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Audio-Technica AT4051a

Detachable-Capsule Pencil Condenser Microphone

The AT4051a is a pencil condenser mic that accepts multiple interchangeable capsules, all of which are externally-biased (true) condenser designs.

The preamplifier body is p/n AT4900a-48; it is a phantom-powered, low noise, transformerless output design with integrated pad (-10dB) and high-pass filter (-12dB/octave @ 80Hz) switches.

It ships in a padded plastic case with a mic clip and foam windscreen.

Electronic Musician

Audio-Technica’s small diaphragm elicited a unanimously positive opinion from the participants in the string listening session. The mic was repeatedly described as “smooth…” [I]t conveyed a “human quality” that was rich in depth and clarity without being too defined…

The AT4051a really impressed me when used as a close-mic on acoustic guitar. It seemed to have all the body of the warmer Neumann and Schoeps models, with the added benefit of a perfectly defined high-end sparkle. At a distance, it took on a smoother and more neutral character not unlike the Schoeps, but retained its characteristic warmth and presence.

The mic was revised in 2008; see the AT4051b for details on what changed.

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Specifications

Compatible Capsules
Audio-Technica AT4049a-EL Omnidirectional capsule Sensitivity: 19.9 mV/Pa CHARTFreq. Resp.: 20 - 20,000 Hz MSRP: $245 | discontinued Audio-Technica AT4051a-EL Cardioid capsule Sensitivity: 19.9 mV/Pa CHARTFreq. Resp.: 20 - 20,000 Hz MSRP: $245 | discontinued Audio-Technica AT4053a-EL Hypercardioid capsule Sensitivity: 22.4 mV/Pa CHARTFreq. Resp.: 20 - 20,000 Hz MSRP: $245 | discontinued

Pads & Filters	Impedance	SPL/Noise
Filter: HPF: -12dB/octave @ 80Hz (Via Switch)	100 Ohms (Low)	Max SPL: 146 dB Self-noise: 19.0 dB(A)

Weight	Length	Max Diameter	Interface(s)
120g (4.23oz)	155mm (6.10'')	21mm (0.83'')	3-pin XLR male (1)

Power Specifications
Requires phantom power Phantom voltage: 48v

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