The Audio Technica AT4050 is a large diaphragm condenser microphone. It has a pad that allows to knock 10dB of it's high output when recording loud sources such as electric guitar or drums. The mic allows to select between cardiod, omnidirectional, or figure 8. My microphone came with a shockmount as well that does a great job of keeping vibrations out of recorded audio tracks. I paid $300 for this mic used, but in mint condition.

Many compare the AT4050 to the AKG 414. I also own the AKG 414 and I don't think they are all that close. Of course there are different version of the AKG 414 that are supposed to sound fairly different. They are similarity in features as they both offer a pad, a low end filter, and the ability to select between the usual patterns. The AT4050 has a brighter top end which is great on some things but a little too much for other things. The AKG 414 seams to have slightly more natural top end to it.

I've owned my AT4050 since the summer of 2004. I've used it on just about everything: drum overhead, kick drum, snare bottom, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, flute, vocals and more. There was a day when I had loaned out my usual kick drum mic (Shure SM 91) and had forgotten to get it back from a friend. I ended up placing the AT4050 inside a kick drum for a metal project. The kick drum turned out great! It had plenty of deep low end as well as plenty of high click that the metal guys are looking for.

The AT4050 is hit or miss with vocals. Sometimes it's great. Sometimes it's top end just too much. I must say that it has less top end that my MXL V69, but still sometimes too much depending on the singer and the music we are recording.

The AT4050 does fit into the group of hyped high end condensers and since I have a number of those, the 4050 doesn't get used all that often. It is a good mic, but this illustrates how important it is to have a balanced mic collection. I wouldn't hesitate recommending a pair of AT 4050s to someone just starting their mic collection. To a person with a decent number of microphones, the AT 4050 will still come in handy as a vocal mic from time to time.