AT4040 or Rode NT2-A?

jsavisalo · #1 10-15-2006

Now that I finally have my first good preamp (DAV BG-1) and OK AD/DA (RME ADI-2) I think it's time to try and fix the next weak link in the chain. I have two AKG C3000B's, and I'm beginning to believe that they deserve much of the bashing one can read and hear around (harsh, brash, sibilant...).
AT4040 and Rode NT2-A would fit in my budget and they both get very good reviews. Which one of these would you recommend for recording mostly acoustic instruments and some vocals? How about something else in this price range to consider? Or, would I get a significantly better mic by stretching the budget and choosing the AT4050?

If you want to hear what kind of music I'm doing, you can find it at http://www.saunalahti.fi/jsavisal/music.html

Thanks,

Juha

funckyfinger · #2 10-15-2006

Check out this link. They have samples of both.Everyone seemed to prefer the Rode.

http://acapella.harmony-central.com/...ight=rode+nt2a

jsavisalo · #3 10-15-2006

Great link, thank you funckyfinger! I was already leaning towards the AT4040, but in that test I really liked the Rode most.

Quote:

Originally Posted by funckyfinger

Check out this link. They have samples of both.Everyone seemed to prefer the Rode.

http://acapella.harmony-central.com/...ight=rode+nt2a

roadwarrior · #4 10-15-2006

There's no question the AT is a great mic. However I just don't think you can beat the NT2-A unless you are prepared to spend North of a grand. It is as quiet as a church mouse, and has great dynamic range. Sparkles on female vocals and is nice and rich for a male vocal. It certainly tells the truth so it's not a hyped mike in the grand scheme of things. It is one of those "best buys" out there to be sure. I got a K2 to complement the overall sound with a NT2-A. Makes for lots of possibilities when you need them.

Golden · #5 10-15-2006

Indeed, nice link. It seems to me that mic 1 in the test captured the guys best performance of the guitar bit, as well... Something to think about. Nonetheless, mic 1 did sound best.

ch2os7 · #6 10-15-2006

mic 1 sounded tighter. the 4040 sounded a little uncharacteristically boomy. I wonder if the bass roll off was on? I agree, the best performance was #1. good observation

jsavisalo · #7 10-16-2006

Yes, I also think that #1 is also the best prformance. And it's also somewhat dangerous to draw a very profound conclusion from just one test.
However, the difference between the samples is so distinctive that it really makes one think... Is there some other difference between the takes: mic location, bass roll off on (like ch2os7 said) or something? Can the Rode be THAT much better?

tommy2 · #8 10-16-2006

Juha, Luota AKG:n. Osta C4000B, et pety!

Tom

Big Kenny · #9 10-16-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by tommy2

Juha, Luota AKG:n. Osta C4000B, et pety!

Tom

I was just thinking that!

Golden · #10 10-17-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by tommy2

Juha, Luota AKG:n. Osta C4000B, et pety!

Tom

Muy chistoso!

Golden · #11 10-17-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Kenny

I was just thinking that!

Usted es especial!

jsavisalo · #12 10-17-2006

Tom, it seems that this board is not yet ready to adopt our beautiful language as its official language, so let's continue like this...

The C4000B seems to be in roughly same price range with the ones i've been looking so that could be one option. It doesn't seem to get many recommendations in these boards though. But I guess it's not just a C3000B with multiple patterns, right?
Any other opinions about this AKG model? Compared to the AT and Rode?

Quote:

Originally Posted by tommy2

Juha, Luota AKG:n. Osta C4000B, et pety!

Tom

tommy2 · #13 10-17-2006

Hi Juha,

Yes, the C4000B is close to the C414XLS, which many think is a studio standard mic. My experience is that the C4000B suits beter for vocals than XLS, but works perfect also as on instrument mic too, though the XLS wins this game. You can trust the Harman group (AKG), one of the biggest manufacturers of pro audio! The C3000B is also a nice mic, though many here do not rate it very high. I think they have not made familiar with it. Trust your own ears.

Kind regards from Kuusankoski, Finland

Tom

Ironklad Audio · #14 10-17-2006

one thing to consider will be that the NT-2A has multiple polar patterns, while the 4040 is cardioid-only

Caotico · #15 10-17-2006

I believe the NT2-A doesn't have a shockmount, which would bother me, but then I guess you could buy one if you wanted it.

RichS · #16 10-17-2006

For about $100 more you can buy the NT2000 which includes a (very substantial) $60.00 shock mount and a $30 hard case. The NT2000 has continuously variable pattern, high-pass filter, and pad... which can really help you fine-tune apparent mic position, especially if you're tight on space. If you're going to buy a shock mount for the NT2-A, moving up a model makes more sense.

jsavisalo · #17 10-18-2006

Very good points from all of you, thanks. I definitely need and want a shockmount for my mics.

The continuously variable pattern/filter/pad of the NT2000 seems like a great feature, but how does it work in stereo recording? Not so easy to make exactly same settings for two mics, I guess?

RichS · #18 10-18-2006

<<The continuously variable pattern/filter/pad of the NT2000 seems like a great feature, but how does it work in stereo recording? Not so easy to make exactly same settings for two mics, I guess?>>

There are indicators on the dials and setting them to match isn't a problem.

jsavisalo · #19 10-22-2006

I have not found a buyer for my AKG's yet, so I've had time to think this over. What do you think about this kind of idea: Instead of buying two LDC's I buy only one (a multi pattern one, most likely an NT2000) and a matched pair of SDC's (like Rode NT5, Studio Projects C4 or Oktava MK-012). That way I would have a nice stereo pair well suited for acoustic guitars etc. and a good multi pattern LCD for vocals etc.
And I could also practice M-S micing using one of the SDC's with a cardioid capsule and the LCD in the figure-of-8 pattern.

PHILANDDON · #20 10-22-2006

I've owned the AT4040 and the Rodes NT1A, which is like the NT2 without all the polar patterns.

I prefer the AT. More vibey. Something is going on with the lows on those Rodes mics that I don't like. Sounds slightly damped. Maybe that's how they got those great S/N specs.

Big Kenny · #21 10-22-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by PHILANDDON

I've owned the AT4040 and the Rodes NT1A, which is like the NT2 without all the polar patterns.

I prefer the AT. More vibey. Something is going on with the lows on those Rodes mics that I don't like. Sounds slightly damped. Maybe that's how they got those great S/N specs.

Interesting theory..

roadwarrior · #22 10-22-2006

If you're gettin' dampin out of a NT2-A on the low end I submit is ain't the mic....it's the preamp or it's impedance interraction with the pre. The NT2000 and NT2-A are virtual siblings with the exception of the variable patterns and rolloff adjustments. I would agree "if" you can find a deal on the NT2000 for only 100 bucks more than a NT2-A I'd jump on the NT2000.....makes perfect sense. IMHO a NT2000 trumps just about any Audio Technica model out there.......