Audio-Technica AT4040

Audio-Technica AT4040 Condenser Microphone Overview

The Audio-Technica AT4040 is attractive for its developed features, a point in common with the different ranges of equipment in the AT series.

Indeed, condenser microphones are attractive for their careful design and the sound quality they offer. As a professional microphone, I can only advise you to buy an AT brand microphone.

The Audio-Technica AT4040 has the honor of being one of Audio-Technica's condenser microphones. Indeed, designed with a rigid diaphragm, cutting-edge technical elements and a cardioid directional directivity, it meets the needs of a voice recording studio microphone .

Thus, the sound it provides lives up to all expectations. It notably offers high-level sound wave transformation using an external 48-volt phantom power supply.

highly versatile condenser microphone , the Audio-Technica AT4040 is aimed at a wide audience and is included in the brand's mid-range condenser microphone category.

However, this lavalier microphone remains basically an essential element for recording voice and ensuring good capture of acoustic signals for professional purposes .

I particularly recommend it to streamers, singers and gamers looking for an original and authentic studio microphone .

In fact, the Audio-Technica AT4040 has the honor of being the most affordable omnidirectional microphone A priori, the Japanese manufacturer mainly wanted to offer an external microphone ideal for capturing sounds and easily accessible.

However, compared to other dynamic microphones and condenser microphones on the market, its price remains quite expensive. For my part, I find that it remains good value for money.

Construction of the AT4040 Condenser Microphone

One of the features I particularly like about the AT series mics, they feature a solid and rigid design. In fact, the dynamic description in front of a microphone is pretty much the same.

I benefit from a USB microphone with little handling noise with well-protected capsules. Also, the converter, the switch, the connectors and the various associated with its diaphragm remain in place.

In the case of the Audio-Technica AT4040 USB condenser microphone , I benefit from a close design to the brand's other boom microphone models. Indeed, in front of the AT40 microphones, I notice above all a body made of black nickel-plated brass supported by an imposing metal mesh grille.

This acoustic mesh improves the response curve obtained with a double layer at its front and a capsule at its rear. An outstanding ambient microphone, the Audio-Technica AT4040 will probably appeal to you for the same reasons.

The microphone of the Audio-Technica AT4040 radio is made up of more than 60% of this metal directional microphone cage. A priori, the size of its magnet housing reduces internal reflections linked to any kind of background noise. This element therefore acts as an attenuator of the acoustic sounds picked up when you plug in your headphones.

In the end, the whole thing gives the impression of an original stereo microphone with an optimized vocal ribbon capable of providing a quality electrical signal. Probably in case you drop your Audio-Technica AT4040 accidentally, the wireless microphone will remain intact.

The brand is very proud of the microphone sensitivity reduced at best with the shockproof design of its dynamic microphone.

Focus on its different constituent elements

The AT4040 directional microphone displays the Audio-Technica brand , abbreviated AT, on its front. In fact, all dynamic, static and condenser microphones from the Japanese brand feature this symbol. At its rear is a pair of plastic design slide switch transformers.

A priori, the left switch activates the high-pass filter for pressure levels of around 80 Hz. The second switch serves as a pre-attenuator and 10 dB preamp.

You are also entitled to an anti-pop filter to better capture and mix more balanced static sounds . Subsequently, amplifying the dynamics with its audio interface remains basically quite simple to achieve to obtain excellent bandwidth quality .

The microphone input of the Audio-Technica AT4040 is condensed by an XLR output connector directly integrated inside a rod which is located at its base. The serial number of the recording equipment is notably hidden inside it.

Apparently, the wireless lavalier microphone seems more or less sensitive to background noise at the output level. To correct any slightly attenuated acoustic pressure, the audio interface accommodates a shock suspension included without having to pay additional costs.

Furthermore, whether at high frequencies or low frequencies, you get a good frequency response thanks to this addition.

In addition, you can also consult our complete test guide and review on the Aston Origin pro microphone . In this guide you can discover the sound quality of this microphone, its robustness, the comparison of the Aston Origin with the Rode NT1 A microphone, its advantages, and the reviews of this condenser microphone.

