Yes it's called monetary exchange value! I mean why does your dollar go further in Canada? (you can also get Havana cigars there) They're connected to us, aren't they? There you go.

Otherwise I would go with the Australian mic as I think it sounds better than those Japanese that lack any kind of technique. I'm going to be real prejudice here as I think all Japanese equipment sounds the same! I don't like Japanese speakers and I don't particularly like most Japanese microphones. Even though I have three Japanese digital helical scan maulltracks, I mean where else are they made?

Remy Ann David

AT 4040

I did lots of research before I bought (plus I am cheap) but I went with the AT4040 for several reasons.

1. It is a good all purpose mic.
2. Never read anything bad about it.

After buying I'm pleased. Does very nice on acoustic guitar and my first vocal tracks were surprisin good. I got mine for $200 new off ebay. The Rodes are nice but you get some negatvie about them but either one would be decent. I just think the AT 4040 will go further for you.

God bless

Thanx for your help avbunyan!

Wow, RemyRAD...I think you have some issues to work through! :shock:

No I don't have any issues to work through. I've been in the business over 35 years. I've heard everything, I have used everything. I have a pair of the best ears in the business. Or so the owners of API thought when I corrected the problems with their audio in their own studio! Not to mention correcting most of the audio problems for NBC in Washington DC and Cox cable. It was also obvious to me to be able to recognize the difference between the 192kHz 24-bit versus original source listening demonstration by converter company DCS and was the only person that day who was able to do so at the AES convention. You obviously listen to advertising literature.

OK, so I've also used some Sony C47 and their lavaliers for television and like those. Some of the Sankens are also OK. Personally I don't think much of the Audio Technicas albeit I do own their long shotgun (due to financial reasons the Sennheiser shotgun was out of my reach at the time and was my first choice).

The Audio Technicas just don't move me when it comes to sound. Too bland and not enough character. They can put anything they want in their advertising blather and it doesn't mean crap to me, no advertising does. Besides I have my own opinions and an ass hole.

The very ladylike
Remy Ann David

:shock:

Umm.....

I wasn't having a go at your ability or experience. I appreciated your help, though it was mixed in among a whole lot of..."I'll help you, but let you know how stupid you are for making that comment".

Your most recent reply goes even further down this road, as I don't think you could possibly drop more names in 1 reply.

Thank you for the help! I really do appreciate the help! In fact I think I'm going to get the Rode after all that...just give the other crap a rest!

Rode

Captjono wrote: :shock:
Thank you for the help! I really do appreciate the help! In fact I think I'm going to get the Rode after all that...just give the other crap a rest!

The Rode will do fine for you - I think when you get two decent mics together it is hard to tell the difference for the "untrainded ear" like mine.

It is a $400 mic - from what I read many people view it as a good vocal mic though I'm sure it will do fine on other things also. The AT 4040 has been viewed as an all around utility mic which is what I needed since I only have one mic right now. If I could have gotten a good Rode at around $200 then I would have considered it also.

By the way - Here are some vocals done with the AT 4040 - now this is my first attempt with vocals as this is all new to me but at least you can get an idea. Done with a M-Audio 192 card and a M-Audio DMP3 preamp with Sonar 5 Producer.

http://av1611bible.com/recordings/bethoumy9.wma

Point is if the AT 4040 is good enough for you then if you can find it for $200 then take the other $200 and get the NT1A for it gets good reviews for vocals also and you get 2 decent mics. What you may be paying in the extra $200 for the NT2A could be the variable pattern controls, etc. - just an hunch.

Just an idea on how to get the most out of $400.

Final thought - yes - there are some folks who just don't like AT mics but there are some well-respected folks who say that the AT4040 is the only mic they still have under $500. To each his own I guess.

Also...
http://recording.org/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=34225

I hope it all works out for you and that your Rode does a good job for you.

God bless

Studio Projects C1

So what do you think of the Studio Projects C1? I have read that with EQ it can be made to sound very much like a U87. A lot of people always refer the Audio Technica range but the big name voice talents don't even mention them. Perhaps they are more for instrumental and sung vocals rather than spoken vocals. During my radio career I used mainly Shure SM7b's or Electro Voice mics. Those two don't seem to be referred by any major voice talents where by the Rode NT2a and the Studio Projects both are as entry level mics. While I'm not a fan of Chinese gear the Studio Projects is one mic that gets the thumbs up from voice talents. I'm researching entry level gear and if I can make a good living as a voice actor then I will invest in the top range gear. I did work in a small station once that had basic gear and I realised then that it is the voice, and how you use it, that makes the v/o acceptable whereby the gear just enhances it. If you don't have the voice, or don't know how to use it, the top of the range equipment will not guarantee an aspiring voice over artist a good future in the industry.
Cheers,
Warren.

I also forgot to add that Rode mics have 10-year warranty.