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Audio-Technica ATM450 Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Small-diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Mic for Instrument Miking
$279.00

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Audio-Technica ATM450 Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone
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$279.00
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A Great Condenser for a Variety of Sources!

One of the new stars of the Artist Series remake, the ATM450 cardioid condenser offers an innovative side-address stick design for endless placement options and minimal obstructions. The microphone is equipped with an integral 80 Hz hi-pass filter that provides easy switching from a flat frequency response to a low-end roll-off. The ATM450 also features a switchable 10 dB pad that lowers the microphone's sensitivity, providing higher SPL capability for flexible use with a wide range of performers and system configurations. The microphone's extended flat frequency response makes it ideal for high SPLs as well as for live and amplified acoustic instruments. Includes a professional isolation clamp to provide secure mounting, versatile positioning and effective dampening of unwanted mechanical noise.

Audio-Technica ATM450 Cardioid Condenser Instrument Microphone Features:
  • Cardioid
  • Fixed-charge back plate permanently polarized condenser
  • Unique side-address stick design maximizes placement options with minimal obstructions
  • Uncompromising sound quality for overheads, percussion, acoustic guitar, strings and other acoustic instruments
  • 40-20,000 Hz Frequency Response
  • Integral 80 Hz HPF switch and 10 dB pad
  • Durable performance for professional applications
  • Cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of desired sound source
  • Rugged, all-metal design and construction for years of trouble-free use
  • Includes isolation clamp for shock protection, secure mounting and easy positioning
  • Requires +48V phantom power

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Tech Specs

  • Microphone Type: Condenser
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  • Frequency Response: 40Hz-18kHz
  • Max SPL: 152dB
  • Output Impedance: 200 ohms
  • Signal to Noise Ratio: 69dB
  • Low Cut Filter: 80Hz (-12dB/octave)
  • Pads: -10 dB
  • Connector: XLR
  • Weight: 0.22 lbs.
  • Included Accessories: Shock Mount, Windscreen, Microphone Pouch
  • Manufacturer Part Number: ATM450

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

Fantastic for overheads. Fantastic for snare and toms.

Why these mics aren't more widely known or mentioned in audio mic reviews of drum overheads is perplexing to say the least. I have used these in ORTF, Recorderman, X/Y and spaced pair and these always produce stellar results. Nice transient response. Very nice (not strident!) high end and just a very tight sound. I have mics that cost 4 times the price of these and I always come back to these. As far as close micing, I've yet to experience anything that sounds as good as this on a snare drum. Can't speak to other uses other than drums/percussion since I haven't used them in that capacity.
If you're in the market for some sdc overheads, seriously consider these sleepers.
Rated 5/5

Stellar on drums

I've got lots of expensive microphones, but this is my current goto for snare and toms. I won't say that it's any easier to place than a front firing mic. It's really not that difficult to get a 57 or 421 on a drum. It does, however, sound great. It handles drum levels great and gives a nice, full and detailed drum sound. I've got a small room and use it with drum clamps and an after market suspension mount with great results. I quickly threw it on an acoustic guitar while the player was singing. Rejection was admirable and the sound was quite decent.
Music background: Recording Pro
Rated 5/5

The secret weapon of my mic locker

I bought it just because of its design. There"s tons of places this thing can get too that traditional small diaphragm condensers may be too intrusive. So I bought it for that reason alone. And then it came and I hooked it up and recorded a few different sources. Man! This thing sounds great too! ...It should be in everyone"s arsenal.
Music background: Audio Engineer
Rated 5/5

This is a major sleeper!

We have tired this on hi-hats, overheads, cabs, toms and lots of other things. It rocks on all of them! But it's best use is on your snare top! Will change the way you mic the snare! It's side address makes it a perfect acoustic mic and it sounds awesome there too! Like I said - it's a major sleeper!
Music background: Aspiring studio geek with BagoStones
Rated 5/5

SNARE DRUM SLEEPER

I've been using AT microphones since the early 1970's when their electret designs were some of the first decent sounding budget condenser models. Sweetwater hooked us up with a sweet deal on one of these and it's a hit out of the park in our studio!

This ATM450 is a really fantastic microphone which pretty much lives on the snare drum of our DW studio drum set at Proworkshop Recording. Clarity, realism, directional control, convenient size and packaging all add up to a very versatile microphone.

Previously I was using a Beyer M201TG on the snare and absolutely loving it, now the Beyer has moved to mic'ing the bottom of the snare and the ATM450 is handling the top. The ATM450 is the best recorded snare drum sound I've ever had in 50+ years of recording music.

Pull your SM57's off the snare drum and try one of these, it will blow you away with great snare drum sound.

Good music to all!
Music background: pro musician and engineer
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