4033SE vs. 4033 (a/cl)
the bass response on the SE's is significantly more defined (to my ears...through my pre's and applications...it's ALL personal experience) then the later production model 4033cl/A.
I have 2 SE's and 2cl's I use the SE for room mics because it capture WAY more boom and warmth of the full set at a distance (5-15 ft away...sometime 20-30 feet for bigger room) and the CL's are my go to beaters for rough / scratch anything.
...they both stay clear in mid-volume use.
they both break up nicely (using UA610 or a Avalon737, ART MP1, Onyx etc.)
I'm very happy with both styles using seventh circle's pre's and they seem to bite very hard on electric guitar / close-AMP attack mic
....the CL's seem a bit shrill and brittle on female vocals & strings...unless you nose dive the upper mids at the pre.
the SE...are warmer in all contexts....for up close mic they sound more grounded and sit more comfortable blended into the mix...the cl's are designed to punch and almost always seem to stand out.
if I had to pick, I'd prefer the SE's but I think having the variety is more utilitarian in real situations...and presence is something I'd prefer to ADD where needed...rather then remove where not wanted....just my approach.
Ofcourse...I'd go to a 414XL or 414TLii before the 4033's either of them are more of a back up or staple that fill in blanks around better mic's.
don't get me wrong....
I love 4033's as far as bang for the buck
...they're are BOTH really kick ass use of $200-$300....between them and a MD421 you have all you really need to home track great tone on most performances.
good luck.
