Audio-Technica AT33xMLB Dual Moving-Coil Stereo Cartridge

Microlinear nude stylus, solid boron tapered cantilever, composite body with die-cast zinc base for enhanced mid-low expressiveness

The latest update to the venerable AT33 Series—the first extensive overhaul in years—brings new warmth and fullness to your vinyl playback. Incorporating technological and material improvements, including Audio-Technica’s first use of die-cast zinc at the base of the cartridge to kill resonance and improve expressiveness in the mid to low frequencies.

With its microlinear nude stylus and solid boron tapered cantilever, the AT33xMLB is capable of capturing the subtlest details cut into a record groove. This capacity for high-resolution tracking is particularly noticeable when listening to orchestral recordings, allowing each instrument to be discerned clearly, or when playing records made since the late 1970s that benefit from high-fidelity recording and manufacturing advancements. The newly developed suspension mechanism uses piano wire for improved tracking accuracy and slightly lower dynamic compliance for more substantial audio, particularly in the mid-low range.

The cartridge’s composite body, made of die-cast zinc, aluminum, and high-rigidity polymer, reduces and disperses resonance across the entire body, resulting in balanced, natural sound reproduction. The AT33x dual moving coil design features independent left- and right-channel PCOCC (Pure Copper by Ohno Continuous Casting) coils for outstanding channel separation and smooth signal transmission. A neodymium magnet and permendur yoke create a strong magnetic field that maximizes power generation efficiency, ensuring responsive, high-resolution analog playback. Like all AT33x Series cartridges, the body includes threaded holes for easy mounting (just two screws required), which is especially helpful with integrated tonearms.

Please Note: AT33xMLB’s stylus assembly is not field-replaceable. Audio-Technica offers a fee-based Moving Coil Exchange Program to properly service your moving coil cartridge.

Included Accessories

• Non-magnetic screwdriver
• Brush
• Washer × 2
• Cartridge installation screws (M2.6): 8.0 mm × 2, 10.0 mm × 2, 13.0 mm × 2
• Protector

Specifications

Type: MC

Frequency Response: 20–45,000 Hz

Channel Separation: 27 dB 

Vertical Tracking Angle: 19°

Tracking Force: 1.8–2.2 g (2.0 g standard)

Recommended Load Impedance: ≥ 100 ohms (when head amplifier connected)

Coil Impedance: 12 ohms 

DC Resistance: 12 ohms

Coil Inductance: 26 μH 

Output Voltage: 0.42 mV 

Output Balance: 1.0 dB (1 kHz)

Stylus Shape: Nude Microlinear

Cantilever: Nude tapered boron

Static Compliance: 19 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne

Dynamic Compliance: 6 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne 

Stylus Curvature Radius: 2.2 × 0.12 mil

Armature Structure: Double-step design for increased rigidity

Terminal Pins: Thick gold-plated, low-resistance

Threaded Hole: M2.6 × 2

Dimensions (WHD): 0.65" x 0.63" x 1.0" (16.6 x 16.0 x 26.1 mm)

Weight: 10.1 g