In today's vintage trending, "Warm" and "Natural" would take top places among the most frequently used buzzwords. What exactly is "warm" anyway when you talk about sound? Is it the barely audible harmonic hiss? The unheard harmonic vibrations that could permeate in the air as a result analog gear use? Whatever that subjective perception might be, it sure is one of the things that people are looking for as they stroll about this year's AES convention, and the Audio Technica AT4080 & AT4081 ribbon microphones that are being exhibited appear to be full of that "natural warmth".

The AT4080 & AT4081 are two new bidirectional ribbon microphones from the expanding 40 Series. Utilizing a hand-built proprietary design and rugged durable construction, both these mic have that smooth, warm, and natural sound sought after by today's audio aficionados and sound professionals in the recording, broadcast, and sound reinforcement fields. At the heart of these two microphones is an innovative dual ribbon transducer design with the so-called MicroLinear ribbon imprint that is free from ribbon distortion and minimized lateral flexing. All in all this design makes the mics durable, with a high SPL capability, and that rich audio quality that accurately reproduces the sound source. Both these microphones are side-address ribbon microphones with bidirectional polar patterns that offer versatile applications and an extended frequency response.

The AT4080 has a footprint of a classic suspension cradled side-address condenser mic recommended for vocals, horns, strings, acoustic instruments, drum overheads, orchestras, ensembles and guitar cabinets. It has an acoustic baffle system and extra-large output transformer for extended low-frequency response and dynamic range. It comes with its own shock mount, dust cover, and protective case. The Audio Technica AT4080 is priced at 1,245.00 USD (MSRP)

The AT4081 has more of a pencil condenser mic appearance that is optimized for strings, saxophones and other horns, acoustic instruments, drum overheads, orchestras, ensembles and guitar cabinets. This low-profile design permits maximum placement options and the mic comes with its own isolation clamp. The AT4081 has an MSRP of 895.00 USD.

Another aspect of the Audio Technica AT4080 & AT4081's design is that despite being ribbon microphones, the require active electronics via phantom power. The peculiar thing about this is that phantom power only is needed for the active electronics which brings these microphones near condenser-level performance. Condenser-like performance with the unique sound of a ribbon microphone does open up a lot of possibilities for recording and live performance (since conventional wisdom once forbid active electronics for ribbon mics) giving a unique treat for audiophiles, musicians, and even meticulous sound engineers. The AT4080 and the AT4081 is slated to be available by November 2009.