Audio-Technica ATM350UL Instrument Condenser Microphone

Cardioid Condenser Instrument Microphone with Universal Clip-On Mounting

The Audio-Technica ATM350UL is a clip-on cardioid condenser instrument microphone system engineered for the demanding SPL output and physical movement of live brass, saxophone, woodwind, and accordion playing. Paired with the AT8491U universal clip-on mount, the 9-inch UniMount® gooseneck grips the bell securely and refuses to drift during aggressive bowing, breathing, or movement on stage. Designed around the ATM350a capsule, the system provides a clear, well-balanced response even when positioned inches from the loudest sources a horn or accordion can produce.

Modular Mounting System That Holds Position Under Pressure

What separates the ATM350UL from generic clip-on mics is the UniMount® ecosystem itself — a rugged clip that locks to the instrument bell without protruding, a rigid 9-inch gooseneck that resists flopping, and an in-line power module with a switchable high-pass filter. The included AT8468 violin mount adds a hook-and-loop option for string players. Audio-Technica also offers interchangeable capsule elements (hypercardioid and omnidirectional), turning one mounting system into a swappable polar-pattern toolkit for FOH engineers, recording techs, and multi-instrumentalists.

High-SPL Capsule Performance — Capture Without Distortion

Stage horns and amplified accordions produce punishing SPL levels that crack cheaper capsules. The permanently polarized condenser element inside the ATM350a body is rated for very high acoustic input, allowing it to sit close to the source and still deliver an undistorted, natural sound.

• The Fixed-charge back plate, permanently polarized condenser design gives the capsule stable response during sustained high SPL brass and sax playing.
• Maximum Input SPL: 159 dB SPL at 1 kHz, 1% THD — leaves plenty of headroom even directly in front of a screaming trumpet bell.
• Dynamic Range: 130 dB at 1 kHz at Max SPL — captures pianissimo passages and fortissimo peaks in the same take.

Cardioid Isolation and Tonal Control

In a live mix, off-axis bleed from wedges, drum kits, and stage wash is the enemy of a clean instrument channel. The cardioid polar pattern attenuates side and rear pickup so the bell dominates the capture, while a switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter on the in-line power module rolls off rumble, handling noise, and low-end build-up before it reaches the mixer.

• Polar Pattern: Cardioid — focused bell-side pickup for brass, sax, and accordion.
• Engaged via in-line module at 80 Hz, 12 dB/octave, the roll-off cuts stage rumble and proximity-effect muddiness before signal reaches the mixer.
• Open-Circuit Sensitivity: -49 dB (3.5 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa — efficient output that pairs cleanly with phantom-powered mixer inputs.

Built-In Mounting, Cabling, and Power

A clip-on mic lives or dies by its mount. The AT8491U universal clip-on grips the bell without interfering with the instrument stand, the AT8490L 9-inch gooseneck rigidly holds its shape, and the permanently attached 4-meter cable reaches the FOH or floor box without strain relief worries. Terminating the run to standard 3-pin XLR and managing phantom power requirements, the AT8543 in-line power module keeps the signal chain simple and serviceable.

• At 9 inches (~229 mm), the gooseneck reaches the bell of tenor sax, baritone sax, euphonium, and accordion bass side without distorting capsule aim.
• Attached Cable: 4.0 m, 3.2 mm diameter — 2-conductor shielded with HIROSE HR10-type connector at the power module end.
• Phantom Power Requirements: 11–52 V DC, 3.5 mA typical — runs from virtually any phantom-capable mixer or interface.
• Microphone Weight: 14.5 g — light enough not to pull on a bell rim or strap mount.

Who Is It For — Live Performers, Sound Engineers, and Multi-Instrument Players

The ATM350UL package is the right choice for live performers and sound engineers who need a clip-on microphone that survives aggressive stage movement while still isolating the instrument from competing sources. Touring saxophone and trumpet players, working accordionists, church brass sections, and one-person tech riders for school bands will all benefit from the 9-inch gooseneck reach and the switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter that keeps stage low-end out of the mix. Recording engineers handling quick-change sessions — switching between strings, brass, and woodwinds in the same session — also gain from the modular UniMount® system that accepts hypercardioid and omnidirectional capsule swaps without changing hardware. Studio and stage players who care about stealth on camera will appreciate the tiny 12.2 mm body diameter that hides the capsule near the rim or bell.

Audio-Technica — Decades of Studio and Stage Microphone Engineering

Audio-Technica has manufactured professional microphones for stage, studio, and broadcast since 1972, building a reputation for capsule consistency, rugged build quality, and modular system thinking. The UniMount® family that anchors the ATM350 line reflects that heritage: each component is engineered to be repaired, swapped, and reconfigured in the field rather than discarded, which is why the interchangeable hypercardioid and omnidirectional elements remain in active production alongside the cardioid capsule included in this package.