Audio-Technica’s first-ever ribbon microphones, the AT4080 and AT4081 Bidirectional Active Ribbon Microphones, are part of A-T’s expanding 40 Series. The hand-built microphones feature a ribbon transducer designed for durability, high SPL capability and audio quality.
The AT4080, whose footprint is that of a classic “suspension cradled” side-address condenser, is recommended for vocals, horns, strings, acoustic instruments, drum overheads, orchestras, ensembles and guitar cabinets.
The AT4081, with a low-profile stick design akin to a pencil condenser, is optimized for strings, saxophones and other horns, acoustic instruments, drum overheads, orchestras, ensembles and guitar cabinets.
The AT4080 and AT4081 are side-address active ribbon microphones with bidirectional polar patterns. They feature N50 neodymium magnets for high output levels, and the mics’ dual ribbon construction offers sensitivity and SPL handling capability.
The bidirectional polar pattern of the mics makes them sensitive to sounds originating in front and back of the mic. Both feature extended frequency response for natural audio reproduction and the AT4080 uses an acoustic baffle system and a large output transformer for extended low-frequency response and dynamic range.
Audio-Technica said its MicroLinear ribbon imprint minimizes lateral flexing helps ensure durable performance and accurate reproduction of the sound source, along with freedom from ribbon distortion.
While the application of phantom power was prohibited for typical ribbon microphones, the AT4080 and AT4081 require 48V phantom power for operation. The phantom power, however, is used not for the microphones’ dynamic ribbon transducers, but for their active electronics. This high output and stable impedance are said to make the microphones easy to integrate with microphone preamplifiers. The output of each microphone is a 3-pin XLRM-type connector. Output is low impedance (Lo-Z) balanced.
The AT4080’s included AT8449/SV shock mount and the AT4081’s included isolation clamp enhance isolation and permit mounting on any microphone stand with 5/8-inch/27 threads. The AT4080 comes with a dust cover and a protective carrying case, while a windscreen is included with the AT4081. Both mics are RoHS compliant, meaning they are free from all substances specified in the EU directive on hazardous substances.
The AT4080 and AT4081 Bidirectional Active Ribbon Microphones will be available November 2009 with respective U.S. MSRP’s of $1,245 and $895.
For more information, please visit www.audio-technica.com.
