Audio-Technica AT4060A Condenser tube microphone with cardioid polar pattern

Product Overview

The Audio-Technica AT4060A is a large-diaphragm cardioid vacuum tube condenser microphone built for demanding recording studio applications where vintage tube character and technical precision are both required. Its hand-selected, individually tested tubes deliver the warmth associated with classic valve microphone design while maintaining the wide dynamic range and low self-noise expected in professional broadcast studio and studio recording environments. The AT4060A is part of Audio-Technica's 40 Series premium condenser line and carries a five-year limited end-user warranty, making it a practical choice for commercial studio installations and broadcast facilities.

Product Description

The AT4060A uses a dual-diaphragm capsule with 2-micron-thick, vapor-deposited gold diaphragms that undergo a five-step aging process during manufacturing. This process stabilizes the capsule's characteristics so that sensitivity and polar pattern definition remain consistent over years of use. The capsule is externally polarized (DC bias condenser) and housed in a precision-machined, nickel-plated brass acoustic element baffle that enhances element stability and optimizes sensitivity.

The microphone's heater current circuit is regulated and heavily filtered, preventing contamination of the audio signal chain from power supply noise — a critical consideration in large-diaphragm tube condenser design where heater-induced noise is a known engineering challenge. A large coupling transformer provides superior low-frequency linearity, contributing to the AT4060A's published 20-20,000 Hz frequency response and 75 dB signal-to-noise ratio. Dynamic range measures 131 dB at 1 kHz at maximum SPL, which significantly exceeds the specification of many other tube microphones at this price point.

The AT4060A ships with the AT8560a tube microphone powering unit, which accepts 100-240V AC (120V AC for USA/Canada) and connects to the microphone via a 7.6m (24.9') cable with 6-pin XLR-type connectors. The powering unit output is a standard 3-pin XLRM-type connector for connection to any standard microphone preamp. An AT8447 shock mount for 5/8"-27 threaded stands, rack-mount adapters for the powering unit, and a protective carrying case are also included. Every AT4060A is individually tested and inspected at the factory for 100% quality assurance before shipment.

Key Features

• Vacuum Tube Design with Vintage Character — Hand-selected, individually tested and aged tubes deliver classic valve warmth without sacrificing measured performance specifications.
• 131 dB Dynamic Range — Exceeds the dynamic range of many competing tube microphones, making it suitable for both delicate acoustic sources and high-SPL instruments.
• 150 dB Maximum SPL Capability — Handles 150 dB SPL at 1 kHz (1% T.H.D.), enabling use on loud sources such as guitar cabinets and brass instruments.
• 19 dB Self-Noise — Low self-noise for a tube condenser, supporting use on quiet acoustic sources in recording studio environments.
• Dual-Diaphragm Capsule — Maintains precise cardioid polar pattern definition across the full 20-20,000 Hz frequency range of the microphone.
• Five-Step Diaphragm Aging Process — 2-micron vapor-deposited gold diaphragms are aged during manufacturing to stabilize long-term sensitivity and polar pattern consistency.
• Regulated Heater Current Circuit — Heavy filtering on the heater power supply prevents audio signal chain contamination, a common failure point in lesser tube microphone designs.
• Large Coupling Transformer — Provides superior low-frequency linearity and contributes to the microphone's smooth low-end response.
• Custom Shock Mount Included — The AT8447 shock mount provides superior mechanical isolation from stand vibration.
• 100% Factory QA Inspection — Every unit is individually tested and inspected before shipment, providing consistency across production batches.
• Five-Year Limited End-User Warranty — Audio-Technica's premium warranty coverage for studio and broadcast installations.

Typical Applications

• Broadcast studio (on-air vocal and voice-over recording)
• Recording studio (vocal tracking, acoustic instruments, overhead recording)
• House of worship (main vocal and speech recording applications)
• Auditorium (high-fidelity speech and performance capture)

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the AT4060A require phantom power?
No. The AT4060A uses the included AT8560a tube microphone powering unit rather than phantom power from a preamp or console. The powering unit connects to the microphone via a dedicated 7.6m (24.9') cable with 6-pin XLR connectors and outputs a standard 3-pin XLRM connection to the preamp.

What power supply input does the AT8560a powering unit accept?
The AT8560a accepts 100-240V AC, making it compatible with international power standards. Units sold in the USA and Canada are configured for 120V AC operation.

How does the AT4060A integrate into a standard recording or broadcast console chain?
The output of the AT8560a powering unit is a standard 3-pin XLRM connector, which connects directly to any standard microphone preamp input. No special adapters or signal conditioning are required beyond the included powering unit.

What stand mount thread does the included shock mount use?
The AT8447 shock mount is designed for 5/8"-27 threaded stands, which is the standard thread for professional microphone stands used in recording studios and broadcast facilities.

Can the AT4060A powering unit be rack-mounted?
Yes. Rack-mount adapters for the AT8560a powering unit are included in the box, enabling the powering unit to be installed in a standard equipment rack in broadcast studios or recording facilities.

What warranty does the AT4060A carry?
Audio-Technica covers the AT4060A under its Five Year Limited End User Warranty when purchased through authorized dealers such as Creation Networks.

How does Audio-Technica ensure consistency between individual AT4060A units?
Every AT4060A is individually tested and inspected at the factory for 100% quality assurance. The tubes are hand-selected, individually tested, and aged prior to installation, and the diaphragms undergo a five-step aging process to stabilize long-term performance.

Is the AT4060A suitable for high-SPL sources such as guitar cabinets?
Yes. The AT4060A is rated to 150 dB SPL at 1% T.H.D., which covers the output levels of virtually all guitar cabinets and loud acoustic instruments encountered in recording studio environments.