Audio-Technica AT4053b Hypercardioid Condenser Microphone

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.

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.

Comments about Audio-Technica AT4053b Hypercardioid Condenser Microphone:

I really love this microphone. It's light and the quality of sound is great.

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.

Comments about Audio-Technica AT4053b Hypercardioid Condenser Microphone:

Works well sounds good, but it's very susceptible to handling noise.