ART T4 Multi-pattern High Performance Studio Tube Condenser Microphone

The Microphone

The ART T4 microphone is engineered for recording both critical vocals and instruments, delivering unmatched warmth and tone through its dual 35mm gold diaphragm and hand-selected low noise 7025 tube. Its unique multi-pattern design offers nine distinct polar pattern settings, including the standard Cardioid, Figure-8, and Omnidirectional patterns. These patterns feature gradient stages between each standard setting, allowing for subtle variations in tone and response to suit virtually any recording application.

The microphone includes an external heavy-duty cradle mount suspension system designed to virtually eliminate vibration and handling noise, while securely holding the microphone in any desired position during recording.

Visually, the ART T4 is a cylindrical studio condenser microphone with a mesh grille at the top, housing the diaphragm and tube electronics.

The Power Supply & Controls

The ART T4 features nine available polar patterns, all selectable from the front panel of its dedicated power supply unit. Beyond the three primary patterns (omnidirectional, cardioid, and figure-8), the T4 includes three intermediate gradient stages between each, offering enhanced versatility. This allows users, particularly artists and recording engineers, to fine-tune the microphone's pickup pattern. For instance, in vocal applications where a standard omnidirectional pattern might be too broad and a cardioid too narrow, these additional steps enable finding the optimal subtle mix. This feature also allows for utilizing the proximity effect of a cardioid pattern while still capturing natural room reflections.

Care of your ART T4

Large diaphragm condenser microphones, including the ART T4, are delicate. They should be protected from sharp impacts, dropping, or tapping, which can misalign the element. It is especially important to avoid blowing directly into the microphone, particularly with tube condenser models.

For vocal recording, using a pop filter is recommended. This helps prevent sibilance (harsh 'S', 'P', and 'B' sounds) and protects the microphone element from excessive moisture.

To clean the microphone's outer shell, use a soft, damp cloth. Avoid using harsh detergents, solvents, or abrasive materials. Never immerse the microphone in water.

RT T4 Features and Accessories

• Constant Voltage Power Supply Module: Features a 9-position multi-pattern selection control, offering omnidirectional, cardioid, and figure-8 patterns with three gradient settings between each. This ensures quiet operation.
• 7-pin XLR shielded Microphone Cable: Provides a clean signal from the microphone and transfers power to the capsule and preamp from the power supply.
• Shockmount Cradle Adaptor: Prevents noise transfer from the floor and microphone stand to the sensitive microphone capsule.

Included Accessories:

• Heavy Duty Cradle Mount
• 7-pin XLR Cable
• Padded Wood Microphone Case
• Aluminum Carrying Case

Understanding Multiple Polar Patterns

The microphone's chassis is constructed from a precision-tooled zinc/aluminum alloy with a dent-resistant stainless-steel wire-mesh windscreen. The included heavy-duty cradle-mount suspension effectively minimizes vibration and handling noise while ensuring the microphone is held securely.

The ART T4 offers nine distinct polar patterns. These include the fundamental omnidirectional, cardioid, and figure-8 patterns, supplemented by three gradient stages between each. This expanded selection allows for a nuanced combination of proximity effect, off-axis rejection, and overall tonal response.

• Omnidirectional Pattern: Captures sound equally from all directions. Ideal for recording ambient sounds, room reverberation, choirs, string sections, or acoustic instruments where a natural, open tone is desired. It does not exhibit proximity effect.
• Cardioid Pattern: Picks up sound primarily from the front, rejecting sound from the sides and rear. This pattern offers the most pronounced proximity effect and best off-axis rejection, making it ideal for single instruments or solo vocals.
• Bi-directional (Figure-8) Pattern: Captures sound equally from the front and back, while rejecting sound from the sides. This is useful for recording a primary sound source while also capturing room ambience from behind, or for recording duets.

As a tube condenser microphone, the ART T4 requires its proprietary power supply to operate. It is recommended to store the ART T4 in its carrying case when not in use.

Polar Pattern Visualizations: Visualizations of polar patterns at 1kHz show the directional sensitivity of the microphone. The Figure-8 pattern captures sound equally from the front and rear, while rejecting sound from the sides. The Omnidirectional pattern captures sound equally from all directions. The Cardioid pattern captures sound primarily from the front, with significant rejection from the rear and sides. The ART T4's intermediate patterns offer subtle variations between these primary pickup characteristics.

Frequency Response: A frequency response graph illustrates the microphone's sensitivity across different frequencies, showing a wide and relatively flat response from 20Hz to 20kHz, indicating accurate sound reproduction across the audible spectrum.

Specifications