Audio-Technica AT4050 Review

Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone

1,400 reviews
audio-technica.com
Audio-Technica
  • For Voice, Instruments, Drums, and Cabs
  • Omni, Cardioid & Figure-8 Polar Patterns
  • Switchable -10 dB Pad Hinders Distortion
  • Low-Cut Filter Limits Bass Buildup
  • 2-Micron Vapor-Deposited Gold Diaphragm
  • Transformerless Circuitry
  • Tuned for Airy Highs/Mids and Rich Lows
  • Shockmount Inhibits Vibration Noise
  • Includes Protective Case and Dust Cover
  • Operates on 48V Phantom Power

Introduction

In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 1,400 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the Audio-Technica AT4050. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.

Ratings Based on Features

These results are a summary of user reviews of the Audio-Technica AT4050. For example, 96% of 82 users who have commented on the Easy to use of the Audio-Technica AT4050 have given positive feedback.

96%
Easy to use
96% of users are satisfied, based on 82 reviews
98%
Sound quality
98% of users are satisfied, based on 82 reviews
84%
Value for money
84% of users are satisfied, based on 76 reviews
92%
Versatility
92% of users are satisfied, based on 76 reviews
Average Rating (1,400 ratings)
87%
Amazon.co.jp ( 82 ratings )
86%
Amazon.com ( 76 ratings )
86%
Amazon.co.uk ( 71 ratings )
86%
Amazon.ca ( 71 ratings )
86%
Amazon.com.mx ( 71 ratings )
86%
Amazon.de ( 71 ratings )
86%
Amazon.it ( 71 ratings )
86%
Amazon.sa ( 71 ratings )
86%
Amazon.es ( 71 ratings )
86%
Amazon.fr ( 71 ratings )
86%
Amazon.in ( 71 ratings )
86%
Amazon.ae ( 71 ratings )
86%
Amazon.nl ( 71 ratings )
86%
Amazon.se ( 71 ratings )
86%
Amazon.eg ( 71 ratings )
86%
Amazon.com.au ( 71 ratings )
86%
Amazon.sg ( 71 ratings )
86%
Amazon.com.br ( 70 ratings )
86%
Amazon.cn ( 38 ratings )
90%
SweetWater ( 33 ratings )
100%
Reverb ( 10 ratings )
96%
Musicians Friend ( 9 ratings )
100%
B&H Photo Video ( 7 ratings )
100%
Zzounds ( 5 ratings )
100%
Guitar Center ( 4 ratings )
100%
Adorama ( 1 ratings )
100%
Show more

Highlighted Customer Reviews

Showing 1 to 20 of 21 Reviews

Wonderful microphone

Audio-Technica AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone

Jun 23, 2009

Reviewed by Brian Kutscher on Guitar Center

I've been using AT 4050s in my home studio for about 13 years. Several CDs that have hit the market and many others for private interests have been recorded here with them. They are good for nearly every application from vocals to guitars to orchestral instruments to drums. I only use smaller mics for situations where there isn't enough room for the 4050 to fit in. The adjustable pattern feature makes them truly universal mics.

Great tone for a lesser-expensive mic

Audio-Technica AT4050 Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT4050 Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone

Jun 26, 2017

Reviewed by Alex D. on Reverb

10+yrs ago, I worked at a mid-sized studio that had a bunch of high-end mics; U87's, AKG Tube, Sony C37a's... lots of good stuff. We happened into some lower-priced miss one day, and bought a few with a huge lot of gear that another studio was selling-off. Later that year, I was recording my band's first demo, and I wanted my vocals to sound great. I tasted out EVERY single large-diaphragm mic on my vocals, across a few different mic pre's. I was pretty shocked, but the AT4050 gave my voice something that the other mics did not. Just bought a used one for myself, with the hopes that it was NOT just nostalgia— and I'm right! It sounds every bit as good as I remembered. Just tried it on Acoustic Guitar & Vocals, and it's an absolutely stunning mic. It lends a nice round bottom end to my vocals (that's otherwise missing on my Røde NT2 / Miktek CV4 / Shure SM7B ) But the top-end clarity doesn't suffer. It's got a great sheen to the highs and mids. Very clean. Also, super-nice in Figure-8 facing up & down the guitar neck. Love it! I haven't spent enough time with it to have tried it on every possible source, but I'm confident that this was a few hundred bucks well spent. ... More

