Gearank

Gearank High Notes

• 2021.04: Equal Highest Rated Large-Diaphragm Condenser Mic - $200 to $300

Gearank Recommendation

The AT4040 appeared on our recommended list for Large Diaphragm Condenser Mics Under $300 from April 2021 through June 2022.

Overview

The Audio-Technica AT4040 was first released in 2001 and was met with widespread acclaim for its great value to performance ratio.

The AT4040 sports an externally biased large, gold-sputtered diaphragm capsule.

What was really impressive for a mic at this price point was the AT4040's noise floor. And now, 2 decades later, the AT4040 is still one of the most quiet (with regards to self noise) microphones in the market.

Having great transient response means having more impact on percussive sounds and more detail in singing and speaking. Spoken word, rap and voice overs benefit greatly from the detail of the AT4040.

Some might call the mic smooth and the transient response gives it detail, but others found that the high frequency extension lacking.

The AT4040 has been around for nearly 2 decades and during that time, countless engineers, singers, voice over artists, rappers and the like have embraced the mics great transient response, low noise floor and deta

Specifications

• Type: Condenser
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz
• Impedance: 100 ohms
• Max SPL: 145dB (155dB w/10dB Pad)
• Applications: Recording vocals, percussion, acoustic and electric instruments
• Power Requirements: +48V