well I really don't have any advice other than of you are going to get a AT, go with a 4033CL (same as 4033 if you can find one) they have a smoother responce overall compaired to the 4040's, the 4040's sound very similar though it has a top end boost and has a rather sharp sounding top, which can get anoying on aucostic guitars or vocals.

Trying to decide between a pair of AT4040, GT33,
or go tube GT44, NTK, ADK 51TC,TL. Maybe a colored pre or comp?

If those are your choices, then I'd say skip the crap mics and go with a VERY good colored mic pre. It will give you another flavor in tone to every mic you own. How could you not own at least one SM57?

missilanious hmm 4033 is mid size, which is a
consideration thanks.

AG- like GR1NV or Speck 5.0? trying to keep it under 1K. Maybe geting a SM81 for stereo to round it out and add a pre? Yeah, I don't know why I never got a Sm57.

T

AG- like GR1NV or Speck 5.0?

There ya go. I'd prefer the GR NV which may not be as clean as the Speck or as clean as in the clinical sense of clean, it is still plenty of clean for just about all instances where you want a clean sound but can get more colored if need be. The you can ad the GR eq down the road. I'd also consider another 414 before a 2nd SM81 to gain the extra flexability as a multi-use mic as well as in the use of the extra patterns, but having a pair of SM81's is a good thing also.

i would second the opinion of getting a coloured pre, but i would also add getting another 414 to give you stereo tracking options.

And get a 57... they are 80 bucks. how can you not have a 57 :)

marsh