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OmnidirectionalCardioidHypercardioidAudio-Technica AT4053b

Detachable-Capsule Pencil Condenser Microphone

The AT4053b is a revised version of the company’s 4053a. Both are transformerless “pencil” microphones that accept interchangeable capsules. The 4053 is nominally a Hypercardioid microphone, but with appropriate capsules would support other patterns.

The preamp body, part number AT4900b-48, is common to these microphones:

  • AT4900b-48 body + AT4051b-EL cardioid capsule = AT4051b
  • AT4900b-48 body + AT4049b-EL omni capsule = AT4049b
  • AT4900b-48 body + AT4053b-EL hyper capsule = AT4053b

What is the difference between the AT4053a and AT4053b?

  • AT4053a vs AT4053b Capsule VentsThe vents on the hypercardioid capsule changed; see comparison image at right.
  • The AT4053b has a flatter HF response (due, in part, to the capsule venting change).
  • Self-noise has been cut from 19dBA to 16dBA on the AT4053b.
  • The AT4053b includes a -10dB pad, raising the max SPL from 146dB to 155dB.
  • The AT4053b is RoHS certified (free of hazardous substances).
  • The AT4053b has better EMI/RFI shielding.
  • Impedance has dropped from 100Ω to 50Ω.
  • The ‘b’ revision is 7g heavier.

The ‘b’ series mics — the AT4051b, AT4053b, AT4049b — include two recessed switches on the mic body; one controls the pad, and the other controls the high-pass filter.

The mic ships with a clip (A-T p/n AT8405a), a foam windscreen, and a carrying case (p/n S1).

The Audio-Technica AT4053b is also known as: AT4053.

The mic was released in 2008.

Specifications

Compatible Capsules
Audio-Technica AT4049b-ELOmnidirectional Audio-Technica AT4049b-EL
Omnidirectional capsule
Sensitivity: 19.9 mV/Pa
Freq. Resp.: 20 - 20,000 Hz
MSRP: n/a | Still In Production
Audio-Technica AT4051b-ELCardioid Audio-Technica AT4051b-EL
Cardioid capsule
Sensitivity: 19.9 mV/Pa
Freq. Resp.: 20 - 20,000 Hz
MSRP: n/a | Still In Production
Audio-Technica AT4053b-ELHypercardioid Audio-Technica AT4053b-EL
Hypercardioid capsule
Sensitivity: 19.9 mV/Pa
Freq. Resp.: 20 - 20,000 Hz
MSRP: n/a | Still In Production
Pads & Filters Impedance SPL/Noise
  • Pad: -10dB (Via Switch)
  • Filter: HPF: -12 dB/octave @ 80Hz (Via Switch)
 50 Ohms (Low) Max SPL: 155 dB
Self-noise: 16.0 dB(A)
Weight Length Max Diameter Interface(s)
127g (4.48oz) 155mm (6.10'') 21mm (0.83'')
  • 3-pin XLR male (1)
Power Specifications
  • Requires phantom power
  • Phantom voltage: 48v

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