Audio-Technica AT4900B 48

The AT4900b-48 is the electronic body, or handle, for Audio-Technica's 40 Series interchangeable-capsule microphones. On its own it makes no sound; it supplies the phantom-powered, transformerless output stage that turns a 40 Series head capsule into a complete microphone. Pairing one body with a set of capsules delivers omnidirectional, cardioid, and hypercardioid patterns for less than the cost of three separate mics.

It accepts the AT4049b-EL, AT4051b-EL, and AT4053b-EL capsules and runs on 48V phantom power over a standard 3-pin XLR output. A switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter tames low-frequency rumble and a 10 dB pad extends headroom for loud sources. The direct-coupled, transformerless circuit keeps the signal clean and free of transformer coloration.