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HANDHELD CARDIOID
CAPACITOR MICROPHONE
AT4054
40 SERIES PRECISION MICROPHONES
Description
The AT4054 is a large-diaphragm, pressure-gradient capacitor
microphone with a uniform cardioid polar pattern. The frequency
response is smooth over an extended 60-20,000 Hz range. Based
on the same advanced technology used in 40 Series studio micro-
phones, the AT4054 is the result of a dedicated effort by Audio-Technica
to bring studio-quality sound to the stage. It is designed for use in
the most demanding sound reinforcement and recording applications.
The AT4054 is the culmination of extensive field evaluations in
live-sound environments with resultant significant advances in
microphone performance factors. It features very low self-noise, with
a transformer-coupled output optimized for live-sound applications.
The AT4054 features a tailored low-frequency response and slight
enhancement of the vocal-range frequencies to bring vocals to the
front in a live mix.
The AT4054 incorporates a specially-contoured large diaphragm
that is aged through five different steps to assure the optimum
characteristics achieved will remain constant over years of use. The
2-micron-thick, vapor-deposited gold diaphragm provides extremely
smooth, warm and true-to-life reproduction of even the most subtle
sonic nuances.
The off-axis response of the AT4054 is linear and uniform across
the entire frequency range of the microphone. Any off-axis sounds
(leakage) remain accurate and lifelike, resulting in a much more
natural vocal/instrument mix.
For exceptional transient response and sound pressure level
capability, the element back plate is precision-milled and aged to
provide stable, optimum capacitance. The reductions in frequency
response peaks and diaphragm distortion result in a microphone
that delivers an articulate output even in very high sound pressure
environments.
To further enhance the on-stage performance capability,
Audio-Technica engineers have employed a carefully-designed shock-
mount system to provide outstanding handling noise characteristics and
mechanical shock resistance. In addition, the AT4054 element is
protected by a hardened-steel windscreen. For even greater durabil-
ity and protection, the element is housed in a second, internal
windscreen, which also provides excellent resistance to popping.
The microphone element is enclosed in a rugged housing with
baked-on, low-reflectance black finish. The included AT8406 tapered
stand adapter permits mounting on any microphone stand with
5
/
8
"-27 threads.
Operation and Maintenance
Output is low impedance balanced. The output connector mates
with XLRF-type cable connectors. The balanced signal appears
across Pins 2 and 3 while the ground (shield) connection is Pin 1.
Output is phased so that positive acoustic pressure produces positive
voltage at Pin 2 in accordance with industry convention.
The AT4054 will operate in conjunction with any remote “phantom”
or “simplex” power source supplying 48 volts DC. The phantom voltage
not only powers the microphone’s impedance converter, but is
stepped-up to a higher voltage internally to polarize the capacitor
element.
While a modern capacitor microphone is not unduly sensitive to the
environment, temperature extremes can be harmful. Exposure to
high temperatures can result in gradual and permanent reduction of
the output level. Avoid leaving the microphone in the open sun or in
areas where temperatures exceed 110˚ F (43˚ C) for long periods of
time. Extremely high humidity should also be avoided.
Architects and Engineers Specifications
The microphone shall be an externally polarized DC bias
capacitor with a cardioid polar pattern and a frequency response of
60 Hz to 20,000 Hz. It shall operate from an external 48V DC (± 4V)
phantom power source.
Nominal open-circuit output voltage shall be 5.0 mV at 1 kHz,
1 Pascal. The microphone shall have an output impedance of
200 ohms and output shall be balanced. The microphone shall
accept a 147 dB SPL at 1 kHz while producing no greater than 1%
T.H.D.
The microphone shall have a length of 6.97" (177.0 mm), a
maximum head diameter of 1.95" (49.5 mm), and a weight of 10.6 oz
(300 grams). Finish shall be low-reflectance black.
The Audio-Technica AT4054 is specified.