Shinybox 23L or AT 4040 ?

[David Katauskas]

- Shinybox 23L
- AT 4040

I know these are completely different mics...but...they are both in my price range ($300-US) and I can only buy one of them. If I had the money, I'd probably get both.

They will mainly be used for acoustic guitar and vocals. Probably a darker pop/rock style of music. Maybe the occasional heavy guitar cab (close with the Shinybox and room with the AT).

Any opinions that will help me lean one way or the other will be truly appreciated.

Oh yeah...I currently have e609s, MXL 990 and MXL 991 going thru a Tampa.

[antispatula]

the at4040 is great; I've used one, and even the at3035 is great. I don't know about the other one though.

[Treeline]

Shinybox??

[Dogman]

I've got a 4040, but never heard about the Shinybox. If you want any samples from a 4040, I could supply that. Seems to capture my voice pretty well. Just pretty clean, through a DMP3. Never used it for anything else.

[guitar junkie]

i got the AT4040 and i hate it on vocals.... i am thinking ribbon next myself..

[Dogman]

Originally Posted by guitar junkie

i got the AT4040 and i hate it on vocals.... i am thinking ribbon next myself..

What do you find to be the problem? It's the only thing I have really tried, besides a few cheaper mics. Of course, my vocals are so bad, the mic may not make any difference.....

[guitar junkie]

its just got this ringing high sizzle to it that gets on my nerves... i don't want a vocal with a sparkle to it i want it to sound clean and smooth! the sound of this mic is just a little more modern than i like to sound. now i will say that the AT works great on drum over heads and its not half bad on acoustic guitar and such but... i think its the weakest link in my vocal chain other than me...

[ch2os7]

Originally Posted by guitar junkie

i got the AT4040 and i hate it on vocals.... i am thinking ribbon next myself..

The 4040 is painfully honest on vocals. I didn't like my voice with it but it wasn't because of sizzle...I got a V67G and it gave me the color my voice needed. I'm not saying that the v67 is better than the 4040...it just suits my voice better.

Good luck!

[reshp1]

The shiny box is much like the Nady ribbons. It has a XLR connector, instead of the integrated cable, it comes with a hardshell case, and small cosmetic differences. The "L" indicates a Lundahl transformer (if you do get that, let me know how you like it, I was thinking about modding mine). The guy (yes, guy. not souless corporation) that sells them seems really cool and flexible, and seems to know his mics. Hence the transformer mods. I also believe that he re-ribbons his mics, but don't quote me on that.

[guitar junkie]

aye the little pesky V67G again! every recording that i like from small studios has used that mic for the vocals! maybe i need to demo one myself...... i think there must be a little magic in the booger...