Best Bang For Your Buck

Audio-Technica AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone

Feb 14, 2010

Reviewed by Neilly on B&H Photo Video

The AT4050 microphone is a great product. It gives an honest representation of sound whether you are recording vocals, flutes, or stringed instruments. I am a multi-instrumentalist and am very pleased with its capabilities in capturing the sonic qualities straight across the spectrum of musical instruments in numerous settings. The multi-pattern features are a huge bonus, along with the low cut and -10 dB pad switch. All I can say is that at the end of the day you got one heck of a good microphone.

Very Nice!

Audio-Technica AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone

Oct 28, 2014

Reviewed by Rodrigo Tavares on B&H Photo Video

I've had the AT4050 for less than a month and today I did some very fine recording with it. I was impressed and decided to write here. It is a very good mic, very professional sounding, no compromise kind of mic. No surprise it is the best selling mic in its price range. Buy with confidence.

Great Work Horse Mic

Audio-Technica AT4050 Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT4050 Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone

Sep 29, 2018

Reviewed by Doug O. on Reverb

I purchased the AT4050 to experiment with as a dedicated mic to capture low frequencies of the front bass drum reso head to help round out the overall drum sound in live sound applications. So far so good. If you purchase one for this application just be sure to use the appropriate foam windshield. I'm impressed with the sonic difference it has made. It helps the overall tone by adding some of the exterior low frequencies. If I find a better solution down the road I have several other areas on my kit to use the AT4050 for. Great all around microphone! ... More

Ads

Audio-Technica AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone
$699
B&H Photo Video
Audio-Technica AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone
Audio-Technica AT4050 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone
$699
SweetWater
Audio-Technica AT4050 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Audio-Technica AT4050 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone with Stand and Cable
$779
SweetWater
Audio-Technica AT4050 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone with Stand and Cable
Audio-Technica AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone
$699
Guitar Center
Audio-Technica AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone
Audio-Technica AT4050 Side Address Multi Pattern Studio Condenser Microphone
$699
Adorama
Audio-Technica AT4050 Side Address Multi Pattern Studio Condenser Microphone
Audio-Technica AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone
$699
Musicians Friend
Audio-Technica AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone
Audio-Technica AT4050 Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone
$534.86
Reverb
Audio-Technica AT4050 Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone
Audio-Technica AT4050 Studio Condenser Microphone
$699
Zzounds
Audio-Technica AT4050 Studio Condenser Microphone

The SM57 of side-address condensers

Audio-Technica AT4050 Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT4050 Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone

Jun 15, 2022

Reviewed by Matt W. on Reverb

Unbelievably useful, versatile mic. Practically unlimited SPL-handling combined with a clean/bright sound, plus pad, low cut, and tripolar patterns. I have used the 4050 successfully on: guitar cabs, bass cabs, kick drum, grand piano, snare drum (!), toms, drum overheads, drum room, acoustic guitar, ukulele, cajon, vocals, voiceover, woodwinds, and upright bass. It might not be the absolute best on some sources, but it basically never sounds bad on anything -- something you often hear said of the SM57. And in fact, the 4050 covers the same applications as the 57 and more.

dig it

Audio-Technica AT4050 Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT4050 Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone

Jul 3, 2017

Reviewed by Patrick S. on Reverb

i've seen a lot of good reviews, and a friend of mine who does recording at Lincoln Center told me that this mic is super useful... I found an amazing price on a used one, and it sounds very good... it doesn't seem to add a lot of color (or faerie dust) but it works well on voice and acoustic guitar, which is all i've tried it on so far... lol... at the price i paid, i'm in love

Great tone, no effort

Audio-Technica AT4050 Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT4050 Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone

Nov 13, 2021

Reviewed by Bob G. on Reverb

It’s true what everyone says about this mic. It is the absolute best for recording acoustic or classical guitar. No eq needed, just put the 4050 anywhere in front of the guitar. Better than my km 184 s, U87, or 414. Seems adequate for other instruments, not great on vocals but if you’re looking for an effect….

