHz within less than 2 dB.
To reach this goal, Audio-Technica uses a patented system : four matched extremely thin membranes (2 microns) with summed outputs bringing the advantages of a large membrane (sensitivity and dynamics) without drawbacks : increased mass creating a loss of high frequency response and transient degradation. The equivalent surface of this combination, reaches the double of a one inch capsule.
The AT5040 is completely hand made with selected discrete components. The capsule is completely decoupled from the aluminum-brass chassis with an internal suspension. Audio-Technica has designed a completely new and patented suspension, the AT8040, which eliminates any resonance and filter completely all mechanical noise.
If this microphone was primarily designed for vocal recordings, it will be fully recommended when recording acoustical instruments such as piano, guitar, strings or even saxophone with its great sonic purity and its excellent transient response.
The AT5040 will be available in January 2013 and its retail price will be of 2990 €.
Specifications :
Capsule : permanently polarized condenser, cardiod
Frequency response : 20 – 20 000 Hz
Impedance : 50 ohms
Sensitivity : – 25 dBV (56.2 mV) à 1 Pa (94 dB SPL)
Maximum SPL : 142 dB (1% THD, 1 kHz)
Noise : 5 dB SPL
Dynamic range : 137 dB, 1 kHz (SPL max)
Signal to noise ratio : 89 dB (1 Pa)
Phantom power supply : 48 V DC, 3,8 mA
Mass : 582 g
Connector : 3 pin XLRM
