Audio Technica AT4053a Specifications

A T4053a
HYPERCARDIOID
CAPACITOR MICROPHONE
Description
The AT 4053a is a transformerless, externally-polarized capacitor
studio microphone. It has been specially engineered to meet the
most critical acoustic requirements of professional recording and
broadcast.
The AT 4053a features a smooth frequency response over its
extended 20-20,000 Hz range. The off-axis response is well
controlled, yielding an unusually uniform hypercardioid polar pat-
tern. The hypercardioid head capsule may be easily removed, stored
and replaced with an optional omnidirectional or cardioid capsule
to meet the needs of the widest range of miking applications.
The balanced output is direct-coupled, resulting in a clean
signal even under high-output conditions. The microphone is totally
free of the distortion associated with conventional transformer-coupled
outputs. Its fast response to transients contributes to the open, trans-
parent reproduction of even the most troublesome of instruments
and sound effects.
The AT 4053a combines the benefits of exceptionally low self-
noise with very high output. Equally important, it handles very high
sound pressure levels with ease—up to 146 dB SPL while producing
no greater than 1% T.H.D. The AT 4053a may be used with confi-
dence in a wide variety of miking situations, even under the stringent
demands of modern digital recording systems.
An integral 80 Hz hi-pass filter provides easy switching from
a flat frequency response to a low-end roll-off. The hi-pass switch
is recessed to prevent accidental activation. The hi-pass position
reduces the microphone's sensitivity to "popping" in close vocal use
and to handling noise. It also attenuates unwanted low-frequency
ambient noise (from traffic, air-handling systems, etc.) and room
reverberation. Use of the supplied foam windscreen helps reduce
wind and "popping" noise.
A rugged microphone, the AT 4053a housing is constructed of
turned brass, rather than thin-wall aluminum. Its surface is plated in
black chrome for durability and low reflectivity.
The AT 4053a will operate in conjunction with any remote "phantom"
or "simplex" power source supplying 48 volts DC. The phantom
voltage not only powers the microphone's impedance converter, but
is stepped-up to a higher voltage internally to polarize the capacitor
element.
40 SERIES PRECISION MICROPHONES
Modular Expansion Capability
The AT4053a consists of two modular subassemblies which are
threaded together: the AT4900a-48 handle containing the micro-
phone's electronics, and the AT4053a-EL capacitor head capsule.
The versatility of the AT 4053a may be increased through the
addition of optional accessory head capsules. The AT 4051a-EL
capsule provides the advantages of a smooth, extended response
cardioid pattern with its wider acceptance angle and its excellent
cancellation at 180° off axis. The omnidirectional AT 4049a-EL capsule
offers unusually flat, wide response for precision recording and
audio measurement capabilities.
A compartmentalized protective carrying case accommodates
the microphone, stand adapter, windscreen and two optional head
capsules.
Architects and Engineers Specifications
The microphone shall have a frequency response of
20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. Its capacitor element shall be of a DC bias
design and shall obtain its polarizing voltage and impedance-
converter power from an external 48V DC (±4V) phantom power
source. The microphone shall have a uniform hypercardioid polar
pattern. The element shall be interchangeable with optional
capsules offering cardioid or omnidirectional polar patterns.
Nominal open-circuit output voltage shall be 22.4 mV at 1 kHz,
1 Pascal. The microphone shall have an output impedance of
100 ohms and output shall be transformerless balanced. The
microphone shall accept a 146 dB SPL at 1 kHz while producing
no greater than 1% T.H.D.
The microphone shall have a length of 6.10" (155.0 mm),
a diameter of 0.83" (21.0 mm), and a w e i g h t o f 4.2 oz (120 g).
The microphone housing shall be turned brass with a black
chrome finish.
The Audio-Technica AT 4053a is specified.