Audio-Technica AT5040 studio microphone wins MIPA at Musikmesse Prolight + Sound show in Frankfurt 2013

Audio-Technica AT5040 studio microphone wins MIPA

At 133rd AES In San Francisco Audio-Technica launched its flagship 50 Series of elite studio microphones with the AT5040 Cardioid Condenser Microphone which was also showcased at Winter NAMM 2013, Anaheim, CA, and a few weeks later at Prolight + Sound Show 2013 in Frankfurt, Germany. In Frankfurt the AT5040 won a Musikmesse International Press Award. Featuring a proprietary new element design, the AT5040 employs four ultra-thin (2 micron) rectangular diaphragms that function together providing combined surface area unachievable in a standard round diaphragm. Designed as a first-choice vocal microphone with smooth top end and controlled sibilance, the AT5040’s large-diaphragm characteristics and fast transient response also make it highly suitable for recording acoustic instruments such as piano, guitar, strings, and saxophone.

A-T engineers developed a four-part rectangular element. Four matched diaphragms function together (with outputs proprietarily summed) as a single high-performance element – effectively the largest element Audio-Technica has ever created. By using four diaphragms as a single capsule, the AT5040 achieves a large surface area without the increased weight and decreased transient response that are the expected limitations of expansive size.
Another key AT5040 design feature is advanced internal shock mounting. For additional isolation, each AT5040 is also provided with Audio-Technica’s new AT8480 shock mount. Featuring a proprietary design, the AT8480 was engineered not only to isolate the microphone, but to rid the apparatus itself of any unwanted resonances and other audio aberrations that could be transmitted to the microphone. It also features a locking mechanism that holds the microphone securely in place.
Every AT5040 is hand-assembled and inspected, and is housed in an elegant case of aluminum and brass with gray chrome plating for durability and low reflectivity. Discreet components have been selected for optimized capsule performance. To protect the AT5040, each microphone comes in a custom-designed hard-shell carrying case, padded with die-cut foam compartments for the microphone and shock mount.