Audio-Technica AT5045P Cardioid Condenser Instrument Microphone (Stereo Pair)

Product Overview

The Audio-Technica AT5045P is a matched stereo pair of cardioid condenser instrument microphones from Audio-Technica's premier 50 Series, designed for professional studio recording of acoustic instruments. Each AT5045 in the pair features a side-address, stick-type body housing Audio-Technica's largest single diaphragm — a fixed-charge back-plate condenser with an open circuit sensitivity of –35 dB and a noise floor of just 8 dB SPL. The AT5045P stereo pair condenser microphone set is used for overhead drum recording, acoustic guitar, strings, piano, brass, and any instrument application where accurate stereo image capture and low-noise performance are critical. The transformer-coupled output and discrete component signal path deliver the smooth high-frequency character associated with large-diaphragm side-address designs, while the stick-type form factor simplifies precise stereo positioning in confined miking setups.

Product Description

Despite the physical constraints of a stick-type microphone body, the AT5045 achieves a diaphragm surface area that exceeds most traditional large-diaphragm side-address designs. The capsule and circuit assembly are mounted as a single block within a floating internal shock mount, mechanically decoupling the capsule from the body and reducing the transmission of stand noise, floor vibration, and handling noise to the signal path. This internal isolation is supplemented by the included AT8481 isolation clamps, which provide a secondary decoupling layer between the microphone body and the stand thread — a practical advantage in live tracking situations or on stages where floor vibration is a concern.

The AT5045P stereo pair ships as a complete matched set: two AT5045 microphones, two AT8481 isolation clamps, two AT8165 windscreens, and a custom hard-shell carrying case with die-cut foam compartments sized for both microphones. The matched pair designation indicates that the two units have been tested and verified to perform within tight sensitivity tolerances, ensuring consistent stereo imaging when using coincident (X-Y), near-coincident (ORTF), or spaced pair configurations. Both microphones connect via integral 3-pin XLR output and require standard 48V phantom power at 1.4 mA typical draw per unit.

With a maximum SPL of 149 dB at 1% T.H.D. and a dynamic range of 141 dB — one of the widest of any microphone in its class — the AT5045 handles the full range of instrument output levels from pianissimo acoustic guitar passages to full-output brass and percussion without distortion. The 20–20,000 Hz frequency response is flat across the audible band with no intentional presence peak, making the AT5045P appropriate for natural, uncolored acoustic instrument reproduction where post-processing flexibility is required. For recording studios, broadcast facilities, and professional live sound installations specifying a reference-grade stereo instrument microphone pair, the AT5045P represents a single-purchase solution that includes all hardware necessary for immediate deployment.

Key Features

• Matched Stereo Pair — Two AT5045 microphones factory-verified to tight sensitivity tolerances, ensuring consistent stereo imaging in X-Y, ORTF, or spaced pair configurations.
• Largest Single Diaphragm in a Stick-Type Body — Audio-Technica's largest single capsule diaphragm, delivering large-diaphragm performance in a compact form factor suited for precise instrument miking.
• 8 dB SPL Self-Noise — Exceptionally low noise floor suitable for capturing quiet acoustic instruments, room ambience, and delicate string passages without audible hiss.
• 149 dB Maximum SPL Capability — Handles high-output sources such as brass, percussion, and close-miked drums without capsule overload.
• 141 dB Dynamic Range — One of the widest dynamic ranges of any microphone available, covering the full dynamic spectrum from whisper-quiet to high-SPL instrument sources.
• Transformer-Coupled Output — Provides smooth sonic character and natural high-frequency reproduction without harshness or artificial presence emphasis.
• Advanced Internal Shock Mounting — Capsule and circuit assembly float within the microphone body to reduce stand-transmitted vibration and mechanical noise transmission.
• Included AT8481 Isolation Clamps — Innovative clamp design provides secure mounting on standard mic stands while adding a secondary mechanical isolation layer between the microphone and the stand.
• Hand-Assembled and Individually Inspected — Each AT5045 is built by hand with 100% quality control inspection before shipping, with matched sensitivity verified for each pair.
• Complete Package — Includes two AT8481 isolation clamps, two AT8165 windscreens, and a custom dual-compartment hard-shell carrying case.
• Available as Single or Pair — The AT5045 is also sold individually for single-microphone applications; the AT5045P is the factory-matched stereo pair.

Typical Applications

• Professional recording studio instrument tracking (overhead drums, acoustic guitar, piano, strings)
• Broadcast studio acoustic instrument recording
• House of worship live instrument recording and reinforcement
• Auditorium and performing arts facility live recording
• Multi-purpose room and training room acoustic instrument capture

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the AT5045P stereo pair pack?
The AT5045P includes two AT5045 cardioid condenser instrument microphones, two AT8481 isolation clamps for 5/8"-27 threaded stands, two AT8165 windscreens, and a custom hard-shell carrying case with die-cut foam compartments for both microphones.

Are the two microphones in the AT5045P factory-matched?
Yes. Audio-Technica tests and verifies each pair to ensure the two units perform within tight sensitivity tolerances. This makes the AT5045P suitable for stereo miking techniques where consistent capsule response is required, including X-Y coincident, ORTF near-coincident, and spaced pair configurations.

What phantom power is required for the AT5045P?
Each AT5045 requires 48V phantom power at 1.4 mA typical draw. When using both microphones simultaneously, two phantom power-equipped preamp channels are required — one per microphone. Any standard professional audio interface, mic preamp, or mixing console with 48V phantom power is compatible.

Can the AT5045P be used for live sound applications?
Yes. While primarily designed for studio recording, the AT5045P's internal shock mounting and included AT8481 isolation clamps make it practical for live instrument reinforcement in controlled environments such as house of worship recording, broadcast, and auditorium performances where mechanical noise isolation is important.

How does the AT5045P compare to the AT5040?
The AT5040 is Audio-Technica's premier vocal microphone, using a unique quad rectangular diaphragm assembly optimized for smooth vocal reproduction. The AT5045P uses a traditional (though exceptionally large) single circular diaphragm in a stick-type body, optimized for instrument recording. Both are from the same 50 Series and share low-noise, wide-dynamic-range design priorities.

What is the warranty coverage on the AT5045P?
Audio-Technica covers the AT5045P under their 5-Year Limited End User Warranty in the United States. Both microphones in the pair are covered under the same warranty terms.

Where can I purchase the AT5045P?
The AT5045P is available directly from Creation Networks at $2,739.00. Contact Creation Networks for volume pricing, installation consultation, or questions about integrating the AT5045P into a studio or facility recording system.