Audio-Technica ATM 450

Overhead Microphone with Side-Address Stick Design

The Audio-Technica ATM450 is a fixed-charge condenser instrument microphone engineered for stage and studio overhead work. Its side-address stick form factor reaches into crowded setups — over drum kits, inside piano lids, around hi-hat stands — without the capsule body swinging across cymbals or blocking sightlines. A cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup from the sides and rear, and the extended flat response from the published frequency curve preserves the natural character of acoustic instruments in a live mix.

Engineered for Tight Spots and Loud Stages

Few small-diaphragm condensers fit between cymbals and toms without crowding the drummer, and the model's 21 mm side-address capsule is built specifically for that problem. The integral 80 Hz hi-pass filter rolls off rumble from air-handling systems, room reverb, and stage vibration when engaged, while the switchable 10 dB pad raises maximum SPL to 162 dB for snare close-ups, brass sections, and amplified acoustic stages. Engineers will appreciate the rugged all-metal housing paired with the included AT8471 isolation clamp, both keeping handling noise out of the recording while the microphone stays put overhead.

Specifications Engineers Can Plan Around

The numbers below come directly from Audio-Technica's published spec sheet, so the microphone can be swapped into a session knowing exactly what the front-end and the preamp will see at the input.

• Frequency response runs from 40-20,000 Hz on a flat curve, covering the full audible band per the published plot.
• Element: Fixed-charge back plate, permanently polarized condenser
• Open Circuit Sensitivity: -41 dB (8.9 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa
• Maximum Input Sound Level: 152 dB SPL at 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D., rising to 162 dB SPL with the pad engaged
• Dynamic Range: 127 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL; Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 69 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa
• Phantom Power: 11-52V DC, 3.5 mA typical
• Weight: 98 g; Dimensions: 126.9 mm long, 21.0 mm diameter
• Output: Integral 3-pin XLRM-type connector

Built for Live Engineers, Studio Producers, and Worship Teams

The ATM450 is the right choice for live-sound engineers who need a discreet, high-SPL condenser for drum overheads, hi-hat close-ups, and percussion rigs where standard end-address pencil mics clutter the visual field. Studio producers tracking acoustic guitar, violin, cello, or woodwind sessions will appreciate the flat response and the 80 Hz roll-off that controls boominess without dulling the body resonance. Worship and theatre audio teams get an all-metal stick at 98 g that drops cleanly into overhead choir arrays and orchestra amplification rigs on a permanent install.