Optimized stand mounting

And when it comes to mounting on a microphone stand, your condenser microphone with omnidirectional phantom power remains a little complex to understand. In fact, it will be necessary to adjust an elastic band to the sound source recorder so that it can properly capture the sound vibrations.

efficient studio recording equipment on a platter .

Once the microphone amplifier and speaker are installed, I get an essential mobile recording studio . Furthermore, since it is a micro-USB, I can easily use it in any voice-over context.

Audio-Technica AT4040, a large diaphragm microphone

Like the Neumann U87 condenser microphone, the Audio-Technica AT4040 is also appreciated for its large diagram and diaphragm design compared to other AT vocal microphone models. This type of microphone makes it possible to better condense different sound sources in order to obtain a more precise sound pressure and a more intense stereo amplifier.

A priori, the sounds produced are sharper and clearer compared to those captured with most microphones on the market. Comparing it to the Neumann, Yeti, Blue Yeti and Rode NT USB microphones, I can see a big difference between the results obtained.

In short, I obtain a significantly improved frequency response in cardioid polar pattern. The microphone level of the Audio-Technica AT4040 allows you to hear better quality sounds with the minimum of percussion .

The sound recording is closer to that obtained using expensive studio equipment. And yet, this Audio-Technica microphone is an excellent value for money.

Also, compared to AT microphones, the proximity effect it provides remains excellent . This feature allows it to provide unparalleled vocal and mixing quality. In practice, by listening to your recordings using headphones, you will clearly hear higher quality sounds ringing in your ears.

Concerning the signal/noise ratio of the analog cardio microphone , its SLM is estimated at 12 dB. This apparently allows manipulation noise to be offset from sounds captured in stereo. Additionally, its cardioid polar pattern only once again enhances its abilities to reduce low and high sound interference.

And to power the dynamics, I just have to connect it to a USB cable. In all respects, I advise you to connect it to a phantom power source in order to obtain better results that are less fragile when listening .

Accessories offered with the AT4040 microphone

The Audio-Technica AT4040 handheld microphone is offered to me with several additional accessories. I particularly benefit from a set with a spider which serves as a tripod support , a case and a dust cover .

The AT4040's plastic case is designed with foam padding and easily attaches to its spider and pop filter. I particularly appreciate the presence of a black fabric cover used to protect the equipment from dust.

So, I can easily hang it like any dynamic microphone in my home studio, without any dust sticking to its walls.

Zoom on the spider, its role is to hold the AT4040 securely in place using a rubber band. However, I deplore the absence of an additional lock to reinforce its security in the inverted position of your acoustic instruments.

Note : Also discover our complete test and opinion on the Sennheiser MK4 . This article offers you all the advantages of this microphone and its characteristics. If you are an artist, this is the best mic for you.

Audio-Technica AT4040: pros and cons

Most :

• High performance studio microphone with advanced functions
• Remarkably sleek design with hard metal shell
• More pronounced and clear sound recording using its large diaphragm
• Good quality support
• Well-worked proximity effect to meet all needs
• resistant and professional materials
• Handling noises reduced as best as possible, regardless of the characteristics of the acoustic environment
• Integrated shock mount
• 80 Hz high pass filter and 10 dB pad.

The lessers :

• A little expensive price compared to microphones on the market
• Requires the addition of an external power supply (phantom)

The technical characteristics of the Audio-Technica AT4040

• Type: DC bias condenser microphone
• Directivity: cardioid
• Low frequency attenuation: 80 Hz – 12 dB
• Impedance: 100 Ohms
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Mic input sound level: 145 – 155 dB SPL
• Output connector: Integrated 3-pin XLR
• Phantom power required: 48 Volts
• Weight: 360 grams
• Color: deep black

Our opinion on the Audio-Technica AT4040 microphone

The Audio-Technica AT 4040 condenser microphone is a perfect professional home studio microphone. It provides good quality neutral sounds in cardioid polar pattern and is suitable for any acoustic environment. It picks up high-pitched noises as well as a low-frequency sound wave. With a large diaphragm, it has nothing to envy of microphones from other brands such as Neumann, Rode NT and Yeti.

Audio-Technica AT4040 Demo

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