In this video review for Pro Tools Expert, Technical Editor James Ivey looks at the final microphone in the Audio Technica 50 series the 5040. The AT54 likes its little sister the AT5047 is again a quad rectangular diaphragm microphone but this has no transformer in its output stage thus giving it a very very high output. 

James talks to Audio Technica Product Manager Alex Lepges about the reasons for creating rectangular diaphragms and the benefits of using four in one microphone. 

You will then hear a final performance from the Real World sessions from the Chris Woods Groove Orchestra. On this track, Chris plays a very gentle sounding acoustic guitar which is being recorded with the AT5040. The high output from this mic lends it to being used for quieter instruments but when Chris plays harder and louder the mic keeps up with no questions asked and no compromises. 

This is not a cheap mic with a street price of around £2500 UK pounds but you get what you pay for and this is a quality mic from the team at Audio Technica.