Microphone purchase Audio Technica AT4040

[Razzgospel]

I'm setting up a studio to record my gospel quartet. The only instrument we use is my electric guitar, so good reproduction of vocals is very important. I've been advised to record my guitar with a microphone on the amplifier by a friend who has a small studio and recorded two of my albums. He has recommended an Audio Technica AT4040 Studio Condenser microphone as best for my needs and budget.

Anyone have experience with this mike, or have preferences for another comparable mike in the same price range? ($300).

Razzgospel

 

[Track Rat]

The 4040 is a fine mic. You could do much worse. It'll be a workhorse for you.

 

[Razzgospel]

Thanks for the quick response...my gospel quartet sang at a folk festival in Boonville, Mo two years ago.. I'll probably go with the AT4040.. but it's always helpful to know that someone else has used the equipment and is satisfied..

 

[Big Kenny]

any at is a great mic......3035 and up, all will be useful for many applications
just to muddy the waters though..do a search "vocal microphones" and confuse the heck out of yourself
In His Name
Big Kenny

 

[Razzgospel]

Microphone purchase

Thanks, Kenny:

My eyes involuntarily start to cross after I read a few descriptions of mikes... mostly because I am not knowledgeable enough to understand what they're talking about half the time, and also because each description is of different specifications, so I ihave no way to compare things I don't understand, anyway.

I have four AT MB4000C, Midnight Blues mikes which I use when we perform, but I tried recording a sample track with one, and was very disappointed in the result.. they're fine for performing, but not designed for recording, I guess.

I've been getting nothing but good vibes on the AT 4040, though..

Jerry/Razzgospel

 

[Flatpicker]

Be sure and check eBay for AT4040s. I see "like new" ones on there for around $200-$250. I've been thinking about getting one myself.

 

[woodzmo]

I have the AT4040 and to me it's a very smooth sounding mic. So far I have only recorded vocals with it and I find that tracks recorded with the AT4040 with a Grace 101 preamp sit nicely in a mix. You will be very pleased.

 

[SmattyG]

I too have an AT4040... It is the ONLY mic I use for vocals right now (partially because it's the best large diaphram I own)... Regardless, I think it's great! Definitely better than an AKG C3000 or a RH0DE NT2, which are both in the same price range (I have used both of these fairly extensively).

 

[Picker]

Here's a pretty good review of the 4040

http://www.proaudioreview.com/par/sept02/Audio_Technica_AT4040.shtml

I personally was looking into the AT 4050 for the variable polar patterns (might be useful if you want to have several singers around one mic).

the 4040 is cardiod only which is one side of the mic.
Figure 8 would allow 2 singers singing into either side.
Omni pattern would allow a group to stand around and sing from any direction.

Don't know if this would be more useful to you, but worth looking into.

 

[Razzgospel]

microphone review

Thanks, picker. I appreciate reading the review. I've been down your way twice last year... once with my gospel Quartet to do a concert in D.C., and once on my own to do a couple of concerts... lot of good music down your way..

 

[Picker]

Thanks! It's a pretty good area down here. I haven't been up to Connecticut for a while, but mom's originally from the Bridgeport area.

Good luck w/ the mic... I'm still searching for my first LD and right now the 4050 is in the lead. Still looking though.

 

[mari]

I bought an AT4040 when I was in the States a few months back. Its a brilliant mike, particularly for vocals although I've recorded violin and harmonica on it too with great results.

I've also used an AT 4033 in the past. Equally nice.


I think someone mentioned it earlier but there is only one pick-up pattern - cardioid. That suits me fine for what I use it for. If you're just buying one mic, you might want to think about whether you need a mic with more than one pattern?

 

[Razzgospel]

Now you got me thinking

After picker and mari's comments I'm starting to wonder if I should swallow hard and get an AT4050. My group does a few a capella numbers which are going to be very difficult to record, one track at a time. Maybe even impossible on a couple of the more complicated songs. I was just watching The Eagles on a video of a new song they've recorded, much of which is sung a capella with the four guys standing around a single mike. That might be the way I have to go on a couple of songs.

My question is, where is a source for the AT4050... if that's the microphone that can be used by several singers? SamAsh doesn't list one on the internet. I also don't see it in my Muscian's Friend catalogue. Any sources? Would this be worth the extra $100 investment for the flexibility, and will it still work as well as the AT4040 for single track recording... any problems I might run into, there?

If you find a good source for the AT4050, picker, let me know..

Jerry

 

[crazydoc]

http://www.8thstreet.com/product.asp?ProductCode=1092&Category=Microphones

They will email you the price - I can't get email right now or I'd ask.

 

[Razzgospel]

Not the lowest price

I checked 8th street... for what it's worth, they were $20 higher than Zzounds. That's too rich for my blood, unfortunately. $479.95 at Zzounds.. But thanks for the information.... if we want to do the a capella songs, we'll have to see if we can do it track by track...

I appreciate all the information from everyone..

Jerry

 

[Picker]

ok ... good luck. Just thought it might be something to consider.

zzounds is the cheapest I could find as well

 

[Verbuse]

Whassup you guys?
Ok i am a hip hop artist who is in the process of building a home studio. Would this microphone be good for hip hop vocals

 

[SmattyG]

Well, it definitely can be... although, condenser mics are very sesitive... stuff like beat-boxing, or singing styles which will push a lot of air into the mic will give you a lot of popping sounds and sibilance (i.e. your 'P's and S's will overdrive the mic). It depends how you sing/rap. Just as an example, someone like Rahzel would NOT want to use this mic! On the other hand, it would work fine for something like The Seed (the roots), where the vocals are much more melodic, and not so in-your-face.

 

[bgavin]

Is there a valid comparison to make between the AT4040 and Shure SM81?

Just curious.

 

[Razzgospel]

microphone purchase

Can't answer your question about the comparison between the AT4040 and the Shure, but someone else probably can. I bought the AT4070 (they didn't have any AT4040's in stock) and will fire it up next week and record some guitar tracks to see what it sounds like..

Jerry/Razzgospel