can I pair an AT2020 with a 4050

[tromostheory]

I'd like to be able to mic my piano in stereo, and I don't want to spend a bunch of money on a mic I already have (Audio Technica 4050), so I was thinking I could get the much cheaper AT2020. Do you think that the AT2020 sounds enough like an AT4050 to use in this application? How about for drum overheads? Thanks

 

[thajeremy]

can you pair them?? ofcourse...

do the 2020's sound anything like the 4050's???
id say absolutly not...probably lucky if you can get 2 2020's that sound the same....

 

[THX1136]

Using them together wouldn't be a problem as mentioned. If you are anticipating having to do some EQ to the tracks it may not make a big difference as opposed to using a matched pair. A lot depends on how you place the mics matched or not. I've used two SM57s to mic a grand piano and with a bit of EQ it sounded very much like the piano sounded. It got compliments from the client anyway. You definitely aren't out anything to try the ATs together. Use your ears - if you get the sound you want then you accomplished your goal.

 

[jamacian]

They are very different sounding mics.

I would get two 2020s for close stereo across the soundboard and place the 4050 further out for some room ambiance. A wide spread of the 2020 and the 4050 will not sound balanced. The 4050 is a much fuller mic and in omni it should work well at a distance.