Outstanding!

Audio-Technica AT4050 Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT4050 Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone

May 4, 2018

Reviewed by Jon A. on Reverb

I have been recording with a Rode Nt2a & a Bluebird for years, this AT 4050 blows them out of the water so much that I boxed up the Bluebird and now feeling to do the same with the Rodes, no comparison at all. This AT 4050 does it all for my needs, very happy I was finally able to obtain an excellent recordng mic!

Very good

Audio-Technica AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone

Jan 31, 2011

Reviewed by albert on B&H Photo Video

Very good mic, with lots of details, very clean, accurate and transparent. On voice, you can ear each breath of the singer. I didn't give 5 stars because I was Expecting more gain (than the shure ksm32)but it give just the same output level. But sound is lots better!

Audio Technica AT 4050

Audio-Technica AT4050 Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT4050 Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone

Nov 1, 2021

Reviewed by Robert M. on Reverb

Excellent microphone that provides warm, clear, and rich vocals. I have used a Telefunken Tube Mic for my Nashville recordings in the past as well as a Neuman. For the money and to have at home to do things, this one is right up there with them. Not so sure I won't take it with me to Nashville to use on future recordings on my new projects.

Love this Mic

Audio-Technica AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone

Apr 12, 2016

Reviewed by Classical on Guitar Center

I had seen some videos online about this mic. I needed a large condenser mic to record my classic guitar tracks. I recorded with a TLM 103 and then with the AT 4050 and really could not hear any noticeable differences. WOW.. I love the TLM 103 for vocals but really couldn't afford buying a second. The AT 4050 is at a great price and worked great.

Perfect.

Audio-Technica AT4050 Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT4050 Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone

Oct 7, 2018

Reviewed by Karim B. on Reverb

Just realized i never dropped my feedback so now's the time. Great mics from a very reliable seller. AT 4050 behave amazingly well in very diverse environments. Right now they're used as drum overheads but they deliver superbly on guitars and voice tarcks as well.

Fantastic

Audio-Technica AT4050 Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT4050 Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone

Feb 4, 2019

Reviewed by Miles C. on Reverb

Really great all around mic. I'm using it on vocals and acousticv guitar plus vocals mostly. What I really like about it is that it doesn't add a ton of color or "mojo" its just a clear faithful representation of what you are signing or playing. Other mics out there are definitely better for adding fairy dust, but this is clear, crisp, accurate, great mic.

Clear and clean

Audio-Technica AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone

Feb 3, 2020

Reviewed by Raisemore on Guitar Center

Great sounding and solidly built mike that is versatile. Use it for vocals, instruments, as an overhead, and podcasting. It has a very neutral sound. What you hear is what you get. Sounds much better than my old Shure. You can't go wrong.

good for the money

Audio-Technica AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone

Sep 12, 2008

Reviewed by rafael musician on B&H Photo Video

Its not a neumann but is a VERY good mic!! Ive done some recordings for the university and it works great recording almost everything, from vibe to flute to saxophone to timpany... Ive used to record a flute in my new CD, if anyone wanna hear the sound, go to myspace - rafaeldelima, the music to listen is GAIA. we use a neumann u87 on sax, AKG c414 on guitar and acustic bass, neumann km184 on cello and 10 string guitar, just to number a few. If you compare the sound, the flute with the at4050 just sound very good side with this (well known) more expensive mics. ... More

Excellent Mic

Audio-Technica AT4050 Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT4050 Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone

Jun 12, 2017

Reviewed by Sean H. on Reverb

The AT4050 sounds very even across the spectrum, but is not any cleaner than the AKG mics that I own.

i would buy this product again and again

Audio-Technica AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone

Dec 18, 2010

Reviewed by Gabriel Jover on B&H Photo Video

Its great , very great.

Truthful Revealing

Audio-Technica AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone

Oct 6, 2019

Reviewed by Jerry on Guitar Center

Pure delivery of sound.

Excellent

Audio-Technica AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT4050 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone

Apr 27, 2017

Reviewed by grant on B&H Photo Video

AT always delivers great mics for the money. The 4050 is no exception.

Showing 1 to 20 of 21 Reviews