Audio-Technica AT4053B End-address hypercardioid condenser microphone

Product Overview

The Audio-Technica AT4053B is an end-address hypercardioid condenser microphone built for focused, high-isolation capture in louder rooms and on individual instruments. Its tight hypercardioid pattern rejects off-axis sound more aggressively than a cardioid, making it a precise instrument condenser microphone for broadcast studios, auditoriums, and houses of worship. A switchable 10 dB pad and 80 Hz roll-off adapt it to demanding sources.

Product Description

The AT4053B's hypercardioid pattern narrows pickup and increases side rejection, which is useful for isolating instruments in louder ensembles and improving gain-before-feedback in reinforced rooms. Fast transient response captures detail on drum overheads, percussion, and acoustic instruments.

Open circuit sensitivity is –34 dB (19.9 mV) with a 20–20,000 Hz response and an 80 Hz, 12 dB/octave switchable roll-off. A switchable 10 dB pad extends headroom for high-SPL sources. The microphone requires 48V phantom power.

For cardioid and omnidirectional coverage in the same family, see the AT4051B cardioid and AT4049B omnidirectional condenser microphones.

Key Features

• Hypercardioid element — A tight pattern rejects off-axis sound for high isolation in louder rooms and dense ensembles.
• Detailed transient response — Fast response captures detail on drum overheads, percussion, and acoustic instruments.
• Switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter — A 12 dB/octave roll-off controls stage rumble and proximity buildup.
• Switchable 10 dB pad — The pad extends headroom for high-SPL sources without overloading the input.
• 48V phantom operation — Standard phantom powering integrates with professional consoles, interfaces, and DSP inputs.

Typical Applications

• Broadcast studio
• Auditorium
• House of worship
• Multi-purpose room

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I choose hypercardioid over cardioid?

Choose hypercardioid for tighter pickup and more side rejection in louder rooms or to isolate one instrument in a dense ensemble; cardioid is more forgiving of placement.

Does it require phantom power?

Yes. It requires 48V phantom power from your console, interface, or DSP.

What is it best used for?

Drum overheads, percussion, and acoustic instruments where high isolation and detail are needed.

When should I use the pad and filter?

Engage the 10 dB pad for loud sources, and the 80 Hz high-pass filter to control rumble and proximity buildup.

How does it integrate into our system?

It connects on standard 3-pin XLR to a phantom-powered channel on your mixer or DSP.

What warranty applies?

Audio-Technica provides a limited warranty; refer to their current terms. Creation Networks supports warranty and product questions on orders placed with us.