Audio-Technica AT5045 Cardioid Condenser Instrument Microphone

Product Overview

The Audio-Technica AT5045 is the company's premier studio condenser instrument microphone, offering large-diaphragm performance in a side-address, stick-type body. Designed specifically for acoustic instrument recording in professional recording studio and broadcast studio environments, the AT5045 combines Audio-Technica's largest single diaphragm with a 141 dB dynamic range and 8 dB self-noise — specifications that place it among the highest-performing instrument microphones available. It is suitable for overheads, acoustic guitar, strings, piano, brass, woodwinds, and percussion in any commercial installation where critical instrument capture is required.

Product Description

Despite its stick-type form factor, the AT5045 incorporates Audio-Technica's largest single capsule diaphragm, enabling it to achieve the tonal characteristics and dynamic response typically associated with large-diaphragm side-address condensers. The capsule is a fixed-charge back-plate permanently polarized condenser design, meaning it does not require an external bias voltage and operates on standard 48V phantom power supplied by a microphone preamp or console.

The AT5045's internal circuitry uses discrete components selected for optimized performance, and the entire circuitry and capsule assembly is mounted as a single rigid block within an advanced internal shock mounting system. This decouples the capsule assembly from the microphone body, providing mechanical isolation from stand vibration, floor noise, and handling noise that would otherwise color the recorded signal. The microphone housing itself is constructed from aluminum and brass with a high-quality gray finish selected for both durability and low optical reflectivity — an important characteristic in live video recording and broadcast environments.

The AT5045 ships with the innovative AT8481 isolation clamp, which provides secure mounting on 5/8"-27 threaded stands, flexible positioning angles, and additional mechanical noise damping beyond the internal shock mount. An AT8165 windscreen and a custom hard-shell carrying case that accommodates either a single AT5045 or a matched stereo pair (AT5045P) are also included. Every AT5045 is hand-assembled and individually inspected for 100% quality control before leaving the factory. The AT5045 is available as a single microphone or as a factory-matched stereo pair (AT5045P) for stereo instrument recording applications.

Key Features

• 141 dB Dynamic Range — One of the widest dynamic ranges of any microphone on the market, capturing both the softest transient detail and the loudest instrument peaks without distortion.
• 8 dB Self-Noise — Exceptionally low self-noise for an instrument condenser, making the AT5045 suitable for quiet acoustic sources including unamplified strings and solo piano.
• 149 dB Maximum SPL — Handles 149 dB SPL at 1% T.H.D., covering high-SPL sources such as brass instruments, drums, and percussion in close-placement configurations.
• Audio-Technica's Largest Single Diaphragm in Stick Form Factor — Provides large-diaphragm tonal characteristics and sensitivity in a body sized for overhead, instrument, and tight-placement applications.
• Side-Address Stick Design — Combines the placement versatility of a small-body stick microphone with the side-address capsule orientation preferred for instrument recording.
• Advanced Internal Shock Mount — The capsule and circuit assembly are decoupled from the microphone body as a single block, isolating the capsule from mechanical vibration at the source.
• Transformer-Coupled Output — Provides smooth sonic character and balanced output impedance, compatible with all standard professional preamp inputs.
• Discrete Component Circuitry — Components selected individually for optimized performance rather than integrated circuit designs.
• Aluminum and Brass Housing — Durable construction with low-reflectivity gray finish suitable for video and broadcast production environments.
• AT8481 Isolation Clamp Included — Provides versatile positioning and effective damping of stand-transmitted mechanical noise beyond what the internal shock mount provides alone.
• Available as Single or Stereo Pair — The AT5045P stereo pair is factory-matched for consistent sensitivity and polar pattern between channels for stereo recording applications.
• 100% Hand-Assembled and Inspected — Each unit receives individual quality inspection before shipment.

Typical Applications

• Recording studio (acoustic guitar, piano, strings, brass, woodwinds, percussion overheads)
• Broadcast studio (instrument recording for live performance broadcast)
• House of worship (acoustic instrument recording for live and broadcast worship services)
• Auditorium (orchestral and ensemble instrument recording)

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the AT5045 require phantom power?
Yes. The AT5045 requires 48V DC phantom power at 1.4 mA typical, which is supplied by the microphone preamp, mixing console, or audio interface to which it is connected. No external power supply is required.

What is the difference between the AT5045 and the AT5045P?
The AT5045 is a single microphone. The AT5045P is a factory-matched stereo pair of AT5045 microphones, tested and selected for consistent sensitivity and polar pattern between both units. The AT5045P is recommended for stereo overhead, piano, and ensemble recording applications where channel matching is important.

What stand mount does the AT8481 isolation clamp accept?
The AT8481 accepts standard 5/8"-27 threaded microphone stands, which is the universal thread used by professional microphone stands in recording studios and broadcast facilities.

How does the AT5045's internal shock mount differ from the AT8481 isolation clamp?
The internal shock mount decouples the capsule and circuit assembly from the microphone body itself, isolating against vibration transmitted through the microphone housing. The AT8481 isolation clamp provides an additional layer of isolation between the microphone body and the stand. Both systems operate independently and in combination.

What AV system preamp requirements does the AT5045 have?
The AT5045 outputs a standard balanced XLR signal and requires a preamp with 48V phantom power capability. It draws 1.4 mA at 48V. Any professional recording console, standalone preamp, or audio interface with standard phantom power will drive the AT5045 correctly.

Is the AT5045 suitable for live sound reinforcement as well as recording?
The AT5045 is designed and marketed as a studio instrument microphone. Its 8 dB self-noise and wide dynamic range make it technically capable for live applications, but its primary design intent is critical instrument recording in studio environments. For live reinforcement, consult Creation Networks for application-appropriate recommendations.

What warranty does the AT5045 carry?
The AT5045 is covered by Audio-Technica's Five Year Limited End User Warranty when purchased through authorized dealers such as Creation Networks.

Does the carrying case hold a stereo pair?
Yes. The included R11 hard-shell carrying case with die-cut foam compartments is designed to hold either a single AT5045 or a stereo pair of AT5045 microphones.