Audio-Technica ATM450

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Audio-Technica ATM450 Description

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 Features

  • Unique side-address stick design maximizes placement options with minimal obstructions
  • Uncompromising sound quality for overheads, percussion, acoustic guitar, strings and other acoustic instruments
  • 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

Audio Technica ATM450 Review / See All ZenPro Audio Reviews Here: Review Page

 

I may have bought the first pair to ever ship in the USA for all I know, all I know is it only took one session to know that the ATM450 did something and did it very well: drum overhead recording (as well as close mic’d drums). This side address small diaphragm condenser mic (yes, if you ever see pictures I post of drums and wonder why it looks like there are 2 pencil mics pointing towards the wall rather than the drums, chances are they are ATM450’s) is not my favorite on anything I will admit, and in fact on acoustic guitar I don’t like the range it accents. However on drums and cymbals, they are worth having a pair around as they excel in this area.

 

Cymbals sound natural and present, but not overly bright either (I end up adding 10k during mix time 90% of the time). The first thing that amazed me was snare drum imaging from 3-4’ out on overheads: you really hear the shell of the drum and can sort of picture it between the monitors as a very defined image. The off axis response on these mics is excellent, as is proven by the coherent left to right panning which results in a very clear image all around. My favorite placement is maybe 18” above the drummer’s head facing into the kit, using ORTF stereo for a nice image but mono compatibility. So I keep them sort of low into the kit, and in this position toms also have a great depth and perfect attack to them as well. When I end up compressing the drum buss, close tom mics are optional a fair amount of the time (speaking of which, their side address design make them excellent close drum mics and they do well here too).

 

Conclusion: A one trick pony in my opinion, but a seriously nice one. It delivers thwack and cut and image for drums. Acoustic guitar is a little too scratchy for my tastes, but they nail it on drums.


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