Audio-Technica AE5400 Handheld Cardioid Condenser Microphone

Submitted by Jason Horton on Apr. 11, 2020..

GEARANK

92 out of 100. Incorporating 80+ ratings and reviews.

Street Price:

$399

Manufacturer:

Audio-Technica

Gearank High Notes

2018.11: Highest Rated Handheld Mic from $300 to $500
2017.08: Equal Highest Rated Handheld Mic from $300 to $500
Tied With:
Shure KSM8

Gearank Recommendation

The AE5400 appeared on our recommended list for Live Vocal Mics from March 2016 until April 2020 when it was replaced by mics that newly out-ranked it.

Overview

This is a dual purpose mic that works well live and in the studio, in fact Tony Bennett used this mic on his Duets album - I once met him in person when I was doing audio for a location TV interview and he was a great guy as well as a great singer.

The AE5400 uses the same capsule as Audio-Technica's well regarded AT4050 studio microphone but with additional features built in to reduce handling noise.

Unlike many handheld condenser mics, the AE5400 has a large diaphragm which makes it much more like a studio condenser.

It also has a 80Hz high-pass filter to reduce the proximity effect if you like to sing close to the mic, and a 10dB pad which allows you to mic sound sources as loud as 157 dB meaning you can mic just about anything with it.

If you're looking for a genuine studio sound for either male or female lead vocalists to cut through the mix then this is a good option,

Specifications

Type: Condenser
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz
Impedance: 150 Ohms
Maximum SPL: 147 dB or 157 dB with 10 dB pad engaged
Applications: Live and studio vocals, instruments, amplifiers.
Power Requirements: 11v to 52v phantom power

Although the AE5400 does have very good ratings, there are even more highly rated options available which you will find on our recommended list of The Best Live Vocal Mics.