AE5100

Audio-Technica AE5100 – Large-diaphragm cardioid electret microphone for acoustic instruments

The Audio-Technica AE5100 is a large-diaphragm cardioid electret condenser microphone designed to capture acoustic instruments with outstanding precision and a naturally detailed sound. Its wide capsule—typically found in studio condensers—delivers a rich, balanced and transparent sonic character.

Versatile, discreet and highly reliable, the AE5100 excels on acoustic guitars, strings, overheads, percussion as well as vocal ensembles. Its open-head grille structure allows the microphone to be placed close to the source while preserving exceptional clarity.

Built for stage use and heavy touring, it features an 80 Hz high-pass filter and a 10 dB pad, making it perfectly suited for high-SPL acoustic instruments. Like all Artist Elite models, it is designed and manufactured in Japan and comes with an extended 15-year manufacturer warranty.

Technical specifications:

• Type: Electret condenser microphone
  
  
• Polar pattern: Cardioid
  
  
• Frequency response: 20 – 20,000 Hz
  
  
• High-pass filter: 80 Hz, 12 dB/octave
  
  
• Sensitivity: –36 dB (15.8 mV) re 1V/Pa
  
  
• Maximum SPL: 148 dB SPL (1% THD); 158 dB SPL with –10 dB pad
  
  
• Dynamic range: 137 dB (1 kHz at max SPL)
  
  
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 83 dB
  
  
• Phantom power: 11–52 V DC, 3.2 mA
  
  
• Weight: 143 g
  
  
• Dimensions: Length 148.5 mm; max diameter 26 mm
  
  
• Connector: Integral 3-pin XLRM
  
  
• Included accessories: AT8471 isolation clamp, 5/8”-27 → 3/8”-16 thread adapter, AT8136 foam windscreen, soft protective pouch
  
  
• Applications: Acoustic guitars, strings, overheads, percussion, choirs, acoustic ensembles
  
  
• Manufacturer warranty: 15 years
  
  

Key points:

• Large-diaphragm capsule: precise, natural and highly detailed response.
  
  
• Open grille design: superior transparency and close-positioning capability.
  
  
• Outstanding for acoustic instruments: guitars, strings, percussion, overheads and choirs.
  
  
• High-pass filter + pad: maximum versatility for stage and studio use.
  
  
• Rugged construction: built for long-term touring reliability.
  
  
• Cardioid pattern: excellent isolation and rear rejection.
  
  
• AT8471 isolation clamp included: reduces mechanical noise and ensures stable mounting.
  
  
• Made in Japan: exceptional build quality and durability.