T
ticohans
New member
Before I ask any questions I just wanted to comment on what an amazing source of information these boards are. I have been digging through posts and threads for a while here and always come away buzzing with new information. So a big thank you from all of the folks who I know lurk around here but never post anything.
And now on to business. I'm a singer/songwriter looking to put together a SMALL budget home studio. I'll be recording with my computer (Dell, 1.3 Ghz, 256MB RAM) via a M-Audio USB Duo. No other external pre's or the like, at least not for now. I am hoping to spend no more than $400 on microphones, although if push comes to shove, I could maybe spring for something a little more if it would be a very solid investment. If I can spend less, fantastic.
I'm going to be recording my vocals (high bari/low tenor with a broad dynamic range), guitar (Taylor 714), and baby grand piano (which is pretty mellow in character). I've gone back and forth on getting a few different cheaper Chinese-made mics for a few specific applications, or spending a little more one just one or two more expensive, non-Chinese mics. I am very intrigued by the AT 40 line, and am thinking pretty seriously about either the 4033 or the 4040. I've read a lot on these boards about these two mics individually, but didn't ever manage to come up with a direct comparision between the two mics. From what I've been able to gather, it seems that the 4033 has a bit of a boost in the mids that for some things is great, and for other things is not so great, while the 4040 may work better on a variety of sources due to a flatter response. The 4033 seems to have a larger fan base, while the 4040 may be a little underrated. Is that generally right? Anyone with experience care to make an observation on the two of them? If this is the case, my guess is that the 4040 would be better for me, due to the diversity of sources that I'd like to record cheaply, and the fact that if I'm using a mic with a notable boost in the mids on multiple sources, the end result is going to magnify that effect to the level where it is no longer pleasing. Is this right? Should I be looking at something entirely different fromt he AT 40 line? Any other brilliant ideas? I'm all ears.
Just a bit more general info: I am new to the whole recording thing, but am very experienced with music in general. I've played piano since I was four, was raised in a musical household, and was a music major in college. So while I don't have any background with regards to recording, I do feel that I have the ears to appreciate the difference in quality between budget mics that just get the job done and a higher quality mic that can only be had at a greater price.
If a recording or two of some of the stuff that I've done would be helpful in answering these questions, let me know, and I'll see what I can do.
And now on to business. I'm a singer/songwriter looking to put together a SMALL budget home studio. I'll be recording with my computer (Dell, 1.3 Ghz, 256MB RAM) via a M-Audio USB Duo. No other external pre's or the like, at least not for now. I am hoping to spend no more than $400 on microphones, although if push comes to shove, I could maybe spring for something a little more if it would be a very solid investment. If I can spend less, fantastic.
I'm going to be recording my vocals (high bari/low tenor with a broad dynamic range), guitar (Taylor 714), and baby grand piano (which is pretty mellow in character). I've gone back and forth on getting a few different cheaper Chinese-made mics for a few specific applications, or spending a little more one just one or two more expensive, non-Chinese mics. I am very intrigued by the AT 40 line, and am thinking pretty seriously about either the 4033 or the 4040. I've read a lot on these boards about these two mics individually, but didn't ever manage to come up with a direct comparision between the two mics. From what I've been able to gather, it seems that the 4033 has a bit of a boost in the mids that for some things is great, and for other things is not so great, while the 4040 may work better on a variety of sources due to a flatter response. The 4033 seems to have a larger fan base, while the 4040 may be a little underrated. Is that generally right? Anyone with experience care to make an observation on the two of them? If this is the case, my guess is that the 4040 would be better for me, due to the diversity of sources that I'd like to record cheaply, and the fact that if I'm using a mic with a notable boost in the mids on multiple sources, the end result is going to magnify that effect to the level where it is no longer pleasing. Is this right? Should I be looking at something entirely different fromt he AT 40 line? Any other brilliant ideas? I'm all ears.
Just a bit more general info: I am new to the whole recording thing, but am very experienced with music in general. I've played piano since I was four, was raised in a musical household, and was a music major in college. So while I don't have any background with regards to recording, I do feel that I have the ears to appreciate the difference in quality between budget mics that just get the job done and a higher quality mic that can only be had at a greater price.
If a recording or two of some of the stuff that I've done would be helpful in answering these questions, let me know, and I'll see what I can do.
