Bidirectional Active Ribbon Microphone

AT4080
  • Smooth, warm and natural sound with precise, articulate detail to meet the critical requirements of today’s recording, broadcast and sound reinforcement professionals
  • Groundbreaking Audio-Technica ribbon design with 18 patents pending
  • Proprietary MicroLinear™ ribbon imprint for superior durability and freedom from lateral flexing and distortion
  • Innovative dual ribbon construction for increased sensitivity
  • Extremely powerful N50 rare-earth neodymium magnets for high output level
  • Ultra-fine mesh helps protect against ribbon damage from wind and plosives
  • Classic bidirectional (figure-of-eight) polar pattern picks up sounds equally from the front and back of the element
  • High-SPL capability for exceptionally versatile performance
  • Extended frequency response for natural audio reproduction
  • Acoustic baffle system and extra large output transformer provide natural low-frequency response and extended dynamic range
  • Handmade production – including ribbon corrugation, imprint and assembly
  • Open acoustical environment of the housing assembly minimizes unwanted internal reflections
  • Phantom-powered active electronics provide stable impedance and higher output for maximum compatibility with microphone preamplifiers
  • Custom shock mount provides superior isolation

    The AT4080 is a side-address active ribbon microphone with a bidirectional polar pattern. Delivering the warmth and natural sound of a classic ribbon microphone, the AT4080 offers a robust build for long-lasting performance and high gain for easy use with microphone preamplifiers.

    With 18 patents pending, Audio-Technica’s innovative ribbon transducer advances the evolution of ribbon microphone technology, combining remarkable durability and high-SPL capability with smooth, rich audio quality. The microphone is recommended for vocals, horns, strings, acoustic instruments, drum overheads, orchestras, ensembles and guitar cabinets. It excels in recording studios as well as in live-sound settings.

    A significant breakthrough in ribbon cartridge design, Audio-Technica’s patent-pending MicroLinear™ ribbon imprint minimizes ribbon distortion for durable performance and accurate reproduction of the sound source.

    While the application of phantom power was prohibited for oldschool ribbon microphones, Audio-Technica’s AT4080 requires 48V phantom power for operation. The phantom power is used—not for the microphone’s dynamic ribbon transducer—but for its active electronics, which bring its output to near condenser microphone level. This highoutput
    and stable impedance make the microphone easy to integrate with microphone preamplifiers.

    The bidirectional polar pattern of the microphone makes it equally sensitive to sounds originating in front and back of the element.



    • audio technica AT4080
  • AT4080 Specifications

    Element

    Ribbon

    Polar Pattern

    Figure-of-eight

    Frequency Response

    20 ~ 18,000 Hz

    Open Circuit Sensitivity

    -39 dB (11.2 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa

    Impedance

    100 Ω

    Maximum Input Sound Level

    150 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.

    Noise

    22 dB SPL

    Dynamic Range (Typical)

    128 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL

    Signal-To-Noise Ratio

    72 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa

    Phantom Power

    48V DC, 3.0 mA typical

    Weight

    474 g

    Dimensions

    53.4mm X 177.5mm (Maximum Diameter X Long)

    Output Connector

    Integral 3-pin XLRM-type

    Accessories Furnished

    AT8449/SV shock mount for ⅝”-27 threaded stands; microphone dust cover; protective carrying case

    Download

    audio technica support at4080_ss.pdf - Operation Manual