Audio Technica question

Geoff Brown · Post by **Geoff Brown** » 2 Apr 2005 7:13 pm

A friend of mine has a budget of $300 for a large-diaphragm condenser mic, for use with acoustic guitar and vocals. I like the AT mics, and use a AT 4050 a lot with nice results. That mic is going to be out of his price range, although a used one on eBay might be affordable. A used AT4033 would fit his budget. I see the AT4040 new for good prices, but I have no experience with that mic. I was wondering if anyone uses the AT4040 and could compare it's performance to the 4033 and 4050. Thanks.

John Macy · Post by **John Macy** » 2 Apr 2005 8:08 pm

I have never tried a 4040, but I do own a couple of 4033's, and they are a great little mic, especially on acoustic instruments and drum overheads (and I have a very serious mic collection

).

I recently did a session at a studio for a fiddle overdub (Hank Singer), and they had a Marshall V69M tube LDC that goes for about $300. I gotta tell you, both Hank and I were very impressed. I have a friend that really likes them on vocals, even more that several of his more expensive mics. Just might add a couple to my collection...[This message was edited by John Macy on 02 April 2005 at 09:05 PM.]

Dave Grafe · Post by **Dave Grafe** » 2 Apr 2005 8:40 pm

Check out the ADK A-51, another large-diaphragm side-address condenser mic, it is usually available for under $200, its not quite as flat as the 4033 but we have used it on grand piano, drum overheads, congas, horns, mandolin, fiddle, you name it, it's a great sounding mic even if it wasn't so inexpensive.

Let me know if you have trouble finding one.

John Macy · Post by **John Macy** » 2 Apr 2005 9:04 pm

I have used the tube version of the above and it was nice. There are some great deals on ebay right now for the 51...

John Lacey · Post by **John Lacey** » 3 Apr 2005 3:00 am

My main mic is a 4040 and it's given me 3 yrs. of great service for vocals and acoustic instruments.

Tommy Detamore · Post by **Tommy Detamore** » 3 Apr 2005 5:38 am

I hear lots of good things about the 4040. Might have to pick one up......John Macy speaks the truth. The MXL V69 is a nice mike for a lot of voices. Not too bad on fiddle either if you have a good fiddle player to record

These go for around $300.00 new.

I have owned a 4033 since they first came out (back when they cost $550.00!). It is probably the most used mike in my collection. You could hardly go wrong with it.

And speaking of ADK mikes, I have no personal experience with them but I have run across some favorable reviews, especially the Vienna and Hamburg editions. I think these can be had for around 3 bills too.

Another great AT vocal mike is the 4047. Nice and smooth, without the harsh high end that plagues a lot of new condensers. I picked up a clean used one for $300.00. I haven't tried it on acoustic guitar but I bet it would be decent.

The caveat in all of this would be the marriage of the mike with a preamp. Any given mike can sound pretty different depending on the preamp it is paired with.

Geoff Brown · Post by **Geoff Brown** » 3 Apr 2005 7:24 am

Thanks, guys. I was hoping this wouldn't turn into a "recommend a condenser mic" thread, because it would get me thinking about mics that I'm not familiar with. I'm not familiar with the ADK mics, and I'm not doubting those who are suggesting them, but when I read reviews comparing them to $6000 mics, I'm inclined to look elsewhere. Maybe that's a mistake, but I know that I'm on familiar ground with the AT mics, having used the 4050 and the 4033. They're solidly built and reliable, and just about any studio is going to have a few in their arsenal. The 4050 and 4033 also match up nicely with the Joe Meek preamps and compressors. I use a VC3Q, and that little unit is a really nice pre/compressor/EQ. It's been replaced by another model, and used VC3Qs can be had for not a lot of $$. That's what I'm recommending to my friend (and to anyone else), so don't try to sway me on that, you guys

A new, B-stock 4040 w/ full warranty can be had for $240 or less which is cheap. I see used 4033s go for around $200 on eBay. If I was looking for another mic for myself, I might buy an ADK and check it out (can't argue with the price), but for my friend who is on a limited budget, I'm going to recommend he go with a brand that is tried and true. Thanks for the evaluations on the 4040 and 4047. I think my friend will be able to get into a nice mic and preamp for well under $400 that will serve him well.

Dave Grafe · Post by **Dave Grafe** » 3 Apr 2005 3:30 pm

Geoff, I am not saying that ADK makes ANYTHING that compares to a top-grade Neumann. I use an AT4033 all the time and it's a very nice mic but this thread started off with "...a budget of $300" and, well, that won't buy you one.

I have worked with Schoeps, AKG 414, Neumanns of all kinds, etc. For smaller budgets or tougher conditions I have often used a pair of the ADK A-51's along with the AT 4033 for recordings and live work. If I only need one I'll take the AT, but it's not an issue of one sounds "better" than the others, in fact the ADK shows a bit better feedback rejection characteristics than the AT in a live application.

I have gotten great results from both and again, the A-51 remains a whoppin' great mic for $175 or less!

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<img align=right src="http://www.pdxaudio.com/dgsept03.jpg" width="114 height="114">Dave Grafe - email: dg@pdxaudio.com
Production
Pickin', etc.

1978 ShoBud Pro I E9, Randall Steel Man 500, 1963 Precision Bass, 1954 Gibson LGO, 1897 Washburn Hawaiian Steel Conversion

[This message was edited by Dave Grafe on 03 April 2005 at 04:34 PM.]

Geoff Brown · Post by **Geoff Brown** » 3 Apr 2005 3:52 pm

Thanks, Dave. I wasn't suggesting that you or anyone else here was making such a silly comparison, but I've read such things elsewhere, and about other mics as well. If it looks like a Neumann, it gets hyped. Sorry for any confusion, I didn't lay that post out very well. One reason I posted my question here was that I know there are a group of good ears that will give me good feedback. I can't say the same for some other forums I visit. I'm probably going to buy one of these mics for myself, based on your opinion and those of others. Thanks again.

Scott Denniston · Post by **Scott Denniston** » 4 Apr 2005 1:02 am

I use a 4047 and am really happy with it BUT...a Studio Projects C-1 (which I also use) is a budget mic and is really right up there with many of the high-mid priced mics. I got the C-1 new for $175. Studio Projects also make a B-1 that's supposed to be nice. The C-1 has been raved about on every recording site that I've frequented and is a great all around large condencer.

Kiyoshi Osawa · Post by **Kiyoshi Osawa** » 4 Apr 2005 6:03 am

At our studio we use an AKG C3000b.

It's a pretty versatile mic, and well within the price range.

All in all it has been a good addition to the mic cabinet...

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Kiyoshi
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