In this video review for Pro Tools Expert, Technical Editor James Ivey takes a look at the new AT5047 quad diaphragm condenser microphone from Audio technica.

James was very fortunate to be invited to the launch event for the new 5047 condenser microphone and as part of this event, he was able to capture both the audio and video from the performances at this event. So in this review, you will not only get to see the mic up close but you will also get to see and hear it in a live studio session from Peter Gabriel's RealWorld Studios near Bath.

The Audio Technica 5047 Microphone

The new 5047 microphone has an exceptionally wide dynamic range that allows it to capture the expressive character of instruments and voices. From the softest sweep of brushes on a snare drum to powerful rock vocal.

The four rectangular diaphragms of only 2 microns in thickness function together to provide a combined surface area that is over  twice that of a standard one-inch circular diaphragm but the combination of these smaller diaphragms means the mic keeps the fast transient response characteristics of a small diaphragm condenser but the low signal to noise ration of a large diaphragm mic

Discrete components have been carefully selected and optimized for maximum performance in this no-compromise mic making it compatibility with standalone microphone preamps, smaller audio interfaces and recording console inputs.

The custom wound transformer-coupled output gives the 5047 a smooth character without making it sound like a "transformer" mic. 

The stunning new design of external shock mount and the new internal shock mounting decouples the capsule from the microphone body meaning that you only hear the sound heading for the diaphragms, not sounds from the floor or mechanical noise.