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Ryan Anderson MUSC 281 Microphone Report: Audio-Technica AT4041 The AT4041 is a cardioid condenser microphone manufactured by Audio-Technica. This microphone is characterized by its smooth extended frequency response with a slight rise occurring in the 10 kHz region. Being a cardioid microphone it has the standard cardioid polar pattern. Housed in a case of turned brass with black chrome plating the AT4041 is a very durable microphone. The transformerless output circuitry virtually eliminates low-frequency distortion and allows the microphone to handle very high SPL levels. The small diaphragm of the AT4041 improves transient response, increases response bandwidth, and reduces mechanical noise. The AT4041 does require 48V DC phantom power; this may be provided by a mixer or console as well as an in-line source. An integrated 80 Hz high pass filter provides the option to switch from flat frequency response to a low-end roll-off. The AT4041 is considered a great microphone for overhead drum recordings as well placement on the snare or toms. The AT4041 is also ideal for acoustic recordings such as piano, acoustic guitar, horns, and ambience. It is clean, crisp, and works beautifully in a stereo pair. The AT4041 is shipped with a mic clip, foam windscreen, and a carrying case. Here is a more detailed look at the specifications of the AT4041. Frequency response: 20-20,000 Hz (also the range of human hearing) Low frequency roll-off: 80 Hz, 12 dB/ octave (useful in removing unwanted noise such as wind or excessive breath pops)
Impedance: 100 ohms (relatively low, higher impedances are usually associated with lower quality microphones.) Maximum input sound level: 145 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D. (crucial statistic when it comes to selecting the right mic preamp to use) Dynamic range: 121 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL (clipping occurs sounds come close to or past the high end of the dynamic range) Signal-to-noise ratio: 70 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa (ratio of level of the desired signal that a microphone records compared to the level of noise that it picks up from the background) Phantom power requirements: 48V DC, 4.2 mA typical (DC power that is distributed through the audio cables to enable the microphone) Switch: flat, roll-off (enables switching between the flat extended frequency and the low frequency roll-off, see low frequency roll-off for explanation) Weight: 4.2 oz (very light; another microphone model, the AT4040, weighs 12.7 oz) Output connecter: Integral 3-pin XLRM-type (standard microphone output connecter) Here is the polar pattern for the AT4041:
Here is the frequency response graph for the AT4041:
Sources Cited: "AT4041 Cardioid Condenser Microphone." Audio-Technica. Audio-Technica U.S., Inc. Web. 1. Oct. 2011. .
"Audio-Technica AT4041 | RecordingHacks.com." Microphone Database | Audio Recording News | RecordingHacks. Recordinghacks.com. Web. 03 Oct. 2011. .
Adam. "AT4041." Microphone Review. Philly Music Review. Web. 02 Oct. 2011. .
