Audio-Technica AT4053b Hypercardioid Condenser Microphone
The AT4053b from Audio-Technica is a professional-quality shotgun microphone ideal for field or studio use. The mic consists of 2 components, the AT4900b-48 mic body and an AT4053b-EL hypercardioid head capsule. The hypercardioid pickup pattern minimizes off-axis noise, improving the isolation of the desired sound source. Additional interchangeable head capsules with different pickup patterns are available separately.
The mic has a rugged turned-brass housing for exceptional durability. Internal transformerless circuitry greatly reduces distortion and provides excellent correlation of high-speed transients. The direct-coupled balanced output provides a clean signal, even under high-output conditions. Additional features of the mic include a switchable high-pass filter to reduce low frequency noise, and a -10dB pad for picking up loud sound sources. The mic comes complete with a mic stand clip, foam windscreen, and carrying case.
- Professional Quality
- The mic is specially engineered to meet professional standards
- Rugged Build
- The turned brass housing provides long-lasting durability
- High-Quality Audio
- The transformerless circuitry greatly reduces low-frequency distortion and provides excellent correlation of high-speed transients, while the direct-coupled balanced output provides a clean signal, even under high-output conditions
- Hypercardioid Pickup Pattern
- The hypercardioid mic capsule greatly reduces off-axis sounds, providing terrific isolation of the desired sound source 1
- Filter and Pad
- A switchable 80Hz high-pass filter and -10dB pad allow you to reduce low-frequency noises and extend the mic's headroom in order to capture loud sound sources
- Phantom Power
- The mic runs on 48V phantom power, which it receives via the standard XLR connector
- RoHS Compliant
- The mic is free from all substances specified in the EU directive on the reduction of hazardous substances
- Accessories Included
- The mic comes complete with a mic clip, windscreen, and carrying case
| Transducer | Externally Polarized (DC Bias) Capacitor |
| Polar Pattern | Hypercardioid |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz |
| Dynamic Range (Typical) | 129dB |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 78dB |
| Maximum Input Sound Level |
145dB 155dB (With Pad) |
| Power Requirements | 48V Phantom |
| Impedance | 50 Ohms |
| Output Connectors | 3-Pin XLR |
| Pad | Yes, -10dB, Switchable |
| Low Frequency Roll-Off | 80Hz High-Pass Filter, Switchable |
| Dimensions (LxDiameter) | 6.1 x 0.83" (155 x 21mm) |
| Weight | 4.5 oz (127g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 6 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Lightweight (5)
- Compact (4)
- Good audio (4)
- Easy to use (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Professional recording (5)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Experienced (5)
Reviewed by 6 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-6
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Audio-Technica AT4053b Hypercardioid Condenser Microphone:
Like the sound.
Pros
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
- EQ Necessary
Best Uses
- Interviews
- Professional Recording
Comments about Audio-Technica AT4053b Hypercardioid Condenser Microphone:
I have been using this microphone for the past two and a half months, recording indoor interviews. I record into a Tascam DR-100, which provides the phantom power (and other features) not available on my Canon 60D.
This microphone's frequency response is fabulous, capturing the full vocal range. As a hypercardioid, the AT4053b is a significant improvement on the on the Sennheiser ME66, the microphone I was using for interviews before, which yields a very thin sound when used indoors.
I boom the microphone, getting it as close as possible to the subject's mouth. As a result , the AT4053b's flat frequency response, you need to use an EQ, attenuating a few decibels between 100 to 200 dB. I wouldn't consider the flat frequency a drawback, as it is very useful in certain contexts (e.g., capturing someone with a deep voice). But it something you need to be aware of, especially when recording a few inches from a person's mouth.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- ADR
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Film Dialogue
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
Comments about Audio-Technica AT4053b Hypercardioid Condenser Microphone:
This is an impressive microphone, allowing the user to pick up crisp and clear dialogue from quite a distance (3' - 4').
It produces a great, natural sound from the room within its placed and is a great mic for indoor recording, as it is a hypercardiod mic. Excellent off-axis rejection is critical for an interior recording, especially a reflective one, and the AT4053b delivers within reason. Record in a shower and you'll get nasty echo, though - don't think this mic is the end all solution to unwanted reflections.
All in all, for the price, this is a good mic for Indie productions looking to capture good, clean dialogue. I'm unaware of a higher end hypercardiod mic.
It also makes a great overhead boom mic for recording acoustic guitars, provided the room is music-friendly.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
- Professional Recording
Comments about Audio-Technica AT4053b Hypercardioid Condenser Microphone:
I really love this microphone. It's light and the quality of sound is great.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
- Sensitive to Handling
Best Uses
- Events
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Audio-Technica AT4053b Hypercardioid Condenser Microphone:
First time I used it was to mic a performance in a concert hall (theater play with music and vocals through speakers). The sound guy would not let me hook into his board so this was my back up plan. I ran the mic from a mounted boom to my Panasonic DVX100b video cam. After adjusting the settings I got a clean record 100 ft from the stage. Had to clean some hiss in Soundbooth, but no problem. The lows were surprisingly clear for the distance. In the end the client was thrilled, so in turn I am very thrilled with the performance of this mic. I would not recommend mounting this mic to your camera as it is VERY susceptible to handling noise.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Professional Recording
Comments about Audio-Technica AT4053b Hypercardioid Condenser Microphone:
Works well sounds good, but it's very susceptible to handling noise.
Displaying reviews 1-6
Cables
-
- Original: $16.49
- Save: $1.65
- Price: $14.84
- GBP 9.45
Wind Protection
- Price: $5.25
- GBP 3.34
Shock Mounts
- Price: $49.95
- GBP 31.81
-
- Original: $49.95
- Save: $4.99
- Price: $44.96
- GBP 28.64
Stands & Support
- Price: $25.00
- GBP 15.92
Cases & Protection
- Price: $29.99
- GBP 19.10
Estimated arrival at B&H is 7-14 days. Your order will only be charged at time of shipment.
Preamps
- Price: $499.99
- Click to see current price
- GBP 318.46
What's in the Box
- AT4900b-48 Mic Body
- AT4053b-EL Head Capsule
- Mic Clip
- Foam Windscreen
- Carrying Case
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
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