AT 4040 vs. 4050

[mark4man]

Does the AT 4040 utilize the same 2-micron gold diaphragm as the 4050? (& the same transformerless solid-state circuitry?) Is the only difference between the two the added pickup patterns on the 4050?

Would the 4040 sound the same as the 4050 in a cardioid pattern?

Or is the 4050 better quality all the way around?

Still looking for a quality studio LDC vocal mic; & have narrowed my search down to Audio Technica. I have tested the 4040 with my voice, but certain tracking types are telling me to go with the 4050. But is the only difference I'm seeing the added pickup patterns on the 4050? Someone else told me the 4050 is a better LDC mic for "digital" recording...but, then...I thought that's what we all do.

Thanks,

mark4man

 

[OneRoomStudios]

I don't know this for a fact, but since no one else has responded I'll relay what I have heard. Apparently the 4040 sounds a little smoother/warmer on vocals than the 4050 in cardioid. Aside from the polar patterns, I don't know of any other differences between the mics though. But you should wait for an answer from someone more informed.

 

[JoPublic-Sound]

Ok well a lot would depend of the type of usage really. I use both the 4040 and the 4050 at my studio here, and have to say that I can find very little to differentiate between them. I should point out though that I do mainly voice production for radio and so perhaps this might not be quite a fair test.

The 4040/4050 suit my voice very well indeed and give a warm glow to the recording, I have found however that they do not work that well with the some female and children’s voices that resonate at the higher end of the scale.

I hope this helps

 

[chessrock]

The 4040/4050 suit my voice very well indeed and give a warm glow to the recording, I have found however that they do not work that well with the some female and children’s voices that resonate at the higher end of the scale.

Hey JoPublic,

So what mic(s) do you like for children and female voices, then? Just curious.

 

[David]

Ok well a lot would depend of the type of usage really. I use both the 4040 and the 4050 at my studio here, and have to say that I can find very little to differentiate between them. I should point out though that I do mainly voice production for radio and so perhaps this might not be quite a fair test.

The 4040/4050 suit my voice very well indeed and give a warm glow to the recording, I have found however that they do not work that well with the some female and children’s voices that resonate at the higher end of the scale.

I hope this helps

Ditto that. My daughter (which unlike me can sing her ass off) my 4050 sound's kinda shrill/ tiny sounding on her. I have some tunes all tracked with the 4050 if you care to listen...I suck, but you might get an idea

http://www.nowhereradio.com/david/singles

and btw, the 4050 really slams hard on guitar cabs imo.

 

[DigitalSmigital]

Hey JoPublic,

So what mic(s) do you like for children and female voices, then? Just curious.

The AT3035 "excels on female voices" according to Sweetwater's ProGear catalog.

 

[BradD]

I've heard that Michael Jackson prefers the Shure SM7 on children's voices.

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

 

[geet73]

I was under the impression he preferred the one-eyed trouser snake in their mouth.

 

[Ape32]

I borrow a pal's 4050 any time I do a session (about 4X a year) and I find it a bit "prissy" on vocals, esp. on our female singer. It works great as a drum overhead, nice for acoustic instruments (esp. in omni) - I have yet to shove it in front of a guitar amp but it might just rule there as well!

 

[andres]

Hey --- I am also looking at the AT4040, and was wondering if anyone had A/Bed one with the AT3060. I would be using it on my voice (male), acousitic guitar, and hand percussion. Thoughts?